Accomplish Magazine February 2025

M A G A Z I N E

FEBRUARY 2025

CEO INTERVIEW

Bishop Dr.

Segun Johnson:

A Credible

Voice in Faith,

Leadership and

Governance

3 Tips

For A Budget-

Friendly

Valentine’s

Day Shopping

Trump's

Inauguration:

ACCOMPLISH

Chairman

Receives High

Level, Firsthand

Account Of Events

In Washington DC.

Burna Boy:

AN AFRICAN

PHENOMENON

Contents

Team

February 2025

EDITOR

DIIYI WILLIAM-WEST

DEPUTY EDITOR

HARRY CHOMS

SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS

IKENNA NGERE

SEGUN ADEYANJU

CORRESPONDENT

TOLULOPE AKINRULI

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLER

MONICA EFEOTOR

WEB ADMINISTRATOR

ABDULLAHI MURTALA

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

VICTOR OLEWUNNE

MARKETING DIRECTOR

DAVE BARO-THOMAS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CHARLES KAMMA

PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF

REMI DIAGBARE

CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OSITA ANIEMEKA

EDITORIAL BOARD:

DR. OSITA ANIEMEKA

CHIEF VICTOR OLENWUNNE

OTUNBA MOBOLAJI FALASE

DAVID BARO-THOMAS

REMI DIAGBARE

DIIYI WILLIAM-WEST

DR. HARRY CHOMS

For advert enquiries, please contact

Marketing Director, Dave Baro-Thomas,

Remmy +44 7424 594773

or email, accomplishentrepreneurng.com

To reach the Editor,

send your email to:

editor@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.

12

COVER

14 Burna Boy - AN AFRICAN

PHENOMENON

SPECIAL DAY

4 Valentine Day Quotes

6 3 Tips For A Budget-Friendly

Valentine’s Day Shopping

NIGERIA: BITS & BOBS

8 China Development Bank

Injects $255m Into Nigeria's

Kano-Kaduna Railway Project

& Other Stories

SPECIAL DAY

10 International Mother

Language Day

START UP ANGEL

22 Startup Trends Shaping

Tomorrow

DIASPORA AFRICAN

24 Chinelo Okafor Animalu:

06

8

Professor of Medicine and

Infectious Disease Specialist

FEATURE/ANALYSIS

26 Infrastructure Development:

The Nigerian Quagmire

28 Ethics, Language and Selffulfilling

Prophesy

30 Trump's Inauguration:

ACCOMPLISH Chairman

Receives High Level, Firsthand

Account Of Events In

Washington DC.

34 Internal Security: Why Nigeria is

Getting it wrong

GLOBAL INFO DIGEST

36 The Inspiring, Frugal Lifestyle of

Late President Jimmy Carter &

other stories

CEO INTERVIEW

40 Bishop Dr. Segun Johnson:

A Credible Voice in Faith,

Leadership and Governance

GRAND DESIGN

46 Crossway: A Pioneering Eco-

Friendly Family Home & Other

Stories

INCUBATOR SERIES

48 Get Ahead with Eye Contact

AI TODAY & TOMORROW

50 Generative AI and Local

Content Development:

Opportunities and Challenge

for Nigeria

AFRICA RISING NEWS....

52 Ghana Approves Provisional

From The Editor

Budget Ahead of Leadership

Transition & other stories...

GLOBAL NEWS...

54 Apple Reaffirms Siri Privacy

Policy Following $95 Million

Class Action Settlement &

other stories...

LIFESTYLE

56 ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE -

I Love Tapioca, Do You?

CORPORATE SUITE

58 Nigeria's Economy & The

Prohibitive Cost of Doing

Business

46

54

Globally, we witnessed a mix of

uncommon activities, leading into

February 2025. Chief of them was the

inauguration of Donald John Trump

as the 47th president of the United

States. ACCOMPLISH Magazine got two

feet in with Dr. Shamir Andrew Ally, a

former Guyana ambassador to Kuwait,

a United States Republican Party Inner

Circle Member with Presidential Medal,

former Alternate Bank Governor,

Islamic Development Bank and more,

sending our Chairman, Dr. Osita

Aniemeka, firsthand reports straight

from the inauguration.

Our cover page personality is the

globally celebrated Grammy Award

winner, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu,

more popularly identified as Burna

Boy. He is the first entertainment

personality to grace the cover of

ACCOMPLISH Magazine! He's loved for

lyrics that highlight the struggles of

youth to make headway despite all

odds, and his globally acknowledged

showmanship and stage

presence.

Our CEO Interview has

Bishop Segun Johnson,

an author and multifaceted leader

whose journey spans academia,

ministry, and media. He discussed

the critical intersection of faith and

governance in his life and emphasises

the importance of integrity and vision

in leadership.

For "Diaspora African", we bring

you Prof. Chinelo Okafor Animalu,

a distinguished board-certified

infectious disease and HIV specialist

and a professor at the University of

Tennessee Health Science Centre's

(UTHSC) College of Medicine, Division

of Infectious Diseases, United States of

America.

Of course, it's February and as some

people would say: "Love is in the air!"

We present two must-read pieces on

Valentine's Day. Please, turn the pages

to find them.

Our regulars are in too as we continue

to build on the ACCOMPLISH Magazine

standard. Happy reading!

Disclaimer

56

• 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.

DIIYI WILLIAM-WEST

Editor

: editor@theaccomplishmagazine.com

FOLLOW US @ ENTREPRENEUR NG

SPECIAL DAY!

25

Valentine's

Quotes

You Can

Happy Valentine’s Day! My favou rite place

in the world is next to you.

You are the song that my heart loves to sing.

Take my hand, take my whole life too,

but I can't help falling in love with you.

I love you, not just because of who you are, but

for who I have become when I am with you.

Life is better when I have you by my side.

It’s been a journey … one I’d do all over again.

You're my Wonder Woman/Superman.

Every scar. Every flaw. Every imperfection. I love you.

Every love song is about you. Happy Valentine's Day!

I love that we've never lost the magic that makes us us.

You're in all of my best memories.

I fell in love with you because of all the small

things you don’t even realize you’re doing.

Thank you for making me laugh and smile every

single day since the day we met.

4 |

www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

You give my heart peace. I love you so much.

SPECIAL DAY!

Day

...

Use

You’re my happily ever after.

At the heart of it all, we’re friends. I

love that, and I love you.

You may hold my hand for a while,

but you hold my heart forever.

Thank you for being mine.

The best things in life are better with you.

I never believed in luck until I found you.

Whenever I'm with you, wherever we are, I'm home.

Every love story is beautiful but ours is my favorite.

You’re the one. I’ve never been so sure of anything in my whole life.

Like you and me, some things are just meant to be.

All that you are is all

that I’ll ever need.

Editor's Note: Culled

from Andra Chantim

and Lizz Schumer's '80

Best Valentine's Day

Wishes to Write in All

Your Cards' which was

published on https://www.

goodhousekeeping.com.


| 5

SPECIAL DAY!

3 TIPS

For A Budget-Friendly

Valentine’s Day

Shopping

By Chinedu Ugo

February 14 of every year is abuzz with

celebration as people mark Valentine’s

Day. The annual celebration of

Valentine’s Day, which emanated from

a priest named Valentine, who became a

martyr, has transcended into the celebration

of romance and love by lovers, families, or

friends.

Gifting has emerged as one of the most

popular ways of celebrating Valentine’s Day,

especially among lovers. For some, sending

lovely roses or flowers or cards is easily the

best gifting idea for Valentine’s Day, but others

go out of their way to buy very expensive gift

items to prove their love for partners.

The current harsh economic realities mean it

is expected that gifting might cut drastically

on February 14, this year, but there is always

an escape route to ensure you keep the annual

tradition of giving out items on Valentine’s Day

to your partner or family members.

1

Buy Ahead Of Time

It is common

knowledge that

prices of items that

sellers suspect will be

Valentine’s Day gifts

go high, especially a

few days before the

celebration. The best

strategy to ensure

that you escape the

wrath of sellers is to

buy ahead of time or

place a paid order

ahead of February 14.

Buying gifts one week

or two weeks before

Valentine’s Day might

be ideal. Waiting until

24 hours before the

D-day is not ideal

for budget-friendly

Valentine’s Day

shopping.

6 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com

2

Pay For Gifts In

Installments

SPECIAL DAY!

The cost of some gifts,

such as mobile phones,

cars, or even houses,

will always be high,

but thankfully, most

companies and dealers

of such products offer

an option of paying in

installments. If buying

such items will make you

go bankrupt, create a

payment plan with dealers

of expensive products

and stay financially afloat.

In the end, no amount of

gift items can prove one’s

love for a partner, friend,

or family member. True

love will always come from

the heart and cannot be

quantified with material

items.

3

Ensure Your Partner Is Aware Of Your

Financial Status

When you are in a realistic and sincere

relationship, your financial status should be

easily known by your wife, husband, girlfriend

or boyfriend. It is not necessary to create an

unhealthy financial pressure of living up to

gifts that you cannot afford. An understanding

partner will surely question the source of

finance when you buy a gift they clearly

know you cannot afford. To save yourself this

explanation and stay stable financially, go for

what you can afford.

CHINEDU

UGO

Valentine’s Day is a 24-hour issue and will

always be celebrated annually. Make a

budget-friendly and realistic celebration

plan and prove your love more from the

heart rather than your pocket.

AUTHOR’S BIO

Chinedu Ugo is a writer,

editor and media expert with

over six-year experience.

He is renowned for crafting

compelling articles that thrills

readers. Chinedu Ugo wants to

change the world with the pen.


| 7

NIGERIA:

BITS & BOBS

By Ikenna Ngere

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

China Development

Bank Injects $255m Into

Nigeria's Kano-Kaduna

Railway Project

China Development Bank has

provided a $254.76 million

loan to Nigeria for the Kano-

Kaduna railway project which

had faced funding delays.

The 203-kilometre standardgauge

railway, costing $973

million, aims to enhance

transportation between Kano

and Abuja, offering safer

and more efficient travel for

residents.

Originally approved in 2020

with China’s Exim Bank as

financier, the project is now

part of China's Belt and

Road Initiative, constructed

by China Civil Engineering

Construction Corporation.

The railway is also expected

to improve regional

movement and reduce

security risks for road

travelers.

China Backs Nigeria’s

Request for Increased

Currency Swap Line,

Encourages Panda Bonds

China has pledged to

support Nigeria’s request

for an increased currency

swap line and encouraged

the West African country

to issue Panda Bonds in

China. During a meeting with

President Bola Tinubu, on

Thursday January 9, 2025,

Chinese Foreign Minister

Wang Yi highlighted the

strong financial co-operation

between the two countries.

The Chinese Foreign Minister

expressed confidence in

Nigeria’s economic credibility

and assured that issuing

8 |


Panda Bonds would boost

Nigeria’s revenue while

ensuring financial stability.

Yi also emphasised China’s

commitment to supporting

Nigeria's infrastructure

development, particularly in

the railway sector.

• Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Nigerian President Tinubu

POLITICS

Tinubu Lauds Ghana’s

Democracy, Stresses

Nigeria’s Support at

Mahama’s Inauguration

President Bola Tinubu

met with former Nigerian

presidents Olusegun

Obasanjo and Goodluck

Jonathan at the inauguration

of Ghana’s President, John

Dramani Mahama, in

Accra. In his speech, Tinubu

praised Ghana's democratic

achievements and urged

critics to stop doubting

Africa’s democratic potential.

• Ghana’s President, John

Dramani Mahamaand and

Nigerian President Tinubu

President Tinubu highlighted

the strong personal and

professional bonds between

Nigeria and Ghana, assuring

Mahama of Nigeria's full

support.

Both Obasanjo and Jonathan

were present at the event,

with Jonathan having served

as Nigeria’s president from

2011 to 2015, and Obasanjo

being a two-time leader - as

a military head of state and

civilian president.

• Peter Obi

Peter Obi: No Agreement

Yet on Party Merger,

Nigeria Needs Unity

The Labour Party's

presidential candidate in

the 2023 elections, Peter

Obi, has stated that there

is currently no merger

agreement between his party

and any other opposition

party. Speaking at a press

conference in Abuja, Obi

addressed speculations

about a possible merger

with the Peoples Democratic

Party (PDP) or the New

Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP),

but emphasised that no

official agreement has been

reached.

The former Anambra State

Governor called for unity

among Nigerians, regardless

of political affiliation, to

challenge the ruling All

Progressives Congress

(APC), which he accused

of mismanaging national

resources.

