Business
Issues On Fulani Vigilance Groups In South East
LThe Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), an association of Fulani herdsmen caused an uproar last week when it mooted the idea of establishment of Fulani Youth Vigilante groups in the South East.
According to MACBAN, the association wished to compliment efforts of its host community counterparts and other constituted security apparatus in the zone.
Leaders of the Miyetti Allah disclosed the plan during the South East Security Summit organised by the South East Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (SECCIMA) held in collaboration with South East Governors Forum (SEGF), in Enugu on Thursday, June 20, 2019.
Alhaji Mohammadu Kirowa, National President of MACBAN, who was spoke during the meeting, regretted that once insecurity was mentioned in Nigeria, the first idea that comes into minds was Fulani herdsmen.
Kiroma, who was represented by Alhaji Baba Usman Ngelzerma, MACBAN National Secretary, maintained that South East had been a good host to his people, hence the body had always condemned all forms of violence and criminalities.
Kirowa said the group planned to establish Fulani Youth Vigilante groups, stressing, “The Fulani Youth Vigilant body will be working with the security, the Neighborhood Watch or vigilante to ensure security in all communities, as it was done in Enugu state.
“We will solicit for your support and cooperation in adopting dialogue where problems exist as a means of brokering peace and to report cases against our members to either the Fulani Youth Vigilante Group, state or local branch of the association.”
Reacting, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural group of Ndigbo, vowed to resist the proposal, even as it accused the herdsmen of violating Igbo women in their farms, among other crimes.
John Nwodo, the Ohanaeze President General, maintained that establishing such vigilante would turn the herdsmen into an army of occupation and an invitation of unavoidable confrontations with the South East youths, hence, the plan must be resisted.
He said that should such request be granted the herdsmen, it would spell doom for Igboland. Nwodo said: “Ohanaeze vehemently opposes any attempt by Miyetti Allah to establish any form of vigilante group in Igboland. These are people who have ravaged our farms, raped our women and slaughtered their husbands. As at today, they technically enjoy immunity from arrest and prosecution. They freely display AK-47 rifles not permitted to be used by civilians.
“Extending this measure to them will turn them into an army of occupation and invite unavoidable confrontations with our youths. We will resist such a policy with every might available to us.
The Miyetti Allah’s plan, it would be noted, came after former President Olusegun Obasanjo had made public an alleged Fulanisation and Islamisation plot. The Federal Government also had announced plans to establish a Fulani Radio and donate N100 billion to Myetti Allah to help check insecurity in the land.
Chief David Umahi, Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum and Ebonyi State governor, in his reaction, described the idea as a huge joke, unacceptable to the people of the zone.
Umahi, in a statement, said while there was nothing wrong for non-locals to have a vigilance group for security reasons, he believed that the Miyetti Allah Association was not serious in their proposal and should not use the issue of security to insult the South East leaders.
He stressed that no governor from the zone would allow the Miyetti Allah group to form any vigilance group in the zone, adding that the South East governors were conscious of the enormous responsibility upon their shoulders and would not allow anything capable of compromising the security and development of the zone.
Also, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), South East Zone, in its reaction, described the request by Miyetti Allah’s plan as a preparation to invade Igboland.
While condemning the plan, NYCN said Miyetti Allah’s request appeared like a confirmation of the rumoured hidden agenda of Fulanisation and Islamisation of Nigeria, even as it warned that any attempt to insult Ndigbo would be met with stiff resistance.
Also, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural body, Afenifere, saw the plan as an affront on the generality of the Igbo nation. The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), also condemned the plan, saying the Miyetti Allah should rather send their battle-ready Fulani vigilante to the North East geo-political zone to tame the Boko Haram terrorists, who had been wreaking havoc in the country.
Chief Maxi Okwu, a seasoned politician and former factional National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in his reaction, described the Myetti Allah’s plan as the height of provocation, adding that he was shocked that the group’s leader who made the proposal was still walking free without having been called in by security agents.
