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Edo 2024: Time to End the Hopeless and Helpless Technocratic and MoU Mirage,

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Edo 2024: Time to End the Hopeless and Helpless Technocratic and MoU Mirage,

By Augustine Osayande

As the Edo 2024 elections approach, there is a growing call to move beyond the current technocratic leadership and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that have dominated the developmental space of the state in the past eight years. Many critics, including this writer, have long argued that the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki failed to deliver meaningful progress for the state. The so-called technocratic and MoU approach has become a mirage, offering promises of development that remain unfulfilled for the people of Edo State.
As Governor Godwin Obaseki’s tenure draws to a close, the people of Edo State are left with a pressing question: what were the tangible outcomes of the numerous MoUs signed during his administration?
One notable MoU was with China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) for the development of the Gelegele Seaport and other transport infrastructure. This ambitious project promised to be a game-changer for Edo’s economy by enhancing the state’s connectivity and boosting trade. Yet, the public remains eager to see whether these promises have translated into visible progress or if they remain unfulfilled aspirations.
Similarly, the partnership with Sunora Foods was heralded as a transformative initiative aimed at attracting $100 million in foreign direct investment and creating 25,000 jobs. This MoU raised h4opes for significant agro-economic development. However, it is crucial for Edo citizens to assess whether these projections have materialized into real opportunities for employment and economic growth in the state.
Another significant MoU was signed with the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) to improve healthcare delivery. Healthcare is a critical area of public concern, and the impact of this agreement on the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in Edo is something that residents will undoubtedly scrutinize.
The MoU with Oando Clean Energy Limited for the deployment of electric buses to enhance the state’s transportation system was a bold step towards sustainable development. Yet, with Obaseki’s tenure ending, there is a lingering question of whether these green initiatives have taken root or if they remain at the planning stage.
In the agricultural sector, the MoU with Heifer International Ltd and Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Ltd aimed to boost the poultry value chain in Edo. This initiative was expected to enhance food security and create jobs, but how far these goals have been met remains to be seen.
Edo State’s partnership with SIEMENS for economic development, and the tripartite deal involving the Chinese Government and Yongxing Steel Company to bolster vocational and technical education, were both touted as forward-thinking initiatives designed to strengthen the state’s human capital and industrial base. However, Edo citizens are still waiting to see the concrete benefits of these partnerships.
The agreement with Radisson Hotel Group for a N19.6 billion world-class hotel project promised to enhance the state’s hospitality industry and attract tourism. The potential for economic growth through such investments is immense, but residents are eager to know if these projects are on track or have stalled.
Furthermore, the MoU with EHA Clinics to improve primary healthcare delivery and the partnership with LAPO Microfinance Bank for the disbursement of N300 million to MSMEs across the 18 Local Government Areas were both aimed at uplifting the socio-economic standards of the state. As Obaseki’s administration concludes, the effectiveness and reach of these initiatives will likely be a key measure of his legacy.
Ultimately, while Governor Obaseki’s administration has signed numerous MoUs with the promise of transformative change across various sectors, the real test lies in the execution and visible outcomes of these agreements. As Edo State looks towards the future, its citizens deserve a transparent assessment of these initiatives to understand their true impact on the state’s development.
With few days to the end of Obaseki’s eight-year administration, it is crystal clear that this model has not effectively addressed the fundamental challenges facing the state, such as poverty, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and poor public services. The technocratic governance has resulted in policies that are disconnected from the realities of everyday citizens, creating a sense of hopelessness and helplessness among the populace.
Another prominent characteristic of the outgoing Obaseki administration has been the reluctance of many Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Advisers (SAs) to recognize that good governance and quality leadership are not bound by political party lines. Instead of embracing constructive criticism as a tool for improvement, these officials often resort to dismissive behavior, targeting those who offer guidance or critique.
This approach fails to acknowledge a fundamental truth: effective governance benefits everyone, not just members of a specific political party. When a government prioritizes the delivery of democratic dividends—such as improved infrastructure, better public services, robust economic growth, and enhanced living standards—the positive impact is felt across the entire population, transcending party affiliations.
Good governance is about serving the public interest and meeting the needs of the people, regardless of their political leanings. By fostering an environment where all feedback is valued and constructive dialogue is encouraged, leaders can drive forward policies and initiatives that truly serve the common good. It is essential for future administrations to recognize that inclusive leadership and accountability are key pillars of sustainable development, and that true success in governance is measured by the tangible improvements in the lives of all citizens, not just those who support a particular political ideology.
The call is now for a shift towards leadership that prioritizes inclusivity, grassroots engagement, and a people-centered approach, where decisions are made with direct input from the communities they affect. This change is seen as essential to break free from the cycle of unmet promises and to pave the way for a more hopeful and prosperous future for Edo State. Look
As Edo State gears up for the 2024 elections, the debate continues over the best path forward—whether to maintain the status quo or to embrace a new direction that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of its citizens. The call to end the “hopeless and helpless technocratic mirage” is a rallying cry for those seeking a leadership that not only speaks of change but delivers it in tangible, impactful ways.


Augustine Osayande PhD contributed this piece from Abuja via austinelande@yahoo.com

Edo 2024: Time to End the Hopeless and Helpless Technocratic and MoU Mirage,

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KACRAN Applauds Buni’s Leadership, Cites Job Creation and Food Security Gains in Yobe

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KACRAN Applauds Buni’s Leadership, Cites Job Creation and Food Security Gains in Yobe

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has commended Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, for what it described as visionary leadership that has significantly improved job creation, food security, and overall wellbeing of citizens in the state.

In a statement signed by its National President, Khalil Mohammed Bello, the association said the desire of any society is to have a leader who prioritizes the welfare, security, and long-term prosperity of the people, noting that Governor Buni embodies such qualities.

