Articles
We Won’t ‘Calm Down’, Nigeria Must Breathe By David Edremoda

“The more things change, the more they remain the same.” – Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr
At the commencement of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Nigerian politicians promised citizens the ‘dividend of democracy.’ Today, 20 years after, nothing has changed despite the appearance of Change, which is an interesting paradox in nation building. Today, Nigeria still grapples with insecurity, incompetence, widespread corruption, hopelessness, unhealthy rivalry among government officials and a clear absence of accountability in governance. Worse is that the unravelling yet sordid stories of massive corruption in high places, are not only disappointing but are indicative of total loss of control by those we elected to lead us to the Next Level.
Case study 1: the secret trial of Ibrahim Magu, the suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This is a dispiriting commentary on a government that came to power on the mantra of anti-corruption and due process. It is ironic that Magu, the major driver of Nigeria’s crusade against corruption was investigated and questioned on allegations that bordered on abuse of office and financial malfeasance here and abroad. But this matter would probably never have come to light in the public sphere without the power play in the corridors of The Presidency.
Whilst Magu’s suspension may reassure the international community that war on corruption is still being waged by Mr. President, the taint of corruption on the head of EFCC has further exacerbated the problem of credibility suffered by the body. Arguably, EFCC last enjoyed good credibility rating under the leadership of its pioneer Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Unfortunately, Ribadu triggered EFCC’s credibility crisis by allowing himself to be used as a battering ram against perceived political opponents of the then incumbent President Olusegun Obasanjo who appointed him. The crisis was later heightened by the manner of his disengagement in December 2007 by President Umaru Yar’Adua who succeeded President Obasanjo. Thereafter, the predictably unceremonious sack of successive EFCC Chairmen made the anti-graft agency a laughingstock.
In 2011 Farida Waziri, who was appointed Chairperson in May 2008 by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua was sent packing in the ‘national interest’ by former President Goodluck Jonathan. Ibrahim Lamorde, Jonathan’s appointee, was kicked out on November 9, 2015 by President Buhari. No gift of clairvoyance is required to tell that global investment capital inflow to Nigeria would be negatively impacted by the serial dismissal of EFCC Chairmen. Which investor would be encouraged to bring his money to Nigeria if the organization charged to protect his investment is a painted sepulchre?
Case study 2: the corruption cesspool at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). In 2000, the Federal Government established NDDC to facilitate “the rapid, even and sustainable development of the Niger Delta into a region that is economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful.”
Regrettably, NDDC in 20 years has yet to become an interventionist agency. Rather, it has been regenerating corruption with successive managements of the Commission working hard to outweigh one another on the scale of corruption. The list is long, unedifying and ludicrous. Samples: in 2008, the Chairman of the agency, Ambassador Sam Edem, allegedly expended N1bn to procure spiritual fortification. In 2015 the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation uncovered N183bn scam that did not draw any sanction. Water Hyacinth Emergency and Desilting Contracts were inflated from N2.5bn to N65bn. In 20 years, the Commission still pays over N300 million per annum as rent for its headquarters building in Port Harcourt; has 12,000 abandoned projects across the nine states of the Niger Delta and has over N3trillion liabilities to its contractors.
Reasons for the malfeasance are not far-fetched. Cairo Ojougboh, NDDC’s Executive Director of Projects, says “once you have a contract in NDDC, it is like you have won a lottery.” The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, also said as much: “The budgeting process in NDDC has been warped. I think people were treating the place as an ATM, where you just walk in there to go and pluck money and go away.” Given these known facts, who then would arrest and prosecute the culprits? Or will the looters be allowed to go scot free? Rather than answer these and other questions, the forensic audit ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari and investigations by the National Assembly have merely served comic reliefs to Nigerians. Today, our lexicon has been enriched by phrases like “Hon Minister, it’s okay”; “please, off your mic,” ad nauseam.
The tardiness with which the nation fights corruption speaks to what our country has now become in the international arena where Nigeria is the biggest loser. The situation may even deteriorate further if citizens refuse to mobilize soon to halt the trend of extremely poor leadership. It is now evident that propaganda can only work for so long. Now, everyone is aware of the true state of governance in Nigeria. This awareness has begun to make citizens to trust government less and this should worry those in power.
As Prof. Femi Odekunle, a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) once advised, the President, needs to “wake up to the ongoing shenanigans of power players that are working from the inside against his anti-corruption fight.”
The painful truth is that we are all going to live with this unpleasant reality until 2023 even as there are strong indications of brutal power play ahead by politicians who have already taken positions without delivering on their current promises. But the good news is that 2023 is long enough time to address the challenge of leadership and lay the foundation for future leaders who would be ready to serve.
And what does it take to do that? First is knowing that it is not up to your neighbour or a civil rights activist to fight your cause. More important is how you scrutinize public office candidates for visionary leadership the way you would critically appraise where to keep your money. If we do not sort out these disorders and take our chances now that it is still daylight, we may live to regret our actions or inaction.
To save Nigeria and make her breathe, we must all get involved. This is the time to start. Let us refuse to ‘calm down.’
