The Accomplish Magazine February Edition

M A G A Z I N E 

FEBRUARY 2024 

10 

Gift 

Ideas 

for Him 

& Her 

EUROPEAN 

UNION’S 

LGBT THREAT 

Women in 

Politics: 

The 

Positives, 

The Warts 

Accomplish 

Magazine 

Mourns its 

Editorial 

Board 

Chairman, 

Dr Austin 

Nweze 

Maxwell 

Chikumbutso 

THE ZIMBABWEAN 

INVENTOR THREATENING 

THE WEST

Contents 

Team 

EDITOR 

DIIYI WILLIAM-WEST 

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR 

HARRY CHOMS 

SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS 

IKENNA NGERE 

TOLULOPE AKINRULI 

ADEBAYO AFOLABI 

WEB MANAGER 

BEN FUJA 

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLER 

MONICA EFEOTOR 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS 

NGOZI UKPAI 

IMIOMOZO DAN ANYIAM 

BUSINESS ANALYST EXECUTIVE 

NGOZI EZE 

MARKETING DIRECTOR 

OGEHENETEGA DIAGBARE 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

CHARLES KAMMA 

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD 

DR AUSTIN NWEZE 

PUBLISHER / EDITOR IN CHIEF 

REMI DIAGBARE 

For advert enquiries, please contact 

Marketing Director, Imiomozo - 08075499632, 

Remmy +44 7424 594773 

(Whatspp only) 

or email, accomplishentrepreneurng.com 

To reach the Editor, 

send your email to: 

info@theaccomplishmagazine.com 

OUR VISION: 

To be the go-to publication for information and 

inspiration in pursuing life’s attainments. 

OUR MISSION: 

To profile and celebrate the achievements 

and lifestyle choices of outstanding leaders 

and influencers in business, manufacturing, 

agriculture, academia, administration, 

entertainment and innovation in Nigeria, Africa 

and, indeed, globally. 

FOLLOW US @ ENTREPRENEUR NG 

COVER 

18 Maxwell Chikumbutso: His 

Struggles, Triumphs & Africa's 

Urgent Wake-Up Call 

VALENTINE SPECIAL! 

4 10 Rare Gift Ideas for Her 

6 10 Rare Gift Ideas for Him 

32 European Union's LGBT Threat 

36 LGBT: The Vatican Stand 

NIGERIA: BITS & BOBS 

14 Two Million Workers May Lose 

Jobs in 2024 – ILO 

& Other Stories 

FEATURE/ANALYSIS 

28 Tribute to Dr. Austin Nweze 

32 10 Inventions that Changed 

the World 

36 Ethical Values 

38 Women In Politics 

52 

12 36 

42 Why Did Amarachi Commit 

Suicide At Work? 

44 Plateau Massacre - Should 

the Service Chiefs be Sacked 

GLOBAL INFO DIGEST 

46 Applied Law of Attraction... 

& other stories 

CEO INTERVIEW 

50 Dr. Vera Songwe: Africa 

Needs The Will to Grow 

REALTOR’S AVENUE 

54 3 Tips for Prosperity In Real 

Estate Investment 

THE INCUBATOR SERIES 

58 Who You Know Isn't Enough. 

AFRICA RISING NEWS.... 

60 IMF Anticipates Strong Global 

Economy by 2024 Despite 

Lower Average Growth 

Rates...& other stories...

GLOBAL NEWS... 

62 KIA Enters the Electric Van 

Race to Revolutionise the 

Automaker Industry 

& other stories... 

LIFESTYLE 

64 AI Today & Tomorrow - 

Addresssing Concerns And 

Learning From Failures in Ai. 

66 ARTS & THE MASTERS - 

Philadelphia Museum 

of Art Appoints Eleanor 

Nairne as Head of Modern 

and Contemporary Art 

Department... 

68 Alternative Medicine 

- HEALING POWERS OF 

CORCHORUS OLITORIUS 

66 Food & Wine - Healthy 

Breakfast Ideas 

From The Editor 

TRAVEL & LEISURE 

74 The French Riviera: Cote 

d'Azur" 

CORPORATE SUITE 

76 INNOSON MOTORS: Taking 

Giant Strides 

30 

74 

70 

Team Accomplish is mourning! As 

we were putting resources in place 

for executing our 2024 plans, the 

very unbelievable news of the demise of 

our Editorial Board Chairman, Dr. Austin 

Nweze, broke! 

How could the easy-going, multi-skilled, 

strategy-bank and champion of good 

governance exit so soon? We are still 

baffled but we have surrendered to the 

will of He who knows the end from the 

beginning! One of our ace contributors, 

Chief Victor Olenwunne, has written a 

tribute on Dr. Nweze... 

Still on the issue of death, the death, by 

suicide, of Amarachi, a staff member of 

a bank in Nigeria caught our attention. 

Segun McMedal's piece seeks to know if 

Amarachi's case is a loner or part of rising 

work-related suicides. 

Well, life must go on so we turn to other 

issues... 

We took a bold step to promote an 

African who could be described as the 

inventor of the era in many respects. 

Maxwell Sangulani Chikumbutso, the 

Zimbabwean inventor who's referred to 

as "Africa's Tesla" has literally wowed the 

entire world! Surprisingly, there have been 

DIIYI WILLIAM-WEST 

Editor 

: info@theaccomplishmagazine.com 

threats to his life and we're wondering 

who's going after him and why. 

It's February again and the world is 

already embracing Saint Valentine's 

Day! You can tell from the avalanche 

of planned events available on the 

traditional and social media platforms. 

We have some out-of-the-way ideas 

for men and women of class thinking of 

high-taste gifts for the special person in 

their lives... 

Let's bear in mind that the only kind 

of love that truly mirrors what Saint 

Valentine represented and died for is 

agape. Does yours match? 

Tolu Akinruli's "Women in Politics: 

The Positives, The Warts" looks at the 

impression women who have held public 

office have left behind. Can women be 

the answer to corruption-free public 

service? 

There is so much more in this edition... 

Ethical Values; Grand Design; 10 

Inventions by Blacks that Changed the 

World for Good; Realtors'Avenue etc. on 

the menu. 

Enjoy! 

Disclaimer 

54 

• Please note that all photos used in this 

special digital edition of the ACCOMPLISH 

Magazine were sourced freely online. 

We maintains no rights over the images/ 

photos, while we have tried to give 

appropriate credit where due, we are 

aware some artistes were not credited. 

We remain committed to supporting 

intellectual property and creativity. 

© 2023 Tegali Communications 

• The opinions of contributors (people 

whose opinion we publish) are not the 

opinion of Accomplish Magazine or the 

opinion of the management or staff of 

Accomplish Magazine. 

Accomplish Magazine 

| 3


RARE 

GIFT 

IDEAS 

FOR HER 

By Tolulope Akinruli 

Valentine's Day, a celebration cherished 

by people around the world serves as the 

perfect occasion to express deep affection 

and love for your partner. More than just 

a day for exchanging gifts, February 

14 holds significance in the messages conveyed 

through those gifts. In the quest to make this year's 

Valentine's Day exceptional for the woman in your 

life, it's worth investing time and thought into the gifts 

you choose. While flowers and chocolates are classic, 

adding a touch of personalisation and consideration 

can elevate the experience. 

Accomplish Magazine, a publication that offers gift 

recommendations, among other things, suggests a 

range of thoughtful ideas you would love to explore: 

Love Journal 

This personalised journal 1allows 

you to articulate the nuances 

that make your partner special. 

From the fragrance of her 

shampoo to the thoughtful 

way she nibbles on every bite 

of food, it's about capturing 

the intricacies that define her 

uniqueness. Taking it a step 

further, creating a DIY craft book 

adds an extra layer of personal 

touch, ensuring a cherished gift. 

4 | Accomplish Magazine

2 

Jewellery 

More than 97% of women like to 

put on jewellery. It could be in the 

form of a necklace, earrings, gold 

or diamond wristwatch, rings and 

so much more. 

Skincare 

Products and 

Make-up 

By investing in the 

skincare products 

she desires, you not 

only address her 

beauty needs but also 

convey thoughtfulness 

and care. Similarly, 

choosing her 

favourite brand and 

type of make-up 

demonstrates a keen 

understanding of her 

preferences. 

3 

4 5 

Perfume 

Choosing a fragrance that resonates with 

her preferences ensures that every whiff 

becomes a lasting memory. Coming from 

you, it would mean a lot to her. 

Books 

They are often 

underestimated as gifts 

but they hold immense 

value for book worms. 

A new set of books 

or a subscription 

plan for books on 

the Kindle platform, 

for instance, can be 

a delightful addition 

to her collection. This 

thoughtful gesture 

shows that you 

respect and support 

her interest in self 

development. 

Subscription Boxes 

Setting up a subscription 8box for 

your partner can be a great way 

to express affection while easing 

some of life's inconveniences. 

Whether it's covering bills like wi-fi, 

streaming, gym subscriptions, or 

even a food plan, this thoughtful 

gesture shows you care about 

making her life a bit easier. 

Hair Products 

Taking time 9out to get her a 

conditioner, shampoo, leave-in 

conditioner, or any other product 

she desires will say so much 

about how much you care for 

her. This shows interest in her 

hair care routine and aligns with 

her specific needs. 

Shoes and Bags 

Brands like Versace, 

10 

Prada, or 

Louis Vuitton are extravagant yet 

impactful gifts. While they may 

come with a substantial price 

tag, these luxury items convey 

a sense of appreciation and 

indulgence. 


Couple's Bucket List 

6 

Creating a couple's bucket list can be a delightful way to plan activities 

together. Solicit her input and dedicate the coming year to checking 

off these shared experiences. It's a gift that keeps on giving, fostering 

shared memories, and strengthening your bond. 

7 

A vacation 

It doesn't 

have to be an 

extravagant 

international 

trip; even a local 

hotel or resort 

get-away can 

provide quality 

time together. 

The effort put into 

planning such an 

'escape' adds a 

personal touch 

that she is likely to 

appreciate. 

Conclusion 

Valentine's Day is a celebration 

of love, and the gifts chosen for 

the lady one cares for reflect 

the depth of that sentiment. 

Whatever ideas you decide 

to pursue, remember that it's 

the thought and effort you put 

into the gift that will resonate 

most with your partner. This 

Valentine's Day, make it 

memorable by selecting gifts 

that not only express love but 

also demonstrate a genuine 

understanding of your partner's 

desires and preferences. 


| 5


EXOTIC 

GIFT IDEAS 

FOR HIM 


Perfume or Cologne 

Elevate his scent game with 

a high-quality 1perfume or 

cologne. Opt for well-known 

brands like Versace, Polo, or 

Oud, choose your budget, 

and create a fragrance he'll 

cherish. 

As Valentine's Day swiftly approaches, marking the 

annual celebration of love and romance on February 

14, it's a momentous occasion that encourages 

couples to express their affection in myriad ways. 

Beyond the conventional candle-lit dinners and 

dressed-up date nights, this day serves as an opportunity 

to connect with loved ones through thoughtful gestures and 

shared moments. 

Texam Accomplish recognises the diversity of relationships 

and the importance of finding the perfect gift, especially when 

it comes to selecting something special for the men in our 

lives. Whether you're embarking on a new romance, have been 

happily married for years, or are dropping subtle hints, the task 

of choosing the ideal present can be quite challenging. 

In the light of this, we have a list of thoughtful and diverse gift 

ideas for your man. 


A Timepiece 

A beautiful, original 

watch is a timeless 

6gift that can 

genuinely make 

a man happy. 

Consider adding 

a personal touch, 

such as a corny joke 

about time and your 

relationship, creating a 

memorable keep-sake. 

Gaming CDs or Consoles 

Gaming CDs or Consoles 

Depending on your budget, 

gaming compact discs or 

consoles would make a perfect 

gift. Listen for any mentions of a 

game he desires and turn it into a 

thoughtful surprise that keeps him 

entertained without straying from 

Valentine's Day Outing 

Surprise him 8by taking charge of 

Valentine's Day plans. Treat him to a 

meal at a nice restaurant and take care 

of the bill, reversing the roles for the day 

and creating a memorable experience. 

Can you see the pleased look on his face 

already? 

2 3 4 

your company. A smart move, it is, 

of course! 

Fashionable 

Attire 

Explore the world of 

tailored fashion by 

gifting him a well-fitted 

agbada or kaftan. 

Check his shirt and 

pant sizes, and surprise 

him with a 'designer' 

outfit that reflects 

thoughtfulness. 

Stylish Footwear 

Enhance his wardrobe with a 

pair of 5shoes he's been eyeing. 

Whether it's monk shoes, brogues, 

desert boots, or work-out 

shoes for the fitness 

enthusiast, surprise 

him with the perfect 

footwear. 

Prepared Food 

Packages 

Cater to his culinary 

needs by considering 

7 

chefs who prepare 

packaged meals. This 

thoughtful gift will 

ensure that he thinks 

of you every time he 

enjoys a delicious meal. 


Sports Jerseys 

If he's a sports 

enthusiast, a jersey of 

his favourite team with 

his name and preferred 

number printed on it can 

be a winning choice. Go 

the extra mile with both 

home and away jerseys 

for a grand gesture. 

Conclusion 

This list presented here ensures 

a diverse range of options 

for expressing your love and 

appreciation on Valentine's Day. 

Whether it's a tangible item or an 

experience, the key is to tailor the 

gift to your man's preferences, 

creating a memorable and 

heartfelt expression of affection. 

Happy Valentine! 

Alcohol Hamper 

9 

For the man who enjoys a good drink, assemble an arrangement 

of his favourite beverages. Whether it's wines, spirits, whiskey, rum, 

or an aphrodisia, a personalised alcohol hamper is sure to delight. 

Custom 

Accessory 

Sets 

If all else fails, consider 

personalised accessory 

sets. From pens and 

belts to wallets, shoes, 

cufflinks, and tie clips, 

10 

customising a set of 

accessories for him 

will add a good touch 

to memories you both 

share. 


AUTHOR’S BIO 

My love to impact knowledge 

to the young and old led me to 

research and writing. Also, l 

have been business-oriented, 

right from childhood, which 

made me focus more on driving 

the business world and also to 

help people grow their business. 

As a writer, I aim to create an 

insightful image in the minds 

of every reader for maximum 

wealth and health. 


| 7


EUROPEAN 

UNION’S 

LGBT THREAT 

By Sonnie Ekwowusi 

The refusal of 

Nigeria and 34 

other African, 

Caribbean, 

and Pacific 

(ACP) 

countries to be 

bullied into 

signing the 

LGBT 

Agreement is 

praise worthy. 

When the 

history of 

Africa is 

rewritten, this 

courageous 

act will be 

remembered 

with great 

admiration. 

Ostensibly 

peeved by the 

refusal of 35 

African, 

Caribbean, 

and Pacific (APC) countries, 

including Nigeria, to sign 

the controversial European 

Union's LGBT Agreement, 

the EU-ACP Treaty, or the 

Samoa Agreement on 

November 15, 2023, the 

European Union issued a 

significant threat dated 

November 24, 2023. 

According to the threat, 

which was issued in 

Brussels on November 24, 

2023, any African, 

Caribbean, or Pacific 

country failing to sign the 

LGBT Agreement by 

January 1, 2024, when the 

agreement is scheduled to 

come into force, will face 

dire consequences. These 

consequences include the 

denial of EU funding, 

development assistance, 

and programme 

implementation. 

Furthermore, the threat 

specifies that such 

countries will be treated as 

pariah nations and may be 

subject to economic 

sanctions. They would also 

be barred from 

participating in EU- 

Organization of African, 

Caribbean, and Pacific 

States (OACPS) meetings 

and activities. 

Recall that before the 

Samoa Agreement, the EU 

had been applying 

increasing pressure on 

African, Caribbean, and 

Pacific (ACP) ministers to 

persuade ACP heads of 

governments to sign the 

contentious LGBT 

Agreement. Several 

meetings convened for this 

purpose ended in deadlock 

as many ACP countries 

refused to sign the 

Agreement. Surprisingly, 

towards the end of October 

2023, news emerged that 

the EU had scheduled 

November 15, 2023, for the 

signing of the Agreement in 

Samoa, a small island 

country in the central South 

Pacific Ocean composed of 

an archipelago of nine 

islands, four of which are 

inhabited. 

To the surprise of the EU, on 

November 15, 2023, 35 ACP 

countries, including Nigeria, 

the Republic of Benin, 

Senegal, Liberia, Botswana, 

Burundi, Jamaica, Mali, 

Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, 

Somalia, Namibia, 

Grenada, Eritrea, Malawi, 

Guinea-Bissau, 

Madagascar, Antigua and 

Barbuda, The 

Commonwealth of the 

Bahamas, The Central 

African Republic, The 

Republic of Cuba, the 

Dominican Republic, 

Equatorial Guinea, The 

Kingdom of Eswatini, The 

Cooperative Republic of 

Guyana, The Republic of 

Maldives, Mauritania, The 

Republic of Nauru, The 

Republic of Palau, Saint 

Lucia, The Republic of Kitts 

and Nevis, The Kingdom of 

Tonga, The Republic of 



Trinidad and Tobago, and 

Tuvalu, refused to sign the 

LGBT Agreement. 

In fact, on that fateful 

November 15, 2023, Nigeria 

not only refused to sign the 

LGBT Agreement but was 

conspicuously absent in 

Samoa on the day of the 

signing. Frustrated by the 

refusal of these 35 

countries to sign the 

agreement and fearing 

that those who signed 

might withdraw their 

support, the EU is now 

issuing the aforementioned 

threat dated November 24, 

2023. This threat stipulates 

that countries refusing to 

sign the Samoa LGBT 

Agreement would face 

economic sanctions and 

lose EU funding and 

development aid. 

The refusal of Nigeria and 

34 other African, Caribbean, 

and Pacific (ACP) countries 

to be bullied into signing 

the LGBT Agreement is 

praise worthy. When the 

history of Africa is rewritten, 

this courageous act will be 

remembered with great 

admiration. By refusing to 

succumb to the 

intimidation and coercion 

of the EU, the 35 ACP 

countries have sent a 

strong message to the EU 

and the entire world that 

ACP countries have come 

of age and will no longer 

bow to international 

threats, blackmail, or 

intimidation. I am pleased 

that Nigeria has called the 

bluff of the EU's intimidation, 

coercion, and threats — a 

significant victory for 

Nigeria in refusing to sign 

the Agreement. To begin 

with, LGBT is outlawed in 

Nigeria by virtue of the 

Same-Sex Marriage 

Prohibition Act of 2014. 