Obi criticised the country's

security situation, high

corruption levels, and the

rising cost of governance,

pointing to government

mismanagement and

excessive foreign travel by

officials.

DAMIAN

IKENNA NGERE

AUTHOR’S BIO

Ikenna is a graduate of Physics

and Education, who works as a

freelance writer. He has interest in

technology, humanity and sports.


| 9

SPECIAL DAY!

INTERNATIONAL MOTHER

LANGUAGE DAY:

Making Mother Language

Count At Home

By Segun Adeyanju

Aluu

Salut

Hi

Jambo

As the world commemorates

International Mother

Language Day on ....., it is

crucial to reflect on the

profound role of native languages in

shaping development. For Nigeria,

a country with over 500 indigenous

languages, making mother tongues

count at home is not just a cultural

aspiration but a developmental

necessity.

A mother tongue is more than

a means of communication; it

embodies the history, values, and

worldview of a people. In Nigeria,

languages such as Yoruba, Igbo,

Hausa, Tiv, Ijaw, Efik, Kanuri etc. carry

the essence of diverse cultural

identities. Children raised in their

native languages inherit a wealth

of traditions and stories, ensuring

the continuity of their heritage and

fostering a deep sense of pride in

their roots.

However, the threat of language

extinction looms large in Nigeria, as

many indigenous languages are

gradually disappearing. UNESCO


SPECIAL DAY!

estimates that nearly 40 per cent

of the world’s population lacks

access to education in a language

they understand, and Nigeria is

no exception. The role of mother

tongues in education cannot be

overemphasised. Studies have

shown that children taught in their

first language, during early schooling,

perform better academically, as it

enhances comprehension, critical

thinking, and overall cognitive

development.

Nigeria’s National Policy on Education

advocates for the use of indigenous

languages as the medium of

instruction in the early years of

schooling, but implementation has

been inconsistent. Many schools

lack trained teachers and adequate

resources, while societal preference

for English remains a significant

barrier. Programmes like USAID’s

LEARN to Read initiative, which

supports over three million children

in Nigeria, demonstrate the potential

of mother tongue instruction but

require broader implementation to

achieve meaningful impact.

Beyond education, mother tongues

serve as a unifying force in a

linguistically diverse country like

Nigeria.

Recognising and celebrating all

native languages fosters mutual

respect and strengthens national

cohesion. Inclusivity thrives when

marginalised communities can

access education, governance, and

public information in their native

languages. For instance, local

language radio programmes have

been instrumental in bridging the

gap between policy makers and

rural populations, enhancing civic

participation and governance.

The economic benefits of

promoting mother tongues are

equally significant. Indigenous

languages strengthen grassroots

communication, enabling businesses

to better connect with local

communities. This is particularly

relevant in rural markets, where

native languages drive customer

engagement and economic

inclusion.

Additionally, Nigeria’s thriving

The economic

benefits of

promoting

mother tongues

are equally

significant.

Indigenous

languages

strengthen

grassroots

communication,

enabling

businesses to

better connect

with local

communities.

creative industries draw heavily

on indigenous languages,

with films, music, artifacts and

literature resonating deeply with

both local and global audiences.

Nollywood, for example, has gained

international recognition for its

authentic storytelling rooted in native

languages and cultural values,

showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural

heritage.

Despite these advantages,

Nigeria faces several challenges

in promoting the use of mother

tongues. The dominance of English

in formal settings often sidelines

indigenous languages, and many

native tongues lack standardised

orthographies and educational

materials.

Urbanisation and intermarriage also

contribute to the declining use of

mother tongues at home. Addressing

these challenges requires deliberate

action. The Nigerian government

must enforce policies that support

mother tongue education and invest

in resources to develop textbooks,

teaching aids, and digital tools in

indigenous languages.

Training educators to effectively

teach in native languages is

equally essential. Public awareness

campaigns can highlight the value

of native languages, encouraging

parents to pass them on to their

children. Promoting multilingualism,

where native languages are valued

alongside national and international

languages, will also help bridge

communication gaps and foster

linguistic harmony.

Conclusion

Parents, educators, and policy

makers have a shared responsibility

to ensure that native languages

remain vibrant in households,

classrooms, and public spaces. By

preserving and promoting mother

tongues, Nigeria can enhance

education, foster cultural pride, and

leverage its linguistic diversity for

national growth.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “If

you talk to a man in a language he

understands, that goes to his head. If

you talk to him in his language, that

goes to his heart.”

SEGUN

ADEYANJU

AUTHOR’S BIO

Segun Adeyanju is a seasoned

journalist and editor with

extensive experience in news

writing, editing, and professional

storytelling. A member of the

Nigeria Union of Journalists

(NUJ), he's adept at stakeholder

engagement and information

management..


| 11

BURNA BO

COVER

An African

Phenomenon


COVER

Y


| 13

COVER

By Ify Davies

Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu on July

2, 1991, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, has emerged as

one an influential figure in global contemporary

music. His unique blend of Afrobeat, dancehall,

reggae, and pop has captivated audiences

worldwide, earning him a prominent place in the global

music scene. Besides lyrics that connect with day-to-day

realities of the downtrodden, Burna Boy has been globally

acknowledged for outstanding showmanship and stage

presence.

Early Life and

Education

Burna Boy was raised in a

family that appreciated

music; his grandfather was

a famous music producer

in Nigeria. He began his

musical journey at an early

age, influenced by various

genres, including hiphop

and reggae. He later

moved to London to study

Media Technology but soon

returned to Nigeria to pursue

his passion for music.

His Style and

Influence

Burna Boy's sound is

characterised by its eclectic

mix of traditional African

rhythms and contemporary

influences. He often

incorporates social and

political themes into his

lyrics, which resonates with

listeners who appreciate

both the artistry and the

messages in his songs. His

ability to fuse genres has

not only set him apart

from his contemporaries

but has also helped to

elevate Afrobeat on

the global stage.

Awards

Burna Boy's career is

marked by numerous

awards that could be

described as intimidating.

Top of the awards is the

Grammy he won for Best

World Music Album, in 2021,


COVER

•Burna Boy


| 15

COVER

Two Nigerian Entertainment Awards

Three African Entertainment Awards

USA

One South South Music Award

Five Galaxy Music Awards

One HiPipo Award

One That Grace Juice Award

One SESAC Music Award

Four Metro FM Awards

One Rocklan One Radio Music

Award

One 4Syte Music Video Award

One The FABYS Award

for his album Twice as Tall. It solidified his

status as a global icon.

Other awards are:

One Global Music Award Africa,

Five AFRIMA awards

Ten AFRIMMA awards

One MTV Africa Music Award

Two Future Awards

Nine Headies awards

Five IRAWMA awards

Three Ghana Music Awards, - Eight

SoundCity MVP Awards

One Planete Rap Award

One Nigeria Music Video Award

One Liberia Music Award

Twi Ghana Music Awards UK

One Ghana Music Awards USA

4 Odudu Port Harcourt City Awards.

(Source: Africa Facts Zone.)

- International Recognition: His

collaboration with international artistes

such as Beyoncé in "Ja Ara E" and Ed

Sheeran and Stormzy in "Own It" has

expanded his reach beyond Africa.

- Chart Success: Burna Boy's

albums consistently chart high

on various platforms, with African

Giant and Twice as Tall receiving

critical acclaim.

- Cultural Ambassador: He has

been recognised for promoting

African culture through music,

often highlighting his African

heritage in his works.

- Sold-Out Tours: His tours across

Europe and North America have been

met with overwhelming support,

showcasing his ability to connect with

diverse audiences.


COVER

Impact on Music and Culture

Burna Boy's influence extends beyond

music; he is a voice for the youth in Africa,

addressing issues such as social justice,

identity, and empowerment. His music

often serves as a rallying cry for change,

encouraging listeners to embrace their

roots while striving for progress.

Looking Into the Future

Burna Boy stands as a testament to the

influence of music as a tool for cultural

exchange and social commentary.

With his innovative sound and profound

lyrics, he continues to inspire a new

generation of artistes while pushing the

boundaries of Afrobeat on the global

stage. As he continues to evolve as an

artiste, Burna Boy would remain a key

figure in shaping the future of music in

Africa and around the world.


| 17

COVER

BURNA BOY’

By Chinedu Ugo

Grammy-winning

singer Damini Ogulu,

popularly known as

Burna Boy, is reputable

for making hit songs

like “Ye,” “Bank On It,”

and more. His talent

stands out in the global entertainment

industry and has bagged him several

awards, such as the BET, Headies, MTV

Awards, and numerous others.

Usually, A-list artistes like Burna Boy are

known for their luxury lifestyle with less

attention to charity and philanthropy,

but the story is different for the selfacclaimed

“African Giant.” Burna Boy

has blended his glamorous lifestyle with

several charity works to ensure he gives

back to the Nigerian society that has

given him so much.

His philanthropy came to the limelight

in July 2023 when he partnered with

the Reach Foundation to renovate the

Cheshire Home in Boriki, Port Harcourt. The

facility has been reputable for supporting

the physically challenged but had been

left decrepit until the “Big 7” crooner

decided to bring it back to life.

On March 1, 2024, the newly renovated

Cheshire Home was unveiled and fully

equipped to continue with efforts aimed

at reaching out to the disabled, especially

in Port Harcourt, where Burna Boy lives. He

also sponsored an outreach for people

living with disabilities (PwDs) at the facility

on October 18, 2024. Food items such

as rice, garri, beans, yam, and salt were

part of the provisions he distributed. He

also made provision for basic items like

toothpaste, antiseptic soap, chocolate

powder and detergent. Condiments for

cooking like tomato paste, seasoning

cubes, vegetable oil, and palm oil were

of

PHILANTHRO

LUXURY LIFE


COVER

S BLEND

PY AND

STYLE

provided. The singer also made a

cash donation of N200,000 during the

outreach.

On December 22, 2024, Burna Boy,

in collaboration with the Reach

Foundation, led an outreach in his

Okarki community in Ahoada West,

Rivers State, which benefited over 300

persons. The initiative served as a

source of hope and relief to residents

of the community during the festive

season as the singer emphasised

his resolve to uplift people in

marginalised communities.

Despite his passion for charity, Burna

Boy understands that people must

make the most of their time on earth

as he lives a luxury lifestyle. He is one

of the richest singers on the African

continent and is not shy about

spending big on himself.

His luxurious properties include:

a luxury mansion in Lekki, Lagos

State;

a 2025 model of the Ferrari

Purosangue (for $1.3 million);

a Ferrari 812 GTS

a 2024 model of the Ferrari 488

Spider

a 2013 model of the Ferrari 458

Italia;

a 2022 Lamborghini Aventador

SVJ;

a 2022 Lamborghini Urus by

Novitec;

a 2024 Rolls Royce Cullinan;

a Rolls Royce Dawn;

a 2023 Mercedes-Maybach G63;

a 2022 Mercedes-Maybach S650;

his ODG diamond chain (a

shocking $1 million); and,

a ring worth over $4 million and a

350-carat piece.

In January 2025, Burna Boy

splashed a whopping $1.5 million

on two Richard Mille watches and

a Patek Philippe. This brought his

Richard Mille wristwatch collection

to a total of seven!

His 2-storey, all-white Lekki

mansion took only seven months

to complete. The 7-bedroom

edifice has high ceilings, lounges,

a private cinema, a game room,

a vinyl room, a gym, and a music

recording studio.

Indeed, it is not out of place to

say that Burna Boy lives big and

continues to make impact in

Nigeria and beyond.

CHINEDU

UGO

AUTHOR’S BIO

Chinedu Ugo is a writer, editor and

media expert with over six-year

experience. He is renowned for

crafting compelling articles that

thrills readers. Chinedu Ugo wants to

change the world with the pen.


| 19

COVER

SELECTED

QUOTES OF

BURNA BOY

Art should

reflect reality. If

we ignore the issues

around us, we’re not

doing our job

as artists.

By Ify Davies

I don’t make

music for the

charts; I make

music for the heart.

If it resonates with

you, that’s what

matters.

Focus

on signal

over noise. Don’t

waste time on

things that don’t

make things

better.

I believe in

hard work and

perseverance.

Nothing worthwhile

comes easy, and

every setback is

a setup for a

comeback.

I’m

proud of who

I am and where I

come from. I want to

show the world the

beauty of Africa

through my

music.

Persistence

is very

important. You

should not give

up unless you

are forced to

give up

Ha

fou

true

Don

othe

w

y


COVER

Success

is not just about

fame or money; it’s

about impact. I want to

leave a legacy that

inspires others.

We need to

speak up about

what’s wrong in our

society. Music can be

a powerful tool for

change.