Edremoda,is a public affairs commentator
Articles
What is NIN number in Nigeria?

According to Wikipedia, a national identification number, national identity number, or national insurance number is used by the governments of many countries as a means of tracking their citizens, permanent residents, permanent residents, and temporary residents for the purposes of work, taxation, government benefits, health care, and other governmentally-related functions. The number appears on identity documents issued by several countries.
Below are 7 things you need to know about the NIN in Nigeria
- The NIN is your assured digital identity
- The NIN is a set of 11 numbers assigned to an individual at the completion of enrolment into the national identity database
- The NIN is cannot be transferred from one person to another
- The NIN is used to verify your identity as a citizen
- Your NIN is what identifies you and can suffice for ID purposes
- The NIN is for life, it does not expire
- The NIN is a must – have for all citizens
Visit http://nimc.gov.ng/ for more details
Articles
Nigeria @ 60: 10 Reasons why Nigerians must celebrate by Olumide Toyinbo

Nigeria gained Independence from the Great Britain on 1st October, 1960. Ever since then, October 1 has been set aside to celebrate the nation for its freedom from the shackles of colonialism. 2020 is the 60th time Nigeria will be marking the day.
A majority of Nigerians are not happy about the state of the country and suggest that no one should celebrate Nigeria at sixty years of age. Corruption in governance, unemployment, inadequate social amenities, kidnapping and many other breaches of sanity steal the atmosphere of the nation.
Amidst all, these ten reasons posit why Nigerians must celebrate and merry on this day, 1st October, 2020.
They include:
- There is hope for Nigeria
Hope is not finished for Nigeria. Nigerians can still have progressive dream for their dear country, whether such dream translates to reality in due time is another thing. Nigerians contesting political positions can come with promises of change and development every four years. There can be better days ahead if conscious and right efforts are made. Nigeria can be better.
Read Also: [Full Text] President Buhari’s Independence Day Speech
- Nigeria is sovereign
If Nigeria were still dependent literally on another country, Nigerians would definitely be under external control too. Colonialism is not a thing to wish for. The fact that Nigeria is independent is worth celebrating. Nigeria has the free political will which she guard jealously and being held in high esteemed by other countries.
- Nigerians are doing well
Nigerians are doing well and making the nation proud within and outside the country. Nigerians are hustling in an innovative manner and engaging in legitimate ventures they find worth doing, be it business, research, production, governance, diplomacy amongst other things. Many distinguished persons are making Nigeria proud even though few some still put her in bad light. Recently, a Nigerian, Kaycee Madu was made first Black Canadian Justice Minister, this is a pointer to how well Nigerians are doing in disapora.
- Nigeria is not in wartime
War is not fun. Those who witnessed the civil war of 1967 to 1970 will always have unpleasant tales to tell about the war which was characterised by colossal loss of lives and valuable properties. Nigeria at 60, we are in the peacetime, the rule of law is obtainable and right to life is not outrightly threatened, for this Nigeria must celebrate, notwithstanding the fact that Nigeria can do more in this regard.
- Abundance of Resource abound
Despite mismanagement and underutilisation of resources Nigeria is blessed with by caretakers, those rich natural resources have not vanished the land. Oil still flows, limestone, iron ore and marbles have not been used up, plants still grow generally in the country, many other resources abound. Nigerians must celebrate her national pride.
- Diplomatic ties are not severed
The sixty year old nation enjoys good relationship with countries around the world. Conflicts with any nation are well resolved before escalation. Worthy of mention is the recent issue of flight ban between Nigeria and UAE which was settled in due course. The wonderful relationship with other nations has led to great development in the nation via financial aid, infrastructures, medical facilities supplication, scholarships and lot more other benefits.
- Nigeria remains the Giant of Africa
Nigeria remains the Giant of Africa against all odds. Nigeria has got the number being the most populous Black nation in the world. She has one of the largest economy in the developing world. For her diversity, heterogeneity and abundance of resources, Nigeria remains the giant of Africa. This has forever remain an identity that won’t fade, Nigerians need to celebrate for that. Many other nations want to be called Giant.
- Nigeria’s beautiful Culture persists
Awesome culture is an interesting part of being Nigerian. Every tribe has its fantastic way of life. Culture is beautifully diverse. Nigeria has numerous clothing manners, sense of fashion, building styles, delicacies amongst other things. Despite sixty years of independence, those culture of awesomeness tarry. Nigerians must celebrate this.
- Nigeria is a country with funny and happy people
So many hilarious persons domicile in the Giant of Africa. Nigerians love to make one another happy. A good number has turned it to a venture making huge amount for them. This lay emphasis on Nigerians’ innovative prowess. A scroll through any social media platform is enough to confirm that. Nigerians are deliberately happy people despite all what they face.
- Independence day is once in a year
1st October comes only once in a year. Celebrate Nigeria on this day and hope for better days ahead while doing your part diligently.
Articles
15 Types Of People You’d Meet In Nigerian Banks

When it comes to temperament, there are basically four kinds of people on earth, but when behaviours are in play, you can be sure there is a plethora of them. If you bank regularly, you will easily relate to the things on this list. You must have encountered one or more of this kind of people in a bank, they are everywhere and can really get on one’s nerves. Check them out.