Therefore, it makes no 

sense for Nigeria to append 

her signature to the EU's 

LGBT Agreement. If the EU 

does not want to provide 

funds or enter into a trade 

or economic alliance with 

us simply because we have 

refused to legalise LGBT, it 

should go to hell with its 

funds and trade 

relationships. 

The leaders of ACP 

countries should reconsider 

their position. They should 

Fiamē Naomi 

Mata'afa, 

Samoa's 

Prime Minister, 

third left, and 

Jutta 

Urpilainen, 

European 

Commissioner 

for 

International 

Partnerships 

second right. 

Photo: © 

European 

Union 


| 9


stop deluding themselves 

into believing that Europe 

and America have their 

economic interests at heart 

and are keen on seeing 

human flourishing and 

economic prosperity take 

root in ACP countries. There 

is no free lunch anywhere! 

So much fuss about foreign 

aids and poverty reduction 

in Africa, yet so much 

impoverishment of Africans. 

Africans must understand 

that the fate of Africa lies in 

the hands of Africans. Only 

Africans can truly and really 

develop Africa, not 

foreigners. Despite wresting 

political independence from 

their erstwhile colonial 

masters, the economic 

systems and political 

policies of most African 

countries, infatuated with 

foreign aids, are still tied to 

the apron strings of the 

World Bank and powerful 

European and multinational 

organisations. 

In his book, "Emerging 

Africa," former Central Bank 

of Nigeria Deputy Governor 

and presidential aspirant, 

Prof. Kingsley Chiedu 

Moghalu, brilliantly 

enunciates how foreign aids 

have underdeveloped Africa 

and why foreign aids are 

not the panacea to Africa’s 

myriad socio-economic 

and political problems. Prof. 

Moghalu wonders why 

African leaders have not 

woken up to the reality that 

the so-called billions of 

dollars doled out to many 

African countries by their 

so-called Western 

development partners 

"have failed to produce any 

significant development 

leaps in Africa, and many 

aid-dependent African 

countries are poorer today than they were a 

half-century ago." He regrets that foreign 

aids in Africa have many strings attached 

to them. "Much of the foreign aids, then, is 

about giving with the right hand and taking 

back with the left what is presumed to have 

been given," he writes. 

The refusal of Nigeria and the other 34 ACP 

countries to sign the Samoa Agreement will 

strengthen their national sovereignty. It will 

erase the wrong impression that the ACP 

countries are inferior to other European 

countries. Above all, it will act as a bulwark 

against the bullying, intimidation, and 

coercion of ACP countries by the EU. For 

years, African countries, Nigeria included, 

have been victims of organised deception, 

coercion, bullying, blackmail, manipulation, 

and abuse of power at the United Nations. 

For example, under the guise of promoting 

egregious women’s rights, some United 

Nations agencies such as the United 

Nations Population Activities (UNFPA) have 

overrun Africa with radical, strange ideas 

that violate the cultural backgrounds and 

philosophical convictions of African people. 

The scramble for Africa, which began in the 

1880s and the Berlin Conference of 1884 for 

the partition of Africa, may have come and 

gone, but different forms of scramble and 

partition are still ongoing in Africa today. 

The enslavement of Africans has not ended 

either. Open your eyes. The erstwhile 

colonial masters in Africa have not left; they 

have merely changed their tactics. Their 

goal is to pillage the raw materials in Africa 

and destroy or reduce the human capital in 

Africa. 

As we mourn the passing of 

Alfred Henry Kissinger, we 

can revisit the Kissinger 

Report of 1974, which 

explains why America and 

Europe are underdeveloping 

Africa. On December 10, 

1974, the United States 

National Security Council 

promulgated a top-secret 

document entitled National 

Security Study 

Memorandum 200 (NSSM- 

200), also called The 

Kissinger Report. It was 

subtitled “Implications of 

Worldwide Population 

Growth For U.S. Security and 

Overseas Interests.” 

This hitherto classified 

document was declassified 

in 1989. It laid out a detailed 

strategy by which the United 

States would aggressively 

promote population control 

in developing nations to 

regulate (or have better 

access to) the natural 

resources of these countries. 

In order to protect U.S. 

commercial interests, 

NSSM-200 cited a number 

of factors that could 

interrupt the smooth flow of 

materials from lesserdeveloped 

countries, as it 

referred to them, to the 

United States. These factors 



included a large population 

of anti-imperialist youth, 

who, according to NSSM- 

200, must be limited by 

population control. The 

document identified 13 

nations by name that would 

be primary targets of 

U.S.-funded population 

control efforts. 

The named countries were 

India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, 

Nigeria, Mexico, Indonesia, 

Brazil, the Philippines, 

Thailand, Egypt, Turkey, 

Ethiopia, and Colombia. 

According to NSSM-200, 

elements of the 

implementation of 

population control 

programmes could include: 

a) the legalisation of 

abortion; 

b) financial incentives for 

countries to increase their 

abortion, sterilisation, and 

contraception-use rates; 

c) indoctrination of 

children; and, 

d) mandatory population 

control, and coercion in 

other forms, such as 

withholding disaster and 

food aid unless developing 

countries implement 

population control 

programmes. 

NSSM-200 also specifically 

declared that the United 

States was to cover up its 

population control activities 

and avoid possible charges 

of imperialism by recruiting 

some United Nations 

agencies, such as the 

UNFPA, to do its dirty work. 

Section 30(a) of NSSM-200 

states: “Concentration on 

Key Countries. … Assistance 

for population moderation 

should give primary 

emphasis to the largest and 

fastest-growing developing 

countries where there is special U.S. political 

and strategic interest. Those countries are: 

India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, Mexico, 

Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand, 

Egypt, Turkey, Ethiopia, and Colombia. 

Together, they account for 47 per cent of 

the world's current population increase.” 

NSSM-200 also states, “No country has 

reduced its population growth without 

resorting to abortion… since abortion is still 

repugnant to the peoples of Latin America, 

the Caribbean, Africa, and parts of Asia and 

Oceania, we must mask our desire to 

legalise abortion by pretending to care 

about the state of women’s health. We do 

this by saying that we want to eliminate 

“unsafe abortion.” 

Since 1991, the “developed” nations of the 

world have spent US$4.91 billion trying to 

reduce the population of Nigeria. In 1991, the 

population controllers spent about US$31 

million in Nigeria, but this has increased by 

a factor of more than 30 to more than half a 

billion dollars a year. This is because Nigeria 

is becoming too strong and must be kept 

weak by suppressing its population. Dr. Alan 

Guttmacher, who did more than anyone 

else in the history of the world to spread 

abortion and population control 

everywhere, said that “If you’re going to 

curb population, it’s extremely important 

not to have it done by the dammed 

Yankees, but by the UN. Because the thing is, 

then it’s not considered genocide. If the 

United States goes to the Black man or the 

yellow man and says slow down your 

reproduction rate, we’re immediately 

suspected of having ulterior motives to 

keep the white man dominant in the world. 

If you can send in a colourful UN force, 

you’ve got much better leverage.” 

It is evident that the EU's LGBT agenda in 

Africa is another form of population control. 

The paradox lies in the fact that the West, 

intent on reducing human capital in Africa, 

is now confronted with a serious 

demographic disaster. For instance, Europe 

has transitioned from the peak of its baby 

boom to the depths of a baby bust. The UK 

is gradually being populated by Asians, 

Nigerians, and other immigrants. In fact, it is 

forecasted that the UK’s population will 

irreversibly shrink below replacement level 

by 2030. If the populations of these Western 

countries are dwindling to 

their detriment, why 

advocate for Africa to suffer 

the same fate? 

Therefore, Nigeria and the 

34 ACP countries should 

maintain their resolve not to 

sign the agreement. Other 

ACP countries that signed 

the agreement in Samoa on 

November 15, 2023, should 

retract their respective 

signatures. The ACP 

countries should dismiss the 

EU's cheap threats and 

stand firm. Instead of 

succumbing to EU 

intimidation, they should 

assert their sovereignty and 

break ties with the EU. They 

are no longer under the 

tutelage of their former 

colonial masters. 

If the EU decides to cease 

financial assistance to ACP 

countries for refusing to sign 

the LGBT agreement, so be 

it. What the ACP countries 

must not do is bow to the 

EU's cheap threats and 

blackmail by signing the 

LGBT Agreement. 

SONNIE 

EKWOWUSI 


Ekwowusi is the Chairman, 

Human & Constitutional 

Rights Committee of the 

African Bar Association 


| 11


LGBT: The 

Vatican's Stand 

By Diiyi William-West 

in recent weeks, there have a series of formal and 

informal discussions on the stand of the Vatican 

on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) 

marriages with some people purporting that the 

Pope has endorsed such marriages while others 

declare that such endorsement hasn't and cannot 

happen. The reasons for this controversy isn't farfetched. 

The Vatican, as the spiritual and administrative 

centre of the Roman Catholic Church, holds 

significant influence over the beliefs and teachings of 

its followers worldwide. Throughout history, the 

Vatican's stance on various social issues has been a 

subject of debate and scrutiny. 

Findings from recent research indicate that neither 

the Pope nor the Catholic Church has endorsed LGBT 

Pope Francis 

marriages. Indeed, the Vatican's position on LGBT 

individuals is rooted in its interpretation of Catholic 

doctrine, which emphasises the importance of 

traditional marriage and the complementarity of 

genders. The Catholic Church teaches that marriage 

is a sacred union between a man and a woman, 

intended for procreation and the raising of children. 



Consequently, any sexual activity outside of this 

context is considered sinful. 

The Vatican's stance on LGBT matters is primarily 

based on the teachings of the Catechism of the 

Catholic Church, which states that homosexual acts 

are "intrinsically disordered" and contrary to natural 

law. However, it is important to note that the Church 

distinguishes between homosexual orientation and 

homosexual acts. While the Church does not 

condemn individuals for their sexual orientation, it 

does consider acting upon same-sex attraction as 

morally wrong. 

The Vatican's position on LGBT individuals is not 

limited to matters of sexual morality. It also extends to 

issues such as same-sex marriage and adoption by 

same-sex couples. The Church opposes the 

legalisation of same-sex marriage, arguing that it 

undermines the institution of traditional marriage 

and the family unit. Similarly, the Vatican opposes 

adoption by same-sex couples, asserting that 

children have the right to be raised by a mother and 

a father. 

Some critics argue that the Vatican's stance on LGBT 

matters is outdated and discriminatory, as it fails to 

recognise the diversity of human sexuality and the 

importance of equal rights for all individuals. They 

argue that the Church's teachings contribute to the 

stigmatisation and marginalisation of LGBT 

individuals, leading to their exclusion from certain 

religious practices and institutions. 

However, proponents of the Vatican's position argue 

that it is based on a sincere interpretation of religious 

doctrine and a commitment to upholding traditional 

values. They contend that the Church's teachings on 

sexuality and marriage are intended to guide 

individuals towards a life of virtue and holiness, rather 

than to discriminate against any particular group. 

note that carries the weight of a universal ground rule 

for the Roman Catholic Church. 

The explanatory note refers to homosexuality as a 

choice and says it cannot be recognised as 

objectively ordered to God's plan. WION added that 

the Holy See's statement also says and "God does not 

and cannot bless sin. The church does not have and 

cannot have the power to bless unions of persons of 

the same sex. 

"The decision is a setback for Catholics who had 

hoped for the institution to modernise with time, 

especially in regards to homosexuality. Dozens of 

countries, including many in Western Europe, have 

legalised same sex marriages. 

The Vatican's resistance to embrace the LGBT 

community has alienated it from younger followers. 

The church considers marriage as an exclusive union 

of man and woman." 

Conclusion 

The Vatican's stand on LGBT matters is firmly rooted 

in its interpretation of Catholic doctrine, emphasising 

the importance of traditional marriage and the 

complementarity of genders. While the Church does 

not condemn individuals for their sexual orientation, it 

considers acting upon same-sex attraction as 

morally wrong. The Vatican's position extends to 

issues such as same-sex marriage and adoption by 

same-sex couples, which it opposes on the grounds 

that they undermine traditional family structures. 

While critics argue that the Vatican's stance is 

discriminatory, proponents maintain that it is based 

on a sincere interpretation of religious teachings. 

Understanding the Vatican's position on LGBT matters 

requires a nuanced examination of its theological 

foundations and the broader context of Catholic 

doctrine. 

A Recent WION Broadcast on the Issue 

In a recent news broadcast, WION (World Is One 

News), the online television channel stated that the 

Vatican has forbidden blessings to same sex 

relationships. According to WION, in the latest decree 

approved by Pope Francis, the Vatican has said that 

priests cannot bless same sex unions. 

The broadcast indicated that the Roman Catholic 

Church has described such relationships as "...Not 

ordered to the creator's plan and that the blessings of 

homosexual unions cannot be considered". The 

broadcast further said that the Vatican's doctrinal 

watchdog, the Holy See, has issued an explanatory 

DIIYI 

WILLIAM-WEST 


More fondly known as DDWEST, he has several years 

of media practice experience spanning magazines, 

newspapers, television and radio; laying emphasis 

on maintaining standards in media practice. He 

practised and lectured Public Relations for nearly a 

decade before going into leadership consulting and 

real estate consultancy. 


| 13

NIGERIA: 

BITS & BOBS 

By Ikenna Ngere 

BUSINESS AND FINANCE 

Two Million Workers 

May Lose Jobs in 2024 

– ILO 

According to International 

Labour Organisation (ILO) 

projections, two million workers 

could lose their jobs this year 

in Nigeria, with the global 

unemployment rate expected to 

rise from 5.1% in 2023 to 5.2%. The 

ILO reported in its most recent 

report, "World Employment and 

Social Outlook: Trends 2024," that 

although unemployment and jobs 

gap had decreased from prepandemic 

levels, unemployment 

would still rise globally in 2024. 

It also stated that rising 

inequality and sluggish 

productivity should be 

taken seriously. The rate of 

unemployment worldwide 

has decreased for three years 

running, from 6.9% in 2019 to 5.1% 

in 2023. 

According to the research, 

labour markets had exhibited 

surprisingly strong resilience 

in the face of worsening 

economic conditions. However, 

the pandemic's aftermath 

was uneven, with promises for 

increased social fairness being 

undermined by a number of 

crises and new vulnerabilities. 

More Multinationals 

May Exit Nigeria in 2024 

– Report 

Based on a recent assessment 

by financial solutions provider, 

Cardinal Stone, multinational 

companies in the fast-moving 

consumer goods FMCG) 

subsector may leave Nigeria this 

year if the operating environment 

does not improve. 

According to the report, titled 

"Strategic Resilience: Sailing 

Through Business Disruptions", 

businesses in the fast-moving 

consumer goods industry would 

continue to face high operational 

costs. 

The report states that fluctuations 

in commodity prices, exchange 

rates, import and clearing tariffs, 

and freight costs continue to 

have a significant impact on the 

FMCG industry. 

Naira’s Decline to 

1082/$ raises Concerns 

Despite CBN Clearing 

$2bn Debt 

Since the Central Bank of Nigeria 

stated that it has cleared $2 

billion in its backlog of obligations, 

the value of the naira against the 

dollar in the official Investor and 

Exporter window of the foreign 

exchange market has dropped by 

26.36%. The apex bank revealed 

on Monday, January 8, that 

it has paid $2 billion from the 

backlog of its forward contract 

obligations. This was declared 

upon disclosing that, as part of 

its matured foreign exchange 

obligations, it had paid $61.64 

million to foreign airlines. 

The naira concluded trading at 

N856.57/$ on Monday, January 8. 

According to data from the FMDQ 

Securities Exchange, the naira 

has since traded above N1000 

versus the dollar and dropped 

by 26.36% to settle at N1082.32/$ 

on Wednesday, January 10. This 

represents a marginal increase of 


0.66 per cent from the N1089.51/$ 

closing price on Tuesday, January 

9. Since the Central Bank of 

Nigeria lifted the rate restriction 

on the country's currency, the 

naira has closed above N1000 on 

the official window five times. 

Naira Suffers Major 

Blow, Hits 1300/$ at 

Parallel Market 

On Tuesday, January 16, the 

naira dropped to N1,300/$ on 

the parallel market. This comes 

after it closed trading on the 

Peer-to-Peer cryptocurrency 

window at N1,315.3/$1 for the day, 

as confirmed by the bureau de 

change operators. 

According to Magaji Muhammad, 

an Abuja bureau de change 

operator in Zone 4, the rate 

increased to N1,300/$ on Tuesday, 

January 16. 

National Assembly 

Raises Works Ministry 

with Budget Exceeding 

N1tn 

The Ministry of Works now 

receives a budgetary allocation 

from the National Assembly of 

N1.03 trillion, up from N657.3 billion 

in the proposed budget. 

This is a rise of N373 billion, or 

56.7%, over the initial amount 

stated in the appropriations law. 

Additionally, it is a 65.4% increase 

over the sum authorised in the 

budget for 2023. 

•Dave Umahi 

POLITICS 

PDP Celebrates Financial 

Success with N175m from 

Nomination Form Sales 

Five candidates 

for the Edo State 

gubernatorial 

election 

purchased 

candidature 

and expression 

of interest forms, 

earning N175 million for the 

Peoples Democratic Party. The 

state governorship election is 

scheduled on September 21, 2024, 

according to the Independent 

National Electoral Commission. 

The PDP announced a 

schedule of events for the 

election, stating that the congress, 

where its candidate for governor 

will be chosen, will take place 

on February 22, 2024. As a result, 

on Wednesday, January 10, the 

PDP started selling nomination 

and expression of interest forms 

to party members hoping to be 

elected governor of Edo in Abuja. 

A candidate is supposed to 

pay N35 million in total. Five 

candidates have already paid for 

the forms, bringing N175 million into 

PDP's coffers. 

Benue Governor Halts 

APC Primary Election 

Amidst Alleged Voting 

Malpractices 

Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Governor 

of Benue State, has issued an order 

suspending the All Progressives 

Congress primary poll for the 

Guma 1 State Constituency 

immediately. The governor, who 

issued the directive while briefing 

reporters on Saturday, January 6 

about the primary's proceedings, 

expressed sadness that the 

delegate election was tainted by 

insecurity and anomalies. 

With Dr. Yamar Ortese's 

departure to become a 

commissioner, the State House 

of Assembly's Guma 1 State 

Constituency seat was declared 

vacant. The primary election is to 

select the candidate because the 

election to fill the vacant position 

is anticipated to take place in 

February. 