According to him, “The braggadocio which MACBAN is exhibiting in the past few years is as a consequence of the body language of their grand patron, President Buhari. I call on the South East Governors to call their bluff and damn the consequences. Already, there is palpable fear and anxiety in the South East as a result of this saber rattling by MACBAN, who seem to be the face of Fulani Herdsmen/terrorists.
Hon. Charles Anike, National President of the Eastern Union (EU), said: “Such plan, if it is true, is madness. What are they, Police, or soldiers? These people are taking too much for themselves this time and we must resist them.
“Don’t we have the Bakassi Boys and other vigilante groups in the East? We don’t need Miyetti Allah for anything in the entire Eastern Region. By the way, what is the problem in the East, whether you call it South East or South- South? Are we at war in the East?
“Why can’t the Miyetti Allah form their military squads in the North East and North West, and even North East, where Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, bandits and kidnappers are having free days? This is purely a case of someone who has a log in his eye, but is busy struggling to remove a spec in another’s eye. Please, let the Miyetti Allah and their sponsors first tackle security challenges under their nose before they will help the Easterners.
“We believe that this people have some evil agenda, otherwise, how can they be talking of setting up vigilante groups in the East, when insecurity in the North is already a global scandal. They are plotting to infest the East with the evil going on in their home place. The Eastern Region is very peaceful more than other societies in the country. So, we don’t need vigilante from anybody.
“The present postures of the Miyetti Allah in the issues of security in the country are very suspicious and it goes a long way to show that our security agents have accepted their failure on their mandated duties of securing lives and property in the country. And we expect mass resignation/ retirement of our security leadership.
“We don’t want Miyetti Allah and will resist any attempt to impose them on us. Let the APC government employ them in the North, where we are currently having serious security problems. Why can’t they request that we send the Bakassi Boys to fish out the criminals terrorising the North?
Hon. Dennis Adikwuru, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Imo State, described the proposal as President Buhari’s Islamisation programme and another plot to annihilate the Igbo race, adding that it could be the president’s idea of state and community policing project.
He commended Chief Nwodo, the Ohanaeze helmsman for the prompt rejection of what he termed as planned herdsmen infiltration of South East.
Business
As Nigerians Battle Pains Of Soaring Petrol Price
This is more than just about fuel; it’s about the larger picture of governance failure. The fact that a country as oil-rich as Nigeria can’t provide affordable fuel for its people is a tragedy.
BY IFEANYI MOGBOLU
The Daily Times-The latest fuel price hike in Nigeria is beyond frustrating. Every time we think it can’t get worse, it does, and yet again, ordinary Nigerians bear the brunt of it.
It’s like a never-ending cycle, where the government’s promises of reforms or stabilisation always end up as empty rhetoric. The cost of living is already sky-high, and now, with fuel prices rising again, transport fares, food prices, and basic commodities are bound to follow suit.
It’s enraging because it doesn’t feel like anyone is truly considering the everyday citizen who is struggling just to survive.
This is more than just about fuel; it’s about the larger picture of governance failure. The fact that a country as oil-rich as Nigeria can’t provide affordable fuel for its people is a tragedy. The subsidies are gone, and now we’re left in a situation where the prices of everything keep climbing, while salaries remain stagnant or non-existent for many.
The disparity between the elites and the masses is growing, and it feels like nobody in power truly cares about the suffering of the people.
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The anger isn’t just about fuel; it’s about the entire state of living. Nigerians are exhausted. There’s no sense of security; power supply is erratic, basic infrastructure is crumbling, and inflation is at an all-time high. How do we live like this? Every day is a battle to make ends meet, and the government seems utterly disconnected from the struggles on the ground.
It’s infuriating that while politicians and elites live in luxury, the rest of us are left scrambling for the bare minimum. The state of living is unbearable, and the lack of empathy or real action from those in power only adds salt to the wound.