Music is

a universal

language, but

it starts with your

roots. I want to tell

my story and the

stories of my

people.

ppiness is

nd in being

to yourself.

’t chase what

rs want; find

hat makes

ou happy.


| 21

AFRICAN STARTUP ANGEL by

STARTUP ANGEL:

Startup Trends

Shaping Tomorrow!

The number of active angel

networks in Africa has grown by

27% since 2022, surpassing 110. This

expansion reflects not only

geographic reach into regions like

Francophone West Africa and

Southern Africa but also a

commitment to collaboration.

Networks such as the CC Hub

Syndicate and Lagos Angel

Network exemplify how collective

efforts unlock access to deal flow,

strengthen local ecosystems, and

create opportunities for start-ups

in underserved markets.

While fintech remains dominant,

the spotlight is shifting toward

agritech, health tech, and climate

tech - sectors tackling critical

challenges with scalable solutions.

Funding for sustainability-focused

start-ups grew by 19% in 2024,

emphasising the ecosystem’s

maturity. The rise of innovations in

renewable energy, sustainable

agriculture, and waste

management highlights a deeper

commitment to impact-driven

ventures that align with Africa’s

long-term goals.

Africa’s angel investment landscape has

become a testament to resilience,

collaboration, and innovation. The

ecosystem is evolving rapidly, driven by

shifts in investor behaviour, diversification,

and a renewed focus on impact.

The preference for syndicates has

grown, with nearly half of angel

investors now favouring this

model. By pooling resources,

sharing risks, and expanding

access to larger deals, syndicates

strengthen the ecosystem while

fostering mentorship and

knowledge-sharing. This

collaborative approach is a

cornerstone of early-stage

investing, ensuring that start-ups


AFRICAN STARTUP ANGEL by

• Participants at a Cc Hub event

receive the holistic support needed

for success.

African angel investors are

increasingly driven by impact,

prioritising start-ups that generate

jobs, foster inclusion, and tackle

systemic issues like health care

access and food security. Diversity

within the investor community is

growing too, with women now

representing 35% and younger

investors (aged 25 - 40) bringing

fresh perspectives. These shifts are

laying the foundation for a more

inclusive and impactful

ecosystem.

Despite global economic

headwinds, early-stage funding in

Africa remains robust. Angel

investors are stepping in to bridge

gaps, providing not just capital but

mentorship and networks critical

for early-stage start-ups to

navigate challenges and scale

sustainably. This resilience

underlines the vital role of angels in

shaping the future of African

entrepreneurship.

This year, the landscape is set to

evolve further, with transformative

trends offering opportunities and

challenges for angel investors.

Projections show venture capital

investments in Africa exceeding

$10 billion this year. Angel investors

will play a pivotal role in providing

the foundation for start-ups to

achieve market validation and

attract larger investments. The

successes of 2024 reaffirm the

value of early-stage backing in

catalysing growth and

innovation.

Initiatives like the African

Continental Free Trade Area

(AfCFTA) are creating a more

unified market, reducing barriers to

cross-border investments. For

angel investors, this is an

opportunity to support start-ups

with regional aspirations and

unlock growth across multiple

markets.

The rise of climate tech is

transforming Africa’s innovation

ecosystem. Startups addressing

renewable energy, sustainable

agriculture, and waste

management are emerging as

leaders, offering both financial

returns and societal impact. Angel

investors aligning with this sector

will be at the forefront of

meaningful change.

Underserved regions, such as

Francophone West Africa and rural

areas, are attracting increasing

attention. By investing in these

regions, angels can foster inclusive

growth and uncover opportunities

that mainstream investors might

overlook.

The rise of hybrid investment

instruments, such as SAFEs and

convertible notes, reflects the need

for flexibility in balancing risk and

return. These models offer quicker

returns while maintaining exposure

to high-growth startups, ensuring

alignment with diverse investor

and founder needs.

2025 promises to be a pivotal year

for angel investing in Africa. With

record funding, deeper regional

integration, and the emergence of

climate tech and underserved

markets, the ecosystem is poised

for growth. Angel investors have

the opportunity to lead this

transformation, empowering

startups to create solutions that

drive economic value and social

impact.

For those already engaged or

seeking to join this movement, the

key lies in collaboration, calculated

risks, and a commitment to Africa’s

entrepreneurial spirit. By fostering

inclusivity, particularly through a

gender lens, we can ensure that

the ecosystem reflects the diversity

and innovation necessary to

shape a truly impactful future for

the continent. Wishing all my

readers an incredible 2025 filled

with joy, success, and meaningful

impact. Let’s continue building a

brighter future together!

Tomi Davies (TD) BIO:

TD is a leading figure in

Africa’s tech ecosystem,

known as “Africa’s top Angel”

and the inspiring voice behind

TVC Labs, a start-up support

organisation in Lagos, Nigeria.

His expertise extends to angel

investing, mentoring, and

advising tech companies,

all while equipping future

generations of entrepreneurs

through his book “Investment

Worthy Startup” published in

2023.


| 23

DIASPORA AFRICAN

Chinelo Okafor

Animalu

MD, MPH, FACP, FIDSA :

Professor of Medicine and

Infectious Disease Specialist

By Harry Choms

Dr. Chinelo Okafor Animalu is a

distinguished board-certified

infectious disease and HIV specialist

and a professor at the University of

Tennessee Health Science Centre's (UTHSC)

College of Medicine, Division of Infectious

Diseases. She also oversees the Division of

Infectious Diseases and Geographic

Medicine at Methodist University Hospital

Memphis, where she leads innovative

research, treatment, and prevention

initiatives, including transplant infectious

disease programmes.

Born into an academic family - her

father an Emeritus

Professor of Quantum Chemistry at the University of

Nigeria, Nsukka and her mother an educator and

high school principal - Animalu's passion for

Medicine was ignited by early exposure to the

impact of infectious diseases on communities.

She had her national youth service at the

Miliary Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State,

after which she relocated to the United States

of America. In the US, she completed her

Internship and Internal Medicine Residency

Training at St. Joseph Hospital affiliated with

University of Illinois, Chicago. Her

commitment to addressing health care

disparities and reducing disease-related


DIASPORA AFRICAN

• Public Health Advocacy.

(L) Dr Chinelo Okafor-Animalu

stigma has been a driving force

throughout her career.

Professional Impact and

Community Engagement

Animalu has established herself as a

prominent figure in academic medicine

and community health care. She

regularly contributes medical expertise

to Memphis television stations and leads

various community health initiatives.

Through her company, Vicada

Healthcare Services, she provides

consultation in infection prevention,

control, and patient care management

across the United States and Africa.

Committed to medical education and

health care improvement in Nigeria, Dr.

Animalu actively collaborates with

Nigerian hospitals to provide free

training to physicians, nurses, and

pharmacists in managing infectious

diseases. She is an active member of the

Association of Nigerian Physicians in the

Americas (ANPA), leading the Memphis

chapter in numerous charitable

initiatives.

Education and Training

• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of

Surgery/Doctor of Medicine (MBBS/

MD): College of Medicine, University of

Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH),

Enugu.

• Master's in Public Health (MPH): Tulane

University School of Medicine and

Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, USA.

• Internal Medicine Residency: St.

Joseph Hospital (University of Illinois

affiliate), Chicago, USA.

• Infectious Disease Fellowship:

Dr Chinelo Okafor-Animalu

University of Tennessee Health

Science Center (UTHSC), Memphis,

USA.

• Antimicrobial Stewardship

Certification: Johns Hopkins University,

USA.

Board Certifications and

Fellowships

• American Board of Internal

Medicine (ABIM) - Internal Medicine

• American Board of Internal

Medicine (ABIM) - Infectious

Diseases

• Fellow, Infectious Disease Society of

America (FIDSA)

• Fellow, American College of

Physicians (FACP).

Current Positions

• Professor, College of Medicine,

UTHSC Memphis, USA.

(2016-present)

• Infectious Disease Attending

Physician, Methodist University

Hospital, Memphis, USA.

(2015-present)

• Founder and CEO, Vicada

Healthcare Services

• Host, "Medical Class 901 with Dr. Chi"

- Memphis-based medical talk

show.

Areas of Expertise

• HIV Medicine and Patient Care

• Transplant Infectious Disease (Solid

Organ and Bone Marrow)

• Antimicrobial Stewardship

• Infection Prevention and Control

Publications, Journals and

Presentations

Dr. Animalu has contributed

significantly to medical literature, with

numerous publications in national and

international peer-reviewed journals,

focusing on infectious diseases, HIV

care, and public health initiatives.

Below are examples of her

publications;

• Effect of HIV Status and Charlson

Comorbidity Index on COVID-19

Clinical Outcomes in a Case-

Control Study.

• Prolonged Course of Eravacycline

Leading to Acute Pancreatitis.

• Disseminated Streptococcus

Gallinaceus Infection. A New Breed

of Zoonotic Streptococcus.

• Cyclospora Infection

(Cyclosporiasis): Background,

Pathophysiology, Epidemiology

• Ehrlichiosis: Background, Etiology,

Epidemiology

• Legionnaire’s Disease: Background,

Pathophysiology, Etiology.

Dr. Chinelo Okafor Animalu is another

inspiring example of the industrious

enigma that Africans in Diaspora,

particularly Nigerians, represent. One of

the outcomes of this is the numerous

young women she continues to inspire in

the United States of America and her

home country, Nigeria.

HARRY

CHOMS

AUTHOR’S BIO

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

FEATURE / ANALYSIS

Infrastructure

Development: The

Nigerian Quagmire

By Osita Aniemeka, Ph.D.

Compact infrastructure is

imperative for sustainable

development. As the Brookings

Institution has noted,

“Infrastructure enables trade,

powers businesses, connects

workers to their jobs, creates opportunities for

struggling communities, and protects the nation

from an increasingly unpredictable natural

environment.” It facilitates economic growth

by providing jobs and supporting workers,

maintaining supply chains, and even reducing

inequality. It can also have a multiplier effect,

meaning there is a “measurable economic

impact for each dollar of government spending,”

according to the World Bank.

• Nigeria's railway infrastructure courtesy

South Korea Morning Post

Nigeria's infrastructure spending is currently

low relative to the country's needs. The country

is in dire need of infrastructural development

as the current deficit requires up to $6 trillion

annually over the next three decades to bridge

this gap. Putting this into perspective, the federal

government would need to spend the entire

annual budget of trillions of naira over the next

century on capital expenditure to meet the

target. In the past, the Nigerian government

has deployed different models to resuscitate

nonperforming and underperforming assets,

either through outright sales to private investors

or some form of public-private partnerships

(PPPs). While some projects have been

successful, others have not.

Infrastructure spending in Nigeria is typically

10 - 15% of the annual budget. Nigeria needs to

• Nigeria's road infrastructure courtesy of Dataphyte


FEATURE / ANALYSIS

invest an estimated $2.3 trillion

in infrastructure between 2020

and 2043 to meet international

standards. The country's

infrastructure stock is only 30%

of its GDP, which is well below

the international benchmark of

70%. The Nigeria Infrastructure

Fund (NIF) aims to invest in

domestic infrastructure projects

that meet targeted financial

returns and contribute to the

development of essential

infrastructure to stimulate the

growth and diversification of

the Nigerian economy, attract

foreign investment, and create

jobs for Nigerians. Potential areas

for investments include health

care, transportation, energy and

power, water resources, and

agriculture, amongst others. The

government may invest up to

a maximum of 10% of the funds

in NIF in social infrastructure

projects, which promote

economic development in

underserved sectors or regions

in the country.

Government borrowing is

simply the amount raised by

The country is

in dire need of

infrastructural

development as

the current deficit

requires up to $6

trillion annually

over the next three

decades to bridge

this gap

the government of any country

from all sources to complement

available resources to discharge

her responsibility to the citizens.

It usually arises because of

the constant need for the

government to augment her

finances, and to make capital

available for sustainable

economic activities within the

country. Countries, at their

early developmental stages,

borrow to boost their growth

level and aggrandise their

finance due to the prevalence

of small capital stocks that

are likely to have investment

opportunities with higher rates

of returns than that of their

counterparts in developed

countries. Hence, public

debt provides the additional

investment needed for attaining

the desired economic growth

and serves as a means of

bridging the savings-investment

gap. It, therefore, implies that

countries borrow because

they are unable to generate

enough finance internally to fund

economic activities and meet

social obligations including the

provision of infrastructures.

