By Sola Ajisafe, Esq.

In the last few days certain conversations are being introduced into the political space by some janjaweed and jankariwo thinkers in respect of Mr. Wale Akinterinwa (WA) with respect to his political decisions or likely moves towards the November election.

Aside from what has been said or imagined after the primaries by those who are afraid of his political status and standing in Ondo State politics, his absence at the Southern Senatorial rally at Ore was interpreted to mean the road to a loss of the November 16, Governorship election by our party, the APC.

When that narration did not fly, a new and ” improved lie” was introduced suggesting that he has instructed his supporters to vote for the New Nigeria People’s Party at the election.

Contrary to these false information baked in some hidden covens, released into the airwaves and circulating on social media, it is pertinent to state that Wale Akinterinwa did not direct and would never direct his supporters to vote for the candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party or any other party in the coming election.

This baseless claim is a deliberate attempt to discredit WA and to cause confusion among his supporters in particular and the APC family in general.

It is a fact that in every political season there are always many conversations. Among the dominant conversation in Ondo State this season is WA and the WA Team . A careful look at the WA team will reveal that it has the largest concentration of the organic members of the progressives in the APC which makes them the landlords or the authentic Aborigines of the party. What this means is that we have no where to go and no condition or situation can make us work against our party. It is not even in our character.

We may be hurt or angry about a situation, but we are always in control of our emotions. We are molded and schooled to always look at the bigger picture. That’s why we are proud of the phrase ” My Party is My Party”. That is, no matter what, our party’s interest is above and larger than every other interest.

Let it be known also that within the WA team, we consider electoral contests and party affairs as family matters which could be contentious but which must be resolved one way or the other in brotherly love for the benefit of the super structure, the party’s interest. While we feel embittered, unhappy and disappointed at the way the primary turned out, it never took us a long time to accept the verdicts of the party while we reconciled within ourselves that on no account should we raise any negative step against our party. There is always another day and another opportunity in politics. Why should we break the pot that holds the water? It’s not our ways.

It must also be noted that we recognize the fact that, while there is a beneficiary of the whole exercise being the candidate of our party and the flag bearer, he is just the symbol of our collective struggle towards the election. The ultimate test and focus of all party members is that his party succeeds in an election. Many of us have stayed too much in opposition that we cannot afford to become opposition politician in Ondo State in February 2025. It is not only politically undesirable but affliction shall not arise a second time and thunder does not strike a point twice.

So, for anyone to imagine that WA will give instructions that his group within APC to work against the party is to show the hollowness of some people and to think that even if such instruction is given, some of us will obey it, is a crude thought.

Let it be known that across the various Committees that were set up, our members have been involved and participating actively and ready to do more for the success of our party in the election. For instance, immediately, I got to know I was a member of the Protocol Committee on the eve of the visit to Akure South, I reached out to Hon Alex Kalejaiye and Hon. Olajide. I was physically present at the campaign at the Deji’s Palace, NEPA Roundabout and at Oda. I have made some inputs into the working of the Committee through Hon. Olajide and ready to make more. By Tuesday, we would be on the road again. Our own Yemi Olowolabi is totally involved in the work of the media and the candidate of our party is aware of his efforts already. The same thing goes for other members of the WA Team at various levels. So who are those that will be behind or vote for NNPP?

If WA has not been physically present, it is the height of excessive malady for anyone to conjure this type of insidious thought. The fact that many of his supporters have been making contributions should kill the wrongful narrative of antagonism towards the party during the election.

WA is the head of our group within the larger APC. He is the aggregation of our political interest. He is totally committed to our party in the election through the mandate given to our flag bearer His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa whose election on November 16, 2024 is a history waiting to happen.

I must say that we are not unaware of the source of this snide side talks are coming from. We are also not unaware of it’s intended threats and implications. Let it be known that we have the courage to say those threats and challenges pales into insignificance with the victory that would be achieved in November. We have the tenacity and the courage to see through all these threats to our collective political interest in the WA Team sooner than expected.

In conclusion we urge all supporters of WA and our party to remain vigilant and disregard misinformation spread by mischief makers. Let’s focus on promoting factual information and maintaining a united front in our political endeavors.

As we march towards the election, we would walk hand in hand and side by side to an assured victory.

In the interim, let the right and proper conversation ennure while the “jedijedi” and ” penkelemesi” conversationists continue in their forlorn narratives.