There’s a deep sense of anger and betrayal that comes with seeing your country’s wealth mismanaged, while the people continue to suffer. It’s hard not to feel like we are constantly being taken for granted, pushed further into hardship without any hope of relief. Something has to give, because this state of affairs is unsustainable.
QUOTE:
The anger isn’t just about fuel; it’s about the entire state of living. Nigerians are exhausted. There’s no sense of security; power supply is erratic, basic infrastructure is crumbling, and inflation is at an all-time high. How do we live like this? Every day is a battle to make ends meet, and the government seems utterly disconnected from the struggles on the ground. It’s infuriating that while politicians and elites live in luxury, the rest of us are left scrambling for the bare minimum.
Business
Nigeria To Receive $5.600,000 From Bill Gates, For Health And Agricultural Reforms, GMOs
Alongside the activities surrounding the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Vice President Kashim Shettima held a meeting with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation leading to the announcement of the donation by the Foundation’s head of Global Development.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is giving Nigeria through Vice President Kashim Shettima, a $5.600,000 funds to speedy up health and agricultural reforms in favour of the GMOs in Nigeria, and flood relief.
Through the Foundation’s head of Global Development Programme, Dr Christopher Elias, Bill Gates pledged $5 million grant approved for Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics they called “industrial cassava” and $600,000 for flood relief in Borno State and other health sector initiatives.
Alongside the activities surrounding the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Vice President Kashim Shettima held a meeting with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation leading to the announcement of the donation by the Foundation’s head of Global Development.
Recall that on 4 September, Bill Gates had described the Nigeria’s economy as “stagnated” and proposed agricultural reforms for faster and increased growths in crops, fruits, vegetables amongst others to enhance nutritional values of the Nigerian citizens through the agricultural sector.
In that meeting Chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Bill gates urged Nigeria to adopt “innovative crop varieties with shorter growing periods, higher yields, and better pest resistance” pointing to the GMOs to address the food crisis.
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Moreover, at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, VP Shettima reaffirmed to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritizing health, nutrition, and agricultural development in Nigeria’s national agenda.
In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “we are deeply committed to addressing the pressing developmental challenges facing our nation, particularly the significant malnutrition crisis”.
He emphasised the Federal Government’s dedication and urgently working to secure locations for maize production under the Telemaze programme.
VP Shettima, promising swift action to the Gate’s Foundation on import permits for certified seeds, the VP said, “We recognize the critical importance of food security and industrial agricultural development. The Cassava Accelerator programme, in particular, holds immense potential for our economy.
“We are pursuing a whole-of-government approach to digitisation and data exchange systems, which we believe will revolutionise our public services,” he added while reiterating the government’s focus and commitment to digital transformation.
“With the expertise” of Nigeria’s ministers, “and the continued support of partners like the Gates Foundation,” the nation remains confident in its “ability to drive meaningful change and improve the lives of all Nigerians.”
In his response, President of the Global Development Programme at the Gates Foundation, Dr. Christopher Elias, said the Foundation is burdened with worries of the severe flooding in Borno, and is “committed to supporting Nigeria in times of crisis.”
Speaking of Polio, the Foundation said, “We’re impressed by the national task force’s efforts to eliminate variant polioviruses by year-end,” Dr. Elias noted.
Also, President of Global Growth & Opportunity Division at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rodger Voorhies, detailed plans for scaling up drought-tolerant maize production and advancing the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator programme emphasizing that a $5 million grant has been approved for Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics of industrial cassava.
In his words, “Industrial cassava presents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for Nigeria,” Voorhees stressed.
He requested import permits for 5,000 metric tons of certified GMO maize seed to build a foundation seed system in Nigeria.
Business
Managing, Leading, Building Institutions And Sustainability
The two primary tasks of a top-level leader are to exploit and explore the organisation with people for now and in the future.