It is consequently imperative

that the Nigerian government

should try as much as possible

to raise her borrowings from

sources within the country

(internal borrowing), so as to

limit the foreign debt effect

arising from foreign exchange

risk since repayment (interest

and principal) will be in foreign

currency which often impact

on the interest rate. In addition,

internal borrowing is also used

to reduce the flow of money in

circulation, as a monetary policy

tool. The nation should ensure

a prudent debt management

policy that would ensure that

borrowings are only made to

finance top-priority projects.

Domestic borrowings affect

the rate of investments within

the country. The government

should, thus, try to uphold

the preparation of surplus or

balanced fiscal policy so as

to avoid the need to borrow

and the government should

use funds judiciously for the

purpose it is meant for. Avoiding

misappropriation, diversion, and

mismanagement so that deficits

that lead to borrowings will as

well be avoided.

OSITA ANIEMEKA

AUTHOR’S BIO

Aniemeka is a teacher of teachers,

broadcaster, publisher and

Chairman of Sub-Saharan

Open University. He is also

the Dean of the Academy of

Management Sciences, a Central

Bank of Nigeria consultant

and top director or proprietor

of several companies and nonprofit

organisations. He is the

Chairman of the Editorial Board

of Accomplish Magazine.


| 27

FEATURE / ANALYSIS

ETHICS,

LANGUAGE AND

SELF-FULFILING

PROPHESY

By Victor Olewunne

The words we choose to

speak and internalise

hold immense power over

our realities and futures.

This concept is woven

deeply into various religious texts

and ethical teachings, all of which

emphasise the significance of

language in shaping human

destiny. Understanding the ethical

implications of language can

help us grasp how our words can

become self-fulfilling prophecies,

influencing not only our personal

lives but also the broader societal

landscape.

The Ethics of Language in

Religious Texts

Religious texts have long

underscored the power of

language. The Bible, for instance,

presents the concept of creation.

In the Book of Genesis, God speaks

the world into existence: "And

God said, 'Let there be light,' and

there was light" (Genesis 1:3). This

portrays language as a creative

force, capable of bringing forth

reality. Similarly, the New Testament

emphasises the ethical dimension

of language when it says in

Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any

unwholesome talk come out of your

mouths, but only what is helpful

28 |


FEATURE / ANALYSIS

In leadership

and social

responsibility,

the language

used by

leaders can

set the tone for

organisational

culture and

societal norms

for building others up according

to their needs, that it may benefit

those who listen." This underscores

the moral responsibility tied to our

speech, implying that words carry

consequences that extend beyond

the immediate moment. The Quran

in, Surah Al-Isra (17:53) advises: "Say

to My servants to speak that which

is best." Here, the emphasis is on the

choice of words to foster peace and

harmony, reflecting the ethical duty

to use language constructively.

Ethical Principles and

Language

Beyond religious texts, ethical

principles across various

philosophies also stress the

importance of language. In the

realm of virtue ethics, the character

of an individual is paramount, and

language is a reflection of one's

moral compass. Words can build or

destroy reputations, relationships,

and even societies. Immanuel Kant,

a prominent figure in deontological

ethics, posited that truthfulness is

a fundamental duty. Therefore, the

ethical use of language necessitates

honesty and integrity.

Utilitarian ethics, which focus on

the greatest good for the greatest

number, also recognise the power

of language. Words that uplift,

encourage, and unite contribute

to overall happiness and societal

well-being. Conversely, harmful

or divisive language can lead to

widespread unhappiness and

discord, highlighting the ethical

responsibility to choose words that

promote the collective good.

Language as a Self-

Fulfilling Prophecy

The concept of a self-fulfilling

prophecy, first coined by

sociologist Robert K. Merton,

illustrates how beliefs and

expectations, when spoken,

can influence outcomes. For

example, consider a student who

repeatedly hears he or she is 'bad

at Mathematics.' This negative

reinforcement can eventually

lead to diminished confidence

and effort, resulting in poor

performance, thereby confirming

that assertion.

In leadership and social

responsibility, the language

used by leaders can set the tone

for organisational culture and

societal norms. Ethical leaders

who use inclusive, empowering,

and visionary language can

inspire progress and unity. When

the former Nigerian president,

Mohammadu Buhari, said that

Nigerian youths are lazy, the

eastern region is only a dot in

the circle, and that he is only

for those who voted for him,

he was oblivious of the ethical

implications of his language.

Since divisive or derogatory

language can foster conflict and

hinder collective progress, Nigeria

regressed massively under him.

The Ethical Imperative of

Mindful Language

Given the profound impact of

language on individual and

collective destinies, there is an

ethical imperative to be mindful

of our words. This mindfulness

involves:

- Self-awareness: Recognising

the influence of our words on

ourselves and others.

- Responsibility: Understanding

the ethical obligation to speak

truthfully and constructively.

- Empathy: Considering the

emotional and psychological

impact of our words on others.

- Positivity: Choosing language

that fosters hope, resilience,

and unity.

Language is therefore, not merely

a tool for communication; it is

a powerful force that shapes

reality. The ethical dimensions

of language, as highlighted in

religious texts and philosophical

principles, remind us of our

responsibility to use words wisely.

By understanding and embracing

this responsibility, we can harness

the power of language to create

positive, self-fulfilling prophecies,

paving the way for a more just,

compassionate, and harmonious

world.

VICTOR

OLEWUNNE

AUTHOR’S BIO

Victor Olewunne, the Ethicist,

is a public affairs analyst and

Founder/President, Afrocentric

Ethics for Leadership and Social

Responsibility Foundation. He

is the Business Development

Director of Accomplish

Magazine and member of

its Editorial Board.


| 29

FEATURE / ANALYSIS

TRUMP'S

INAUGURATION:

ACCOMPLISH Chairman

Receives High Level,

Firsthand Account Of

Events In Washington DC.

January 20, 2025

Dr. Emmanuel Osita Aniemeka, PhD., FMSc.,

Chairman, ACCOMPLISH Magazine,

Nigeria.

Dear Dr. Emmanuel Osita Aniemeka,

Inauguration of the 47th President of the United States of America

As you graciously requested, this morning.

Today, January 20, 2025, in the United

States of America were two events: the

inauguration of Donald Trump as 47th

president of the United States of America

and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I resided

in New York from 1979 to 1996; Pennsylvania

from 1996 to 2014 and North Carolina, from

2014 till date and can say that today's

events will remain a record in USA history.

On this cold and windy day, over 20,000

persons attended the activities of both

events. The inauguration ceremony was

held indoors at the Capitol. The last indoor

inauguration was held for President

Ronald Reagan, the 40th USA President.

There are serious concerns about Trump's

second presidency in certain quarters.

These include immigration and border

control; environmental rollbacks; social

and racial tensions; economic uncertainty;

erosion of democracy; foreign policy

instability; corruption; nepotism; climate

change inaction; nuclear proliferation;

and, economic inequality.

Trump won 77,284,118 votes or 49.8 per


FEATURE / ANALYSIS

cent of the votes cast during the

presidential election. That is the second

highest vote total in US history, trailing only

the 81,284,666 votes that Joe Biden

received in 2020. Also, Trump received

3,059,799 more popular votes in 2024

than he did in 2020 and 14,299,293 more

than he did in 2016. He now holds the

record for the most cumulative popular

votes won by any presidential candidate

in US history, surpassing President Barack

Hussein Obama. Running for the third time

for the White House obviously helped in

the Electoral College as Trump received

312 votes against Kamala Harris' 226.

From today, the rules of operations at the

White House will change to suit the style of

the new administration. Time will be of the

essence, drawing from experience with

President Trump as 45th US president. In

fact, today, over 200 Executive Orders

were signed with fanfare at the Capital

One Arena before the Congressional

Luncheon. President Donald Trump has a

mandate from the electorate for

immediate improvements in the

economy, border security and

immigration.

Reportedly, First Lady Melania Trump is

very influential with advice, counsel and

'veto power' while the second most

influential person (in the new

administration) is Elon Musk, the richest

person in the world. With very prominent

seats at the inauguration ceremony were

the tech giants Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark

Zuckerberg and Sundar Pichai, among 13

billionaires in the new administration.

CASH is KING.

Meanwhile, at the Republican Party, there

is unity, excitement and hope for a new

day of action with a limited window of

time; which will be heavy on outcomes,

deliverables and achievements, going by

experience from President Trump's

previous administration.

President Joe Biden, with his over 50 years

of experience followed protocols and

traditions, but in my opinion, with respect,

he missed opportunities in 5 key areas.

These are:

1. The 46th US president's huge mistake

was to keep out technology titans who

were ALL Democrats with their heavy

support.

2. The 46th US president should NOT have

sought a second term due to his health.

3. The Justice Department's failure to

gather evidence (comprehensive

evidence for important cases) before

time ran out for Biden.

4. He misread his mandate.

5. Was a stubborn Irish man, and was a

sad ending today - after one term as

President.

President DONALD JOHN TRUMP, today,

announced the following as 30 key

priorities for 'America First' and 'Make

America Great Again' (MAGA):

1. The Golden Age of America to be the

envy of every nation.

2. The crisis of trust to be corrected.

3. America’s decline is over.

4. To meet every crisis with dignity and

speed.

5. 1.1.25 is Liberation Day after the most

consequential election.

6. Will make Dr. Martin Luther King’s

DREAM come through.

7. Emphasize national unity, confidence

and pride for EXCELLENCE.

8. A national emergency will be declared

at the southern border.

9. That all illegal entry into the US will be

halted and illegal aliens returned and

to reinstate "Stay in Mexico" policy.

10. To end 'Catch and Release'.

11. Troops to repel invasion at the border.

12. Cartels will be designated as foreign

terrorists.

13. To use the Alien Enemies Act 1778 for

federal and state authorities for ALL

foreign criminal networks.

14. ALL cabinet members to focus on

reducing prices of goods and inflation.

15. There will be a national emergency for

Drill Baby Drill.

16. That the USA, a manufacturing nation

with the largest amount of oil and gas,

will work for lower oil prices, fill up oil


| 31

FEATURE / ANALYSIS

reserves, and do export: Liquid Gold

under USA's Feet.

17. To repeal the Electrical Vehicle Act.

18. To build automobiles again.

19. An overhaul of the trading system as it

affects tariff and tax.

20. To institute external revenue services

for tariffs.

21. There will be a Department of

Government Efficiency (DOGE).

22. To end all government censorship

against free speech.

23. That the American society will be

colour blind and merit-based.

24. There will be only two genders - male

and female.

25. All military service members who

objected to COVID-19 and were fired

will be reinstated with full back pay.

26. That USA will be a peace maker and

unifier.

27. The Gulf of Mexico to be called the Gulf

of America.

28. Mount McKinley to be restored, with

respect to tariffs and talents.

29. America will be taking back the

Panama Canal as the US did not give

the canal to China.

30. That America's Stars and Stripes will

be on planet Mars to represent the

USA: one people and one family under

God.

With the renewed assurances of my

highest consideration.

DR. SHAMIR ANDREW ALLY

Former Ambassador to Kuwait/Former Alternate Bank Governor, Islamic

Development Bank/Professor/C-Suite Executive/Servant Leader

North Carolina, USA

https://shamirally.com

Editor's Note: About Dr. Shamir Andrew Ally

• Since 1994: Republican Senatorial Inner Circle Member. 1994 USA President George

Bush 41st President of the United States.

• Republican Senatorial Medal of Freedom, Recipient, FOR LIFE with RECIPROCAL

COURTESIES from the USA Democratic Party.

• Was New York Campaign Advisor to BOB DOLE, Presidential Candidate.

• Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of GUYANA, South

America, August 2016 to August 2020 to Kuwait in the Middle East

• FIRST Alternate GOVERNOR, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Jeddah, Kingdom of

Saudi Arabia, May 2017 to July 2020.

• Deputy Chairman, Board of Directors, GO-Invest, The Guyana Office for Investment,

February 2016 to December 2019.

• Accomplishments, Contributions and Attainments through “Show, Tell, & Know,

GUYANA, South America.”

• College professor and PhD mentor for ACCOMPLISH Chairman.


FEATURE / ANALYSIS

SCENES FROM THE INAUGURATION


| 33

FEATURE / ANALYSIS

Internal Security:

Why Nigeria is

Getting it Wrong

By Dave Baro-Thomas

The twin devils of religious fanaticism and poor socioeconomic

conditions swell insecurity in Nigeria.

Beginning with the arrival of Boko Haram in 2009, the

country has not known peace.