.President Bola Tinubu 

suspends Betta Edu over 

alleged N585m fraud, 

probed by EFCC 

Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of 

Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty 

Alleviation, has been suspended 

from office by President Bola 

Tinubu. The president further 

ordered the Executive Chairman 

of the Economic and Financial 

Crimes Commission (EFCC) 

to carry out a comprehensive 

investigation into all facets 

of the financial transactions 

involving the Federal Ministry 

of Humanitarian Affairs and 

Poverty Alleviation, as well as one 

or more agencies thereunder, 

according to a statement 

made public by the president’s 

spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelali. 

The Economic and Financial 

Crimes Commission invited the 

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs 

and Poverty Alleviation, Betta 

Edu, to its headquarters located 

in Jabi, Abuja, less than an hour 

after Tinubu suspended her 

from office. It has been alleged 

that the minister approved the 

disbursement of N585,198,500 

into a personal account. 

The President’s cabinet’s 

youngest minister, Edu, 37, later 

said that attempts were being 

made to damage her reputation 

and emphasised that she would 

never misuse public monies. 


| 15

NIGERIA: BITS & BOBS 

Two Books Launched 

in Honour of Buhari’s 

Legacies, Tinubu 

Speaks at Presentation 

President Bola Tinubu was 

invited as a special guest 

of honour to the public 

presentation of two books on 

Tuesday, January 16, in Abuja. 

One of the books was written 

by Femi Adesina, a former 

Special Assistant to President 

Muhammadu Buhari on 

Publicity and Media. "Working 

with Buhari: Reflections of A 

Special Adviser, Media, and 

Publicity (2015-2023)" is the 

title of Mr. Adesina's book, while 

the other is published in five 

volumes and was co-authored 

by other authors. 

Following the transfer 

of power on May 29, 2023, 

this was the first public 

appearance together for 

former President Buhari and 

his successor, President 

Tinubu, at the Transcorp 

Hilton. The events, tales, and 

information surrounding 

Mr. Buhari's eight years 

as a civilian president are 

chronicled in Mr. Adesina's 

book 

Northern Governors 

Laud Federal 

Government’s 

Intervention in Plateau 

Killings 

The Northern Governors' Forum 

expressed its satisfaction with 

President Bola Tinubu's action 

on Thursday, January 4, to stop 

the massacres from happening 

again in Plateau and Kaduna 

states. Governor Inuwa Yahaya 

of Gombe State, who chairs the 

ENTREPRENEURSHIP 

•Rupert 

•Dangote 

South African 

Billionaire, Johann 

Rupert, displaces Aliko 

Dangote to become 

Africa’s Richest Man 

Aliko Dangote dropped to 

second place on the Forbes' 

Daily Billionaires ranking list, 

which analyses daily changes 

in the fortune of the world’s 

most affluent people. Dangote’s 

wealth dropped from $13.5 

billion in 2023 to $9.5 billion at 

the beginning of 2024. 

There were notable drops in 

the billionaires’ wealth on the 

list. Mike Adenuga of Nigeria 

rose to the tenth rank due to 

his fortune, whereas Patrice 

Motsepe, who was among 

the top ten in 2023, was not 

among the top ten richest men 

in 2024. Moreover, no female 

appeared on the list of the 10 

richest people at the beginning 

of the year. The declining 

wealth of some of these people 

forum, also expressed gratitude 

to the administration for giving 

surviving members of the 

deceased's families help and 

supplies. 

Speaking in Hausa to State 

House reporters, Yahaya 

disclosed the forum's stance 

following private discussions 

with the president at the Aso 

Rock Villa in Abuja. Citing Vice 

President Kashim Shettima's trip 

to Plateau and Kaduna states, 

Yahaya cautioned against 

fostering polarising stories 

among communities, claiming 

that these differences were the 

cause of the gruesome killings. 

serves as a window into the 

economic struggles facing 

all of Africa. The decline in 

Dangote’s fortune can be linked 

to the depreciation of the naira 

as well as other economic 

problems in Nigeria. 

Dangote Emerges as 

Africa’s Richest Man 

Again, Topping Forbes 

List 

Business entrepreneur Johann 

Rupert of South Africa has lost 

his title as the richest person 

in Africa to Nigerian billionaire 

Aliko Dangote, according 

to Forbes and Bloomberg. 

Dangote’s net worth increased 

by $10 billion to $10.1 billion as 

of January 8, 2024, according 

to the Forbes Daily billionaires 

ranking website, which 

monitors daily changes to the 

net worth of the wealthiest 

people worldwide. 

He surpassed the family 

of the South African luxury 

goods entrepreneur, Johann 

Rupert. As of the time of writing, 

Rupert’s net worth stood at $10 

billion, having decreased from 

$10.7 billion on January 30, 2023. 

Currently, Rupert is ranked 

197th globally, and Dangote is 

ranked 191st on the Forbes' list. 


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+44 7424 594773, +234 815 262 6743

COVER 

His Struggles, Triumphs 

& Africa's Urgent Wake-Up Call 

MAXWELL 

CHIKUMBU 

18 | 

Accomplish Magazine

COVER 

TSO 


| 19

COVER 

By Harry Choms 

Maxwell Chikumbutso, a self-taught innovator from Zimbabwe, has carved 

a path marked by daring and mind-boggling discoveries throughout 

his innovative journey. However, trailing behind these groundbreaking 

advancements is a faction of critics from popular media situated firmly on one 

side of the divide. They cast doubt and attempt to disapprove of his works, yet 

Maxwell persists, forging ahead with unwavering determination, unveiling new 

findings and pioneering innovations. 

From his early years, Maxwell has harboured a profound interest in the world 

of technology. Even in his youth, his innovative ideas and discoveries garnered 

recognition, earning him the esteemed title of a "prominent young man in the 

innovation industry" in 1999. 

Early Life and Rise 

At the age of 43 (he was born 

November 10, 1980), Maxwell 

Chikumbutso, the Zimbabwean 

innovator, stands as the mind 

behind the world's inaugural 

green power generator. This 

groundbreaking invention 

harnesses radio frequencies 

to generate electricity. Not 

stopping there, Chikumbutso 

has also conceptualised 

and constructed an electricpowered 

vehicle and a hybrid 

helicopter, that, ingeniously, 

utilises six different types of fuel. 

Being a school dropout 

with no formal technology or 

science training, Chikumbutso 

has relied on revelations of 

blueprints and visions to fuel 

his inventive spirit. In 1997, 

Chikumbutso established Saith 

Technologies. The inspiration 

for the name struck him while in 

prayer on a mountain, drawing 

from the scripture in Isaiah 46, 

embodying the phrase "thus 

saith the Lord." 

Originally aspiring to be a 

mechanic, Chikumbutso 

initiated his first project in 1999 

- a radio broadcast transmitter. 

His broadcasts were considered 

illegal and the project was 

eventually abandoned due 

to lack of funding. By 2001, 

Chikumbutso crafted a digital 

navigation facilitator designed 

to enhance aircraft landings 

based on size, speed, and 

positioning. 

Following numerous 

setbacks in partnerships and 

funding, Chikumbutso made 

a pivotal move to the United 

States in 2017. He expressed 

gratitude for the recognition by 

the U.S. government, making 

California the headquarters 

of Saith Holdings Inc. Despite 

this relocation, his love for 

Africa persists, and he plans to 

return to Zimbabwe, where his 

remarkable journey began. 

. 

Maxwell 

Chikumbutso’s Life 

& Controversies 

Maxwell's ascent to prominence 

gained momentum with his 

groundbreaking discovery, the 

"Digital Navigation Facilitator." 

This innovative technology, 

designed to streamline aircraft 

landings, underwent rigorous 

testing and received approval 

from the Air Zimbabwe 

Technical Training Centre. 

However, controversies began 

to swirl around Maxwell in 

recent years when he unveiled 

a green energy technology 

capable of converting radio 

frequencies directly into clean 

and renewable energy. Despite 

practical demonstrations, 

authorities contested the 

feasibility, citing violations of 

the laws of Physics and denying 

him the ability to patent his 

discovery. 

Despite being one of Africa's 

most underrated yet highly 

productive innovators, Maxwell's 

portfolio is rich and diverse. 

From a hybrid helicopter 

capable of running on six 

different fuels to a green power 

generator producing electricity 

from radio frequencies, cordless 

televisions with free energy, 

and other notable products, his 

impact is undeniable. Maxwell's 

innovations should have 

garnered more media attention 


COVER 

•Maxwell speaking 

and awards from relevant 

institutions. 

Luis Cupenala, an esteemed 

Angolan businessman and 

chairman of the Bongani Group, 

recognised Maxwell's potential 

and placed a substantial bet on 

his talent. Maxwell's innovations 

have also garnered attention 

from major industry players, 

securing contracts, particularly 

in the United States, where he 

currently operates in. 

In an interview confirming 

Saith Holdings Inc.'s relocation 

to the US, Maxwell expressed 

gratitude to the US government 

for recognising opportunities 

Africa overlooked. While he 

operates more from the United 

States, he remains proud of his 

African roots and plans to return 

to Zimbabwe, where his journey 

began. 

As Maxwell's influence 

spreads globally, a prevalent 

question on many minds is, "Is 

Africa losing its top talents to 

the West?" 

Maxwell 

Chikumbutso's 

Struggle, 

Triumphs, and the 

Urgent Wake-Up 

Call for Africa 

In recent years, media outlets, 

particularly social media 

networks, have been inundated 

with news about the remarkable 

inventions of Maxwell 

Sangulani Chikumbutso. His 

creations include several 

environmentally-friendly 

machines that signify a true 

revolution. Unfortunately, amidst 

the positive news, a tragedy 

unfolded as the inventor was 

allegedly poisoned, possibly 

due to the transformative 

nature of his discoveries. While 

the culprit remains unknown, 

speculation suggests two 

possible reasons for the attack 

on Maxwell's life. Firstly, the 

notion that an African could 

be the inventor of such crucial 

items challenges conventional 

intelligence. Secondly, his 

inventions pose a threat to 


| 21

COVER 

established giants in the energy and oil industries. 

His endeavours fall under the umbrella of "wireless 

energy transmission innovation," encompassing 

a diverse array of inventions, such as a hybrid 

engine-powered helicopter, an electric car, a 

magnetic converter, a green power generator, 

and a drone - all products of his company, Saith 

Technologies. Despite dropping out of school 

at 13 or 14, he entered the competitive global 

aviation and hi-tech entrepreneurial ecosystem, 

securing significant deals worldwide. His magnetic 

converters, green power generators, drones, and 

an automated disinfecting machine designed in 

response to the pandemic are in high demand. 

Chikumbutso's primary goal is to merge scientific 

invention with top-notch business acumen. Initially 

modest, Saith Technologies holds the potential 

to evolve into a billion-dollar company providing 

electric cars, helicopters, telecom solutions, security 

and surveillance, UAVs, traffic safety and lighting 

products, and MSED-powered home lights using 

wireless energy transmission. Notably, many of 

these innovations are based on rudimentary 

materials sourced from Harare's popular Siyato 

Market, transforming basic elements into highly 

engineered materials. 

Despite his accomplishments, Chikumbutso 

has continued to face challenges in garnering 

encouragement and validation from his own 

community. In 2017, he made a significant move 

to California, drawn by the recognition that eluded 

him in Africa. He expressed love for his birthplace 

but highlighted the lack of acknowledgement from 

his own people. Despite difficulties in patenting his 

inventions globally due to their use of free energy 

- thus violating thermodynamic laws - Saith 

Technologies is set to be listed on the New York 

Stock Exchange. 

In May 2021, the company revealed that Maxwell 

experienced a third attack on his life, attributing it 

to poisoning. The company, shrouded in secrecy 

regarding the scientist's life, disclosed threats 

ranging from death to financial and personal ruin 

through various communication channels. 

Chikumbutso's latest creation, the self-powered 

•Maxwell, displaying his newly 

invented Microsonic Greener Power 

Machine that generates 50 kilowatts 


COVER 

•Maxwell Chikumbutso, displaying 

to a selected a part of his innovation 

television, operates without electricity or solar 

panels, converting radio frequencies into pure 

energy. In the eyes of his admirers, Chikumbutso 

holds the potential to contribute significantly to 

a better world in 2024, especially in the context of 

progress in green energy. 

Reflecting on Chikumbutso's life and work prompts 

contemplation about Africa's historical oversight 

in recognising and supporting skilled individuals 

on the continent. Creating an environment that 

values, encourages, and applies the works of 

these geniuses could contribute to achieving 

important goals like the Sustainable Development 

Goals (SDGs). Acknowledging and celebrating the 

talents of these individuals in Africa would prevent 

their migration in search of more favourable 

environments, potentially avoiding tragic events 

like the attacks on Maxwell Chikumbutso. His case 

serves as a wake-up call for Africans to appreciate 

and nurture their homegrown talents. 

Maxwell Chikumbutso's 

Unpatented Wonders 

Among the listed innovations attributed to Maxwell 

are a digital navigation facilitator and a green 

energy generator. Notably, the generator lacks a 

patent, as it purportedly "defies" the laws of Physics. 

Maxwell has reportedly turned down buyout 

offers from an undisclosed European company. In 

certain instances, he utilises personal funds before 

securing a $500,000 funding injection from Teddy 

De Almeida. While Almeida initially presented the 

money as a loan or investment, she was later 

offered a stake in the company on launch day. 

Despite these challenges, the Western media 

has, unsurprisingly, embarked on discrediting 

Maxwell over the past two years. This scenario is an 

example reminiscent of historical patterns where 

the media has deceived the masses, neglecting 

to educate them adequately about the significant 

contributions of Africans globally. The narrative 

suggests that Africans have been the inventors of 

nearly everything in contemporary use, obscured 

by the media's historical misrepresentation. 

HARRY CHOMS 


Harry Choms is a freelance writer with a 

passion for words and a keen eye for details, an 

editor, and an avid tech believer. His works can 

be seen on EntrepreneurNG.com, Imautomator, 

Secureblitz, Withinnigeria, Feelgospel, 

Kemifilani, and Glamsquad Magazine. He is 

the Webmaster and sole owner of Matrismart. 

com and biowiki.com.ng. 


| 23

COVER 

WHY IS "THE 

AFRICAN TESLA" 

FACING SEVERE 

THREATS? 

Maxwell Chikumbutso has been on an extraordinary 

journey, pushing the boundaries of innovation. Often 

referred to as "The African Tesla," Chikumbutso's 

works have defied conventional wisdom, sparked 

controversy, and faced severe threats. Let's delve into the 

compelling narrative of a visionary fighting against the odds. 

By Harry Choms 

The Genesis of a Visionary 

Maxwell Chikumbutso's story is one of resilience and 

determination. He embarked on a relentless pursuit 

of ideas, facing numerous failures until a dream-like 

inspiration struck. This revelation led him to explore 

the untapped potential of airwaves, unveiling the 

boundless energy in the sky through radio waves. 

He discovered that this microwave source could be 

harnessed for electrical power. 

Despite his groundbreaking discoveries, 

Chikumbutso encountered resistance from his 

government. When questioned about the hostility, 

he prophetically remarked that the African mind 

had been conditioned to distrust African ingenuity. 

This scepticism labelled him a con artist and 

marginalised him within government circles. 

Brushing shoulders with the law, Chikumbutso's 

crime was daring to dream and turning those 

dreams into tangible, life-benefiting projects. 

Undeterred by the ridicule in his homeland, 

Chikumbutso sought support from a visionary 

Mozambican businessman. With millions of dollars 

invested, they translated his ideas into a practical 

electricity-generating project, powering three 

hundred homes with minimal ongoing costs. 

This brought Chikumbutso's innovations to 

the attention of American professors who 

were impressed and recognised the potential 


COVER 

• The Saith Fully Electric Vehicle which was 

designed and made locally by Chikumbutso 

to revolutionise electricity generation. That 

acknowledgement came at a crucial time when the 

world grapples with the urgent need to transition 

away from environment polluting fossils. 

As the founder of Saith Technologies, Chikumbutso 

proudly holds the title of being the first Zimbabwean 

to design and create a hybrid engine-powered 

helicopter, an electric car, a magnetic converter, 

a green power generator, and a drone. His 

groundbreaking moves have positioned Saith 

Technologies in the highly competitive global 

entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Why is He and His Innovations Facing 

Severe Threats? 

Maxwell Chikumbusto's success story is, however, 

marred by a darker side. Chikumbutso's battle 

extends beyond innovation; it encompasses 

a struggle for security and survival. A chilling 

statement on his company's Facebook page reveals 

that he has faced poisoning attempts that affected 

vital organs like the kidneys and liver. The threats 

range from death to financial and personal ruin, 

delivered through various channels, including emails 

and social media platforms. 

Chikumbutso's plight echoes a disturbing global 

pattern. Reports suggest that free energy access 

scientists worldwide have been targeted, with a 

sinister nexus believed to be led by the oil and solar 

technology energy industry mafia. These shadowy 

figures aim to maintain dominance over lucrative 

deals in their respective sectors, resorting to extreme 

measures, including murder and poisoning. 

The Unyielding Vision 

In 2021, a LinkedIn post by Chikumbutso revealed 

the gravity of his situation. He wrote, "There have 

been many threats on my life from poisoning which 

affected my kidneys and liver etc., and they are 

'cabals' who are not stopping at anything - fighting 

and not giving up, they want to make sure I am 

dead, and the MSED is dead. In the greater part of 

2021, I was in hospital, suffering from poisoning. I 

have come to the point of saying, "This is not the 

time to give up, and giving up is no longer an option." 

Either we will win or die trying to make the world 

better for everyone." 

Maxwell Chikumbutso's journey is a testament to 

the resilience of human innovation. As "The African 

Tesla" faces severe threats, the world watches, 

recognising the potential to transform energy 

landscapes. Whether it's overcoming scepticism, 

navigating global conspiracies, or battling personal 

health issues, Chikumbutso's story captures the 

essence of a visionary fighting against all odds to 

shape a brighter future for us all. 

HARRY CHOMS 


Harry Choms is a freelance writer with a 

passion for words and a keen eye for details, an 

editor, and an avid tech believer. His works can 

be seen on EntrepreneurNG.com, Imautomator, 

Secureblitz, Withinnigeria, Feelgospel, 

Kemifilani, and Glamsquad Magazine. He is 

the Webmaster and sole owner of Matrismart. 

com and biowiki.com.ng. 


| 25

Picture 

• Maxwell Chikumbutso, making a speech 

• Guests who also included school children 

look at the Saith-Hex Copter during its test run 

• Maxwell Chikumbutso on the media 

• The Saith Fully Electric Vehicle which was 

designed and made locally by Chikumbutso 


• Maxwell Chikumbutso, taking visitors and prospective 

investors on a tour of some of his inventions. 