Please note that For This Election Let Us Stay Informed, Stay Vigilant.

Sola Ajisafe, Esq
Director of Programmes WA Team (Member Protocol Committee of the Campaign Council).

When Festus Keyamo SAN CON FCIarb (UK) assumed office as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development at the end of August 2023, the aviation sector was in disarray. For many, it seemed as though there was nowhere to go—policy stagnation, crippled infrastructure, and a sense of hopelessness permeated the industry. Yet, against this backdrop of despair, Keyamo took the reins and has since demonstrated that with determination, strategic thinking, and collaboration, even the most entrenched problems can be tackled.

One of the first major actions taken by Keyamo was halting the controversial national carrier project, which had been tied to the Ethiopian government. While the concept of a national carrier resonated with him and many Nigerians, Keyamo recognized that the project, in its proposed form, would do more harm than good. He boldly declared that Nigeria’s aviation sector should not be enslaved by foreign interests. Instead, his vision was clear: empower local operators and push for homegrown solutions. His approach marked the beginning of a new era, where the focus shifted from foreign dependence to national self-sufficiency.

One of the most pressing challenges Keyamo inherited was the stalled construction of the Abuja second runway. Imagine the capital city of Africa’s most populous nation operating on a single runway! This critical project had been caught in a deadlock for months, with no solution in sight. Though, with his counterpart in the Federal Capital Territory office, the Minister approached the issue with his signature blend of pragmatism and diplomacy. He intervened directly, engaging with the Jiwa community in Abuja, whose land disputes had been a primary roadblock. Through open dialogue and strategic negotiations, Keyamo brokered a deal that allowed for the resumption of the runway’s construction. His ability to resolve a long-standing issue in such a short period spoke volumes about his hands-on leadership.

Lagos, the nation’s commercial hub, had also been facing severe aviation setbacks, with Runway 18R being shut down for nearly two years. Keyamo wasted no time in addressing this critical infrastructure failure, rallying his team and mobilizing the necessary resources to tackle the problem head-on. His efforts have since brought hope to an aviation community that had all but given up on a timely resolution to the Lagos runway debacle.

Beyond infrastructure, the most daunting challenge facing Nigerian airline operators was their inability to access dry leasing options. Many airlines had been forced into wet-leasing arrangements, a stop-gap solution that was unsustainable in the long term. Recognizing the need to rectify this issue, Keyamo led a high-level delegation to Airbus headquarters in France, where he engaged directly with top officials, in company of Nigerian airline CEOs. The talks revealed that Nigeria’s exclusion from dry leasing arrangements stemmed from the country’s failure to fully comply with the Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment.

Keyamo, leveraging his legal expertise, immediately set about resolving this. He worked closely with the Attorney General, the Chief Judge of the High Court, and other legal heavyweights to address the legislative and judicial bottlenecks hindering Nigeria’s compliance. His efforts culminated in the signing of the Cape Town Convention, a landmark achievement overseen by Vice President Kashim Shettima. This move not only restored Nigeria’s standing within the global aviation community but also opened the door for Nigerian airlines to secure dry leases, positioning the country for growth and improved service delivery.

Flight delays and passenger complaints have long been the bane of Nigerian air travelers. Keyamo tackled this issue by presiding over the launch of the Consumer Protection Portal, an initiative spearheaded by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This new platform aims to simplify the process for passengers to lodge complaints, while also monitoring airline performance and ensuring greater accountability. Keyamo’s push for this reform is indicative of his broader commitment to improving the overall passenger experience and ensuring that airlines prioritize consumer welfare.

Keyamo’s impact on Nigeria’s aviation sector extends beyond quick fixes. His broader vision includes policy reforms and infrastructural development that will take time to fully bear fruit but are already laying the groundwork for sustainable progress. With a meticulous approach to governance and an unwavering dedication to improving Nigeria’s global aviation standing, Keyamo has demonstrated that even the most complex challenges can be overcome with the right strategy and leadership.

Though his appointment initially drew criticism from certain ‘aviation experts’, who questioned the suitability of a legal professional in a field dominated by technical expertise, Keyamo has consistently proven his detractors wrong. His career, which has been defined by a string of successes across multiple fields, is once again on course to leave a lasting legacy in aviation.

By the time Keyamo’s tenure as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development concludes, Nigeria’s aviation sector is poised to emerge stronger, more resilient, and more competitive on the global stage. The industry will bear the imprint of a man who, when the chips were down, had the courage and vision to turn the tide. His journey is far from over, but one thing is certain: the Nigerian aviation industry will never be the same again.

