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Nigeria at 63: Collective Actions to Foster Nation-Building By Tony Elumelu

Published

1 year ago

October 2, 2023

Tony Elumelu to Co-Chair New Africa Summit at the 8th Edition of Saudi Arabia’s Future Investment Initiative

Nigeria at 63: Collective Actions to Foster Nation-Building By Tony Elumelu

The Chairman of United Bank For Africa, Tony Elumelu has called for collective actions to foster nation-building. He made the call when he penned an article on Nigeria at 63;

Happy independence everyone!

As we celebrate another year of independence, it is time to reflect, to look in the mirror, for our nation and ourselves.

We know Nigeria, we love Nigeria, Nigeria is one of Africa’s most diverse and dynamic countries. We are a nation that excites, beguiles, and dreams. Yet, amidst our diversity and that potential that we all feel, we have faced so many challenges. These challenges ask us to answer a fundamental question: What is our collective responsibility in nation-building?

The destiny of Nigeria lies firmly in the hands of its people – you and me. I am an optimist and I believe strongly in the potential of our nation. We must work together to create the progress we so desire through innovation, and with unity in diversity.

In August, I spoke to the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in Abuja. At the time of a new administration – and without doubt some of our toughest times economically, I spoke about our collective responsibility as Nigerians, and what we must do to foster nation-building.

My prescription, my advice, my philosophy is simple:

1. Unity.

We must set our differences aside and be united with one ambition, and one duty – nation-building. Whatever our backgrounds, geographies, religions, and experiences let us ensure that our country experiences a true renaissance.

2. Celebrate our Global Success.

We know the potential of Nigeria.

We know the resources, human and natural, that Nigeria has at her disposal. We must learn to champion the successes of Nigerians globally – in international leadership positions at the WTO, at the UN, at the African Development Bank, at the Afreximbank, in technology, in music and entertainment, in business, in arts and in media, in film, in sports.

We see these replicated at home – what we need to do is unleash our potential, create that enabling environment in Nigeria.

3. Business Excellence.

The Nigerian private sector is showing globally our capability, our ingenuity, our institutionalisation. We have global businesses with Nigerian origins. For instance – UBA, the United Bank for Africa, the only African Bank that operates in the USA, as a deposit-taking bank. We are now in Dubai, Paris, and London – and just as importantly 20 other countries in Africa. Who would have thought 20 years ago, that Nigeria would be home to Africa’s global bank!

The private sector must continue to surpass its own achievements and continue to put Nigeria on the map.

4. Shared Responsibility

Nation-building is a call to arms – a vital task – a necessity.

At its core, nation-building is the intricate process of forging a cohesive, harmonious, and united society, out of diverse individuals, cultures, and ideologies. It is the art of constructing a shared identity.

Transforming Nigeria is a journey that demands our collective dedication, building across political affiliations, ethnic differences, and socioeconomic differences.

One that is not the responsibility of our government alone. Great nations start with great people, not just great leaders.

5. A Shared Ambition Across Our Society.

Our private sector, our philanthropies, our civil society, all citizens must be brought together and be empowered – as real, valued and executing partners for this national renewal, this nation building.

6. Love For Country.

Let Nigeria be at the centre of our hearts. Let us invest in the brand Nigeria.

We have no other place, no other motherland than Nigeria. We must begin to show and share a sense of pride in Nigeria. We must begin to rekindle our hope and have confidence in Nigeria and in our leaders. Let us be proud of Nigeria.

The responsibility of nation-building falls upon each and every one of us. To truly build a strong and prosperous nation, we must be more conscious and dedicated in our efforts.

Let us be inspired by the lessons of history, motivated by the sacrifices of our forefathers, guided by the wisdom of our elders, and energised by the aspirations of our youth.

Together, we can build a nation we can all be proud of.

Celebrate 63!

#TOEWay

celebrity radar - gossips

Sunday Igboho Challenges Court’s Ruling, Takes N20bn Case to Supreme Court

Published

17 hours ago

March 13, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Sunday Igboho Challenges Court’s Ruling, Takes N20bn Case to Supreme Court

Sunday Igboho Files Appeal at Supreme Court Over N20bn Damages Ruling

March 12, 2025 | Abuja, Nigeria — Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has escalated his legal battle to the Supreme Court, challenging the recent Court of Appeal decision that nullified the N20 billion damages awarded to him against the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

The legal dispute stems from the violent raid on Igboho’s Ibadan residence in July 2021, during which two people were allegedly killed and 12 others arrested. Igboho, a prominent figure advocating for the secession of the Yoruba region, had sued the AGF, DSS, and the DSS Director, seeking N5.5 billion in damages for the invasion. The raid was reportedly carried out under the guise of a national security operation, but Igboho has consistently argued that it was an unlawful assault on his fundamental rights.

In September 2021, the Oyo State High Court ruled in Igboho’s favor, awarding N20 billion in damages, holding the AGF and DSS accountable for the invasion. However, this ruling was overturned in August 2022 by the Court of Appeal in Ibadan. Justice Muslim Hassan, in delivering the judgment, stated that the lower court had misapplied legal principles in awarding the damages. The appellate court also criticized the lack of concrete evidence, such as autopsy reports, to substantiate the alleged killings during the raid.