•Maxwell Chikumbutso with 

the 2 seater helicopter 

•The Zimbabwean operating the Power 

Machine, showing how it works. 


• the traffic signs which are some of Chikumbutso's inventions 


My love to impact knowledge to the 

young and old led me to research and 

writing. Also, l have been businessoriented, 

right from childhood, which 

made me focus more on driving the 

business world and also to help people 

grow their business. As a writer, I aim 

to create an insightful image in the 

minds of every reader for maximum 

wealth and health. 


| 27

TRIBUTE TO 

DR. AUSTIN NWEZE, 

A REMARKABLE 

TEACHER WHO 

INFLUENCED MANY. 


ACCOMPLISH MOURNS 

Dr. Austin Nweze 

appeared, with 

just 24 hours 

prio notice, 

to mark my 

birthday on the 

21st of October 2023. He came 

in his usual simple self, wearing 

a fez cap. ‘Your Excellency’ 

as I always addressed 

him, following his two-time 

governorship contest in Ebonyi 

State, was his usual calm, soft 

spoken self. 

There was no sign of pain or 

any underlying ailment. We 

ate and shared some bottles 

of wine, and spent time talking 

far into the night that it literally 

became too late for him to go 

back to his lodging. He spent 

the night at my abode, forever 

his cheerful, well measured self. 

Beneath his calm, peaceful 

exterior, I never knew things 

were getting out of hand; 

that Dr. Nweze’s health was 

rapidly failing. After a surgery 

in early 2023, I believed he 

had recovered remarkably, 

not knowing that the ugly 

hand of death was stubbornly 

stretching towards him. Of 

course, Austin was never one 

to complain much about the 

challenges of everyday life! 

His Excellency was a 

remarkable person in many 

ways. His long profile with 

a retinue of immeasurable 

contributions in academia, 

corporate development, 

public discourse, research 

and publications will serve to 

increase the grief, the sense 

of loss, of those who knew him 

closely. To others, it may bring 

consolation on the grounds 

that, it is not how long one lives 

but what impact one made. 

For impact, Dr. Austin Nweze 

definitely gave a very good 

account of himself. Many 

of his Masters and Ph.D. 

students have called to 

lament his sudden demise. As 

a facilitator and a trainer, he 

shared knowledge locally and 

internationally that changed 

lives for good, including mine. 

As a public analyst on current 

economic and political affairs, 

he was, indeed, a familiar face 

on Nigeria television screens. 

And, on those occasions, he 

spoke the minds of many with 

such insight and precision 

of delivery that delighted 

his viewers and listeners. 

As an author, the quality of 

knowledge he loaded in his 

books was for posterity to gain 

understanding from and for his 

readers to find their way in the 

labyrinth of life. Surely, Austin 

cannot be forgotten any time 

soon. 

Dr. Austin Nweze was 

internationally exposed and 

globally aware, well trained 

and educated in different parts 

of the world. He was credited to 

have authored several books 

including "Taking the Bull by the 

Horn"; "Enterprise Champions: 

Entrepreneurshi p in Ascent 

in Nigeria"; "Destination 

Africa: Strategic Business 

Outsourcing"; "Entrepreneurship 

and the Economic 

Development of Nigeria"; "The 

Economics of Leadership"; 

"Fortune Hunters: A Discourse 

on Nigeria's Political Economy"; 

"The Knowledge Economy"; 

and "Business Etc: A General 

Management Handbook'. 

He also wrote over 50 

newspaper and progressive 

magazine articles particularly 

on leadership development 

, good governance, virile 

economy, media practice, 

entrepreneurship promotion 

and progressive electoral 

practices. 

For over 15 years, he consulted 

for organisations on 

organisational transformation/ 

revitalisation. He developed 

and delivered training 

programmes for corporate 

organisations and government 

establishments in the areas of 

entrepreneurship development, 

venture management, 

leadership, six sigma, media 

relations, finance, financial 

planning, retirement planning, 

marketing, strategy and soft 

skills . 

He also worked with the 

Institute of Financial Planning 

as the Director of Programmes 

and Publication, and Director 

of Learning and Management 

Education before joining the 

Lagos Business School (LBS), 

Pan African University as Head 

(Administrator), Centre for 

Applied Economics, and later 

in the Executive Education Unit. 


| 29


He was involved in research, 

teaching and marketing at the 

LBS. 

Dr. Nweze also attended 

advanced management 

courses in Nigeria (including 

Lagos Business School - AMP 

18, Developing and Managing 

Business Ventures and Executive 

Team Leadership) and abroad. 

He is a Centre for Management 

Development (CMD) accredited 

trainer and Insight Learning 

Foundation (USA) certified 

facilitator. 

He was a member of USAbased 

International Association 

of Facilitators (IAF), Nigerian 

Facilitators Network (NFN), 

and Nigerian Institute of 

Management (NIM). He 

was awarded Certificate of 

Completion for Technology of 

Participation (Group Facilitation 

Methods and Participatory 

Strategic Planning) from the 

Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) 

Unoted Kingdom and Ghana. 

He was an international 

conference, seminar, and 

workshop speaker and 

consultant. He had varied 

experiences in consulting for 

corporate and government 

institutions at different levels 

in business process and 

improvement. He was a 

speaker at the Geneva-based 

International Trade Centre 

(ITC) outsourcing conference in 

Ghana, Nigeria, and authored 

a book - "Strategic Business 

Outsourcing for ITC. He was 

also a national trainer for ITC 

Access! Programme for Women 

in Export Business in Africa. He 

participated in the Nigerian 

Export Promotion Council (NEPC) 

programmes and studies. He 

was the Founding President 

of Association of Outsourcing 

Practitioners of Nigeria (AOPN). 

He was also a member of the 

Africa Outsourcing Association. 

Dr Austin Nweze was part of 

the facilitation team for the 

Nigeria 2020 Business Scenarios 

in October 2006 organised by 

African Business Strategies 

in cooperation with Phillips 

Consulting Nigeria and the Lagos 

Business School. He participated 

as a mentor and facilitator in 

Centre for Values in Leadership 

(CVL) community development 

services programmes and 

facilitator at the DFID-sponsored 

Ajegunle community skills 

acquisition training for women. 

He was also a key participant 

in the drafting of DFID's 2008- 

2013 Strategic Plan; and key 

participant in the review of 

Nigeria Trade and Industrial 

Policy, Federal Ministry of 

Commerce and Industry. 

He was a member of the 

Ministerial Committee for the 

National Film Development Fund 

(alternate to Prof. Pat Utomi), 

and also a member of National 

Film Fund Report Writing Subcommittee. 

He was an Associate 

Adjunct Faculty Member of 

The Island Open University and 

a member of the Technical 

Working Committee {TWC) of 

the Nigerian Mapping of the 

Creative Industries sponsored 

by the British Council. The list 

of his extensive engagements 

in various fields of endeavour 

would take several pages to 

chronicle! 

In the political field, Dr. Austin 

Nweze was intentionally 



progressive. His belief that it would take 

positive, proactive steps to overturn years 

of mis-governance led to his aspiring to 

become governor of Ebonyi State under the 

banner of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) 

in 2011 and 2015 respectively 

That same firm resolve led to his 

unequivocal alignment with the Obidient 

Movement. He became a Lead Director of 

movement's The Big-Tent. He is also a former 

National Director Obi-Datti Elders' Council. 

Perhaps we can be consoled by the fact that 

Dr. Austin Nweze gave the best of himself to 

every single endeavour of his life: his family, 

his profession, public policies, politics, public 

good, publishing, as a born again Christian, 

and so much more. 

By every stretch of imagination, Dr. Nweze's 

story is a shining example of what a full, 

successful, exemplary generous and 

impactful life should be! 

The sudden end of the over twenty years I 

have personally known Austin is one of the 

most traumatic shocks of my life. The loss 

of a beautiful soul, the ever present voice 

of calm and reason, who will never hurt an 

enemy how much more a friend. But I am 

eternally grateful to God for the exceptional 

individual he made Austin to be, and the 

privilege to have crossed his path. 

As Christians, we are admonished never to 

mourn as people who have no hope. Our 

hope is in the resurrection through Christ 

Jesus. Austin has been called home by His 

Father, the giver of life, to another, and I must 

confidently say, to a better life. 

Your Excellency, may your humble soul rest in 

the bosom of our merciful God. 

Victor Olewunne. 

DR. AUSTIN NWEZE 


| 31

FEATURE / ANALYSIS 

10 

INVENTIONS 

THAT CHANGED 

THE WORLD 

By Adebayo Afolabi 

A 

few decades ago, 

life was different, and 

the advancements 

we now enjoy were 

not yet a part of our 

everyday experience. 

This is thanks to ground-breaking 

inventions that have profoundly 

changed the world, making 

things easier. These inventions 

span various fields, including 

technology, medicine, and 

communication. 

In the realm of technology, 

the development of personal 

computers, smart phones, and 

the internet has changed the 

way we live and connect with 

others. Medical breakthroughs, 

such as vaccines, have improved 

health care and increased life 

expectancy. Communication has 

been transformed by innovations 

like social media and instant 

messaging, connecting people 

globally in ways unimaginable in 

the past. 

Shaping the modern world, let's 

explore ten inventions that have 

had an immense impact. 



Electricity 

Electricity, a game-changing 

invention, has had a huge 

impact on our world. Its impact 

is felt across every spectrum of 

modern life. 

Thomas Edison, a key figure in the 

practical application of electricity, 

is credited with inventing the 

electric light bulb. The invention 

of the light bulb illuminated 

homes and streets, extending 

productivity beyond daylight 

hours. Electricity also paved 

the way for the development of 

electronic devices, from radios 

to computers, improving 

connectivity and 

information sharing. 

In addition to Edison, 

other notable 

figures such as 

Michael Faraday, 

Alessandro 

Volta, and 

Nikola Tesla 

also made 

substantial 

contributions 

to the 

understanding of 

electricity. 

Internet 

The internet stands as a 

ground-breaking invention that 

has profoundly transformed 

the world. Vinton Cerf and 

Robert Kahn played a big 

part by developing important 

communication protocols. They 

made the transmission control 

protocol (TCP) and the internet 

protocol (IP), which are like the 

building blocks of the internet. 

Tim Berners-Lee, invented the 

world wide web (WWW), making 

it easier for us to use the internet. 

He created the first web browser, 

a tool to explore the internet, and 

the first website. 

•Apple I personal 

computer, 1976–79 

The Internet connects people 

from all over, letting them share 

information and talk to each 

other easily. With the internet, 

we can learn new things, play 

games, and even see and talk 

to friends and family who are far 

away. This helpful tool has made 

our world more connected. 

Vaccination 

Edward Jenner's creation of 

vaccination, particularly the 

smallpox vaccine in the late 

18th century, is an invention that 

Thomas Edison 

changed the world. This idea 

involved introducing a weakened 

form of a disease into the body, 

priming the immune system to 

recognise and fight off the actual 

illness when it strikes. Jenner's 

ground-breaking work laid the 

foundation for immunisation, 

extending its impact to prevent 

various infectious diseases 

like polio, measles, and 

influenza. 

Today, vaccination 

has played a role 

in reducing the 

incidence of these 

diseases, contributing 

significantly to public health 

and saving countless lives 

worldwide. 

Penicillin 

Penicillin, discovered by Sir 

Alexander Fleming, is a gamechanger 

in medicine. Sir Fleming 

found it in 1928, and this discovery 

revolutionised how we treat 

infections. Penicillin was the 

first antibiotic used in fighting 

bacteria and remains useful till 

date. Before penicillin, people 

had a harder time healing from 

bacterial infections, and many 

lives were lost. With its invention, 

doctors could treat infections, 

saving lives and making surgeries 


| 33


to rely on letters or face-toface 

conversations to talk 

over long distances. With 

the telephone, we can now 

instantly talk to someone far 

away. The telephone has made 

communication much more 

accessible. 

safer. This invention laid the 

foundation for the development 

of various antibiotics that we 

still use today to keep people 

healthy. Sir Alexander 

Fleming's discovery of 

penicillin was a key 

moment in medical 

history, making a lasting 

impact on how we fight 

infections and treat 

diseases. 

Automobile 

Automobile was invented by 

Karl Benz, and it has made a 

huge difference in our lives. Karl 

Benz built the first practical car 

in 1885, and since then, cars 

have become a part of how 

we get around. They've made 

transportation faster, allowing 

us travel long distances in a 

short time. They've opened 

up opportunities for jobs and 

travel, making the world more 

connected. 

Aeroplane 

The airplane was invented by 

the Wright brothers, Orville and 

Wilbur, and it's an incredible 

invention that changed the 

way we travel. In 1903, the 

Wright brothers made the first 

•Benz Patent-Motorwagen, 1885 

•Telephone, 1876 

successful powered flight, and 

since then, airplanes have 

become a part of transportation. 

Airplanes make it possible for 

us to travel long distances 

in a short amount of time, 

connecting people and places 

around the world. They've 

opened up opportunities for 

business, tourism, and personal 

adventures. Thanks to airplanes, 

we can explore new countries, 

visit friends and family far away, 

and experience different cultures. 

Telephone 

The telephone was invented 

by Alexander Graham Bell, and 

it's a truly amazing invention. 

Alexander Graham Bell created 

the first practical telephone 

in 1876, changing the way we 

communicate forever. Before 

the telephone, people had 

Computer 

The computer, a 

brilliant invention 

that led to the digital 

age, doesn't have 

a single inventor; its 

development involved 

many clever people. One 

important figure is Charles 

Babbage, who designed the first 

mechanical computer in the 19th 

century. The modern computer 

we use today was shaped by 

many inventors and pioneers 

like Alan Turing and John von 

Neumann. From helping us 

work to storing information and 

connecting us online, computers 

have influenced nearly every part 

of how we live today. 

Space Travel 

German engineer, Hermann 

Oberth, is credited with inventing 

the first functional spaceship. The 

impact of Oberth's invention has 

been profound and its 



•Spaceship, Hemann 

Oberth's Modell-B, 1923 

In the realm of 

technology, the 

development 

of personal 

computers, 

smart phones, 

and the internet 

has changed the 

way we live and 

connect with 

others. 

fantastic invention that's changing 

the way we live. 

These inventions have made 

our lives a whole lot easier! 

I mean, think about it – the 

internet connects us all, making 

everything just a click away. 

Vaccines keep us healthy and 

safe from diseases. Cars zip us 

around, saving us from long, 

long walks. Phones let us talk to 

anyone, anywhere, anytime. 

Altogether, these inventions 

are like everyday superheroes, 

making life easier and way more 

awesome! 

development paved the 

way for human space 

exploration, leading to 

historic achievements 

such as Yuri Gagarin's 

orbital flight and the 

'Apollo' moon missions. 

The invention of 

the spaceship not 

only expanded our 

understanding of 

the cosmos but also 

fuelled advancements 

in satellite technology, 

telecommunications, 

and scientific research 

conducted in space. 

Also, it triggered a new 

era of international 

collaboration, inspiring 

nations to work together in 

the exploration and use of 

outer space. 

AI 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

doesn't have a single inventor. 

It's an amazing creation that 

has evolved over time with 

contributions from many 

people. AI involves making 

machines and computers 

smart, like teaching them to 

think and learn on their own. It's 

a bit like giving them a brain! 

AI helps in so many ways; like 

making our phones smart, 

helping doctors diagnose 

diseases, and even guiding 

self-driving cars. Even though 

it's still growing and learning, 

AI has already become a 



I am a passionate business writer 

with a knack for translating 

complex concepts into accessible 

content. With a keen eye for detail, 

I deliver compelling content that 

educates, inspires, and drives 

positive change in the realm of 

finance and business. 

•Wright brothers Aeroplane, 1903 


| 35


ETHICAL VALUES 

By Victor Olewunne 

ethical values serve as the moral compass 

that guides individuals and societies in 

making decisions, shaping behaviour, 

and defining the principles that underpin 

a just and humane world. Ethical values 

are the set of principles and beliefs that 

govern human conduct and distinguish right from 

wrong. These values are deeply ingrained in cultural, 

religious, and societal norms, providing a framework 

for individuals to make morally sound decisions. 

While ethical values can vary across cultures and 

belief systems, certain core principles often form the 

foundation of universally accepted ethical standards. 

Foundations of Ethical Values 

Cultural Perspectives 

Cultural backgrounds significantly 

influence ethical values. Different 

societies may prioritise various 

virtues, such as honesty, loyalty, or 

compassion, based on their cultural 

heritage and historical context. These 

can be gleaned from expressions in 

the people’s language. Igbos will say, 

‘Onye aghala nwanneya’, meaning 

none should leave his brother or sister 

behind. Or ‘Eziokwu bu ndu’, meaning 

truth is life. Understanding cultural 

diversity is key to fostering respect for 

varying ethical perspectives. 



Religious Influences 

Many ethical values find their roots 

in religious teachings. Various 

faiths provide moral guidelines and 

commandments that shape the 

ethical framework of their followers. 

Within the Christian faith for instance, 

concepts like justice, forgiveness, 

and charity are evident from their 

religious doctrines, impacting 

the ethical values embraced by 

individuals within the religious 

community. 

Philosophical Principles 

Ethical values have deep 

connections to philosophical 

thought. Philosophers throughout 

history, from Aristotle to Kant to 

Thaddeus Metz, have explored and 

articulated theories on morality 

and ethics. Utilitarianism (based on 

consequences), deontology (based 

on duty), virtue ethics (based on 

character), African ethics (based on 

the interconnectedness of humanity) 

and other philosophical frameworks 

contribute to the intellectual 

discourse surrounding ethical 

decision-making. 

Laws 

Societal laws often reflect ethical 

values, serving as a formalised 

expression of shared moral principles. 

Legal systems are designed to 

protect individual rights, promote 

justice, and maintain social order. 

Ethical considerations can influence 

the creation and evolution of laws, 

and in turn, legal standards can 

shape societal ethical norms. 

