Today’s Headlines: Most Nigerian leaders’ knowledge of development shallow – Obasanjo, Katsina gov visits family of man killed by terrorists.

Most Nigerian leaders’ knowledge of development shallow – Obasanjo.

According to Punch news, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Monday, lambasted Nigerian leaders, stating that most of them were empty as far as development issues were concerned.

Obasanjo made this remark in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the public presentation of a book titled, ‘Reclaiming the Jewel of Africa,’ written by a former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, who also served as Minister of Finance, Olusegun Aganga.

The book was unveiled by President Bola Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Monetary Policy, Olawale Edun.

The event witnessed a large turnout of past and current senior government officials, as former President Goodluck Jonathan and Obasanjo spoke virtually.

Pointing out that emphasis should be placed on leadership, Obasanjo said it was the crucial, critical, defining and decisive factor in determining the shape, form, direction, speed, content and trajectory of development for any human organisation, especially for a nation like Nigeria.

“If you ask most of our leaders why they want to be in the position they are craving for, you will weep for our nation over their level of emptiness as far as development issues are concerned.

“What do they understand for peace, security, stability, predictability, development, growth and progress to be actualised? I believe that peace, security, democracy and prosperity must be taken together.

Photo Credit: Google.

Olurode’s valedictory lecture.

According to Punch news, A former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Prof Lai Olurode, will today deliver his valedictory lecture, titled, ‘Knowledge sector, public interest and power structure.’

The don, who is a former National Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

The statement said UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, would be the chief host; a former vice-chancellor of the university, Prof Rahaman Bello, would chair the occasion.

Katsina gov visits family of man killed by terrorists.

According to Punch news, Katsina Governor, Dikko Radda, has challenged security operatives in the state to step up action in the current efforts to tackle banditry and other sundry crimes in the state.

He made the declaration in Kankia, headquarters of Kankia Local Government Area of the state on Sunday evening during a condolence visit to the family of Ibrahim Abdullahi killed by the terrorists who attacked the town over the weekend.

The terrorists shot and killed Abdullahi during the attack that was carried out in the town on Saturday night.

Radda, while condemning the attack in strong terms, said he was committed to resolving the insecurity challenges bedevilling the state.

The governor also called on the security agencies in the state to intensify their efforts to ensure the safety and protection of Katsina residents.

He said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, and we stand united with the people of Kankia during this challenging time. May the soul of Ibrahim Abdullahi rest in peace.’’

The PUNCH reported that terrorists attacked a residential area opposite the General Hospital, Kankia at 9 pm on Saturday.

Mobile Internet subscriptions hit 159 million in May, says NCC.

According to Punch news, Internet usage has grown in Nigeria as mobile Internet subscriptions hit 159.04 million in May 2023, according to data obtained from the Nigerian Communications Commission.

This was a 6.18 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of mobile Internet subscriptions from the 149.78 million subscriptions recorded in May 2022.

During the period under review, MTN had the highest mobile Internet subscriptions with 67.97 million, Globacom had 43.70 million, Airtel had 43.25 million, and 9mobile had 4.12 million.

Internet usage in Nigeria has witnessed tremendous growth over the years, with broadband penetration growing from 20.01 per cent as of May 2017 to 48.28 per cent in May this year.

The growth in Internet usage is being fuelled by an increase in smartphone penetration in the country.

According to GSMA, there has been sustained growth in connectivity in the country. By the end of 2021, 40 per cent of adults over the age of 18 were using the mobile Internet.

Commenting on the development, the global telco association, said, “As the primary way most people access the internet in Sub-Saharan Africa, mobile is driving digital inclusion.

“This delivers significant economic benefits, reduces poverty, and transforms lives by providing people with access to a range of life-enhancing services. By the end of 2021, around 40 per cent of the adult population in Sub-Saharan Africa subscribed to mobile internet services.

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