KACRAN praised the governor’s humility and accessibility, describing him as a leader who maintains close contact with citizens to better understand their needs and challenges. According to the association, this people-oriented approach has contributed to sustained peace and unity in Yobe State.

Highlighting key achievements, the group noted that Buni’s administration has consistently invested heavily in agriculture by procuring and distributing farm inputs to farmers at subsidized rates. This, it said, has boosted food production and strengthened food security not only in Yobe but across neighboring states.

The association also lauded the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock, which it said has reinforced Yobe’s position as a leading livestock hub in Nigeria. It added that the construction of modern markets across major towns has further enhanced commercial activities within the state.

On human capital development, KACRAN pointed to the award of scholarships to thousands of students for studies within and outside Nigeria, as well as the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure to improve connectivity between rural and urban areas.

The group further commended the governor for creating employment opportunities through recruitment into the civil service and various empowerment programmes targeting youths and women.

KACRAN also acknowledged the efforts of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), led by Mohammed Goje, in providing relief materials to internally displaced persons and vulnerable populations affected by insurgency, floods, and other disasters.

It noted that during the ongoing Ramadan, the state government has intensified food distribution initiatives, ensuring that thousands of households receive daily support as part of broader measures to cushion economic hardship.

While stressing the importance of proactive governance, KACRAN urged other state governments and the Federal Capital Territory to emulate Yobe’s approach to investing in agriculture, human development, and security in order to avert potential food crises and improve living standards nationwide.

The association concluded that sustained commitment to these priorities would promote peace, unity, and long-term stability across the country.

KACRAN Applauds Buni’s Leadership, Cites Job Creation and Food Security Gains in Yobe

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CDS urges Borno, Yobe residents to take ownership of fight against terror, says enemy operating from within

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CDS urges Borno, Yobe residents to take ownership of fight against terror, says enemy operating from within

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has raised fresh concerns over internal complicity in the protracted insurgency in the North-East, urging residents of Borno and Yobe to take ownership of the fight against terrorism.

Oluyede’s position, articulated after a high-level security meeting in Maiduguri, signals a strategic shift in emphasis from purely kinetic military operations to community-driven counterinsurgency, as Nigeria battles the enduring threat posed by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.

The meeting, which lasted about four hours, brought together top military commanders, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar and other top military officials.

At the heart of the CDS’s message is a troubling reality: the insurgency is being sustained, in part, by individuals that sometimes embedded within affected communities.

According to Oluyede, intelligence reports indicate that many of those responsible for attacks over the past 15 years originate from the same communities bearing the brunt of the violence.

This assertion reinforces long-standing concerns within security circles that local knowledge terrain familiarity, social networks, and community cover has continued to provide operational advantages to insurgents.

He cited a recent example in Kukawa, where troops discovered wounded terrorists hiding within the community during post-attack clearance operations, pointing to the challenge of distinguishing between civilians and collaborators.

The dynamics complicate military efforts, as insurgents exploit familial and social ties to evade detection, making intelligence gathering more difficult despite sustained offensives.

The CDS’s call for residents to “take ownership” reflects a recognition that military القوة alone cannot decisively end the insurgency without active civilian cooperation.

Oluyede’s remarks suggest a push to recalibrate this dynamic by encouraging residents to see the fight as a collective responsibility rather than solely a government burden.

The CDS also acknowledged the evolving tactics of insurgents, particularly the increasing use of drones and other technological in attacks.

Oluyede disclosed that the Nigerian military is adapting, including the deployment of advanced drone systems to enhance surveillance, targeting, and battlefield coordination.

CDS urges Borno, Yobe residents to take ownership of fight against terror, says enemy operating from within

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FG Pushes for Correctional Reform via Public-Private Partnership

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Dr Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of Interior, (center), CG Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS) Sylvester Nwakuche, Mni. (R) and Executive Director of Hope Behind Bars Africa, Funke Adeoye (L).

FG Pushes for Correctional Reform via Public-Private Partnership

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s correctional system into a hub of rehabilitation, skills development, and national productivity through strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

The pledge was highlighted at a stakeholders’ engagement on optimizing correctional farm centres, industries, and PPP opportunities, organized by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with civil society and development partners.

Representing the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani stated that modern correctional facilities must focus not only on confinement but also on equipping inmates with practical skills for reintegration into society. “Correctional centres must evolve into institutions of transformation—where inmates are prepared to become productive members of society upon release,” she said.

Ajani emphasized the importance of PPPs in achieving this vision, describing them as critical tools for combining government oversight with private sector expertise, innovation, and investment. She added that correctional farm centres and industries could become centres of excellence in agriculture, agro-processing, and value-chain development, contributing to both inmate rehabilitation and national food security.

The Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, disclosed that the Service currently operates 18 farm centres and 10 cottage industries nationwide, spanning crop production, livestock, fisheries, and poultry.

He noted that collaboration with the private sector would boost productivity, introduce modern techniques, and create sustainable value chains.

Stakeholders, including representatives from government, civil society, development organisations, and the private sector, agreed on the need for actionable and scalable models to drive tangible impact.

On his part, the Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions Hon. Chinedu Ogah, called for greater accountability, innovation, and commitment in optimizing correctional farms, noting that agriculture remains a critical driver of economic growth and national security.

The engagement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s broader reform agenda, which prioritizes institutional strengthening, economic productivity, and sustainable development. Participants were urged to leverage partnerships that transform correctional facilities into engines of productivity, reduce recidivism, and enhance community safety.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated that the success of correctional reform depends on collective action, sustained investment, and a shared commitment to building a humane and development-oriented correctional system.

FG Pushes for Correctional Reform via Public-Private Partnership

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