Role of Ethical Values in Society 

Behaviour, Relationship, 

Culture and Social Justice 

Ethical values provide individuals 

with a moral compass, to guide 

their behaviour in both personal and 

professional spheres. Trust as ethical 

value is a fundamental component 

of any healthy relationship, be 

it in personal friendships, family 

dynamics, or professional 

collaborations. Upholding ethical 

values promotes trust, as individuals 

can rely on each other to act with 

integrity and honesty. Ethical values 

are integral to the formation of 

organisational culture. Companies 

that prioritise ethics create a positive 

work environment and enhance 

employee morale. Ethical business 

practices contribute to long-term 

success, as customers, employees, 

and stakeholders are more likely 

to support ethically responsible 

organisations. Ethical values help 

address social issues and promote 

justice. Nigeria will be a better 

place if it could recognise and 

rectify systemic injustices through 

a collective adherence to ethical 

values. 

Challenges and Considerations 

Cultural differences lead to conflicting 

ethical values. Striking a balance 

between respecting cultural diversity 

and advocating for universal ethical 

principles poses a complex dilemma. 

The rapid evolution of technology 

introduces ethical challenges 

too, from privacy concerns to the 

ethical implications of artificial 

intelligence. New ethical frameworks 

to guide tech development is 

required. As the world becomes 

increasingly interconnected, ethical 

considerations and global issues 

demand collaborative ethical 

solutions. 

Conclusion 

In a world characterised by complex 

diversity, ethical values serve as the 

bedrock of a just and harmonious 

society. Understanding the 

foundations of ethical values — rooted 

in culture, religion, philosophy, and law 

— allows individuals and communities 

to navigate the challenges of today’s 

world. By upholding ethical principles 

in personal and professional life, we 

contribute to a global community 

built on trust, respect, and shared 

values. Embracing a commitment to 

ethical values must not be a matter 

of personal whims; it should be a 

collective responsibility that shapes 

the present and molds the future for 

generations to come. 

VICTOR 

OLEWUNNE 


Victor Olewunne, the Ethicist, 

is a public affairs analyst and 

Founder, African Foundation for 

Ethics and Social Responsibility. 


| 37


Women in 

Politics: 

The Positives, 

The Warts 


women's access to governance has 

been a topic of great importance in 

Nigeria for decades. More and 

more women are now taking on 

leadership roles in various tiers 

and sectors of the country. This 

shift has brought about a significant change in the 

traditional male-dominated landscape and has 

sparked discussions on the impact of women in 

positions of power. 

Accomplish Magazine takes a look at the impact 

made by some Nigerian women who have had the 

privilege of holding public office. Particular 

emphasis is on whether those women made an 

enviable, exemplary impact or if they were just 

feminine versions of the numerous men who have 

been largely blamed for the derelict state of 

Nigeria's political and economic fabrics. 



Stella Adaeze Oduah is a prominent Nigerian politician 

who served as the Minister of Aviation in Nigeria from 2011 to 2014. 

During her tenure, she implemented various reforms and 

initiatives to improve the aviation sector. One of her notable 

achievements was the successful remodelling and upgrading of 

major airports across the country. 

The improvement of airport infrastructure has significantly 

enhanced the travel experience of domestic and international 

travellers. Her efforts in modernising and developing airport 

facilities have played a crucial role in positioning Nigeria as a hub 

for regional and international travel. However, Oduah's political 

career has been marred by scandal when she became embroiled 

in a corruption allegation involving the purchase of bullet-proof 

cars at inflated prices of $1.6 million for the Nigerian Civil Aviation 

Authority. This has damaged her reputation and cast a shadow 

over her contributions to the aviation sector. 

Diezani Alison-Madueke served as the Minister of Petroleum 

Resources in Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. She made notable efforts to 

implement several policies and reforms aimed at combating corruption in 

the sector. For example, she initiated the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which 

aimed to restructure and change the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, with 

focus on improving regulatory frameworks, transparency, and 

accountability. Although the bill faced numerous challenges and was not 

fully implemented during her tenure, the efforts and initiatives she 

introduced signified a step towards improving governance in the oil and 

gas sector in Nigeria. During her time in office, Alison-Madueke faced 

numerous allegations of financial impropriety, including the 

mismanagement of public funds and involvement in money laundering 

schemes. In 2015, she was arrested in the United Kingdom on charges of 

corruption and money laundering, and she has since been the subject of 

various international investigations. 

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, GCON. 

She is a renowned economist and former Finance Minister of Nigeria. She is widely respected for 

her efforts in leading economic reforms and her role in negotiating the cancellation of Nigeria's 

external debt. She has also been a strong advocate for women's empowerment and has made 

significant contributions to development initiatives within the country. Notwithstanding, her tenure 

as Finance Minister was not without downtime, as she faced criticism for handling the fuel subsidy 

removal, which led to widespread protests and civil unrest. Despite this, Okonjo-Iweala's positive 

impact on Nigeria's economy cannot be overlooked. 

Many would recall that her fearless and uncompromising stance against economic saboteurs 

within and outside the corridors of power brought her and members of her nuclear family close 

shaves with death! This not only shows how resolutely she stood against corruption, but it also 

proves that not every Nigerian in public office can be tainted with thieving from the country's 

commonwealth. 

She has the distinction of holding various ministerial portfolios to two presidents of Nigeria. She 

served as minister of finance in the administrations of President Olusegun Obasanjo and 

President Goodluck Jonathan. Under the former's tenure, she also served as Coordinating Minister 

of the Economy and Minister of Foreign Affairs respectively. She is currently the 7th Director- 

General of the World Trade Organisation. 


| 39


Kemi Adeosun 

is the former Minister of Finance. She made some impact by 

improving government spending, which helped to reduce waste 

and mismanagement of public funds. She also played a key role 

in advocating for responsible budgeting and financial 

management practices, which are essential for ensuring the 

long-term economic stability and prosperity of the country. 

Her tenure was destroyed by controversy when it was revealed 

that she had obtained a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 

exemption certificate. This scandal raised questions about her 

integrity and raised concerns about the credibility of her financial 

management expertise. Adeosun ultimately resigned from her 

ministerial position after she acknowledged that her NYSC 

exemption certificate was not authentic. 

Amina Jane Mohammed, GCON. 

She is the current Deputy Secretary-General of 

the United Nations. Prior to this, she served 

Nigeria as Minister of Environment. She has been 

a champion for sustainable development and 

environmental conservation in Nigeria. She 

played a crucial role in the implementation of 

policies to tackle climate change and promote 

clean energy initiatives. 

However, at some point, she was criticised for 

her alleged role in the controversial issuance of 

timber export permits in Nigeria. In 2017, it was 

reported that she had signed thousands of 

permits allowing the export of endangered 

rosewood from Nigeria to China. The critics 

claimed she had done so even though the 

Convention on International Trade in 

Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 

(CITES) had placed a ban on the export of 

rosewood from Nigeria due to concerns about 

the sustainability of the species. 

Her alleged actions, in this regard, have been 

seen as a betrayal of her responsibility to protect 

the environment and endangered species. 

Furthermore, the issuance of these permits had 

a detrimental impact on the Nigerian 

environment and further fueled the illegal 

logging trade, leading to further deforestation 

and the destruction of natural habitats. 

As the Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on 

Post-2015 Development Planning, Mohammed worked 

tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria's priorities and 

aspirations were reflected in the global agenda for 

sustainable development. Through her efforts, Nigeria 

became a signatory to the SDGs, committing to 

eradicating poverty, promoting environmental 

sustainability, and fostering inclusive economic growth. 


Halima Shehu was, until her 

suspension by President Bola 

Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief Executive 

Officer of the National Social 

Investment Programme Agency 

(NSIPA). Her suspension followed 

allegations of financial 

malfeasance. 

Before her appointment to lead 

the NSIPA, was confirmed by the 

Senate on October 18, 2023, she 

served as the National 

Coordinator of the Conditional 

Cash Transfer (CCT) programme. 

She had also worked with the 

Federal Ministry of Humanitarian 

Affairs, Disaster Management and 

Social Development between 2017 

and 2022. She is a strong 

advocate for women's 

participation in the economy. She 

has been instrumental in creating 

platforms and opportunities for 

women to voice their concerns 

and play meaningful roles in 

effective governance. Her efforts 

have helped to create a more 

inclusive and diverse political 

environment in Nigeria, leading to 

a more representative and 

Dr. Betta Edu made a name 

for herself in Nigerian politics as a 

public administrator, and former 

Director General of the Cross River 

State Primary Health Care 

Development Agency. She was 

appointed Minister of 

Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty 

Alleviation of Government by 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She 

was suspended from office after 

an alleged 585 million naira 

scandal in her ministry. 

Leaked documents allege that Edu 

diverted over 585 million naira 

(U.S.$640,000) into a civil servant's 

private account. Her ministry is 

effective government. In addition to 

the allegations of fraud, she has 

been accused of using her position 

of power to further the interests of 

her political party at the expense of 

the welfare of the Nigerian people. 

This type of partisanship is 

detrimental to the democratic 

process and undermines the 

principles of fairness and equality 

that should underpin political 

decision-making by public officials. 

As critics say, by prioritising the 

interests of her party over the needs 

of the citizens she was appointed to 

serve, Halima Shehu has contributed 

to the polarisation and division 

within Nigerian politics. 

said to have approved the transfer 

into a personal account, which was 

not in her name, but said it was for 

the "implementation of grants to 

vulnerable groups". Following the 

public outrage that followed, 

President Tinubu ordered a 

comprehensive investigation into all 

the transactions to uncover the 

truth. Edu has continued to maintain 

that the transfer was for legitimate 

grant implementation. It would be 

recalled that when she served as 

commissioner in Cross River State, 

there were also allegations against 

her with regards to distribution of 

palliatives to vulnerable persons. 

However, she is credited to have 

adequately coordinated efforts to 

ensure that essential food items and 

relief materials reached those most 

in need during the lockdowns and 

economic hardships caused by the 

pandemic. Her proactive approach 

and commitment to addressing the 

challenges faced by vulnerable 

populations during the pandemic 

we're reported to be commendable. 


Conclusion 

Based on the foregoing, it is 

obvious that the involvement of 

women in governance brings 

about positive or negative 

performance. In order words, 

there is no clear evidence, so far, 

that giving women opportunity to 

hold public office will eliminate 

corruption. Nevertheless, it is 

imperative to continue 

advocating for women's 

representation in governance and 

to create a supportive 

environment that will enable 

women to excel in leadership 

roles. As more women continue to 

seek public office, it is mandatory 

lthat they evaluate the 

performance of women that had 

served in government in order to 

redirect their minds to upholding 

the highest standards of integrity 

and accountability in serving the 

Nigerian people. 



My love to impact 

knowledge to the 

young and old led 

me to research and 

writing. Also, l have 

been business-oriented, 

right from childhood, 

which made me focus 

more on driving the 

business world and 

also to help people grow 

their business. As a 

writer, I aim to create an 

insightful image in the 

minds of every reader 

for maximum wealth 

and health. 


| 41


“Nothing 

is working in my 

life. My brain is clogged 

up. The economy is getting 

harder. My decisions are 

wrong. My mind is messed up. 

The future doesn’t seem bright 

at all. I see extreme hardship, 

and I can’t bear the pain 

anymore. I’m sorry Mom, 

I’m sorry Dad.” 

Why Did 

Amarachi Commit 

Suicide At Work? 

By Segun McMedal 

On January 8, 2024, the news broke that a female 

staff member of Globus Bank in Lagos, known as 

Miss Amarachi Ugochukwu, committed suicide! 

Her body was found on the floor of the bank’s 

staff toilet. Also found were her diary containing 

her suicide note and a can of insecticide she drank. 



Just like you, this story caught my 

attention. What is not in the news is 

the subject of this article. Walk with 

me, please. 

Sometimes, I fancy myself thinking 

like Sherlock Holmes. Generation X 

will remember Holmes, famed for his 

uncanny ability to gather evidence 

based on his honed skills of 

observation and deductive 

reasoning. So, like Holmes, I 

wondered why Amarachi chose to 

commit suicide at work and not at 

home. What triggered this state? Was 

she suicidal? 

It was important to do a background 

check. So, I visited her LinkedIn page. 

Amarachi landed a job as a 

relationship manager at the Globus 

Bank in May 2023. She wrote on her 

timeline about securing the job, “I’m 

happy to share that I’m starting a 

new position as Relationship 

Manager at Globus Bank!" She had 

moved from Zenith Bank. 

Amarachi was 32, well-dressed, 

pretty, and bright. She also wrote on 

her page, “Being the best and 

nothing less is my identity. I was 

awarded best graduating student 

from a pool of over a hundred 

students in 2016. The Achievers team 

was top performer in 2019, increasing 

sales by over a 100% and I was the 

team leader. Performing at my job 

with excellence and competence has 

given me the opportunity to work in 

three different units in the space of a 

year in Zenith Bank.” 

From this, one could deduce that she 

was happy and excited about life 

and ready to take on the world. It 

seemed like everything was going 

well for her. On the surface, at least. 

Is it fair to rule out the possibility that 

she was suicidal? Let’s take a deep 

dive into what’s happening in 

Nigerian banks. Bank marketers, 

Amarachi was 32, well-dressed, 

pretty, and bright. She also wrote 

on her page, “Being the best and 

nothing less is my identity. I was 

awarded best graduating student 

from a pool of over a hundred 

students in 2016. 

especially those who are far from meeting set deposit 

targets, dread going to work on Mondays! Why? They 

will be talked down on, bashed, and harassed for not 

delivering! They may even be served queries. During 

end-of-the-week meetings, some marketers’ selfconfidence 

will drop significantly. Is this enough to 

trigger suicide? 

In Amarachi’s case, it is important to know what 

happened at the review meeting that Monday morning, 

if there was one. Was the meeting the tipping point for 

her? Her suicide note read: “Nothing is working in my 

life. My brain is clogged up. The economy is getting 

harder. My decisions are wrong. My mind is messed up. 

The future doesn’t seem bright at all. I see extreme 

hardship, and I can’t bear the pain anymore. I’m sorry 

Mom, I’m sorry Dad.” 

We all know that one person can start an epidemic. I 

hope that Amarachi’s case will not become a tipping 

point for other marketers in the banking sector who are 

under pressure to perform! 

SEGUN 

MCMEDAL 


Mr. Segun McMedal is an experienced 

story teller, reputation manager, brand 

builder, business coach, social butterfly, 

publisher, content creator, digital public 

relations consultant and immediate Past 

Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public 

Relations. He is the President & CEO, 

Upticomn Marketing Company, Lagos. 


| 43


Plateau 

Massacre 

Should the 

Service 

Chiefs be 

sacked? 

By Dave Baro-Thomas 

it appears the security breaches in Plateau 

State approximate the thoughts of Thomas 

Hobbes in "Leviathan" (1660), that human 

life was solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and 

short. By the last count, hundreds have been 

slaughtered, scores are missing, and countless 

are wounded as the once serene and peaceful 

state has become Golgotha and a field of blood 

while we fold our arms and watch the carnage. 

Hobbes further reasoned that the remedy to 

this maleficence is a virile, intentional and 

uncompromising leadership in this context 

rather than the authoritarian or monarchical 

government contemplated originally. 

The unrestrained 

bloodbath in some parts 

of that state is worrisome 

and leaves many 

confused because, 

sometimes, these 

marauders and 

insurgents give advance 

notices before the 

attacks, and 

communities are sacked 

overnight without the 

slightest resistance from 

the authorities saddled 

with the responsibility of 

securing lives and 

property in the country. 

Without mincing words, 

two possibilities give rise 

to these outcomes: either 

the entire security 

intelligence architecture 

in that space has 

collapsed, or there is 

ungodly complicity in 

•Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja 

certain quarters. For 

anyone who cares to 

listen, Plateau State is 

falling, and no society 

makes any meaningful 

progress - on social or 

economic fronts - where 

insecurity of this 

magnitude thrives 

unabated. Responsibility 

comes with 

consequences and 

rewards, and when 

performance metrics are 



negative, the President 

and Commander-in- 

Chief should be 

courageous enough to 

make the tough decision. 

One such tough decision 

is a dispassionate review 

of the performance of all 

the service chiefs viz-aviz 

the state of insecurity 

in the country. The 

question that should 

trouble the President's 

mind is: What has 

changed in the security 

architecture since the 

appointment of this 

bunch of service chiefs. 

It's really true that when 

performances are 

reported rather than felt, 

somebody is not telling 

the whole truth. 

Plateau, like some other 

states in the North, have, 

no doubt, become a 

killing field, and all 

Nigerians get, most times, 

is a delegation of service 

chiefs making what 

many consider endless, 

lip-service condolence 

visits around the affected 

states. These visits are 

now for the optics and, 

probably, playing to the 

gallery. The crux of the 

matter is that after a few 

weeks, a large troop of 

bandits will travel across 

the expanse of open land, 

given the topography of 

most Northern states, 

invade villages and 

massacre defenceless 

Nigerians in operations 

that can last all night, 

and in recent cases like in 

Plateau State, for days, 

then, return to their hiding 

dens without any trace or 

arrests. 

Sometime in mid-2023, 

no fewer than 300 people 

were massacred in a 

series of attacks by 

insurgents in the Mangu 

Local Government Area. 

The Nigerian Army 

launched a special 

operation code-named 

"Operation Hakorin 

Damisa IV" as a response 

to put a stop to the 

carnage. Major-General 

Taoreed Lagbaja, the 

Chief of Army Staff, 

vowed to crush the 

bandits. Six months later, 

the sloppy performance 

report cards are out 

there! 

It is either these bandits 

have become subsovereign 

to themselves 

within the Nigerian nation 

or are invisible and 

invincible to the Nigerian 

military and the Police. 

Kidnapping is resurging 

on the Abuja-Kaduna 

highway. The Lokoja axis 

is a free fall, killings and 

the so-called farmersherders 

crisis are 

rebounding. 

The truth remains that 

the Plateau bloodbath is 

the battle for the soul of 

the land. The barbarism 

and dastard acts by 

these bandits on 

innocent Nigerians are 

simply inconceivable. It is 

about time all the heads 

of security operatives in 

the country had a frank 

conversation with the 

Commander-in-Chief 

and receive a clear-cut 

matching order to 

dissipate the terrorists, or 

they get relieved of their 

appointments! 

How can a large 

contingent of bandits 

sack communities and 

disappear into thin air, 

and people appointed to 

protect them and 

sustained in office by 

taxes of the people are 

still keeping their jobs, 

gracing TV shows to 

explain how 

handicapped the nation’s 

security architecture has 

become in the face of 

banditry? 

In a country where you 

cannot defend yourself, 

marauders can walk in 

and kill hundreds in one 

night. Is this how to 

govern a nation? Is this 

what those in public 

office were sworn-in to 

do? 