The Nigerian Security Tracker, a project of the

Council for Foreign Relations, has put the

death toll of innocent Nigerians, due to

insecurity, at over 10,000 in the last four

years. Kidnapping-for-ransom, an offshoot of

terrorism and banditry, led to over 2,000 Nigerians

being abducted and approximately 2.2 trillion naira

paid as ransom between May 2023 and April 2024

according to the National Bureau for Statistics - a

figure above the entire budget for defence for the

year under review. Hence, kidnap-for-ransom has

snowballed into a profitable industry.

Why is this embarrassing insecurity festering and

defying military strategies despite humongous

allocations, some discerning minds would ask?

Sadly, scores of patriots in uniforms have lost their

lives and national resources allegedly

unaccounted for, while the terrorists and bandits

are getting bolder in their attacks.

Between Jonathan and Buhari, insecurity escalated

despite having one of the best armies in the region

and given their credible performances at

international peacekeeping missions, why haven't

we crushed these

unscrupulous elements? It

poses irreconcilable

contradictions, and if one

should hazard a guess, the

brazen confrontation and

occupation of some local

governments during past

administrations probably signpost superior

firepower by these criminal elements, sell-out by

some indigenes, unwholesome acts by men

trusted to end this mess, or why will an entire

community choose to pay levies to bandits and

refuse to volunteer information to security

operatives?

Indeed, guerrilla or asymmetric warfare can give

the best armies sleepless nights but is

surmountable by any serious-minded leadership.

While security details and strategies are not for the

pages of tabloids, the intelligence gathering of our

force is queried by many.

Insecurity in Nigeria is a complex issue with multiple

factors at play. At its core, the problem stems from


FEATURE / ANALYSIS

• ANOTHER FACE OF INSECURITY IN NIGERIA COURTESY BROOKINGS INSTITUTE

bad governance, which

has led to unfathomable

challenges. From the lack

of economic opportunities

across the country to

inadequate and brokendown

infrastructure, the

average Nigerian literarily

begs for good

governance. The army of

young men roaming the

• TERROR GROUP streets of Northern Nigeria

without formal education,

food, shelter, or healthcare was a time bomb

detonated right in our faces.

the power and energy sector are not in

doubt.

The government should pay closer

attention to food security, agriculture,

and foreign direct investments. These

should not be politicised as a matter of

urgency. The imperatives for social

justice, access, and equal opportunity,

irrespective of ethnicity or religious

inclinations, should be a national

contemplation.

In addition, why can't Nnamdi Kalu go

home a free man for regional stability?

This country belongs to all of us, and

justice is imperative for national

tranquillity and prosperity.

The government should pursue

sustainable economic growth to

deepen social harmony and shrink the

gaps between the rich and the poor.

The level of poverty in the land is a

breeding ground for crimes and

criminality, and until we curb this, insurgency and

kidnapping for ransom will be our companions for

a long time.

Ultimately, addressing insecurity in Nigeria requires

a multifaceted approach that tackles the root

causes of the problem so that a more stable and

prosperous future is guaranteed. These are the

building blocks for getting the metrics right.

It is still alarming how small arms and light

weapons proliferated in our space. While grappling

with this, the sophisticated weaponry of the

insurgents and how they cross our borders leave

one bewildered. At the heart of the matter is

massive and unbridled corruption in high and low

places across the border ecosystem. So, who takes

responsibility for the porousness of the borders?

For the country to rise above these traumatic

self-inflicted conditions, the leadership must

revamp and resuscitate the economy so that

industries and manufacturing concerns can

flourish. The exigencies for a functional and efficient

healthcare delivery system and improvement of

DAVE

BARO-THOMAS

AUTHOR’S BIO

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. He is the Marketing Director of Accomplish

Magazine and member of the Editorial Board.


| 35

GL BAL InfoDIGEST

Compiled by Diiyi William-West

The Inspiring,

Frugal Lifestyle

of Late President

Jimmy Carter

Some people consider him as the poorest

president in the history of the United

States of America; not because of how

much he had in the bank but because of

the deliberately frugal lifestyle he chose to lead.

He didn't allow the trappings of power and

influence sway him.

• JIMMY CARTER

Carter lived in a rundown house and often

bought discounted items at the supermarket. In

fact, it's reported that he's the only U.S. president

without mansion. After leaving the Whitehouse,

he and his wife lived in a small house worth just

$167,000. All their furniture was old stuff passed

down from his parents, and they had to fix things

almost every month. His quality of life was

probably worse than most people's.

The Casters' only income was the presidential

pension of $217,000 a year. Carter didn't use

private jets. He flew economy class. Even in his

old age, he stood in line to board, refusing

special treatment. He drove a second-hand

Ford Taurus for years, a car that was over 25

years old!

So where did his money go?

• JIMMY CARTER

He is the founder of Carter Centre and

reportedly spent no less than $30 million to fight

river blindness and guinea worm diseases. He

36 |


GL BAL InfoDIGEST

• JIMMY CARTER DURING A CAMPAIGN AGAINST GUINEA WORM IN HAITI

personally

helped build

homes for low

income families

and even built

dozens of

houses himself,

continuing

doing so in his

old age.

He also donated

many of his

speaking fees

and other

earnings to

charity, thus

contributing

millions of

dollars.

• JIMMY CARTER TOUCHED LIVES ACROSS CONTINENTS

President Jimmy

Carter passed

away in his

home in Georgia

around 3:40 p.m. Eastern time on December 29th, 2024.

He surely deserves a tribute.

Editor's Note: The original story, which has been a little

updated here, was posted on Quora.com by Saeed

Risalat.

Even Wild

Animals

Cherish

Freedom

This story is really

intriguing. The leopard was

chasing the dog and the

dog entered a bathroom

through a window. The

bathroom was locked

from outside.

The leopard entered

behind the dog and both

of them got trapped in the

toilet. When the dog saw

the leopard, it panicked

and sat silently in a corner.

He didn't even dare to

bark.

Although the leopard was

hungry and had been

chasing the dog, it didn't

go for the dog in the

bathroom. It could have

had dinner by jumping on

the dog, but the two

animals stayed in different

corners of the bathroom

for almost twelve hours.

During those twelve hours,

the leopard also remained

calm.

The forest department

focused on the leopard

and later captured it with

a tranquiliser dart. Now the

question is: Why didn’t the

hungry leopard attack the


| 37

GL BAL InfoDIGEST

dog when it was easily possible?

Wildlife researchers have answered this

question. According to them, wild animals

are very sensitive to their freedom. As soon

as they realise that their freedom has been

taken away, they can feel deep pain, to the

point of forgetting their hunger. Their

natural motivation to eat begins to fade.

The lesson: Freedom and happiness are

connected. Freedom to think, act and live

as we wish.

Editor's Note: This story was written by

Richard Strachan for The Love of Wildlife

and posted on Quora.com. The story has

been slightly edited.

A Father's Undying Love

ran more tests on his son. The hospital

went into lockdown as the police tried to

negotiate with him. George, however,

refused to back down. Then something

incredible happened - his son, who was

supposed to be brain-dead, squeezed

his hand when George asked him to.

This proved that his son’s mind was still

working. George immediately

surrendered to the police.

• GEORGE PICKERING AND HIS ILL SON

Doctors at a Texas hospital told

George Pickering that his son was

brain-dead. They said, “He has no

brain activity,” and planned to take him

off life support. But George didn’t believe

them and pulled out a gun. He

threatened to shoot the doctors if they

didn’t keep trying to save his son.

For three hours, George was in a

standoff with the police while doctors

George Pickering spent 11 months in

prison for what he did, but his son made

a full recovery.

This is still one of the wildest stories I’ve

ever heard. As a father, I can only feel

sympathy for George. Being a father,

sometimes, means doing whatever it

takes, no matter how far you have to go.

Editor's Note: This story was originally

posted on Quora.com by Jean- Marie

Valheur.


AUGUST 2023

Accomplish Magazine 1

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CEO INTERVIEW

Bishop Dr. Segun

Johnson

A Credible Voice in

Faith, Leadership and

Governance

By Harry Choms

Bishop Segun Johnson is a multifaceted leader whose

journey spans academia, ministry, and media. Growing

up in Ibadan, Nigeria, his early experiences shaped

his aspirations and commitment to social justice and

education. After working at the National Assembly as Secretary

of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters, he

transitioned into academia, becoming a prominent figure in

the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). His notable

contributions include authoring "The Brainless and Vampire

Decisions by African Leaders", which critiques leadership

methodologies in Africa, among other works.

In this interview with Accomplish Magazine, he shares insights

into his rare boldness, diverse career experiences, the challenges

he faced while establishing Open Doors Media, and his reflections

on leadership principles that have guided him. He discusses

the critical intersection of faith and governance in his life and

emphasises the importance of integrity and vision in leadership.


CEO INTERVIEW


| 41

CEO INTERVIEW

Growing up in Ibadan, how did your

upbringing and family environment

influence your aspirations and

eventual calling?

Well, I attended Ibadan Grammar

School and passing in front of Chief

Obafemi Awolowo's house at Okeado,

I used to see his house and fantasise

what went on in that house. The large

premises was on the Okebola-Malite

Road at Okeado. I used to see a lot of

people there. I would always think

what politicians do as a child.

Of course, at Ibadan Grammar

School, we were given comprehensive

education. That gave me a kind of

background to have an

understanding of science subjects

and social science subjects.

Of course, attending the University of

Ibadan was one of my aspirations.

Many of us who schooled in Ibadan

expected that one day we will study

at the University of Ibadan. I

happened not to finally enter the

University of Ibadan. I ended up in the

University of Lagos.

Transitioning from academia to

ministry is a significant shift. What

led to this decision, and how did you

reconcile the two paths?

Maybe, we should roll back a little bit. I

graduated and worked with the

National Assembly. I was the

Secretary of the Senate Committee

on Judiciary and Legal Matters. That

made me the Secretary of the Joint

House Committee of the Senate and

the National Assembly on Judiciary

and Legal Matters. The importance of

this position was that it gave me a

pedestal to know what was going on

in that arm of government.

The judiciary was the arm of

government overseen by that

committee. Most of the other

committees, like Senate Committee

on Education or Health, would oversee

the Ministry of Education or Ministry of

Health.

That committee had to oversee the

Supreme Court, the Federal High

Court, and any other judiciary agency

attached to the Federal Government.

So, it gave me an opportunity to mix

with the Supreme Court Chief Justice,

• BISHOP DR. SEGUN JOHNSON

especially the Chief Justice of Nigeria

at that time, Fatai-Williams. It opened

my eyes to be close to politicians on a

one-on-one basis.

We travelled all over the world

together. We were in Australia. We

were in Brazil. We were in most of the

western European countries because

we were trying to do some

comparative study of the judiciary of

Nigeria and other countries. That

opened my eyes a lot and broadened

my horizon.

Of course, I've always believed in

judgment and justice, fundamental

human rights. So, I contested to be the

first chairman of the Senior Staff

Association of the National Assembly

Senior Workers, which I won. Therefore,

I could discuss with people like Joseph

Wayas (the Senate President then) to

say "These are the rights we want."

I can recall some of the discussions

we had before the Buhari regime

came and torpedoed the government

on December 31st, 1983. So, the

military government took me to the

Federal Ministry of Agriculture to work

as one of the senior officers there.

I did not like the job so, I transitioned to

academia and became a lecturer at

the Lagos State University. And of

course, being a union man, I was

always fighting for the rights of the

people.

So, in no time, I was made secretary of

Academic Staff Union of Universities,

Lagos State University (ASUU-LASU).

From there, I moved on to contest for

the chairmanship of ASUU-LASU. I won

held on until the national body said,

"Okay, we want to take you on, can

you contest?" So, I became the

National Internal Auditor of National

Executive of Academic Staff Union of

Universities.

I went on to study Research at the

University of Manchester, United

Kingdom, and ended up at the

University of London in 1992-93. Then, I

wrote a book, The Brainless and

Vampire Decisions by African Leaders.

That did not sit well with Gen. Sani

Abacha (the then military head of

state). So, I had to be in asylum. It was

while I was in asylum that I


CEO INTERVIEW

transitioned to become a minister.

But, I did not stop there. The journalist

in me had arisen so I attached myself

to organisations that were

broadcasting. I featured on a

programme called "You Decide". It's a

discussion programme on

government activities and we were

bringing up information, facts, and

figures and analysing them. Then, we

ask our listeners and viewers to

decide what they think should be

done by various government bodies.

It became a very successful

programme. Those days, when I walk

on the streets of London, some people

will see me and shout, "You Decide!

You Decide!"

So, I set up Open Doors Media to offer

and analyse information for listeners

- governments, organisations,

non-government organisations and

the people on the streets.