By Babs Olugbemi
One of my concerns for leaders is their capacity to be ambidextrous. Regardless of years of experience, knowledge, and leadership capacity, the lack of a clear distinction between managing and leading on the one hand, leading and building institutions on the second layer, and ultimately focussing on sustainability is a significant threat to successful leadership change.
I have followed events and people at C-suites, coached some, and developed frameworks for leadership development. Based on the personalities and styles of the new leaders, I have confirmed my fears about leadership sustainability in most African organisations.
“Successful leaders can aptly differentiate themselves and their roles without necessarily seeing activities as performance, focussing on what is required of them with appropriate tenacity and influence.”
The challenge for leaders is how to lead for the present and future without losing sight of the stakeholders’ immediate performance expectations. Successful leaders can aptly differentiate themselves and their roles without necessarily seeing activities as performance, focussing on what is required of them with appropriate tenacity and influence.
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In my walk as a leadership coach, I have keenly observed leaders who are managing rather than leading. Managing involves ensuring that processes achieve their intended outcomes. Leaders are above managing and should focus on creating an enabling environment for innovation, inventions, and team collaboration. The primary role in leading is not to monitor process outcomes, though critical to the company’s overall objectives, but to align corporate values with the people’s aspirations to create an engaged and ownership-thinking mindset ready to take on challenges and explore opportunities. An alignment of corporate and personal goals will not only deliver the present performance expectations. Still, it will also incubate innovations to adapt to future market demands and the sustainability of the business.
Unfortunately, the capacity for ambidexterity is rare and often marked by leaders’ exposure, approach and styles, perception, and perspective of their roles in the organisation. A leader with a wrong foundation in these areas is set for failure and awaits unfavourable decisions from the board of directors. A top-level leader might manage their teams instead of leading them. Not all leaders can combine leading for the present with building institutions. However, anyone able to submit themselves to an institution-building mechanism can champion sustainability. Aside from being a leadership coach, I help leaders achieve sustainability.
Mathematically, creating an ambidextrous organisation is beyond leading. It is to lead and build an institution that focuses on sustainability in all aspects of the organisation—employee fulfilment, customer retention, strategy effectiveness, performance evaluation, stakeholder management, process improvement, and goal congruence.
In a nutshell, the role of successful leaders in ambidextrous organisations is striking a balance between exploiting current assets and capabilities to ensure short-term success and allocating enough energy and resources to exploration to ensure future viability. The two primary tasks of a top-level leader are to exploit and explore the organisation with people for now and in the future. The two seemingly contradictory aspects—exploitation and exploration—encompass different strategies and processes and have different targets and outcomes (March 1991; O’Reilly & Tushman, 2004; O’Reilly & Tushman, 2013).
O’Reilly and Tushman described the two concepts as follows:
- Exploiting: Exploiting involves building on an organisation’s achievements and maximising returns on previous investments. It focuses on responding to current business demands to remain efficient and competitive within an established market niche, as well as on maintaining an existing customer base and stakeholder relationships. Examples of exploiting are activities focused on continuous improvement, benchmarking, and redesigning business processes.
- Exploring: Exploring focuses on expanding an organisation’s knowledge and capabilities, pioneering new products and services, and discovering and venturing into untapped markets.
The common area of practical bottlenecks in exploiting and exploring in organisations is a need for foundational trust and cohesion among the resources, especially the human capital, which are often treated as costs rather than assets to the organisations. Among all the factors of production, only humans can be ambidextrous with the capacity to think about changes in economic parameters and adjust their behaviours to match the time, content, and contextual requirements.
While organisations might have the resources to deploy in fighting competition, technology to obtain first-mover advantages, and production capacity to maximise output from input, none is compared with the potential of an engaged workforce.
Therefore, for leaders to be successful, they must refrain from operating in the realm of managing. They should operate in the capacity of institution builders, with the mindset of creating sustainable leadership and growth with people first and other factors of production second.
Consequently, only the leaders who prioritise their people over profits, pride, and organisational arrogance will be successful in the long term.
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