DAVE 

BARO-THOMAS 


A Banker, Special 

Project Executive 

(BusinessDay Media) 

and Event/Conferences 

Manager (Vanguard 

Newspapers). A 

Producer, Editor, Author/ 

Publisher, (Development 

Post & Agrobusiness 

Times) Columnist, 

Voice-over artist, 

Content Specialist (Pan 

Atlantic University), 

Trainer, and Media 

Entrepreneur (GreenStel 

Communication/Zemeef 

Communications) 

with a strong flare for 

marketing 

and research. 


| 45

GL BAL InfoDIGEST 

APPLIED LAW 

OF ATTRACTION 

"I heard my mother ask the 

neighbors for salt. But we had salt 

at home. I asked her why she asked 

the neighbours for salt. And she 

replied: - Because our neighbors 

don't have much money and they 

often ask us for something. From 

time to time I also ask them for 

something small and economical, 

so that they feel that we need them 

too. That way, they will feel more 

comfortable and it will be easier to 

keep asking us for everything they 

need. 

And that's what I learned from my 

mother... let's build empathetic, 

humble, supportive children . 

Written by Coleen Rodgers and 

posted by The Law of Attraction 

& The Secret on Quora.com 

1. They love to hear 

the word “No”. 

The real secret to success isn’t 

that first win, it’s all the nos 

people heard to get there. As 

someone once stated, a person 

can achieve anything if they are 

willing to hear 'no' repeatedly. 

2. They improve 

themselves for 

themselves, rather 

than for external 

reasons. 

Successful people find immense 

satisfaction in their own selfdevelopment 

and taking care of 



real desires and settle, 

creating a genuine 

standard for themselves. 

And when it comes to 

relationships, connecting 

with compatible singles 

meet their standards is 

key. 

5. They always 

pursue multiple 

options. 

Successful people don’t 

rely on only one avenue 

and hope it works out. 

They diversify and improve 

their odds and never put 

all their eggs in one basket. 

Distinct 

Characteristics 

of Successful 

People 

their needs. They don’t do it to 

try and get a girlfriend back, 

prove someone wrong, or to 

receive validation. 

3. They’re willing to 

have egg on their 

face. 

Yes, the willingness to appear 

stupid means a refusal to let 

the weight of other people’s 

opinions dictate what they do. 

Moreover, it signals a crucial 

fact: the less seriously they 

take life, the better chances of 

success. 

4. They don’t settle 

for less than they 

deserve. 

They are honest about their 

desires and don’t hide their 

6. They are not 

islands unto 

themselves. 

They do not work 

independently all the time, 

or assume they can 

handle everything alone. In 

fact, one of their greatest 

attributes it their 

willingness to surround 

themselves with people 

who are smarter than they 

are. 

Editor's Note: This 

piece was posted by 

Alex Ferman with a 

different title on 

Quora.com 


| 47


Some Golden Habits You 

Should Imbibe in 2024. 

Avoid 

gossiping 

about 

people 

with other 

people. 

Just 

remain 

silent. 

Know what to tell 

people and what you 

shouldn’t tell. Keep 

privacy and keep secrets. 

Have the 

blueprint that 

you will 

forever be a 

student in life; 

if not, you 

might 

have to 

learn 

with 

your 

own life. 

Don’t drink and drive. 

By not doing so, you 

will save your life and 

someone else's life. 

Effectiveness 

is not just 

enough to 

enjoy this life. 

Try to be 

efficient. 

Start 

spending 

money to 

collect some 

wonderful 

moments. 

Avoid being 

available for 

people 24/7, 

unless you work 

as a customer 

care agent. 

People won’t 

respect you. 



You cannot 

manage time but 

you can manage 

your priorities and 

activities. 

History Never Forgets 

The lady circled in red was Lucy Higgs Nichols. She 

was born into slavery in Tennessee, but during the 

American Civil War, she managed to escape and 

found her way to 23rd Indiana Infantry Regiment 

which was encamped nearby. 

Talk to your 

loved ones daily or 

weekly. 

Try to, at least, 

put a smile on 

someone's face 

daily. 

Instead of mocking 

someone because of 

their situations, you 

can always help 

them out. 

She stayed with the regiment and worked as a nurse 

throughout the war. After the war, she moved north 

with the regiment and settled in Indiana, where she 

found work with some of the veterans of the 23rd. She 

applied for a pension after Congress passed the 

Army Nurses Pension Act of 1892 which allowed Civil 

War nurses to draw pensions for their service. 

The War Department had no record of her, so her 

pension was denied. Fifty-five surviving veterans of 

the 23rd petitioned Congress for the pension they felt 

she had rightfully earned, and it was granted. The 

photograph shows Nichols and other veterans of the 

Indiana regiment at a reunion in 1898. She died in 1915 

and is buried in a cemetery in New Albany, Indiana. 

Editor's Note: This piece was originally 

published by Quora.com 


| 49

CEO INTERVIEW 

DR. VERA 

SONGWE 

"Africa Needs the Will to Grow." 

Dr. Vera Songwe is an acclaimed economist and banking 

executive who currently serves as serves as a nonresident 

Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution's 

Africa Growth Initiative. In 2022, she was appointed 

chairwoman of the board of the Liquidity and Sustainability 

Facility (LSF), a finance mechanism aimed at improving the 

liquidity of African sovereign debt. 

She had, previously, worked for the World Bank from 1998 to 

2015. The Cameroonian-born economist had also served as 

Western and Central Africa's regional director for the 

International Finance Corporation between 2015 and 2017. 

Interestingly, Dr. Songwe was the first woman to head the United 

Nations' Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) at the level of 

Under Secretary-General. 

In this brief interview conducted by originally published by Ruth 

Lago of "AfricaNews, Dr. Vera Songwe speaks on the need for 

African countries to embrace diversification of their respective 

country's economy to bring about true, widespread prosperity. 

She also calls for African governments to create opportunities for 

young people to not only use technology but also invent 

technology for Africa's advancement. 


CEO INTERVIEW 

Ruth Lago: You have declared 

that African countries must 

define their development model. 

Should we conclude that in the 

last 5 years there has been no 

progress in this direction? 

Every time we talk about Africa 

we always have the impression 

that we are talking about a 

monolithic whole. We have more 

than 50 countries. We have made 

a lot of progress. 

I think that there are countries 

that have adopted this 

information economy -- 

especially in East Africa. We have 

made a lot of progress in Kenya, 

Uganda but also Ethiopia. But also 

in countries like Cape Verde, 

small island countries. We've also 

seen the industrialization of 

countries like Morocco -- also 

because of the diversification of 

its economy. 

Ruth Lago: The year 2020 with 

Covid had a definite impact on 

economies. What can we expect 

as the disease abates but 

economies are stretched thin? 

First of all, we can celebrate the 

resilience of African economies a 

little bit because we did not seen 

a total collapse of any of them. 

We can see that countries are 

coming out of it. Before we had a 

growth rate of 3.2% and I think 

everyone knows that Africa needs 

a growth rate of 8% and 10%; so 

we should now put a little more 

effort into the recovery. 

The Economic Commission for 

Africa is campaigning for a green 

recovery, a more sustainable 

recovery of the economy. We 

have carried out studies that 

show that with a greener 

recovery, a green industrial 

recovery, we can create 450% 

more jobs in South Africa, 320% 

more jobs in the Democratic 

Republic of Congo and other 

countries. 

Ruth Lago: Let's talk about plans 

for the next 5 years? What will 

Africa need? 

The only way to open up our 

economies -- to open them up 

peacefully, is to have a vaccine 

and to have vaccinated 60% of 

our populations. Secondly, I think 

it's what we call enablers in 

French; it's having energy, access 

to energy, not access to energy 

for every house but access to 

energy for the industrialisation of 

the continent. 

But there is all this human 

capacity that we have to build. 

We have to create capacity for 

our young people to be able - not 

only to use information 

technology but to create it and 

become captains of industry 

themselves. We have to create 

the capacity for our young people 

to be able to - not only use 

information technologies but to 

create them to become 

themselves the captains of 

industry in the fields of 

information technology. 

So the first thing is the vaccine, 

the second thing is infrastructure 

the roads, the energy. And the 

third thing is obviously to take 

advantage of (The African 

Continental Free Trade Area 

(AfCFTA) to open up our 

economies a little more, to have 

regional value chains that are 

strengthened so that we can add 

value on the continent before 

exporting, and then, of course to 

strengthen the human capacity 

of our young people. 

DR. VERA 

SONGWE 

Editor's Note: This interview was 

originally published by AfricaNews 

(www.africanews.com) 


| 51

GRAND DESIGN / ARCHITECTURE 

By Damian Ikenna Ngere 

• MAD Architects Unveils Nanhai Art Centre Design in 

Foshan City, Guangdong 

The plans for the Nanhai 

Art Centre in Foshan City, 

Guangdong, south east China, 

have been made public by MAD 

Architects. The 59,445 square 

metre project consists of three 

primary components: a sports 

centre, a museum, and a grand 

theatre. 

With a new public entrance to 

the shoreline, the centre’s wavelike 

shape aims to promote 

community and traditional 

culture. After construction is 

finished, the art centre aims to 

become a brand-new waterfront 

public area that combines 

artistic and social elements. 

The grand theatre and museum 

are situated on one side of the 

centre’s plan, which creates 

a visual axis towards the lake, 

in accordance with national 

museum standards. 


GRAND DESIGN / ARCHITECTURE 

Dan 

Kiley 

• Unveiling the Genius of Dan Kiley: A Journey 

into Modernist Landscape Architecture 

Dan Kiley was known to have made a 

substantial contribution to the field of design 

as a landscape architect. Influential architects 

such Louis Kahn, I.M. Pei, and Eero Saarinen 

collaborated with the designer. André Le 

Nôtre’s classic landscapes had a great 

influence on Kiley. His designs are renowned 

for the way they use grids and allées to create 

a harmonious blend of natural and structured 

beauty. 

The travelling photographic show “The 

Landscape Architecture Legacy of Dan Kiley” 

honours one of the most influential modernist 

landscape architects and opens on January 

18. The display, which is being curated by 

The Cultural Landscape Foundation, intends 

to examine and raise awareness of the 

architect’s significant influence. 

Exhibited in Brooklyn’s The Exhibition Space 

@ ABC Stone, United States, the display takes 

viewers on an engrossing journey through 27 

of Dan Kiley’s meticulously selected works. The 

show, which runs through April 30, 2024, takes 

visitors on a tour through 27 of the renowned 

Dan Kiley’s designs. These include wellknown 

sites like the Ford Foundation Atrium at 

Rockefeller University in New York; Kenjockety in 

Westport; the South Garden of the Art Institute 

of Chicago; and, Patterns, a garden designed 

for Governor and Mrs. Pierre S. “Pete” du Pont IV 

in Wilmington, Delaware. 

DAMIAN 

IKENNA NGERE 


Ikenna is a graduate of Physics and Education, 

who works as a freelance writer. He has interest 

in technology, humanity and sports. 


| 53


TIPS 

FOR 

PROSPERITY 

IN REAL 

ESTATE 

INVESTMENT 

By John Abiodun Olaitan 

it is a globally known truth that investing in real estate is 

better and safer than investing in the stock market. Real 

estate investment is not just great, it is a tested and trusted 

investment option for people who want to achieve financial 

success. Becoming a successful real estate investor is a 

great step towards achieving that much desired financial 

freedom that we all desire. 

Real estate investment offers 

better cash flow prospects 

than the stock market. 

However, you need to be 

intentionally mindful to avoid 

mistakes that make so many 

forays into the lucrative 

property investment turn into 

nightmares and bankruptcy. 

Good cash flow from the 

rental aspect of real estate 

means the investment is, 

needless to say, profitable. 

A bad cash flow, invariably, 

means you won’t have 

money on hand to meet your 

responsibilities - including 

family bills and repaying your 

debts. Therefore, finding a 

good investment opportunity 

would be key to becoming 

successful in real estate 



investment. 

A carefully sought out investment property 

is smarter and will ensure lower recurrent 

expenses. Meaning you will spend less to gain 

much more as the value of the asset continues 

to keep an upward swing as real estate 

investments genreally do. 

3 Proven Tips for Prosperity in 

Real Estate Investment 

1. Smart Choice and Timing of 

Investment: 

For successful real estate investment, it’s very 

important to be deeply conversant with your 

local market which could be different from 

what’s going at the nation level. You have to 

be intentionally discerning while considering 

each investment opportunity, so that you 

don’t buy at a high price where a lower price 

is possible for a similar opportunity elsewhere. 

Your purchase and its success will be most 

influenced by the factors at work in your 

specific real estate market. A rule of thumb for 

success in real estate investment is to avoid 

very hot markets. Some real estate investors 

may brag about the appreciation of their 

properties or rising prices, but if you go on 

and buy at an already high price, the rate of 

returns will be lower when compared with an 

alternative location. 

Real estate markets move in cycles due to 

owners' desire for profits and every real estate 

market is at a slightly different phase of the 

price cycle. You need to find locations that 

are in the phase of expansion – where sales 

and prices are rising, affordability is good, 

construction cost is relatively low and capital 

investment is rising. 


| 55


Your focus should also be on 

the location of the property 

within the market. You should 

invest in locations which have 

high population density, are 

developing, and have all basic 

amenities. 

All great neighbourhoods have 

the following in common: 

- Low crime rate 

- Reputable schools 

- Access to parks and leisure 

destinations 

- Access to reputable medical 

care 

- Family-friendly 

- Access to public 

transportation 

- Access to shopping malls 

and restaurants 

- Good pedestrian walkway. 

All of these translate into high 

demand for residential and 

commercial housing. 

2. Buy Low: 

Real estate invesent can be 

compared to investing in a 

dividend-paying stock. The 

ROI (return on investment) 

is based on how cheap you 

bought the commodity in the 

first place. To start with, you 

need to consider expected 

return on the investment. 

A cheap, small house in an 

unsafe neighbourhood can 

be bought for little money, but 

you won’t make much money 

from it in the long run. Instead 

of focusing on buying a house, 

focus on buying land or an 

off-plan. This way, you buy 

cheap, save money and gain 

more as the years go by. 

3. Dive Into the Hidden 

Market: 

The hidden market in real 

estate refers to properties 

that are deeply discounted for 

profit at "wholesale". 

The ideal case is buying 

property from a seller at a 

"distressed" rate. This means 



that you can get it way below 

the fair or real market value. 

To achieve this, you have to 

look for buildings, residential 

or commercial, with distressed 

rates and have not been 

publicized in the market yet. 

Distressed sales are common 

place these days for various 

reasons. You could even 

make it become your core 

area of real estate investment, 

and get vendors or agents to 

source for you. 

As we make progress in 

gaining knowledge about 

real estate business and 

investment, it'll be great to 

read your feedback and 

questions. 

JOHN 

ABIODUN OLAITAN 

AUTHOR BIO 

John Abiodun Olaitan is a real 

estate consultant, realtor and 

emerging developer and CEO 

of Arklanded Properties Ltd. 

He diversified into real estate 

after decades of experience 

in the oil and gas sector. He’s 

happily married 

with children. 


| 57

THE INCUBATOR 

with Diiyi William-West 

SERIES 

Who You 

Know Isn't 

Enough! 

Some years ago, 

I worked for 

a leadership 

development 

consulting firm. 

I went there to 

get mentoring 

on-the-job because I 

wanted to gather experience 

to run my own leadership 

development consulting firm. 

With that determination, I 

put in so much effort at work 

and acquiring knowledge. 

One of my first observations 

was the sheer amount 

of typographic errors in 

the firm's operational 

documents! 

I brought years of experience 


THE INCUBATOR SERIES 

in diverse sectors, including 

book/magazine editing, to 

bear as I spent extra hours 

to rework several documents 

the firm had been using in its 

operations. They included tens 

of seminar proposals, letter 

formats, and more. It took me 

about 6 months of regular 

and unpaid overtime effort to 

get the volume of documents 

proofread and edited. In fact, 

as I worked, I shuddered at the 

confidence with which regular 

letters and proposals were 

sent out to would-be clients 

for over a decade with heavy 

typographic deficiencies! 

My colleagues and some 

regular visitors commended me 

for going the 

extra 

Here 

was a 

man who was 

"a millionaire" 

in relationships 

but was not even 

"a hundredaire" in 

harnessing those 

relationships on his 

own! 

mile 

to lift 

the quality of those materials. It 

was one of the places I realised 

that who you know isn't enough. 

Not one of the high net worth 

individuals who dealt with the 

firm called the attention of 

the CEO that something was 

seriously amiss with the firm's 

corporate documents! 

Another example is the story 

of a CEO of a company who 

was overly reluctant to apply 

relationships in his wide network 

to get contracts legitimately. 

Both his parents had been 

primary school teachers in the 

1960s before rising, through 

self development, to become 

secondary school lecturers and, 

later, high standing university 

lecturers. Both of them treated 

pupils and students as their 

own children, so you can 

imagine the wide network of 

grateful former students that 

continued to relate with the 

man's parents and looking for 

opportunities to return favours. 

Majority of them had become 

top shots in various leading 

private and public sector 

organisations. All this 

CEO needed to do 

was package 

and submit 

reasonable and 

convincing 

proposals for 

contracts 

since he was 

a contractor. 

Similarly, 

he hardly 

contacted his 

own peers. He 

was known to 

always promise 

to contact this 

person or the other 

but barely ever did. 

At first, his father was 

helping to reach out and 

the CEO's company did well. 

Some time later, the older man 

died. It marked the descent of 

his son's company into oblivion 

only a few years later. Here was 

a man who was "a millionaire" in 

relationships but was not even 

"a hundredaire" in harnessing 

those relationships on his own! 

At this point, I'll love you to, 

please, do some introspection. 

Is your academics, business, 

health or ministry suffering from 

"relationship kwashiorkor"? Ask 

yourself if your situation is due 

to people who, as we read in 

the first story, watch their family 

and friends go down by not 

pointing out what needs to be 

corrected in their lives, business 

or career. Or, is yours the case 

of being too arrogant or timid to 

ask for reasonable favours? 

I don't need to say more. Do 

I? If your introspection shows 

that you are treading the path 

of relationship kwashiorkor in 

either way, you need to pull 

away from it as a matter of 

urgency! Why? Productive 

relationships are the nutrients 

each of us needs to grow our 

efforts into good success. 

Till we meet on these pages 

again next month, let who you 

know count! 

