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World Economic Forum Honours Temi Marcella With Young Global Leader Award

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World Economic Forum Honours Temi Marcella With Young Global Leader Award

World Economic Forum Honours Temi Marcella With Young Global Leader Award

 

 

Temi Marcella, one of Nigeria’s high-flying female investors and entrepreneurs shattering the glass ceiling and founding partner of Alcent Capital has added another feather to her cap as one of the world’s Young Global Leaders Class of 2024. The prestigious award, a vision of the World Economic Forum, WEF, was launched in 2024 as a platform to recognize exceptional and forward-thinking leaders from all walks of life and various fields who are below 40 years old.

 

World Economic Forum Honours Temi Marcella With Young Global Leader Award

 

Getting nominated for the award is not an easy feat, Marcella was selected among a group of nearly 90 changemakers who are shaping the future and accelerating positive change through their groundbreaking work. But Temi Marcella is no stranger to success. She has carved a niche for herself as one of Africa’s emerging female leaders in the investment world. With the recognition, Marcella joins a list of outstanding honorees from every corner of the world who have gone on to become Pulitzer winners, UN Goodwill Ambassadors, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and heads of state. Notable community members include Netflix Executive Producer Peace Hyde, Vogue China’s Former Editor-in-Chief Margaret Zhang, Olympian Lewis Pugh, disability activist Sinéad Burke, Peace Activist Victor Ochen, and singer-songwriter will.i.am.

Described as an epitome of beauty and brain, Marcella has continued to be a symbol of inspiration to many young leaders in their pursuit of greatness. In its biography of Marcella, WEF describes her as “the Founding Partner of Alcent Capital. This platform channels capital into the next generation of leading technology companies with global ambitions. As a distinguished investment professional, Marcella highlights that “the dynamic landscape of 2024 demands responsive and adaptive leadership.” Continuing, the WEF said in her view “innovation is paramount to unleashing new waves of economic growth”. She is “focused on scaling platforms that unlocks the powers of entrepreneurship across global innovation ecosystems while building bridges to foster investment, trade, and collaboration on global issues.”

In her reaction to the global recognition, Marcella expressed excitement for being recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. In her words”I look forward to embarking on this transformative journey and working alongside fellow WEF leaders to build and grow innovative platforms that will drive impact at large scale.” For over two decades, the Forum for Young Global Leaders has been at the forefront of identifying and uniting the world’s most promising leaders under 40, fostering a community of exceptional individuals committed to driving positive change and supporting them in tackling the world’s most pressing problems.

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Can Musawa turn around Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy? By Akeem Atoyebi

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Can Musawa turn around Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy? By Akeem Atoyebi

Can Musawa turn around Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy?

By Akeem Atoyebi

 

The bane of development of the country called Nigeria is the overriding importance attached to politics, cronyism, patronage over competence in political appointments.

The foregoing is one of the cardinal submissions of Professor Richard Joseph in his seminal book: Prebedan Politics in Nigeria.

The Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy is one of the most important in the country given the primacy of the triad on which the ministry stands.

The minister in charge of this sensitive ministry without prejudice is said to be brilliant lawyer, but analysts have doubted her suitness for the ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.

This reservation came early, but it would seem the retardation, lack of creative activity, immense inability to harness the potential of the triad of the ministry: arts, culture and tourism – may have validated the position and doubts of those who earlier criticised her appointment as evidence of politics trouncing competence.

Professor Adeagbo Moritiwon a political scientist told this medium that ” the earlier Musawa is removed the better for the creative economy. Let me be frank with you that woman is a misfit in the ministry, she may do well if moved to another ministry because no one doubts her brilliance. When she was a columnist at Daily Trust I always followed her incisive commentary. Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy economy can generate money for Nigeria but I doubt her knowledge of what it takes to run the ministry to efficiency and money generation.

The Nigerian government has set a goal of generating $100 billion from creative sector involving tourism, culture and creative economy by 2030.

Dr. Funke Akinmade, a theatre arts scholar noted that “the creative economy has enormous potential to generate money but only waiting for creative manager as minister to harness the resources and potential therein.

The creative economy is already Nigeria’s second-largest employer, and it could create more jobs by 2025 if well harnessed.

GDP

The tourism industry can generate foreign exchange for Nigeria, which can boost the country’s foreign reserves. There are many countries of the world that rely solely on tourism.

Already the Tinubu administration approved the establishment of the Creative and Tourism Infrastructure Corporation.
The government is focusing on monetizing intellectual property and generating revenue from cultural and tourism assets.
It’s also creating access to international markets for Nigerian creative products and talent.

For clarity, creative economy includes arts, crafts, festivals, museums, libraries, and more.
But these enormous potentials are in danger of not being realized as a result of the Minister in charge, Akinmade declared in her chat with this medium.