Being a deacon while in Nigeria, I'd

also attended Bible college as well. I'd

known a few things about church

structure. I believe it is difficult to live in

this world without spiritual guidance

so, I've always been close to God;

especially if one wants to be

analysing issues of government.

People in the government don't like

the truth. So, you have to be close to

God who will protect you but making

the transition was not difficult for me.

Your book, The Brainless and

Vampire Decisions by African

A leader must be

someone who is

a ladder. That's

the way we put

it. A leader must

be a ladder for

others to climb

and get to a

higher position

Leaders, made waves. How do you

see its relevance in today's African

leadership landscape?

It has always been relevant and I

wonder what day it will not be

relevant. We have African leaders

who make decisions based on their

own whims. They do not make

policies and decisions to favour the

development of their countries. If we

take a look across West Africa, many

countries in West Africa are badly run.

Look at what happened in Ghana a

few weeks ago. They threw out

President Nana Akufo-Addo and

reinstated someone who had been

there one time (John Mahama).

When you look at Liberia, we thought

the footballer (George Weah) would

do a better job but his own people

threw him out. If you look at our

country, Nigeria, you see how

Goodluck Jonathan was thrown out

by the people. So, we, the leaders,

have not been able to strike a

covenant with the people and say,

"We're going to take care of you."

Actually, if you look at the philosophy

of government by the people,

Jean-Jacques Rousseau says

government should be a covenant

between the leaders of the people

and the people. And that the leaders

should be able to give the kind of

covenant that will uplift the people in

terms of security and welfare. But the

leadership has not been able to do

so. So, the people are dissatisfied and

unhappy. That's what we've seen in

many of these countries.

In that book, I looked at the decisions

of many African leaders in a

systematic way; not just one here,

one there. l was asking the question:

Why was this decision made? Why

was this policy made?

Moribund technologies were being

brought into Africa. And in two or

three years, the Western world will not

be using that technology anymore.

That's the case of

telecommunications in Nigeria.

Somehow, they brought in, before the

advent of mobile phones, some

terrible equipment that were

supposed to revolutionise the

telephone service in Nigeria. But they

were all moribund!

It was the same thing with other kinds

of engineering technology that they

brought into Africa. While they were

phasing them out in the Western

world, they were bringing them into

Africa. It's a brainless decision;

wasting of money - elephant policies,

and things that will not just help

Nigeria or any other African country to

get into the level where other

countries are.

And, it's not a Third World country

mentality, because there are other

Third World countries that have made

it - Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia,

Saudi Arabia, and the Arab Emirates.

These were Third World countries that

have taken the correct decisions and

policies in technology importation

that have made it possible.

What were the major challenges you

faced while establishing and scaling

Open Doors Media, and how did you

overcome them?

Open Doors Media had to come

because there were more things I

wanted to say that I could not say on

other people's forums. I wanted to talk

about justice and judgment in the

right way. But, I could not do it in

another man's media company.

I thought I was leaving them to go

and create a rival company but that

was not the case. I just could not hold

on to some things. Let me give you an

example.

When the western world was

opposing (Col. Muammar) Gaddafi

and he was about to be killed, he ran

out of shelter. The United Nations

Security Council held a meeting that

there should be a no-fly zone. That is,

the western world should not fly any

helicopter (or airplane) to fight

Gaddafi. That was the UN Security

Council meeting. But, the British

government, France and other

European governments went and flew

their airplane over Libya.

Eventually, they got Gaddafi and killed

him and I went on air that day (on Ben

Television) and said, "Look, the West,

they are killing Africans. Look at them

killing Libyans because they wanted

to get Gaddafi."


| 43

CEO INTERVIEW

While I was still on set, the British

home secretary called the CEO of

Ben Television and said, "What's Dr.

Johnson saying on air? It is a lie." So,

we had to end the programme

abruptly. I had to be interviewed

(later) and told "What were you

saying? You want to cause riots in

London? People will come out.

Africans are being killed in Libya. You

want to cause riots?" I said "No."

The Libyans caught some European

soldiers with fake passports,

claiming that they were Libyans.

They were arrested after their plane

was brought down. When they were

being investigated, they confessed

that they were mercenaries working

for the French and British

governments. I was disappointed

that the British government would

send mercenaries to go and fight in

Libya in that manner. So, I said it

publicly but the broadcast company

was not happy. The home secretary

was not happy. But I was saying the

truth.

What management principles or

mentors have had the most

significant impact on your career?

I've read a few books on

management. But, it's the leadership

principles that are important to me.

One of them is that as a leader, I

must encourage people of like mind

to work together. If they're just three

or four, if they have the same

orientation, the same vision, get

them together and get to the next

level. Such people will run with the

vision. Don't go and bring people

who will scatter the vision. In fact,

that's what they call division,

because they don't have the same

vision with you.

Secondly, a leader must be

someone who is a ladder. That's the

way we put it. A leader must be a

ladder for others to climb and get to

a higher position. The leadership

principles that have been lacking in

Nigeria, we have managed to

incorporate them into our own

space so that we have a formidable

vision. We have encouragement

from ourselves and our principles.

We try to be mentors so that people

can climb through us and get higher

So, a new CEO

should be

interested in

monitoring

the growth of

the root. And,

you know the

root is in the

soil. Nobody

sees it, nobody

appreciates

what you do in

the soil.

than us.

Those principles have helped us to

build solid and consistent

supporters. We don't want to be the

managers forever. People ought to

come and take over at a particular

point. Those are the leadership

principles that have helped us a lot.

Reflecting on your journey, what do

you consider your most significant

accomplishment in ministry and

academia?

In ministry, I became a bishop. That

is a lot of responsibility. You know, the

definition of a bishop. A bishop is a

pastor of pastors. So, I have to lead

other pastors. I have to make sure

they work in their own parishes and

supervise them. That's the work of a

bishop in the main. Of course, we

travel all over the world, preaching.

So that's a major accomplishment

that I didn't imagine when I became

born again. I didn't even plan to be a

pastor, talk less of a bishop. But as

time went on, I discovered that God

wanted his own servants to be at

different levels - as bishops, pastors,

there are different levels.

I've written a few books and

academic articles in various

academic journals while I was there.

I was glad to be fighting for not only

the rights of lecturers, but to fight for

education in Nigeria also. I did that

for several years with other lecturers.

Of course, maybe my books will

speak for me at a later date. There

are two book I wrote that many

students are still reading. They are

Readings in Selected Nigerian

Problems and

Dimensions in Nigeria’s Foreign

Policy.

So, in my life in the university, in

the academia - I've been a

unionist, I've been an author,

and I've been a lecturer. And,

of course, a researcher. I have

worked in those areas and

I'm glad for what I could

produce in those few years.

Looking back, if you could

change one decision or

approach in your journey, what

would it be and why?

Honestly, I must confess to you that

my journey in life has been ordered

by God. My parents wanted me to

become a medical doctor. If I'd

become a medical doctor, I would

have changed that course. Instead, I

got to Political Science by chance. I

was a very good Physical Science

student. At a level, I studied

Chemistry, Biology, Geography,

Economics. I was very good in the

sciences. But as it turned out, like

El-Rufai would say, "An accidental

politician..." or something like that. So,

I just found myself in Political

Science. There's nothing that I would

have preferred in place of politics. I

mean, it was the best thing that has

ever happened to me.

What I would have changed in my

life... Many people, my family, did not

like me in unionism, but I can't stand

injustice so, I wouldn't have changed

that.

I'm trying to see what I will have liked

to change, because my life was

ordered by God, my steps ordered

by God. It's very difficult for me to see

something I would have lost to

change. Things have been pretty

rough, but they were because of the

lane I chose to fight for the rights of

people.

Things have been pretty rough, but I


CEO INTERVIEW

• BISHOP DR. SEGUN JOHNSON

would not want to change that.

I'm glad that I worked in the National

Assembly, because it opened my

eyes to see how we operate and are

supposed to operate in a

democracy, especially from the

legislative side of things. I've also

worked for the executive.

Based on your experiences, what

advice would you give to aspiring

CEOs who are looking to build

global enterprises?

Well, we must look at this from the

metaphor of a tree. A tree grows

downward. The root grows

downward.

The more it grows downward, the

more it will take nutrients and it will

take water and it will stabilise the

stem and the branches. And, the

branches are supposed to bear fruit.

So, whoever wants to be a CEO must

be prepared to train and retrain his

staff and be able to study deep into

the night to note the nitty gritty and

the trick of the trade; that is the root

growing downward.

So, a new CEO should be interested

in monitoring the growth of the root.

And, you know the root is in the soil.

Nobody sees it, nobody appreciates

what you do in the soil. It gives

foundation, it gives security, nobody

appreciates or sees it. But then, the

fruits of the tree can even make the

tree fall if it has a very small root.

If you could sit down for a

conversation with one historical

leader, who would it be, and what

would you ask him or her?

Wow! Historical leader in the western

world or in the African world?

Because I've lived in both worlds...

I'm trying to look for a balancer,

someone who has a balanced

life and who has achieved a lot.

Maybe, with what I have read

about him, severally, that would

probably be John F. Kennedy, who

said that we shouldn't ask for what

our country can do for us, but what

we can do for our country.

He was colour-blind and had a

wealth of understanding he

produced before he was shot dead.

John F. Kennedy, of course, stopped

what would have been a third world

war when Soviet Union planes and

ships we're going to Cuba to

establish a base there. You

remember that story in 1962; the

Cuban missile crisis.

He adverted that. I would have

wanted to know all the intricacies of

what he did; how he could pull his

government together, and how he

thought he should stop the third

world war. So, I would have loved to

see what was going on in his mind,

and how he balanced life. Because

his life was not rosy. I mean, his

health was not as rosy.

He was taking a lot of medication

daily, just to be alive. And, of course,

had the most glamorous wife whom

the whole world was talking about.

I would have asked about his

philosophical leaning. I would have

asked him how he handled those

days in the early 1960s, between 1960

and 1962.

The world was about to scatter but

he managed to block the Soviet

Union ships. And, they returned, and

here we are. Because, it would have

been a nuclear war. Yeah, John F.

Kennedy would be my person.

HARRY

CHOMS

AUTHOR’S BIO

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.


| 45

GRAND DESIGN / ARCHITECTURE

By Damian Ikenna Ngere

• CROSSWAY

• Crossway: A Pioneering

Eco-Friendly Family Home

Crossway, designed by

architect Richard Hawkes,

is a remarkable residence

featuring the United

Kingdom’s only timbrelvaulted

parabolic arch.

Completed in 2008, this

innovative family home is

celebrated for its sustainability

and energy efficiency.

Built using 26,000 handcrafted

clay tiles, Crossway

stands as an iconic landmark

in the Kentish countryside.

The property has earned

numerous award nominations

and holds the prestigious

Passivhaus certification,

reflecting its exceptional ecoconscious

design.

Crossway was constructed

using locally sourced,

environmentally-friendly

materials wherever possible.

Its advanced renewable

technologies and passive

solar design have secured it

an A+ EPC rating, making it a

model of energy efficiency.

Granted planning permission

under ‘Planning Policy Statement

Seven’ (PPS 7), Crossway gained

widespread acclaim after

being featured on Channel 4’s

Grand Designs. It remains one of

presenter Kevin McCloud’s most

admired projects.


GRAND DESIGN / ARCHITECTURE

• Water Lane: A Sustainable

Architectural Landmark in the High Weald

• WATERLANE

Water Lane, a groundbreaking

Paragraph 84 (formerly Paragraph

79) project, received planning

approval on 28 October, 2020 from

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council,

United Kingdom. This milestone

marks the council's first approval

of such a scheme within the High Weald

National Landscape, a significant achievement

given the site’s isolated location.

The project, unanimously supported by the

Design Review Panel, local parish council, and

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council officers,

embodies sustainability and energy efficiency.

Situated on a 16-acre premises, the design

focuses on extending the ancient woodland

gill habitat, reconnecting historic woodland

areas, and enhancing the natural landscape to

create a harmonious and robust ecosystem.

The Paragraph 84 home takes inspiration from

traditional Kent peg-tiled roofs, with flowing

curves and organic geometry. The design

envisions the roof as a draping cloak that

softens and weathers gracefully over time,

blending seamlessly into the surrounding

meadow glades and woodland. This innovative

approach celebrates both architectural

elegance and environmental stewardship.