DIIYI 

WILLIAM-WEST 


More fondly known as DDWEST, 

he has several years of media 

practice experience spanning 

magazines, newspapers, television 

and radio; laying emphasis 

on maintaining standards in 

media practice. He practised 

and lectured Public Relations for 

nearly a decade before going into 

leadership consulting and real 

estate consultancy. 


| 59

AFRICA RISING: NEWS ABOUT AFRICA 



joining Affirma to finance the 

purchase for a 36.34% share in 

CEC, which is listed on the Lusaka 

Stock Exchange. Before being 

split out as a separate company 

in 2019, Affirma was Standard 

Chartered Bank's private equity 

division. 

POLITICS 

IMF Anticipates Strong Global 

Economy by 2024 Despite 

Lower Average Growth Rates 

The global economy is expected 

to experience a "soft landing" 

in 2024, according to the 

International Monetary Fund. 

However, a representative for the 

Fund, Julie Kozack, cautioned on 

Thursday, January 11 that leaders 

have to be ready for shocks 

and difficulties down the road. 

According to projections, Africa 

will have the second-fastest rate 

of economic growth globally. 

Mozambique's Economic 

Growth Boosted with IMF Grant 

of $60.7m 

The third evaluation of 

Mozambique's three-year 

loan programme has been 

successfully completed by the 

International Monetary Fund's 

(IMF) executive board. 

According to the IMF, this change 

permits an immediate payment 

of about $60.7 million to Maputo. 

As of the latest statement 

from the IMF, the overall 

disbursements under the $456 

million Extended Credit Facility 

programme, sanctioned in 

2022, now stand at roughly $273 

million. The IMF confirmed that 

the programme had performed 

satisfactorily, noting a significant 

decline in inflationary pressures 

and a significant acceleration of 

the economic recovery. 

Zambia’s Mines Rejoice as 

Energy Supplier Secures $145m 

Investment 

Private equity firm, Affirma 

Capital, which is also Copperbelt 

Energy Corporation's largest 

stakeholder, is leading a $145 

million investment in the 

company. Copperbelt Energy 

Corporation (CEC) distributes 

electricity to mining activities 

in Zambia and the Democratic 

Republic of the Congo. 

Norfund, the Norwegian 

development finance 

organisation, along with 

Kommunal Landspensjonskasse, 

a Norwegian pension fund, are 

Lawyers Rally Against President 

Ruto’s Intimidation Tactics 

Targeting Kenyan Judges 

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is 

organising a protest in which dozens 

of legal professionals will take to 

the streets of Nairobi, the capital 

of Kenya, to voice their opposition 

to President William Ruto's threats 

to flout court rulings. The goal of 

the march, which began at the 

Supreme Court and proceeded 

to the president's office, is to voice 

concerns over the president's recent 

remarks. 

When President Ruto openly 

announced that he intended to defy 

court decisions, he came under 

heavy fire. He said that certain 

judges, who remained anonymous, 

had conspired with opposition 

leaders and "cartels" to thwart the 

initiatives of his administration. 

Former Kenyan Minister Arrested 

for Alleged Gold Smuggling in 

Uganda 

Stephen Tarus, a former Kenyan 

assistant minister for internal 

security, is being held by Ugandan 


TECHNOLOGY 

officials on suspicion of smuggling 

gold into the nation using forged 

passports. The Uganda Revenue 

Authority (URA) said that Mr. Tarus, 

who was detained on January 6, 

was taken before the Ugandan anticorruption 

court on Wednesday, 

January 10, to answer to charges of 

fabricating export documentation. 

The Ugandan government suffered 

large financial losses after some 

individuals used forged trade 

documents in the sector, according 

to the URA. 

The charges against Tarus 

specifically pertain to the fabrication 

of export documentation connected 

to 13 kilogrammes of gold valued at 

$30,000 (£24,000). The URA believes 

that the gold in question was part 

of an illegal smuggling operation 

that was meant for Dubai. Tarus has 

been placed under remand in Luzira 

Prison until January 18, pending 

more inquiries into the matter. He 

hasn't made any comments on the 

accusations yet. 

International Partnership Bolsters Damietta Port Development with 

Massive $455 Million Funding in Egypt 

The construction of a second container terminal at Egypt's Damietta 

Port is being funded by a coalition of international organisations. 

This development will triple the port's capacity and increase its 

competitiveness. Established by Eurogate, Contship Italia, Hapag Lloyd, 

MELC Group, and Ship & C.R.E.W., Damietta Alliance Container Terminals 

is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with a 30-year concession to design, 

develop, operate, and maintain the terminal. 

The financing package comprises US$60 million from the German 

development finance institution DEG, US$50 million from Proparco, US$125 

million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development 

(EBRD), US$120 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), 

and US$100 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). 

AppsFlyer Unveils Cutting-Edge AI Solution to Boost Marketing 

Strategies in Africa 

AppsFlyer, a provider of marketing measurement, attribution, and 

data analytics solutions, has announced the release of a new artificial 

intelligence (AI) tool that will give marketers unmatched insights into their 

creative assets and data-driven recommendations for optimising their 

impact. The new approach, called Creative Optimisation, helps marketers 

make the most out of their advertising budget while boosting the efficacy 

of their creative content and campaigns by identifying the patterns, 

trends, and characteristics that lead to the best possible audience 

engagement. 

With the help of the solution, stakeholders from the creative, business 

intelligence (BI), and performance marketing teams can work together to 

create a variety of asset variations, test, and validate winning variables in 

commercials, and ultimately improve performance while saving time and 

money. With the right tools, marketing teams can now combine human 

intuition with the accuracy, speed, and scalability of AI capabilities built 

right into the product to make creative decisions. 

Eleven Candidates to Run 

in Zimbabwe’s Presidential 

Elections in August 

The Electoral Commission of 

Zimbabwe declared on Thursday, 

January 11, that eleven candidates 

will contest for the presidential 

election in August. 

It would be recalled that after 

failing to fund the $20,000 required 

to run, several candidates - including 

the sole female contender, Linda 

Masarira - were declared ineligible. 

On August 23, Zimbabweans will go 

to the polls. 

Mnangagwa is running for 

reelection amid Zimbabwe's 

economic crisis. This month, the 

value of the Zimbabwean dollar 

declined by over 50% relative to the 

United States' dollar. 

DAMIAN 

IKENNA NGERE 


Ikenna is a graduate of Physics 

and Education, who works as a 

freelance writer. He has interest in 

technology, humanity and sports. 


| 61

GLOBAL NEW 

TECHNOLOGY 

By Damian Ike 

assessed by the Producer Price 

Index increased by 1% yearly in 

December, up slightly from the 

revised 0.8% reading in November. 

The core PPI was flat for the 

month when the volatile food and 

energy categories were removed, 

resulting in a 1.8% annual gain 

instead of a 2% increase. 

KIA Enters the Electric Van Race to Revolutionise 

the Automaker Industry 

Kia, the newest automaker 

to join the very competitive 

electric van industry, made its 

debut on Tuesday, January 

9 at the 2024 Consumer 

Electronics Show with a 

range of highly configurable 

ideas. As Americans have 

grown accustomed to having 

more items delivered and 

automakers and their corporate 

fleet clients are searching for 

ways to cut emissions, the 

market for electric vans has 

expanded significantly. 


US Wholesale Inflation 

Wraps up 2023 With 1% 

Annual Rate in December 

Due to weekly gains of the euro 

anThe United States begins 

2024 with supply-side price 

pressures under check. For the 

third straight month, US producer 

prices declined in December, 

pushing a carefully monitored 

inflation indicator closer to prepandemic 

levels. According to 

figures provided by the Bureau 

of Labour Statistics on Friday, 

January 12, wholesale inflation as 

Amazon, the company's 

largest backer, is already a 

customer of Rivian, which 

has revealed it is also selling 

the electric delivery vehicles 

to other companies. Ford is 

the seller of the E-Transit, 

and General Motors sells its 

own electric delivery vans 

through a subsidiary called 

Brightdrop. The parent firm 

of Ram trucks, Stellantis, will 

shortly start offering electric 

Ram Promaster EV vans for 

sale. 

Unprecedented Job 

Cuts at Google as 

Assistant, Hardware, and 

Engineering Divisions 

Take a Hit 

Financial giants - Wells Fargo, 

Bank of America, and Citigroup 

revealed in their fourth-quarter 

reports on Friday, January 12, that 

they cut their work forces by a total 

17,700 last year. Banks terminated 

staff members or ceased hiring 

new ones last year as deal making 

dried up and borrower demand 

decreased. 

The biggest lender in the 

country, JPMorgan Chase, defied 

the trend by adding staff for 

a third year in a row. This year 

may continue to be difficult for 

the sector as banks may reduce 

lending due to the decline in 

commercial real estate and the 

more stringent projected capital 

regulations. 

Major US Banks Witness 

Mass Layoffs, Marking a 

Chaotic Year 

Financial giants - Wells Fargo, 

Bank of America, and Citigroup 

revealed in their fourth-quarter 


S ROUND UP 

nna Ngere 

ENTREPRENEUR 

reports on Friday, January 12, that 

they cut their work forces by a total 

17,700 last year. Banks terminated 

staff members or ceased hiring 

new ones last year as deal making 

dried up and borrower demand 

decreased. The biggest lender 

in the country, JPMorgan Chase, 

defied the trend by adding staff for 

a third year in a row. 

This year may continue to be 

difficult for the sector as banks 

may reduce lending due to the 

decline in commercial real estate 

and the more stringent projected 

capital regulations. 

POLITICS 

40 Russian Missiles 

Rain Down on Ukraine 

in Overnight Attack – 

Ukraine Air Force 

In the early hours of Saturday, 

January 13, Ukraine was 

subjected to a significant Russian 

missile bombardment, albeit a 

significantly less percentage of 

the missiles were shot down by 

Ukraine's air defences than usual. 

The Airforce of Ukraine reports 

that Russia launched three drones 

and 37 missiles. It claimed to 

have downed eight missiles in a 

social media announcement. A 

spokesman for the air force stated 

that Ukraine was now experiencing 

a shortage of air defence 

weapons. Whether this or any 

other issue was the cause of the 

poor hit rate was not immediately 

apparent. 

.Taiwanese Presidentelect 

Faces China's 

Disapproval Head-On 

When he takes office in May, 

Taiwan's incoming presidentelect, 

Lai Ching-te, will probably 

have his hardest assignment yet 

because of China's ire, which has 

consistently branded him as a 

dangerous separatist. 

Throughout the campaign, Lai, 

who won on Saturday, January 13, 

repeatedly stated that he wanted 

to maintain the status quo with 

China, which claims Taiwan as its 

own, and he promised to speak 

with Beijing. 

Israel’s Gaza Offensive 

Reaches its Pivotal 100th 

Days of War 

As the conflict nears its 100th 

day with no end in sight, Israel 

continued to attack the Gaza 

Strip on Saturday, January 13, 

and promised to carry out its 

offensive to eliminate the Islamist 

movement, Hamas. A dispute 

Israel is currently defending at 

the International Court of Justice 

in The Hague on allegations that 

the campaign in Gaza amounts 

to genocide will not dissuade 

it, according to Prime Minister 

Benjamin Netanyahu. Over 20,000 

Palestinians have lost their lives 

in the conflict, more than three 

months after Hamas' attack on 

Israel on October 7, 202ok3. 

The majority of Gaza's 2.3 

million residents are trapped in a 

small area at the southern edge 

of the territory, while much of Gaza 

has been reduced to rubble. 

X Plunges by 71% Since 

Elon Musk’s Acquisition 

– Fidelity estimates 

Elon Musk's acquisition of X 

(formerly Twitter) in late 2022 

has resulted in a remarkable 71% 

drop in the company's worth. 

Fidelity, a prominent investment 

group, conducted an analysis on 

Monday, January 1, 2024, marking 

the second decline in X's value 

within that year, as reported 

by Axios. Musk paid $44 billion 

to purchase the social media 

behemoth at first. 

A $33.5 billion equity 

investment from Fidelity was 

crucial to Musk's takeover of 

Twitter; debt financing was 

used to raise the remaining 

funds. After the agreement was 

completed in October 2022, 

Twitter became a privately held 

business. 

DAMIAN 

IKENNA NGERE 


Ikenna is a graduate of 

Physics and Education, 

who works as a 

freelance writer. He has 

interest in technology, 

humanity and sports. 


| 63

Ai TODAY & TOMORROW 

ADDRESSING 

CONCERNS 

AND 

LEARNING 

FROM 

FAILURES 

IN AI 

By Adebayo Afolabi 

Occasionally, we come across headlines 

discussing the failures of AI or technology, 

sparking concerns about the future of this 

evolving technology. These instances make 

us pause and reflect on the challenges that 

arise as people increasingly integrate artificial 

intelligence into various aspects of their lives. 

Undoubtedly, it is widely acknowledged that artificial intelligence 

(AI) comes with its fair share of challenges and setbacks. While the 

advantages of AI are transformative, it is necessary to address the 

existing concerns within this rapidly advancing field. 

In a concerning incident late last month, a Tesla robot reportedly 

attacked an engineer at the company's Texas factory during a 

violent malfunction. The episode left a "trail of blood," prompting 

workers to urgently press the emergency shutdown button. 

This unfortunate event highlights the risks associated with the 

integration of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) 


Ai TODAY & TOMORROW 

There is also a growing concern 

regarding the storage of facial 

recognition data, as these 

databases have the potential to 

be breached. Hackers have, in 

the past, successfully broken into 

databases that store facial scans 

collected and used by various 

institutions such as banks and 

police departments. The security 

of these databases becomes an 

issue, as unauthorised access to 

facial recognition data can pose 

risks to peoples' privacy. 

•Tesla robots 

and robotics in industrial settings. 

As these advanced technologies 

increasingly make their way into 

manufacturing facilities, the need 

for careful consideration of safety 

measures becomes apparent. 

More and more, chatbots giving 

medical advice are becoming 

common, but this presents a 

big challenge: AI should never 

replace your doctor's advice. 

While chatbots can provide 

information, they lack the nuanced 

understanding and personalised 

assessment that a doctor provides. 

Relying solely on AI for medical 

advice can be risky, as it might 

not take into account health 

histories, specific symptoms, or 

the unique context of each case. 

Human doctors have the ability 

to consider factors, including 

patient history, lifestyle, and other 

subtle nuances that contribute to 

accurate diagnosis. The challenge 

lies in striking a balance, leveraging 

AI for its efficiency while always 

prioritising the expertise of medical 

professionals. 

The rise of generative AI also 

introduces a significant challenge: 

the technology makes things up, 

and people share these creations, 

contributing to the spread of 

misinformation. Generative AI, 

which is capable of producing 

content, texts, or even images, can 

sometimes generate information 

that is not accurate or based on 

real facts. When people share 

these AI-generated outputs 

The rise of 

generative AI 

also introduces 

a significant 

challenge: the 

technology makes 

things up, and 

people share 

these creations, 

contributing to 

the spread of 

misinformation. 

without proper scrutiny, it can lead 

to the dissemination of misleading 

or false information. This challenge 

highlights the importance of factchecking 

in the digital age. 

Another notable challenge 

encountered in the realm of 

artificial intelligence is the reported 

instances of facial recognition 

technology failing. Instances 

have been documented where 

facial recognition systems either 

inaccurately identify individuals or 

fail to recognise them altogether. 

This is a concern as these systems 

are integrated into various aspects 

of daily life, such as security 

systems, authentication processes, 

and public spaces. 

AI-powered self-driving cars have 

also faced challenges, especially 

shown by their involvement in 

accidents. Many drivers shared 

instances where the car failed to 

recognise stoplights, leading to 

collisions with vehicles in front of 

them. The development has shown 

that it is hard to create effective 

AI systems that can handle the 

complicated and unpredictable 

situations of real-world driving. 

As AI becomes more widely 

accepted across different 

industries, it is important to address 

concerns and learn from failures. 

Embracing this technology brings 

great possibilities, but it also 

comes with the likelihood of more 

challenges. By acknowledging 

the issues that arise, we can work 

towards improving AI systems and 

promoting their responsible use. 



I am a passionate business writer 

with a knack for translating 

complex concepts into accessible 

content. With a keen eye for 

detail, I deliver compelling 

content that educates, inspires, 

and drives positive change in the 

realm of finance and business. 


| 65

LIFESTYLE 


ARTS & THE MASTERS 

• Philadelphia 

Museum of Art 

Appoints Eleanor 

Nairne as Head 

of Modern and 

Contemporary Art 

Department 

Eleanor Nairne has taken over 

as the head of the Modern and 

Contemporary Art Department 

at the Philadelphia Museum of Art 

(PMA), replacing Carlos Basualdo, 

who was appointed chief curator and 

deputy director in December 2023. 

She resumed her new position late in 

January. 

• Eleanor Nairne 

Nairne joins the PMA after serving as 

senior curator at London's Barbican 

Art Gallery, which presents both 

performing arts and art exhibitions, 

for nearly nine years. She oversaw 

well-received exhibitions during her 

time there, including a survey of Alice 

Neel in 2023 and a retrospective 

of Lee Krasner in 2019, as well as 

individual shows including artists like 

Jean-Michel Basquiat and Soheila 

Sokhanvari. 


LIFESTYLE 

• Nigerian Art Phenomenon, Chancellor 

Ahaghotu, Shatters Guinness World 

Painting Record 

• Chancellor 

Ahaghotu 

After painting for 100 straight hours, 

Chancellor Ahaghotu, a Nigerian 

art student, shattered the record 

held for the longest painting marathon 

for ten years. Guinness World Records 

revealed Ahaghotu’s accomplishment 

on its website and social media 

accounts on Wednesday, January 3. 

Roland Palmaerts (Belgium/Canada) 

set the previous record of 60 hours, 

which was greatly surpassed by the 

sophomore at Savannah College of Art & 

Design in Atlanta, Georgia, USA in 2013. 

DAMIAN 

IKENNA NGERE 


Ikenna is a graduate of Physics and Education, 

who works as a freelance writer. He has interest 

in technology, humanity and sports. 


| 67

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 

• Jute 

HEALING POWERS 

OF CORCHORUS 

OLITORIUS 

(EWEDU, JUTE LEAF) 

By Dr Joel Logbo 

Corchorus olitorious is an annual much-branched 

herb belonging to the malvaceae family. It grows 

in grassland and fallow or abandoned fields. 

Popularly called jute leaves, it is commonly known as 

"ewedu" among Yorubas, "lalo" among Hausas and 

"kerenkeren" among Igbos in Nigeria. It has been scientifically 

proven to be quite nutritious for humans and animals. 