1. The Pen Borrowers
It won’t hurt if every Nigerian will spend N20 to acquire a pen rather than borrowing one in a bank which they usually fail to return. Once you lend out your pen to these borrowers, you have to close mark them else your pen is gone for good. It’s either you won’t recognize the person again or he will tell you “sorry I gave it to the woman over there” when you finally fish him out. Pen borrowers would not bring a pen to the bank but would go home with more than one, this is why most banks attach a rope to their pens. To think that these banks do not trust customers with a common pen, while the customers trust them with their life savings, is alarming.
2. The People Who Always Forget to Drop The Duplicate Slip
It’s either they are in a hurry or are a novice to the banking procedure. These set of people after their transactions will just march out of the banking hall, pink slip in hand. Then later rush back to drop it or complain about an unsuccessful credit transaction which is most often their fault. They raise their voices in their ignorance and succeed in attracting the attention of virtually everyone in the hall.
3. The Ghost Queue Members
Also known as “I’m behind you” people, these types are really annoying. The first thing they do when they enter a bank is to pick a spot in the queue before going to get deposit/withdrawal slip. Just when other faithful queue members are about to get to the front, their ghost colleagues show up to claim reserved spots. It gets funny at times when about ten people would tell one person “I’m at your back,” only to come back to see other ghost members claiming the same spot. At the end of the day, this causes confusion and if the bank officials do not intervene it may result in a serious fracas.
4. The Queue Jumpers
These ones are worse than the former, they don’t believe in the Nigerian phrase – first come, first serve. They walk into the banking hall and head straight to the counter as though the people in the queue permanently live there. The rich and influential do this a lot, but it will only be courteous for them to seek permission from the people behind them before jumping the queue. Even President Obama once jumped a queue apologetically at a barbecue joint in Texas, he even went ahead to buy lunch for the family whose spot he took. Some other people jump queues systematically by giving the person in front their money to help them pay in.
5. The Bank Door Rejectees
Sometimes it’s the people at fault and other times the stubborn door that would not let them in. These people will always have a problem with bank doors, and before you know it they will start stripping off their belts, keys, mobile phones, umbrella, pieces of jewellery and of course, weapons if they have any.
6. The Wealthy Customers
These people can take forever in a bank with huge amounts of money, making other customers with little money wait for hours before doing their transactions. It also happens during ATM withdrawals, this kind of customer will keep withdrawing until the person behind him who probably has just N5,000 in his account would plead with him not to bankrupt the machine. Nigerians are good at bad mouthing though, ‘Oga you wan finish the money?”
7. The Slip Wasters
It’s amazing how people can make silly mistakes on slips as though they were writing JAMB. This kind of people can waste slip, they keep cancelling, tearing, squeezing and taking another one. The most difficult part is writing the amount in words, they just keep rewriting the word version of N8735 to get the most accurate spelling.
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8. The Trouble Makers
The best thing is to avoid these type because any slightest comment or contribution will aggravate their anger. They come to the bank to fight the manager and any other person that crosses their path. They are the ones who right from the entrance start lamenting about how the ATM debited them without paying, and how the bank must revert their money else they would close down the account.
9. The Waiting Thief
If you are sensitive you will notice that not everyone that comes to the bank is a customer. Some are there to monitor customers who leave with big money and then follow them outside to steal from them. You will see them hanging around without doing any transaction, just looking around and passing information with their mobile phones to their colleagues outside even though they know it is not allowed to use your mobile phone in the banking hall.
10. The Exile Men
These set of people probably just woke up from 1999, and usually do not remember the date. They will ask you for today’s date and even after you tell them the correct date, they will ask someone else to confirm.
11. The Rest Room Users
The only reason they come to the bank is to use the restroom not to deposit, withdraw or inquire. They would walk in majestically, pick a slip from the counter and then pretend to be filling it while trying to locate the restroom with their eyes. Once their bowels have been emptied, they squeeze the slip and head out of the bank feeling relieved and happy with themselves for a successful mission.
12. The Idle Bankers
This applies mostly to ladies that have no business in the bank and they are not thieves either. It’s either they accompanied someone to the bank, or they just came in to pass time and enjoy the chilling atmosphere. Some very idle people go to the extent of spending an hour in a bank doing the following; queue up to withdraw money from their account, join another queue after withdrawing to deposit the same money into the same account. How pathetic can they be?
13. The Meticulous Counters
This group of people do not want to hear that their hard earned money was short of a note after they leave the bank, so they would take hours still on the queue, counting and confirming every single note.
14. The Questionnaires
You would find mostly teenagers and older people as human questionnaires in a bank. They would ask you about everything in the bank and where to fill in their details. The only thing left is for them to ask you to help spell their name.
15. The Perverts
These are the rarest but most irritating people you would find in a bank. They are mostly guys and would always want to queue behind or in front of a lady (a well endowed one). Basically, their aim is to feed their eyes with boobs/butt. If possible, they would occasionally brush their hands over it and then say “sorry, it was a mistake.” How are we sure it wasn’t a mistake? It keeps happening!
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