• HAWKES-ARCHITECTURE BEDROOM

• EXTERNAL-CLOSE-UP

DAMIAN

IKENNA NGERE

AUTHOR’S BIO

Ikenna is a graduate of Physics and Education,

who works as a freelance writer. He has interest

in technology, humanity and sports.


| 47

THE INCUBATOR

with Diiyi William-West

SERIES

Get Ahead

with

Eye Contact

Have you met someone you are making

efforts to have an important one-onone

interaction with and while you are

speaking, possibly smiling cheerfully and looking

at the person, he or she is speaking, trying so hard

to make his or her point but looking everywhere

else but you? How did that make you feel?

Wait. Let's even ask: If someone

isn't making eye contact, how can

he or she make heart contact?

Tough question, I guess. Indeed,

eye contact is a non-verbal

means of communication but

it does so much that it could

achieve the desired results where

utterances are struggling to

make impact because it conveys

emotions and intentions in

memorable ways.

Communication experts make

the point that eye contact

can stimulate the release of

oxytocin, often referred to as

the "bonding hormone," which

enhances feelings of trust and

connection between individuals.

When we lock eyes with another

person, we engage in a silent

conversation, all by itself, that

can convey warmth, interest, and

attentiveness.

48 |


THE INCUBATOR SERIES

Moreover, eye contact plays a

pivotal role in establishing authority

and confidence. In professional

settings, maintaining eye contact

during conversations can project

self-assurance and competence.

Note that individuals who engage

in steady eye contact are often

perceived as more credible and

persuasive.

If you don't make eye contact

in your interactions in business

and other issues, you are making

room to lose out of great things.

Eye contact intimacy and

understanding. It deepens. It

conveys affection, longing, or

reassurance, transcending the

limitations of verbal expression.

Maintaining eye

contact during

conversations

can project selfassurance

and

competence.

In professional settings, eye contact

can enhance collaboration and

teamwork. When colleagues

engage in eye contact during

discussions, it signals active

participation and mutual respect.

This non-verbal affirmation

can lead to more productive

conversations, as individuals

feel valued and understood.

Furthermore, in negotiations,

maintaining eye contact can

be a strategic advantage, as it

demonstrates confidence and

sincerity, thereby influencing the

dynamics of the interaction.

If you have had problems raising

your eyes to look into the eyes

of your family members and

friends, here are a few steps you

can apply:

Practice Active Listening:

Engaging in active listening

encourages natural eye contact.

By focusing on the speaker and

demonstrating genuine interest,

maintain eye contact will come

naturally.

Apply Eye Contact to Reinforce

Key Points:

Making eye contact while

delivering important information

can emphasise key points and

enhance the credibility of your

message.

Practice in Low-Stakes

Environments:

If you have struggled to make

eye contact, begin to learn how

with close family members and

friends. It's a sure way to build

confidence.

Watch out for Cultural

Differences:

Understanding cultural

differences in different

settings will prove quite useful.

Researching and adapting to

the norms of the individuals

you interact with can

enhance mutual respect and

understanding.

Apply the 50/70 Rule:

Experts advise that one should

maintain eye contact for about

50% of the time while speaking

and 70% while listening. This

balance fosters engagement

without overwhelming the other

person. With practice, you will

get this right over time.

Conclusion

The practice of maintaining eye

contact when interacting with

people lifts such interactions to

profound levels - in personal

or business environments.

It transcends mere visual

engagement; it is a powerful

tool that fosters connection,

trust, and understanding. While

cultural variations and individual

differences may influence how

eye contact is perceived, its

importance remains a constant

in your quest for meaningful

communication.

As you navigate an increasingly

digital world, where face-toface

interactions are becoming

less frequent, it is imperative to

recognise and cultivate the art

of eye contact.

DIIYI

WILLIAM-WEST

AUTHOR’S BIO

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.


| 49

AI TODAY & TOMORROW

Generative AI and Local

Content Development:

Opportunities and

Challenges for Nigeria

By Wisdom Thursday

Artificial intelligence

(AI) is rapidly

transforming

content creation,

with generative AI emerging

as a game-changer. This

technology, which includes

tools like ChatGPT, DALL·E,

and other machine-learning

models, enables the

automatic generation of text,

images, videos, and even

music. As Nigeria strives to

boost its digital economy,

understanding the impact of

generative AI on local content

development is crucial.

The Rise of Generative AI in

Content Creation

Generative AI works by

analysing vast datasets and

learning patterns to produce

original content. In countries

with advanced AI ecosystems,

businesses and creatives

are leveraging these tools to

automate content production,

enhance creativity, and

streamline workflows. From

journalism to advertising and

entertainment, generative AI is

reshaping industries by making

content creation more efficient

and cost-effective.

For Nigeria, where content creation

is a vital part of the media,

entertainment, and marketing

industries, generative AI presents

both opportunities and challenges.

It has the potential to scale local

content production, reduce costs,

and increase accessibility, but it also

raises concerns about originality,

job displacement, and ethical

considerations.

Opportunities for Local Content

Development in Nigeria

1. Boosting the Creative Economy:


AI TODAY & TOMORROW

Nigeria’s creative industry,

particularly Nollywood, music,

and digital media, can leverage

generative AI to produce

high-quality scripts, videos,

and soundtracks. AI-driven

automation can reduce

production time, making it

easier for content creators to

scale their output.

2. Enhancing Language and

Cultural Representation:

Generative AI can be trained

on local dialects and traditions

to create culturally relevant

content. This can help preserve

indigenous languages and

promote Nigerian heritage on

digital platforms.

3. Personalised Digital

Marketing: Businesses can

use AI-generated content to

tailor advertising campaigns,

reaching specific audiences

more effectively. AI can analyse

consumer behaviour and

generate marketing materials

that resonate with local

demographics.

AI presents both

opportunities

and challenges.

It has the

potential to scale

local content

production,

reduce costs,

and increase

accessibility,

but it also raises

concerns about

originality, job

displacement,

and ethical

considerations.

4. Education and Research:

AI-powered content can

enhance learning by generating

educational materials,

summarising complex topics,

and translating texts into local

languages. This can improve

accessibility to quality education

across Nigeria.

Challenges and

Considerations

Despite these advantages, several

challenges must be addressed for

Nigeria to fully harness generative

AI:

1. Data and Bias Issues:

Generative AI models rely on

large datasets, but if these

datasets do not include enough

Nigerian content, the outputs

may lack cultural accuracy or

reinforce biases. Developing AI

trained on diverse local content

is essential.

2. Intellectual Property and

Originality: There are concerns

about AI-generated content

infringing on copyright laws or

reducing incentives for original

work. Nigeria needs a robust

legal framework to protect

content creators and ensure fair

compensation.

3. Job Displacement: As AI

automates content creation,

some traditional roles in media

and entertainment may

decline. Upskilling and reskilling

initiatives will be necessary to

help professionals adapt to the

evolving landscape.

4. Infrastructure and

Accessibility: AI technology

requires significant

computational power and

internet access. Many Nigerian

content creators may face

barriers due to limited digital

infrastructure and high costs of

AI tools.

How Nigeria Can Adapt

To maximise the benefits of

generative AI while mitigating its

risks, Nigeria must take strategic

steps:

• Invest in AI Research and

Development: Universities and

tech hubs should collaborate

to create AI models trained on

Nigerian data, ensuring that

generative AI aligns with local

needs.

• Develop Clear Regulations:

Policy makers should establish

laws governing AI-generated

content to protect intellectual

property and address ethical

concerns.

• Support Digital Literacy and

Training: Government and the

private sector should invest in

training programmes to equip

content creators with AI skills,

ensuring they remain relevant

in the digital age.

• Enhance Digital Infrastructure:

Improving internet connectivity

and access to AI resources

will enable more Nigerians

to benefit from generative AI

technologies.

Conclusion

Generative AI is shaping the

future of content creation

worldwide, and Nigeria must

position itself to harness

its potential. With strategic

investment and forward-thinking

policies, generative AI can

become a catalyst for Nigeria’s

digital transformation, enabling

local content creators to compete

on the global stage.

WISDOM THURSDAY

AUTHOR’S BIO

Wisdom Thursday is a digital

growth specialist. He is a

disruptive thinker with a diverse

skill set and experience in

Brand Strategy Development,

Digital Marketing, Web Design

and Marketing Strategy

Development..


| 51

AFRICA RISING: NEWS ABOUT AFRICA

By Adams Oma


• GHANA'S PARLIAMENT

Ghana Approves Provisional Budget

Ahead of Leadership Transition

A preliminary budget that

permits the government

Egypt's Tourism Industry Achieves Record-

Breaking Revenues

According to Mubasher

Pulse, Egypt's tourist

industry saw recordbreaking

earnings of over

$14 billion over the last 11

months, a 7.8% growth that

is the highest amount ever

recorded in recent years.

A 3.97% increase in visitor

arrivals to 14.3 million and

a 7.8% increase in visitor

nights, totalling 151.3 million,

were the main drivers of this

development.

Together with Germany,

England, and Russia, Saudi

Arabia is one of the top

tourists' sources, with Saudi

to spend $4.65 billion until

March was approved by

• A GENERAL VIEW OF THE HISTORICAL

SITE OF THE GIZA PYRAMIDS, NEAR

CAIRO, EGYPT

travellers spending about

$1.5 billion. With 1.5 million

arrivals, Saudi tourists

alone made about half of

all Arab visitors to Egypt,

demonstrating the close

relations between the two

nations.

the Ghanaian parliament to

enable government operations

until the recently elected

President John Mahama settles

into office.

After eight years in office,

outgoing President Nana

Akufo-Addo was scheduled

to deliver his final state of the

nation speech. Next week, John

Dramani Mahama will officially

become the nation's president.

POLITICS

Suspicions Arise

Over Fatal Incident at

Chad's Presidential

Palace

The attack on the presidential

palace late Wednesday, January

8, killed 19 persons, including a

presidential guard, according

to the Chadian administration.

Contradictory reports, however,

have cast doubts on the

incident; some testimonies

implying that it might have

been a tragic error rather than a

planned attack.

In a televised speech,

government spokeswoman,

Abderaman Koulamallah,

claimed the attackers were

probably under the influence

of alcohol and narcotics and

arrived in one or two vehicles.

Official reports state that the


TECHNOLOGY

• CHADIAN PRESIDENT,

MAHAMAT IDRISS DEBY ITNO

attackers lacked "weapons of war"

and were unarmed.

According to Koulamallah,

two presidential guards suffered

serious injuries, six of the alleged

attackers survived, and 18 of them

were killed.

• IVORY COAST’S PRESIDENT

ALASSANE OUATTARA

Ivory Coast's Ouattara

Signals Possible Fourth

Term Run

Alassane Ouattara, the president

of Ivory Coast, has indicated that

he is amenable to another term,

although his party has not formally

decided whether he would run

for office in 2025. In his clearest

hint, yet, of a possible campaign,

Ouattara stated, "I am in good

health and eager to continue

serving my country", in a speech to

diplomats in Abidjan on Thursday,

• AHMED WADI, CEO AND CO-FOUNDER OF MONEY FELLOWS AND DR. REDA

HELAL, GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR – PROCESSING, AFRICA & CO-HEAD

GROUP PROCESSING

Network International's Digital Payment

Solution to Support New Money Fellows

Service in Egypt

Network International, a key provider of digital commerce in the

Middle East and Africa, has collaborated with Money Fellows, the top

money circles app, to power a new solution that will take advantage

of its best-in-class payment capabilities. Network will provide

Money Fellows its "Digital Payments as a Service" platform along

with value-added services including sophisticated fraud detection,

completely secure payment capability, and a comprehensive range

of back-office managed services.

Money Fellows will be able to improve the app's usability and

adaptability thanks to this platform. Network will help Money Fellows

expand throughout the Middle East and Africa region by leveraging

its pan-regional experience.

January 8, 2025.

The 83-year-old leader,

who won a contentious third

term in 2020, has already

stated that he wants to step

down, but he has implied

that his choice might be

influenced by whether or not

his longstanding political

opponents decide to retire as

well.

ADAMS OMA

AUTHOR’S BIO

Adams Oma is a skilled blogger

and SEO content writer. When

he is not writing, Adams Oma,

a Computer Science graduate,

enjoys music, playing video

games and surfing the

internet for more knowledge.


| 53

GLOB AL NEW

TECHNOLOGY

By Adams Oma

Apple has explained its privacy

practices in reaction to the

settlement, claiming that it has

never sold data gathered by Siri or

used it to generate marketing

profiles. The company stressed

that Siri minimises data transfer

and makes sure searches and

requests aren't connected to users'

Apple accounts by processing data

on-device whenever feasible.

Furthermore, users have the option

to opt out of Siri at any moment,

and it does not save audio

recordings unless enabled.