Ewedu has been part of the south westerners’ 

diet for so many decades. In Nigerian 

cuisine, especially amongst the Yorubas, it 

is commonly used in making stew for eating 

starch-based foods such as amala. Ewedu 

could also be blended with gbegiri, an Nigeria 

soup. In Northern Nigeria, the leaf is known as 

lalo or ayoyo. It is used to make a sauce called 

miyan ayoyo which is commonly served with 

tuwon masara or tuwon allebo. 

It is known that some people do 

not like to eat okra. This could be 

due to its spiritual effects. The jute 

leaf is a great substitute for okra. 

The following are the 

nutritional and health 

benefits of ewedu or 

jute leaf, beyond its 

delicacy: 

Presence of Essential Nutrients: 

It contains nutrients such as 

Vitamin A, C and E which reduce 

Illness in the human body. With 

these vitamins, it prevents the 

body from degenerating diseases. 

It also contains potassium, which 

is quite beneficial to people 

managing high blood pressure 

and other cardiovascular 

diseases. 

It Makes Skin Glow: 

The presence of essential vitamins 


ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 

in the jute leaf increases the 

production of collagen which 

keeps the skin firm and beautiful. 

So you can grind the leaves and 

mix with black soap and enjoy its 

skin glowing benefits. 

You can also crush the fresh 

leaves and mix the paste with 

sugar and Epson Salt as skin 

scrub. 

Hair and Dandruff Cure: 

You can have long and glowing 

hair if you, at least, twice weekly, 

use fresh jute leaves juice to wash 

your hair overnight. Rinse off with 

clean water - next morning. This 

simple procedure can also help 

eliminate dandruff. 

Boost Immune System: 

Ewedu leaves are also known for 

boosting immunity and nourishing 

the body system. 

Boil fresh ewedu leaves without 

crushing them; like you do 

when you want to cook them 

for consumption. Just boil for 10 

minutes and drink a half cup early 

mornings. This can even prevent 

endemic and pandemic infectious 

diseases. 

You can also dry them and 

grind to fine powder. Then, mix 

a teaspoon of it with pure honey 

and lick to boost your immune 

system. 

For Inflammatory Issues: 

Jute is often used for antiinflammatory 

treatment. Some 

people believe that it cures 

chronic inflammation of the 

urinary bladder. 

Take as tea for this purpose. 

Improves Sight: 

The beta-carotene in jute leaves 

helps to improve sight. 

Squeeze fresh jute leaves into 

clean water. Pour the juice into a 

bowl and open your eyes inside 

the bowl for a minute or two. Do 

this 6 times daily. 

Prepare a fresh one the following 

day. 

Rich in Calcium: 

Ewedu leaves contain a high 

amount of calcium which 

contributes to making teeth and 

bones stronger. 

If you have calcium deficiency, 

prepare it with snail and enjoy 

the calcium benefits. This is one 

reason it is often recommended 

for pregnant women among 

Yorubas. 

An Anti-oxidant: 

If you are concerned about 

wrinkles, ewedu is here to the 

rescue with its anti-oxidant 

substances. 

All plants contains anti-oxidants 

because they use the nutrients to 

protect themselves. 

Rich in Fibre: 

Being rich in fibre, continuous 

consumption of this slimy 

vegetable (like okra and aloe 

vera) helps to regulate blood 

pressure, cholesterol build-up, 

and diabetes. It lowers the risk 

of asthma and cancer. It also 

prevents heart disease and can 

help with constipation. 

Contains Oxytocin for Easy 

Child Delivery: 

Ewedu is commonly used by 

Yorubas for pregnant women. 

They eat it with to eat snails, 

especially during third trimester 

of pregnancy. Once a pregnant 

woman's EDD remains two weeks, 

they prepare ewedu as a regular 

delicacy. 

It, generally, boosts fertility in both 

men and women as it supports 

production of sperm and boosts 

ovulation. 

Treatment of Ulcer and 

Internal Bleeding: 

Ewedu seed is a powerful wound 

healer. You can spread powder 

from the seed directly on wounds. 

Mix the seed with honey or palm 

kernel oil for stomach ulcer. Take 

two tablespoons, twice a day. 

For internal bleeding, drink fresh 

juice of jute leaves about twice to 

three times a day. Take jute leaves 

juice for diarrhea and dysentery 

conditions respectively. 

Jute is a powerful vegetable that 

can be used as medicine, food 

and for positive energy. 

For further information, contact 

us via our website www. 

mahchealthcare.com. 

Dr. Joel Logbo 07030420960. 

JOEL 

N. LOGBO 


Dr. Joel N. Logbo is a patientcentred 

Natural Medicine 

doctor with 12 solid years of 

industry experience in Lagos, 

Nigeria and Wales, Scotland. 

He is currently seeking more 

international collaborations 

to provide holistic, noninvasive 

medical care for 

patients and the public on 

health promotion. 

His unique approach 

that has led to admirable 

achievements include 

meeting with patients to 

assess their health and 

wellness, learn their health 

goals and create treatment 

plans. He also collaborates 

with various teams of 

medical professionals 

to provide first-line and 

supplemental medical 

treatments through a holistic, 

natural approach.He loves 

traveling, adventures, 

cooking and driving. 


| 69

LIFESTYLE 

10 

HEALTHY 

BREAKFAST 

IDEAS By Simnom Joshua 

many experts believe that breakfast is the 

most important meal of the day as it has 

many health benefits. While having breakfast 

replenishes our energy and neutralises our 

body system, it also provides other essential benefits 

needed for good health. 

If you are tired of giving or making the same breakfast for 

your family and yearn for a change, then these nutrientpacked 

breakfast ideas will help you to start eating 

healthy this new year. 

1. Bread Sandwich 

with Beverage: Tea 

and bread is a popular 

breakfast in Nigerian 

home. You can make 

it tastier by using 

Sandwiches and tea 

instead of the normal 

tea and bread. 

Sandwich is very 

delicious and easy 

to make. With just 

few ingredients and 

minimum time spent, 

you are on a cruise to 

a great breakfast. 

2. Smoothie: 

Smoothies are always 

healthy to take. All 

you need is the right 

combination and 

reasonable portions 

of fruits and veggies. 

Incorporating a 

smoothie in your 

breakfast will help to 

boost your fruits and 

vegetables intake 

and also provides you 

with the necessary 

vitamins. 


LIFESTYLE 

3. Oatmeal: Oats are a whole grain 

meal and is among healthiest meals. 

Oatmeal meal can be eaten on its own or 

combined with fruits and dairy products. 

4. Omellete: Omellete is a delicious and easyto-make 

dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast. 

Here’s a guide to making a healthy and delicious 

omellete. 

How to Make Omelette 

Ingredients: 

- 4 eggs (or more, depending on the number of 

people) 

- Onion, chopped 

- Green pepper, chopped 

- Vegetables (tomatoes,green pepper etc.) 

- Salt to taste. 

Preparation: 

- Beat your eggs until it is well mixed 

- Mix the chopped onion, tomato, and green 

pepper or any other vegetables of your choice 

with the eggs. 

- Add salt and mix well in a frying pan 

- Heat a small amount of vegetable oil over 

medium heat in your frying pan. (You may use 

butter or margarine) 

- Pour the egg mixture into the frying pan and 

cook until bottom is brown 

- Use a spatula to flip the omelette and cook until 

it turns brown 

- Serve with custard or hot beverage. (You may 

add milk) 

5. Plantain and Egg Frittata: Plantain 

and egg frittata is perfect and healthy for 

breakfast. Another thing to note is that the 

combo is filling as it'll hold you up for a long 

time before the next meal comes. Plantain 

and egg frittata is made with vegetables. 

You can also add your choice of meat or 

any other protein. It is easy to make, not 

expensive and can be served with hot/cold 

beverage. 

How to Make Plantain and Egg Frittata 

• Peel and slice the plantain into thin rounds 

• Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium 

heat 

•Add the sliced onions and bell pepper to the 

frying pan until they are softened 

• Add the sliced plantain to the frying pan 

and cook until the are lightly browned on 

both sides 

• Beat the eggs and seasoned with salt and 

pepper in a separate bowl 

• Pour beaten egg over the plantain and 

vegetables in the frying pan 

• Cover the pan with a lid and allow it to cook 

on medium heat 

• Remove from heat, cool, slice and serve 

with and beverage of your choice. 


| 71

LIFESTYLE 

6. Pasta- You can never go wrong with pasta for 

breakfast, whether spaghetti or macaroni. Cook 

it your best way incorporating all your vegetables 

and protein of choice. 

7. Bean-cake (akara) and Custard: Bean-cake 

and custard is a nutritious meal for high net worth 

families. The combo is quite jealthy and easy to 

make. Remember that bean-cake is made from 

beans paste and spices while custard is product of 

maize and other ingredients, including vitamins. It is 

ideal for breakfast. 

9. Toasted Bread and coffee- 

Toasted bread is very delicious 

especially when eaten with coffee or 

any beverages. 

8. Fruit Salad- Fruit salad is super-rich breakfast 

option. It boasts the immune system, promotes 

digestion, and provides essential vitamins and 

minerals and that’s what you need to begin your 

day. Breakfast doesn’t have to be cooked, it can be 

raw and fresh. 

10. Pancakes 

Pancakes are 

easy to make 

recipe and 

very good idea 

for breakfast. 

You need just 

a few simple 

ingredients 

to enjoy this 

delightful taste. 

Pancakes can be made plainly or with the 

incorporation of fruits like banana, strawberry, 

and any other fruits of your choice and can be 

eaten with pap, custard, and hot beverage. 

SIMNOM JOSHUA 


Simnom Josephine Joshua began her journey as a chef 

with just loving to cook. She loves creating new recipes 

and gets satisfaction from making great meals. Though 

she has years of experience in broadcasting 

and marketing, both fields of endeavour 

don't give her the happiness she feels when 

people around her enjoy her dishes. 

72 | 

Accomplish Magazine

Travel / Escape 

THE 

FRENCH 

RIVIERA 

Cote d'Azur" 

By Joy Agbakoba 

the beautiful coastline 

in the south of France, 

along the Mediterranean 

Sea, is the French 

Riviera. It is known for 

its beaches, views, 

picture-perfect water, beautiful 

landscapes, yachts and as a 

playground for the wealthy. It 

also has charming towns and 

villages (and Monaco, which is 

an independent state) and a 

highly regarded art and culture 

scene. 

The French Riviera also 

known as "Cote d'Azur", a name 

given by Stephen Liegeard. 

74 | Accomplish Magazine 

He called it this because of 

the azure blue colour of the 

Mediterranean. It covers about 

550 miles with a total population 

of more than two million. It is 

made up of the seaside resorts 

of Cap-d'Ail, Beaulieu sur-Mer, 

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, 

Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes, 

Juan-les-Pins, Cannes, Saint- 

Raphael, Frejus, Sainte Maxime 

and Saint-Tropez. 

7 Key Facts about the French 

Riviera 

1. It's largest city is Nice and home 

to France's third busiest airport 

(Nice Cote d'Azur Airport, after 

Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport 

and Paris-Orly). 

2. The Nice Carnival is considered 

one of the world's major festivities. 

It dates back to 1294, making it the 

oldest and, perhaps, the original 

carnival celebration. These days, 

the two-week event attracts over 

a million visitors to Nice every year. 

3. Monaco - the second smallest 

country in the world (the first is 

Vatican in Rome, Italy). It is a taxhaven, 

as residents do not pay 

any income tax, and is one of the 

most densely populated states in 

the world. 

Monaco is ruled by the Grimaldi 

family and home to world famous 

casinos (although citizens of 

Monaco are not allowed to

gamble or go inside a casino)! 

Monaco also hosts the yearly 

Monaco Grand Prix. 

4. Grasse, a short drive from 

Cannes, has been the capital of 

the perfume industry since the 

Renaissance period. About three 

quarters of the world's essences 

are produced from gardens in 

Grasse, comprised of daffodils, 

lavender, jasmine and more. 

5. Cannes is famous for the 

Cannes Film Festival, which is 

one of the most prestigious and 

oldest film festivals in the world. 

This glamorous event is usually 

Travel / Escape 

held in May and showcases many 

international films and screen 

plays - not to mention fashion! 

6. The French Riviera is the home 

of the world's most expensive 

villa and penthouse. The Villa 

Leopolda in Villefranche is valued 

at $750m, and the top floor suite in 

the new Odeon Tower in Monaco 

is estimated at $400m. 

The region is also the home of 

many of the world's biggest stars. 

Our personal favourite is the 

incredible mansion owned by 

Elton John, next to a castle in Nice 

with stunning panoramic views on 

both sides. 

7. The French Riviera produces 

over 75% of the world's luxury 

perfume from flowers cultivated 

and harvested around Grasse. 

It's also the chosen location for 

parties for fashion giants like 

Christian Dior, Chanel, Estee 

Lauder and Bulgari. 

What are you waiting for? If you 

don't already have The French 

Riviera on your bucket list, best to 

add it now. 

Life is waiting to be discovered. 

JOY AGBAKOBA 


Joy Agbakoba is the Chief 

Executive Officer of Travellers 

Haven Limited and has built 

its solid reputation since 2003, 

providing travel consultancy 

services as well as organising 

cruises and private tours. She 

is also the Founder of Women’s 

Business Arena, a market 

place for creative female 

entrepreneurs. 


| 75


Innoson Vehicle 

Manufacturing 

Company 

Limited (IVM) is 

an indigenous, 

privately-owned 

Nigerian group 

of companies 

committed 

to driving the 

Nigerian economy 

forward through 

industrialisation. 

INNOSON 

MOTORS: 

TAKING 

GIANT 

STRIDES 

By Diiyi William-West 

CHIEF INNOCENT IFEDIASO 

CHUKWUMA, CON 



Our Brand 

We are the first made-in- 

Africa automobile brand. 

Our Purpose 

To eradicate “tokunbo” 

(foreign used) automobiles 

from Africa. 

Our Vision 

To become the pride of 

African roads; that is, Africa’s 

most preferred automobile 

brand. 

Our Values 

Cost – always reduce costs 

to increase sales. 

Honesty – honesty is the 

best policy. 

Innovation – to be ahead, 

always break new grounds. 

People – any work that a 

person can do well should 

be given to a human being, 

not a machine. 

Our Quality Policy 

Innoson Vehicle 

Manufacturing Company 

Limited is committed to 

manufacturing and sale of 

quality vehicles that meet 

our customers’ requirements 

or exceed their expectations 

and all applicable statutory 

and quality requirements. 


| 77


Our Mission 

To make durable and 

affordable brand new 

automobiles for Africans. 

Our Values 

Cost – always reduce costs 

to increase sales. 

Honesty – honesty is the 

best policy. 

Innovation – to be ahead, 

always break new grounds. 

People – any work that a 

person can do well should 

be given to a human being, 

not a machine. 

We are totally committed to continual improvement of our quality 

management system. 

This quality policy is communicated, understood, implemented, 

and maintained at all levels in our organisation. 

Why Buy Innoson Vehicles? 

Rugged Performance: 

Innoson motors are automobiles made for African roads. They are 

rugged by nature. 

Fuel Economy: 

The fuel consumed is nothing compared to the distance you cover 

while driving an Innoson automobile. 

Low Chances of Overheating: 

Our vehicles are specially manufactured to reduce chances of 

overheating despite the hot African weather. 

Reinforced Shock Absorbers: 

Our vehicles are specially engineered with reinforced shock 

absorbers to withstand the myriad potholes on African roads. 

Available Spare-parts: 

Our vehicle parts are available nationwide through our 

network of sub-dealers. 



quite reasonable to state that we 

are not second-class people that 

should only drive second-hand 

vehicles! The pursuit of this goal 

is Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing 

Company Limited's mission; to 

change that narrative just as we 

did for motorcycles in the past! 

Auto Finance: 

We’ve partnered with some 

Nigerian banks to ensure that you 

have access to car loans to buy 

our vehicles. 

OUR STORY 

We’ve done it before for 

motorcycles; we are doing it 

again for automobiles! 

In the Beginning… 

Precisely in 1978, a commercial 

town situated in the eastern part 

of Nigeria, called Nnewi, was 

the central hub for motorcycle 

importation. As it is today for 

tokunbo (foreign used) cars, 

so it was then for tokunbo 

motorcycles. 

By 1987, a brand new motorcycle 

was sold for N150,000 and a 

tokunbo alternative was sold for 

N90,000 – N100,000. Things would 

have continued this way to this 

day, but for the intervention of 

a 25-year old Nigerian, named 

Innocent Chukwuma, the founder 

of Innoson Motors (IVM). 

Driven by his passion for people 

and his core business philosophy 

of bringing down costs and 

passing the gain to customers, 

he pioneered the first made-in- 

Nigeria motorcycle brand that 

sold for as low as N60,000. By 

year 2002, he had successfully 

driven out tokunbo (foreign 

used) motorcycles out of Nigeria 

forever! 

The Present… 

Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing 

Company Limited (IVM) 

is manufacturing durable 

and affordable brand new 

automobiles for Africans. Our 

brand new automobiles are 

selling for almost the cost of 

their tokunbo equivalents. And 

they are as good as any foreign 

automobile brand you know. 

The statistics are alarming, 

according to a recent research 

by PricewatershouseCoopers 

(PwC); the ratio of brand new 

automobiles to foreign used 

ones on Nigerian roads is 1:131! 

Meaning that for every brand 

new car bought in Nigeria, there 

are 131 tokunbo ones! 

Nigerians Deserve to Own Brand 

New Vehicles at Affordable Prices 

Nigeria is among the biggest 

consumers of automobiles in 

the world without manufacturing 

its own cars. Africa has literally 

become a dumping ground for 

foreign, used automobiles. It is 

We are not just another madein-Nigeria 

automobile brand; 

we are the first made-in-Africa 

automobile brand. Eight years 

after we launched production 

and 10,000 automobiles after, 

we are still committed to our 

purpose of eradicating “tokunbo” 

(foreign used) automobiles from 

Africa. 

Africans deserve better, and 

it’s not up to the foreigners to 

change the narrative; it’s up to 

us. When we patronise made-in- 

Nigeria vehicles, all the money 

being wasted on importation 

of vehicles, would remain in 

the country. We will have more 

money in our hands to develop 

our country. 

DIIYI 

WILLIAM-WEST 


More fondly known as DDWEST, 

he has several years of media 

practice experience spanning 

magazines, newspapers, 

television and radio; laying 

emphasis on maintaining 

standards in media practice. He 

practised and lectured Public 

Relations for nearly a decade 

before going into leadership 

consulting and real estate 

consultancy. 


| 79

The Accomplish Magazine February Edition

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