Since the appointment of Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa as Minister of Culture and Creative Economy and Lately Tourism, the Ministry has been lackluster.

Analysts pointed out her lack of charisma, inability to bond with practitioners and stakeholders, her insistence on spotlights and press conferences when there’s actually nothing to showcase.
” Honestly it’s like a land full of gold lying fallow”, Akinmade continued, raising fears of possible collapse of the Ministry if President Tinubu failed to bring in capable hand to run the otherwise promising Ministry vitiated by incompetence of the current manager.

One commentator Frank Nwete said that “She is overwhelmed by an industry that presents plenty of advantages and numerate creative, hard-working Nigerians in the private sector and dwarfed by her own fears and inadequacies.

” I won’t waste my time highlighting many of her assumed operational deliverables, which are works of sorcery and kitted from the kitchen of black magic, painted in dramatic colours of deception and grandstanding.

” It’s indeed in the public space that her first ever and last stakeholders meeting targeting solely the creative community failed flat because madam minister had no Intel on how the creative community in Nigeria struggled without help from government to brace into international recognition and influence.

“Her ground zero operational evangelical approach stirred up bitterness and irked both public and private sector institutional memories minders

“How can a learner tell experienced drivers the mechanism of driving a bus on a busy highway, not minding that there were established institutional regulations and ethos before the learner came to be.
Though the above criticism by Nweke might appear harsh, many stakeholders are agreed that she has not done well.

“With over thirteen agencies under the ministry, the Minister that can effectively harness the potential must certainly be a person of long standing presence in the creative ecosystem, who has not only the experience but the drive and enthusiasm to make a difference”, Professor David Onieatan, a culture enthusiast and literary scholar told this newspaper.

Musawa has been accused of policy grandstanding, and many have pointed out her determination to work and operate outside government structured administrative ecosystems as one of the reasons for the alleged dislocations and dysfunctional in the system in the past two years.

Nweke said ,”Sadly, how she survived the last cabinet reshuffle speaks volumes of the seriousness and promises of President Ahmed Tinubu to harness the economic values of the industry.

In the last two years, Hannatu Musa Musawa ranks tops as the most travelled minister in this president Tinubu administration, allegedly on government funds without identifiable deliverables.

Early in the week a viral video called for the sacking of an alleged Hannatu Musa Musawa appointed Director of General Services by the ministry workers. The video trended all over . The Ali Abu Sufiyanu ( the Director General Services) must go calls was another embarrassment.

There have been a lot of controversies, but the icing on the cake is the near revolt of the staff of the ministry seen in form of protest calling for the sack of Ali for incompetence and a slew of grievances that bother on contracts awards without due process.
It’s high time the President reviewed her appointment by moving her to another ministry and bring a competent hand.

Atoyebi a journalist wrote in from Lagos

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IBB Launches Nigeria’s Second Presidential Library, Secures N17.5bn in Landmark Fundraiser

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…Babangida Commends Abdul Samad Rabiu’s Early and Sustained Commitment to Project

 

Abuja — Nigeria’s former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), on Thursday launched the country’s second presidential library—The IBB Presidential Library—during the public presentation of his memoir, A Journey in Service, in Abuja.

 

The high-profile event, held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, not only unveiled Babangida’s much-anticipated autobiography but also served as a major fundraising drive for the library project, raising an estimated N11.5bn to be redeemed immediately from some of Nigeria’s most prominent business and political figures.

Topping the list of donors was billionaire industrialist and philanthropist Abdul Samad Rabiu, who contributed N5bn —the largest single commitment announced at the event. He was followed by General TY Danjuma (rtd), who pledged N3bn. Both pledges are to be redeemed immediately while Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, donated N2bn at the event to be redeemed this year, with a further pledge to contribute N2bn annually over the next three years, bringing his total to N8bn. Billionaire businessman Prince Arthur Eze also supported the project with N500m.

In his remarks, General Babangida, visibly moved by the generosity of the donors, singled out Abdul Samad Rabiu for special praise, acknowledging his steadfast support from the early days of the project.
Referring to him as his son, General Babangida said that Abdul Samad has been supporting the project from the very beginning. He further said that his commitment and consistency have been critical in bringing this vision closer to reality.

The IBB Presidential Library is designed as a national institution that will serve as a repository of Nigeria’s arts, political,and military history, preserving the evolution of leadership and governance in the country for future generations especially during General Babangida’s tenure. It follows the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, which was the first of its kind in Nigeria.

The event was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, while former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo delivered a keynote address. It was an afternoon that brought together some of Africa’s most notable statesmen.

Present at the occasion were former Nigerian leaders General Yakubu Gowon, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (accompanied by his wife), former President Goodluck Jonathan, and former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a compelling speech, emphasizing the importance of documenting Nigeria’s leadership journey and the impact IBB had on him and Nigeria’s history.