A class-action lawsuit alleging that

Siri, Apple's voice assistant,

unintentionally captured private

conversations and shared them

with third parties has been settled

for $95 million. According to the

Apple-Siri

Apple Reaffirms Siri Privacy Policy Following

$95 Million Class Action Settlement

lawsuit, Siri accidentally activated

and proceeded to share private or

sensitive conversations that were

overheard.

the most precious real estate in the

country - with median property values

of over $2 million - at peril.

Insurance companies are anticipating

losses from these flames of up to $20

billion. The continuation of the fires

and their poor containment caused

JPMorgan analysts to update their

estimates from $10 billion. Additionally,

insured losses in the billions are

predicted by Moody's and Morningstar

DBRS.


The German share price index DAX

graph is pictured at the stock

exchange in Frankfurt, Germany

Insurers Prepare

for Losses of Up to

$20 Billion from

California Wildfires

AccuWeather estimates that the

recent wildfires in Los Angeles,

United States of America, have

caused between $52 billion and

$57 billion in economic losses.

About 15,000 buildings are under

danger, and more than 130,000

residents have been evacuated.

More than 2,000 buildings, mostly

residences, have been damaged

by the flames, putting some of

The DAX graph is shown at the Frankfurt stock

exchange in Germany

Bonds Stay Under

Pressure While

European Stocks Make

a Comeback

The pan-European STOXX 600 index

increased by 0.32% as of January 9,

2025, indicating that European stock

54 |


S ROUND UP

markets have recovered from early

losses. Notwithstanding continuous

pressure on government bonds and

the US dollar's continued strength close

to annual highs, this recovery is taking

place.

Amid worries about inflation and the

United Kingdom's economy, 10-year

government bond rates in the UK have

risen to 4.925%, the highest level since

2008. As a result, the value of the pound

sterling has dropped significantly, hitting

a 14-month low in relation to the dollar.

The benchmark 10-year treasury yield

in the United States has somewhat

decreased from recent highs, indicating

persistent worries about inflation and the

country's future policies under Presidentelect

Donald Trump.

Yoon has responded by barricading himself within the

presidential palace with the help of hundreds of his supporters,

who have engaged in combat with both opponents and police.

To stop arrest efforts, the Presidential Security Service has

reinforced the compound with barbed wire and barricades.

POLITICS

President Yoon Suk Yeol

South Korean

Authorities Renew

Arrest Warrant for

President Yoon Suk Yeol

Amid Controversy

Yoon Suk Yeol, the president of

South Korea, is dealing with serious

legal issues after he attempted to

impose martial law in that country.

On December 31, 2024, the Seoul

Western District Court issued an

arrest warrant accusing Yoon of

abusing his position of authority and

planning the martial law crisis.

Netanyahu (M), wanted by the ICC for war crimes in Gaza

Poland to Shield Netanyahu from ICC

Arrest Warrant During Auschwitz Visit –

Report

Poland has taken action to guarantee that Israeli Prime Minister

Benjamin Netanyahu won't be arrested under an International

Criminal Court (ICC) warrant if he attends the 80th anniversary

celebrations of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. It would be

recalled that in November

2024, the ICC accused

Netanyahu of war crimes

connected to the Gaza conflict

and issued an arrest warrant

for him.

As Netanyahu travels to

Poland to commemorate

the anniversary of Auschwitz,

Polish President Andrzej Duda,

has asked Prime Minister

Donald Tusk's administration

to grant him immunity from

arrest. Duda underlined how

crucial it is to remove all

legal barriers so that Israeli

officials, particularly those in

senior roles, can attend the

memorial.

ADAMS OMA

AUTHOR’S BIO

Adams Oma is a skilled blogger

and SEO content writer. When

he is not writing, Adams Oma,

a Computer Science graduate,

enjoys music, playing video

games and surfing the

internet for more knowledge.


| 55

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

I LOVE TAPIOCA,

DO YOU?

By Joel Logbo

• A plate of Tapioca

Tapioca is a starchy food made from

cassava tubers (manihot esculenta). If

you've ever eaten tapioca, you have eaten

cassava. Therefore, tapioca is essentially

pure carbohydrate with negligible fibre, protein or

nutrients.

• Cassava

One cup of dry pearl tapioca contains 544 calories,

135 grams of carbohydrates and 5 grams of sugar.

There are virtually no vitamins to speak of other

than a small amount of folate and pantothenic

acid yet the same amount yields 13 per cent of the

recommended daily value in iron and 8 per cent of

manganese.


ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

• Milk • Kosher salt • Berries

Moisture is removed from tapioca

either by evaporation or squeezing

out the fluid after it has been ground,

leaving a fine, white powder. It's often

sold as flour or pressed into flakes

or "pearls," which should be boiled

before they are eaten; one part dry

pearls to 8 parts water is a good

ratio.

The product usually resembles

small, translucent and gel-like

balls with a leathery consistency

that expands when it becomes

moist. Where gluten-free meals are

required, tapioca is one of the best

alternatives to wheat and other

grains.

While tapioca starch provides

energy with very little nutritional

value, it's gluten-free which makes it

worth its weight in gold for a growing

number of people who are allergic or

sensitive to gluten. It is also a good

alternative to flour for cooking and

baking. This applies to such options

as:

- Gluten and grain-free bread

made from tapioca is sometimes

combined with other flours such as

coconut flour or almond meal to

improve nutrition.

- As a thickener, tapioca is excellent

for bulking up the consistency of

soups or stews as it's essentially

flavourless.

- Flatbread made from tapioca is

most often found in developing

countries because it's inexpensive

and very versatile.

- Added to burgers and dough,

tapioca is a binder that can

improve the texture and moisture

content in foods without becoming

soggy.

Tapioca, being a gluten-free

carbohydrate is suitable for people

with celiac disease.

Here's a recommended recipe to

enjoy tapioca.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups of whole milk

- One cup of heavy cream

- One tablespoon of non-fat dry milk

powder

- ⅛ teaspoon of kosher salt

- ⅓ cup of small pearl tapioca (not

instant or quick-cooking)

- ⅓ cup of sugar

- One large egg yolk, beaten to

blend

- Freshly grated berries of your

choice or nut (for serving)

Preparation:

Step 1:

Whisk milk, cream, milk powder, and

salt in a medium saucepan; add

tapioca and let it sit for 30 minutes to

hydrate.

Step 2:

Add sugar to tapioca mixture and

bring to a simmer over medium

heat. Reduce heat to mediumlow

and cook, stirring often, until

it reaches consistency of a thick

soup in about 10 – 12 minutes.

Whisk in egg yolk and cook, stirring

occasionally for 2 minutes (it will

thicken slightly). Allow to cool, stirring

occasionally for 10 minutes.

Step 3:

Share into small bowls. Chill pudding

until it gets cold. It will thicken after

about 2 hours. Top it with berries and

serve.

Step 4:

ADVISE: Pudding could be made 3

days ahead. Cover and keep chilled.

Nutrition Per Serving:

Calories (kcal) 264 Fat (g)

17 Saturated Fat (g) 11

Cholesterol (mg) 91 Carbohydrates

(g) 23 Dietary Fibre (g) 0 Total

Sugars (g) 16 Protein (g) 4 Sodium

(mg) 80.

Note: This recipe will provide 6

servings.

WhatsApp: 07030420960

Mail: mahchealthcare12@gmail.com

Website: www.mahchealthcare.com

JOEL

N. LOGBO

AUTHOR’S BIO

Dr. Joel N. Logbo is a patient-centred

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.


| 57

CORPORATE SUITE

Nigeria's Economy & The

Prohibitive Cost of Doing Business

By Segun Adeyanju

Nigeria, known as Africa’s largest

economy and home to an immense

entrepreneurial spirit, finds itself

wrestling with a significant obstacle:

the prohibitive cost of doing business.

For companies navigating the country’s vast

economic potential, the challenges are daunting,

cutting across unreliable infrastructure,

burdensome taxation, erratic power supply, and

pervasive inefficiencies.

These challenges not only deter

foreign investors but also cripple

local enterprises, putting immense

pressure on their survival and

growth. Electricity costs remain

one of the most pressing issues.

With over 85 million Nigerians

lacking access to grid electricity

- making Nigeria the largest

energy deficient population in the

world - businesses resort to selfgeneration.

The Manufacturers Association

of Nigeria (MAN) disclosed that

its members spent a staggering

N144 billion on alternative power

in 2023. For small and mediumsized

enterprises, which make up

96 per cent of businesses in the

country, this expense represents

an insurmountable burden, often

leading to reduced profitability

or outright collapse. Consistent

power supply remains elusive, and

until this changes, the cost of selfgeneration

will continue to weigh

heavily on the business landscape.

Transportation and logistics also

add to the financial strain. With an

estimated 60 per cent of Nigeria’s

road network in poor condition,

according to the Federal Ministry

of Works and Housing, businesses

face significant delays and inflated

costs when transporting goods.

Nigeria’s ports further exacerbate

the issue. Lagos ports, handling

about 80 per cent of imports

and exports, are notorious for

delays caused by congestion

and inefficiencies. It can cost as


CORPORATE SUITE

much as $4,000 to move a single

container from Apapa Port to a

warehouse in Lagos, compared

to just $285 in neighbouring

Ghana. Such burdensome costs

erode profit margins and reduce

Nigeria’s competitiveness in

regional and global markets.

The taxation system is another

source of frustration for business

owners. With over 150 taxes and

levies imposed across federal,

state, and local levels, the

system is both cumbersome

and costly. The Nigerian

Investment Promotion

Commission (NIPC),

highlights how

overlapping tax

regimes create

confusion and

discourage

compliance.

The World

Bank

estimates

that Nigerian

businesses

spend an

average of 343

hours annually

trying to meet tax

obligations, well above

the regional average of 280

hours. Coupled with corporate

tax rates as high as 30 per cent,

businesses are left with limited

resources to reinvest in growth

and innovation.

Security challenges present an

additional layer of complexity.

Insurgency, banditry, and oil theft

disrupt operations in large parts

of the country. The Institute for

Security Studies estimates that

Nigeria loses approximately $4

billion annually to oil theft.

In sectors like agriculture,

insecurity has disrupted supply

chains and driven up costs,

contributing to food inflation

that reached 26.8 per cent in

December 2024, according to

the National Bureau of Statistics.

Such insecurity makes long-term

planning difficult for businesses,

particularly those in vulnerable

regions.

Corruption and bureaucratic

inefficiencies further stifle

business operations.

Transparency International

ranks Nigeria 154th out of 180

countries on its 2024 Corruption

Perceptions Index, reflecting

the systemic graft that persists

across sectors. Entrepreneurs

frequently encounter delays and

illicit demands when

trying to secure

permits, clear

Initiatives

like the

Presidential Enabling

Business Environment

Council (PEBEC),

have taken steps to

improve processes

and make Nigeria

more business

friendly.

goods, or

access

government

services.

These barriers inflate

costs and discourage many

potential investors from entering

the Nigerian market. Despite

these overwhelming challenges,

there are reasons for cautious

optimism.

Initiatives like the Presidential

Enabling Business Environment

Council (PEBEC), have taken

steps to improve processes and

make Nigeria more business

friendly. For instance, the National

Collateral Registry has enabled

SMEs to secure loans worth

over N2 trillion using movable

assets as collateral. The Business

Facilitation Act 2023 has also

sought to eliminate redundant

regulations and streamline

operations. While these efforts

are commendable, they remain

a drop in the ocean compared to

the reforms required to address

Nigeria’s structural deficiencies.

For Nigeria to realise its immense

economic potential, bold steps

must be taken to reduce the cost

of doing business. Addressing the

electricity crisis, repairing critical

infrastructure, simplifying the tax

system, and strengthening the

fight against corruption are not

optional; they are imperative.

Success in these areas will

not only attract foreign direct

investment but also empower

local businesses, creating jobs

and driving inclusive growth. With

unemployment at 33 percent

and poverty levels affecting over

40 percent of the population, the

urgency of these reforms cannot

be overstated.

Nigeria stands at a crossroads,

and its ability to transform

its business environment will

determine its future trajectory. A

competitive and business friendly

Nigeria is not just an aspiration

- it is a necessity for the survival

and prosperity of Africa’s most

populous nation.

SEGUN

ADEYANJU

AUTHOR’S BIO

Segun Adeyanju is a seasoned

journalist and editor with

extensive experience in news

writing, editing, and professional

storytelling. A member of the

Nigeria Union of Journalists

(NUJ), he's adept at stakeholder

engagement and information

management..


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Accomplish Magazine February 2025

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