Onajite Usman Writes from Ubiaja, Edo State

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has been grappling with significant socioeconomic challenges that affect a broad spectrum of its citizens. The hardships stem from multiple factors, including economic instability, high unemployment rates, inflation, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure. These issues have created a cycle of poverty and frustration among the populace.

Key Issues Contributing to Hardship

Economic Instability:

Inflation: Nigeria has been experiencing persistent inflation, leading to a sharp increase in the cost of living. Essentials like food, fuel, and healthcare have become more expensive, straining household budgets.

Currency Devaluation: The Nigerian Naira has weakened against major foreign currencies, making imports more costly and increasing the burden on consumers.

High Unemployment Rates: With a large youth population, the lack of job opportunities is a critical issue. Many young Nigerians are either unemployed or underemployed, leading to widespread frustration and a sense of hopelessness.

Insecurity:

Terrorism and Insurgency: Regions like the Northeast have been plagued by Boko Haram insurgency, leading to loss of lives, displacement, and economic disruption.

Banditry and Kidnappings: Other parts of the country, particularly in the Northwest and Southeast, face challenges from bandits and kidnappers, which has further destabilized communities and discouraged investment.

Corruption:

Mismanagement of Resources: Corruption at various levels of government has led to the misallocation and embezzlement of public funds, hindering development projects and essential services.

Lack of Transparency and Accountability: The absence of effective checks and balances has allowed corrupt practices to flourish, exacerbating economic inequalities.

Infrastructure Deficit:

Poor Roads and Transportation: Inadequate road networks and poor transportation infrastructure have hampered economic activities and increased the cost of doing business.

Electricity Shortages: Persistent power outages and an unreliable electricity supply have stifled industrial growth and increased operational costs for businesses.

Health and Education: The healthcare system is underfunded and overwhelmed, while the education sector suffers from poor funding, inadequate facilities, and low-quality teaching.

Social Inequality:

Wealth Disparity: A significant gap exists between the wealthy and the poor, with a small elite controlling much of the country’s resources while a large portion of the population lives in poverty.

Gender Inequality: Women in Nigeria often face systemic barriers in accessing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, contributing to broader social inequalities.

Way Out: Potential Solutions

Economic Reforms:

Diversification: Nigeria’s economy is heavily reliant on oil. Diversifying into agriculture, manufacturing, and technology can create jobs and reduce vulnerability to global oil price fluctuations.

Support for SMEs: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of any economy. Providing access to finance, reducing regulatory burdens, and offering technical support can help these businesses thrive.

Monetary Policies: Implementing policies that stabilize the currency and control inflation is crucial to restoring purchasing power and economic stability.

Improving Security

Strengthening Security Forces: Investing in training, equipment, and intelligence for the police and military can help combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings more effectively.

Community Policing: Engaging local communities in security efforts can improve trust and cooperation, leading to better crime prevention and resolution.

Fighting Corruption:

Institutional Reforms: Strengthening institutions like the judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, and law enforcement can enhance transparency and accountability.

Public Awareness and Engagement: Educating the public about the impact of corruption and encouraging citizen participation in governance can help hold leaders accountable.

Infrastructure Development

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Collaborating with the private sector to fund and manage infrastructure projects can accelerate development in areas like transportation, energy, and telecommunications.

Renewable Energy Investment: Investing in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can help address the electricity deficit and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Social Welfare Programs

Education and Skill Development: Expanding access to quality education and vocational training can empower the youth and reduce unemployment.

Healthcare Access: Improving healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, and implementing universal health coverage can enhance the quality of life.

Poverty Alleviation Programs: Direct cash transfers, food security programs, and affordable housing initiatives can provide immediate relief to those most affected by poverty.

Promoting Social Equity

Gender Equality Initiatives: Ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women can foster a more inclusive society.

Reducing Wealth Disparity: Progressive taxation, social safety nets, and fair wage policies can help bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.

Conclusion
Addressing the hardships in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach that involves economic reform, infrastructure development, security enhancement, anti-corruption measures, and social welfare programs. While these challenges are significant, with concerted efforts from the government, private sector, and civil society, Nigeria can create a more stable and prosperous future for its citizens.

FALEYE OLUWATOSIN SIMON

JOURNALIST FROM LAGOS