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“Nigeria’s Challenges Stem from Poor Leadership, Not Complexity” – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized that Nigeria is not inherently difficult to manage, attributing the country’s challenges to inadequate leadership rather than its complexity.
Speaking at the maiden memorial lecture in honour of the late Akintola Williams in Lagos, Obasanjo stressed that while Nigeria is a multifaceted nation, it requires understanding and competent management, which has often been lacking in its leadership.
The event, titled *“Leadership Dynamics: Current Realities and Way Forward,”* was organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Lagos.
During his address, Obasanjo noted that managing Nigeria effectively demands a deep comprehension of its complexities but dismissed the notion that it is an impossible task.
He urged leaders to be honest with themselves, the nation, and their faith as they navigate the responsibilities of governance.
“Nigeria is indeed a complex country, and that is something we must acknowledge,” Obasanjo stated.
“But it is not a difficult country to manage. What we need is leadership that is transparent, committed, and genuinely invested in the well-being of the people.”
Reflecting on his time in office, Obasanjo recounted his efforts to stabilize and grow Nigeria’s economy.
He expressed pride in the initiatives undertaken during his presidency, especially in managing the country’s finances, and noted that Nigeria’s economic condition was relatively strong under his leadership.
“When I served as president, I did everything I could with the resources available to me,” Obasanjo said.
“I can confidently say I gave my best to move the country forward.
For example, when I assumed office, Nigeria had only N3.7 billion in reserves, while we were spending N3.5 billion on servicing debts.
Faced with this, I prioritized seeking debt relief for the country. Despite being one of the top five oil exporters globally at the time, we were burdened by an unsustainable debt load.”
Obasanjo went on to detail the efforts that led to Nigeria securing debt relief, a significant achievement during his tenure.
He explained that the country’s debt burden, initially at N3.36 billion, was substantially reduced, allowing for a period of fiscal stability.
He also highlighted that by the time he left office, the country’s reserves had grown significantly.
“We didn’t just secure debt relief; we turned the situation around. By the time I left office, Nigeria had over N25 billion in excess crude, which was money saved from the budget surplus.
Additionally, our foreign reserves exceeded N45 billion, which positioned us for future growth and economic security,” he added.
In his tribute to the late Akintola Williams, Obasanjo lauded the iconic chartered accountant for his numerous contributions to Nigeria.
Williams, who was regarded as a pioneer in the field of accounting in the country, was also recognized for his social, economic, and political impact.
“Akintola Williams was not just a professional; he was a sage whose influence extended beyond the financial sector.
His contributions to humanity, both in Nigeria and beyond, remain a lasting legacy.
He deserves all the honours we can bestow upon him, even posthumously, for the indelible marks he left in various spheres of life,” Obasanjo said.
The lecture provided an opportunity for the former president to reflect on the importance of effective leadership in shaping Nigeria’s future.
He reiterated that while challenges remain, with the right leadership, Nigeria has the potential to overcome its difficulties and thrive.
Obasanjo’s speech resonated with many attendees, especially given the current socio-political and economic climate of the nation.
His call for a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s complexities, coupled with his reflections on leadership, served as a reminder of the critical role governance plays in determining a nation’s trajectory.
As of January 14, 2025, TikTok, the popular video-sharing app owned by China’s ByteDance, is facing a potential ban in the United States due to national security concerns.
The U.S. Supreme Court appears inclined to uphold a law requiring ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a ban.
Legislative Actions and Deadlines
The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act mandates that ByteDance must sell TikTok’s U.S. assets by January 19.
Failure to comply would result in a prohibition of the app in the U.S. Two Democratic lawmakers, Senator Edward Markey and Representative Ro Khanna, have urged President Joe Biden to extend this deadline, showing concerns over free speech and the livelihoods of content creators.
Senator Markey has proposed legislation to extend the deadline by 270 days, emphasizing the potential disruption to TikTok’s cultural ecosystem and the millions who rely on the platform for social connections and income.
Potential Outcomes and Alternatives
If the ban proceeds, TikTok, which boasts 170 million American users, would become inaccessible. In anticipation, users are migrating to alternative platforms.
Notably, Xiaohongshu, known unofficially in English as “Red Note” or “the Chinese version of Instagram,” has become the most downloaded app in the U.S.
Despite its primarily Chinese interface, American users are joining the platform. Other platforms like Lemon8, another ByteDance app, are also experiencing increased downloads.
Corporate Negotiations and Speculations
In response to the impending ban, discussions have emerged about potential buyers for TikTok’s U.S. operations.
Chinese officials are reportedly considering allowing Elon Musk, known for his positive connections with China and ownership of the social media app X, to invest in or take over TikTok’s U.S. operations.
Implications for Users and the Tech Industry
A ban on TikTok would have significant implications for its users and the broader tech industry. Users would lose access to a platform integral to social interaction, entertainment, and commerce.
Competing platforms like Instagram’s Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat may benefit by attracting TikTok’s user base and advertisers.
As the January 19 deadline approaches, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain. The outcome will depend on legislative decisions, potential corporate negotiations, and the broader geopolitical context.
Users and stakeholders are advised to stay informed about developments in this evolving situation.
A recent report by former Special Counsel Jack Smith, released by U.S. media on Tuesday, reveals that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump would likely have been convicted for his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results if he hadn’t been re-elected.
According to the report, if Trump had not won the 2024 election and was not set to return to office, the Special Counsel’s office believed there was enough admissible evidence to secure a conviction in court.
The document specifically mentioned that Trump faced serious allegations of conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct the certification of President Joe Biden’s election win.
These charges stemmed from the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump’s supporters stormed the building in a bid to halt the certification process.
The Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has shown support for Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as a potential candidate for the governorship of Lagos State in 2027.
Speaking on the Mic On podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, Olawande described Seyi as a capable and dedicated individual with a history of supporting youth initiatives, even before his father assumed the presidency.
“Seyi is not too young to become a governor,” Olawande stated, adding that Seyi himself was not behind the campaign pushing for his candidacy.
The minister emphasized Seyi’s qualifications and commitment, which have drawn the attention of various groups.
Organizations like the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) have already thrown their weight behind Seyi, endorsing him as a strong contender for the position. Supporters argue that his leadership skills and influence could bring positive changes to Lagos State.
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