In the wake of the appellate court’s ruling, Igboho has now approached Nigeria’s highest court, seeking a reversal of the decision. Through his legal representative, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Yomi Aliyu, Igboho filed an appeal with the Supreme Court on March 11, 2025, arguing that the Court of Appeal erred in its judgment. He contends that the burden of producing autopsy reports should not fall on him, as the DSS did not challenge the allegations of killings in court.

Igboho also criticizes the Appeal Court for rejecting his claims for special damages, despite providing affidavit evidence and expert invoices detailing the losses suffered in the raid. He further argues that the aggravated and exemplary damages awarded by the trial judge were reasonable and aligned with established legal principles. Additionally, Igboho points out that the DSS and AGF’s response at the appellate level was filed outside the prescribed time limit, questioning the validity of their submissions.

The Supreme Court’s ruling on this matter has the potential to set a landmark legal precedent, particularly in relation to government accountability and self-determination rights in Nigeria. Legal experts are watching closely, as the case could reshape the interpretation of human rights violations and the limits of government power in national security operations.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case in the coming months, with all eyes on the judicial process that may significantly influence the future of Nigeria’s constitutional and human rights landscape.

celebrity radar - gossips

Fake Testimony Lands Woman in Court Over Five-Bedroom Duplex Fraud

Published

18 hours ago

March 13, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Fake Testimony Lands Woman in Court Over Five-Bedroom Duplex Fraud

Fake Testimony Scandal: Woman Who Falsely Claimed Ownership of Duplex Arraigned in Court

The Enugu State Police Command has arraigned Loveth Helen Alo, the woman who falsely claimed ownership of a five-bedroom duplex, before the Enugu North Magisterial District Court. This development follows her sensational but fraudulent testimony at Zion Prayer Ministry in Lagos, where she alleged that divine intervention had gifted her the property.

Spokesperson for the Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed her arraignment in a statement on Tuesday, March 11. According to Ndukwe, Alo was arrested on February 1, 2025, after a petition was filed against her for falsely claiming ownership of a luxury home located in WTC Estate, Enugu.

“The suspect was apprehended by detectives from the Legal Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department following investigations into the fraudulent claims,” Ndukwe stated.

Alo had previously gone viral after storming the Zion Prayer Ministry Movement Outreach in Lagos with an emotional testimony, claiming that God had miraculously blessed her with the house. However, her story unraveled under scrutiny, and she later confessed to fabricating the entire narrative.

Authorities have charged her with five criminal offenses, including fraud, defamation, and attempted property theft. Despite her confession, Alo was granted bail, with the case adjourned to April 9, 2025, for further proceedings.

The incident has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many condemning the misuse of religious platforms for deceit and personal gain. Meanwhile, legal experts warn that Alo could face serious legal consequences if found guilty of attempting to fraudulently claim another person’s property.

celebrity radar - gossips

YouTube Takes Down Omoni Oboli’s Movie After 7 Million Views, Fans React in Outrage

Published

2 days ago

March 12, 2025

Sahara Weekly

YouTube Takes Down Omoni Oboli’s Movie After 7 Million Views, Fans React in Outrage

The internet has been set ablaze after YouTube took down Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli’s latest movie, Love in Every Word, which had amassed a staggering 7 million views in just four days. The sudden removal of the highly acclaimed film has sparked widespread reactions from fans, with many expressing frustration and confusion over the development.

The film, which features notable actors such as Bambam (wife of Teddy A) and Uzor Arukwe, had received massive accolades across social media before its unexpected disappearance. According to reports, the movie was flagged by a YouTube user named “Chinonso Obiora Skyberry,” who claimed copyright ownership of the content.

Fans in Shock as Movie Disappears

As news of the takedown spread, many fans took to social media to vent their frustrations, questioning why the movie was no longer available on YouTube.

One fan, @Ebukaobrota, wrote: “@omonioboli please ma’am why can’t I find the movie again on YouTube?”

Another, @NellyB, lamented: “I was watching it just a few minutes ago, and suddenly it wasn’t there. I hope YouTube didn’t bring down this beautiful movie @Omonioboli after attaining those views in just how many days?”

@Solomonitegboje confirmed the removal, stating: “The movie has been removed from YouTube.”

Similarly, @Otoyoessisi voiced concern over a copyright claim notification: “Why is the link saying the video is no longer available due to a copyright infringement report? I didn’t finish watching it yesterday only to see this now. What is going on?”

@Ahmedzeal added: “Your movie is no longer available on your YouTube channel.”

Copyright Controversy Looms

The claim by Chinonso Obiora Skyberry has raised questions about the legitimacy of the copyright dispute and whether it was a deliberate attack on the filmmaker’s success.

While Omoni Oboli is yet to make an official statement, industry insiders speculate that the takedown could be the result of either a misunderstanding, a legal dispute over content rights, or malicious copyright trolling—where individuals falsely claim ownership to disrupt the success of a project.

YouTube’s strict policies on copyright infringement allow anyone to file a claim, which can lead to the immediate removal of content. However, filmmakers have the right to challenge such claims through YouTube’s dispute resolution process.

What’s Next for Love in Every Word?

With the overwhelming success the film had already achieved within days of release, fans are now eagerly waiting to see if Omoni Oboli will fight back and restore the movie on YouTube. If the copyright claim is proven false, the film could be reinstated, but the process could take days or even weeks.

As the controversy unfolds, fans continue to rally behind the actress, urging YouTube to reconsider and restore the movie to its rightful place.