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo provided a detailed review of Babangida’s book, which offers rare insights into the former leader’s time in power, including the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari and General TY Danjuma were represented by senior aides.

Key Pledges from the Night:
• Abdul Samad Rabiu – N5bn
• General TY Danjuma – N3bn
• Aliko Dangote – N2bn to be redeemed in 2025 (with an additional N2bn pledged annually for three years, totaling N8bn)
• Prince Arthur Eze – N500m
• Senate President Godswill Akpabio – N50m
• Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau – N20m
• Mustapha Chike Obi and Fidelity Bank – N100m and N50m respectively

While the evening showcased philanthropy at its finest, Abdul Samad Rabiu’s leading contribution stood out—not only for its size but for the consistency of his support over time.

The industrialist, known for his low-profile yet transformative philanthropy, has become a driving force in Nigeria’s development landscape. Through his Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), he has committed over $300million to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and social development across the continent.

Reflecting on his donation, Rabiu said:
“Leadership is not only about the present; it is about the legacy we build and the history we preserve. Supporting this library is an investment in Nigeria’s history and future generations.”

As the fundraising concluded, it was evident that beyond the billions pledged, the evening had cemented Abdul Samad Rabiu’s role not merely as a donor, but as a custodian of Nigeria’s history—a quiet force driving the preservation of the nation’s leadership heritage.

IBB Launches Nigeria’s Second Presidential Library, Secures N17.5bn in Landmark Fundraiser

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Nigeria’s Access to $602.95m USAID Grant in Limbo Amid Trump’s Aid Freeze

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Nigeria’s Access to $602.95m USAID Grant in Limbo Amid Trump’s Aid Freeze

Nigeria’s Access to $602.95m USAID Grant in Limbo Amid Trump’s Aid Freeze

 

Nigeria’s access to a crucial $602.95 million grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for 2025 is now under threat following a sweeping 90-day suspension of all USAID programs, implemented by US President Donald Trump.

The freeze follows an executive order signed by Trump in January 2025, shortly after his return to office. The order mandates a comprehensive review of all US foreign aid programs to assess their efficiency and alignment with American national interests.

The sudden freeze has disrupted multiple USAID-supported initiatives in Nigeria, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare, governance, economic development, and national security.

Nigerian Senate Investigates Terrorism Funding Allegations

The suspension also comes as the Nigerian Senate summoned intelligence chiefs to investigate allegations made by US Congressman Perry Scott. Scott accused USAID of indirectly funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, raised an Order of Urgent National Security to address the claims. Intelligence officials summoned include the heads of the National Intelligence Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency, Department of State Services, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Impact on Health Sector: Funding for HIV/AIDS and Maternal Health in Jeopardy

The proposed USAID budget for 2025 allocated $368 million—nearly 89% of the total grant—to health-related initiatives. Among the programs at risk:

  • HIV/AIDS: $368 million was earmarked for Global Health Programs, with $322 million from GHP-State and $46 million from GHP-USAID.
  • Malaria and Tuberculosis: $73 million and $22 million, respectively, were dedicated to combating these diseases.
  • Maternal and Child Health: $33.25 million was allocated for maternal healthcare, with $22.5 million for family planning and reproductive health programs.
    Only $2.5 million was designated for water supply and sanitation, a critical need in Nigeria’s rural areas.

Emergency Measures by Nigerian Government

In response, the Nigerian government has approved $200 million to sustain healthcare services. The Ministry of Finance confirmed the funds will go toward vaccine procurement, antiretroviral drug distribution, and maternal health services.

Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, also revealed plans to engage 28,000 health workers who had been funded under USAID’s programs. The Federal Executive Council approved an additional N4.5 billion for the procurement of HIV treatment packs to support Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS.

Governance and Security Initiatives Face Uncertainty

Governance programs were set to receive $7.5 million under USAID, covering democracy, civil society engagement, and human rights initiatives. However, these programs are now in jeopardy as Trump’s administration reassesses its foreign policy priorities in Africa.

The aid suspension also places $7.6 million in security funding at risk, which was intended to bolster Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts.

Economic Development Programs Could Be Affected

USAID had allocated $39.6 million for economic growth initiatives, with $29.1 million designated for agriculture. Clean energy projects and private sector productivity were also slated to receive $5 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

Broader US Scrutiny of Foreign Aid

Between 2022 and 2024, Nigeria received $2.8 billion from USAID. However, the agency now faces heightened scrutiny after Congressman Perry’s claims that American aid funds were misused or diverted to fund terrorist organizations.

As the 90-day aid review progresses, Nigeria may be forced to rely more heavily on domestic resources or seek alternative support from the World Bank and African Development Bank. The Nigerian government, meanwhile, continues to navigate a diplomatic and economic crisis with far-reaching consequences for its development and stability.

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