In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), shares his perspective on Nigeria’s political and economic situation. Reflecting on 2024, Adebayo acknowledged both achievements and challenges, citing issues like rising inflation, fluctuating exchange rates, and security concerns, including the tragic killings of the Emir of Gobir and incidents in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja. However, he also pointed out that there were no significant community or religious conflicts.

Regarding President Bola Tinubu’s media chat, Adebayo expressed disagreement with the president’s view that the government was doing well. He argued that Tinubu’s administration lacked the necessary governance to truly improve the country, stating that Tinubu was merely in power, not governing. He highlighted the absence of substantial reforms, pointing to FCT and Ministry of Interior ministers as exceptions.

Adebayo also criticized Tinubu’s economic policies, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the Naira. While acknowledging that Nigeria’s economic problems existed before Tinubu’s tenure, he claimed the president had worsened the situation due to a lack of economic understanding.

On judicial reforms, Adebayo expressed that increasing salaries alone would not resolve corruption in the judiciary. He emphasized that the root cause lay in the broader economic system, suggesting reforms to the legal structure, particularly separating election petitions from regular judicial duties.

Lastly, Adebayo reinforced that Nigerians should not place their hope solely in one government, as the nation has many alternatives for its future beyond Tinubu’s administration.

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s innovative leader in banking and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has officially announced the 35 exceptional teams advancing to the grand finale pitch of Hackaholics 5.0. The grand finale pitch is set to hold on November 25, 2024, in Lagos, themed “Meta Idea: Catalyzing Africa’s Growth Through Innovation.”

After a series of competitive pre-pitch events at eight physical locations and one virtual pitch center, 35 outstanding teams have emerged as top contestants. These teams represent diverse and impactful ideas, ranging from tech solutions in agriculture, finance, and education to innovations in healthcare, sustainability, and artificial intelligence.

The top contestants include: Northino, Our Haven, Celia, Nadir, Nimsy Agro, Hebron Chain, Paystrait, DevMe, Preview, Coconoto, EduGaze, Dokia, Gbale Prime, Health 4 Moni, Digiland, Abinci, Unifi, CyclexAfrica, Airify, Kwab, Gnergy, University X, AI Teacha, Code Red, APISentry, Fegor, TrashCoin, Paywise, Pandascrow, Lexia AI, Bunce, Bloom Beauty, MyItura, Accede, Scratop Nigeria Limited.

The grand finale pitch will see these top contestants pitch innovative Digi-Tech solutions to a panel of esteemed investors, industry leaders, and mentors competing for ₦75 million worth of prizes. The prize structure includes a whopping ₦30 million worth of prizes for the grand prize winner, ₦20 million worth of prizes for the first runner up, ₦15 million worth of prizes for the 2nd runner up, and ₦10 million worth of prizes for the top women-led team.

Moruf Oseni, MD/CEO of Wema Bank, expressed his excitement about the competition’s impact:
“Hackaholics is a testament to Wema Bank’s commitment to fostering innovation and youth empowerment.”

These 35 top contestants represent the future of Africa’s tech-driven transformation, and we are proud to provide them with a platform to bring their ideas to life. The Meta Idea theme challenges them to think beyond immediate solutions and focus on innovations that capitalize on Africa’s growth potential. We look forward to celebrating their ingenuity at the grand finale.”

This year’s Hackaholics competition received thousands of applications from across Nigeria, highlighting the creativity and determination of young tech enthusiasts. The competition has inspired groundbreaking solutions aimed at addressing Africa’s challenges and driving digital transformation. It underscores the role of technology and entrepreneurship in Africa’s socio-economic progress and remains a key platform for discovering and nurturing young talents, offering winners mentorship, networks, and resources to scale globally.

To attend the Hackaholics 5.0 grand finale and witness the next generation of innovators in action, register at https://hackaholics.wemabank.com/grandfinale.

In recent times, the focus on governance versus politics has become increasingly important, particularly in Jigawa State under the leadership of Governor Mallam Umar Namadi. His efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), especially in agriculture and education, are noteworthy as these sectors are vital for alleviating poverty and driving prosperity.

Jigawa has emerged as a prime destination for FDI in Nigeria, with Governor Namadi prioritizing this strategy as a cornerstone of his administration’s development plan. Recently, he led a delegation to the Africa Food Systems Summit 2024, an event that highlighted agricultural innovation and food security across the continent. The summit’s theme, “Innovate, Accelerate, and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era,” allowed Governor Namadi to showcase the state’s agricultural potential and investment opportunities.

Governor Namadi’s administration has initiated several ambitious agricultural projects, including the Rice Millionaire Project, the Wheat Project, and the Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZs). These initiatives are designed to boost productivity and position Jigawa as a significant player in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, particularly in an era where sustainable practices are essential for resilience and long-term success.

One of Jigawa’s key advantages is its reputation for peace and stability, especially when compared to neighboring states facing challenges such as banditry and insurgency. This environment fosters growth and attracts both local and international investors.

Furthermore, Governor Namadi’s commitment to agricultural transformation extends beyond Nigeria. He recently led a delegation on a study tour to Ethiopia, a nation recognized for its achievements in wheat production. The visit aimed to learn from Ethiopia’s successful practices while showcasing Jigawa as a vital contributor to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

In addition to agriculture, Governor Namadi’s focus on global partnerships was evident during his recent trip to Saudi Arabia, which is expected to bring over $50 million in investments to Jigawa. This visit is part of his broader 12-point agenda aimed at fostering international cooperation and sustainable development.

In conclusion, Governor Namadi’s proactive approach is reshaping Jigawa State into a hub for foreign direct investment. With strategic initiatives in agriculture, a commitment to stability, and global partnerships, Jigawa is setting a new benchmark for economic development in Nigeria. Continued investment in youth in agriculture is essential, and the recent disbursement of $250,000 under the World Bank’s Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) program is a promising start. Engaging experienced professionals will further bolster the government’s developmental goals.

Khalipha writes from Jigawa State.