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Obasanjo, Okonjo-Iweala, Agbakoba Suggest Solutions To Nigeria’s Challenges

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Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Director General, World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and former President, Nigeria Bar Association, Olisa Agbakogba were on Saturday among Nigerians who suggested solutions to the challenges bedeviling the country at the 113th Anniversary of Kings College.

The anniversary titled, ‘Building the Nigeria of our dreams,’ was organised by the Kings College Old Boys’ Association.

Obasanjo who led the Kingsweek 2022 colloquium which was held at the Kings College, Lagos, said Nigeria as a country was poor, insecure, and had other challenges because of its choice of leaders.

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The former Nigerian leader said, ‘‘We are politically divided, economically disunited we are nowhere, we are down the drain. Diplomatically, Nigeria is not at the table. Before, we had sent troops to Sudan, Seirra Leone but today, we can’t send troops to the Republic of Benin. There are three races in the world, white, yellow, and black. For now, America is leading the whites, the Chinese are leading the yellow race, and Nigeria with 225m people is created by God to lead the black race. When we stop disappointing ourselves we can take care of the continent and the black race. Nigeria has no business with poverty, insecurity, or political division.

READ ALSO: APC: Court Rules In Ekpoudom’s Suit Challenging Akpabio’s Candidature

‘‘It is the advertently or inadvertently choice of our leaders. It is not God’s choice for us. If God hasn’t chosen that for us we can do better. For Nigeria, we have done a few things right but we have not continued to do it right. We need a government that understands Nigeria and Africa which will be fair and sincere with Nigerians, together with the right government, this nation can become the right leading country to develop Africa.’’

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In her speech, Okonjo-Iweala said her dream was for a Nigeria in which 95 per cent of the people had access to potable water, quality education, and more women participation in the political and economic life of the country.

‘‘Nigeria can fight poverty, and improve people’s lives if it is properly managed. Our revenue sources are not diversified we depend only on one revenue. Nigeria lacks a sacrosanct social compact in the country, there should be a guideline that dictates certain things that should be sacrosanct. We should have guiding principles to decide our we manage, save, spend and take vigorous actions on our revenues. As a country, we need to have certain indicators of how our economy should be governed. If we do this, we have so much to gain.

‘‘We have had episodes showing we can sustain strong growth, all we need is to work on all key indicators and move in the right direction.

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‘‘If we build a strong governance we need to choose our leaders wisely, we need to ensure we build a strong foundation, we need to get our leaders to accept social compact that will take us into the future.’’

Agbakoba said, ‘‘We have been to a lot of conferences and it is time for us to face the real question. We will never come out of this if we don’t sit and ask ourselves if we are really one until the infractions are tackled. Do we wish to be one because this marriage was imposed on us? What marriage do we really want? Why have we excluded all the nationals at the national conferences we have had?’’

Another guest speaker, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, enjoined Nigerians to get involved in the political and electoral processes, saying lack of appropriate and quality leadership, selection process, and criteria while choosing leaders were a major challenge in the country.

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READ ALSO: Troops Arrest Several Terrorists, Kill Scores, Rescue Civilians

‘‘Since 1999 till date, there has been a remarkable decline in the quality of leaders. Lack of appropriate selection and criteria in Nigeria’s leadership and electoral process. The country’s challenges cannot be addressed by bad leaders who have come into power through the faulty recruitment process.’’

Former president of KCOBA, Dr Sony Kuku, added, ‘‘If we have the right people who love Nigeria if we can get people into governance without godfatherism, ‘Ghana must go’ the better for us. The older you are the more you want Nigeria to be together.’’

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Kingsley Aigbangbee: A Name Built On Grassroots Impact

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In communities across Edo State, development is often spoken of in promises, big words waiting for action. But every so often, a name emerges that shifts the conversation from expectations to evidence. In IGUOSHODIN–NEBUDIN In Ovia North East Local Government Area that name is Kingsley Aibangbee… a man whose work has quietly reshaped everyday life. His approach is rooted in a timeless philosophy once echoed by an American president: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

For Aibangbee, this message is more than a quote, it is a blueprint.
September 2023 marked a turning point for Orenolomi Secondary School. Once a tired structure with fading walls and empty classrooms, the school had become a symbol of abandonment. But that changed when Aibangbee stepped in. With no fanfare, no political stage, he reconstructed the school completely, restoring not just a building, but the future of hundreds of children.

READ ALSO:Alleged Cybercrime: Court Grants Sowore Bail

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Yet, for him, the work wasn’t finished. A school is only as strong as the people who keep it running. So he employed four teachers—paid directly from his own pocket—who remain on his payroll to this day. In an era where many wait for government intervention, his actions stood out as a reminder of what one individual can choose to do for the many.

But Aibangbee’s impact didn’t stop in the classroom.
Every student received free uniforms and writing materials a simple gesture that removed financial barriers for families and drew many children back to school. In homes where survival often competes with education, this support made all the difference.
Beyond education, the heartbeat of the community, its economy also felt his touch. A modern market now stands proudly in IGUOSHODIN–NEBUDI, built through his effort. What used to be makeshift stalls and risky trading corners has transformed into a structured, safer space where local traders can earn their living with dignity.

READ ALSO:US Senator Proposes Bill To End Dual Citizenship

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Across the community, the message is resounding, Kingsley Aibangbee isn’t waiting for government rescue, political promises, or applause. His story reflects a quiet revolution, one built on service, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief that true leadership begins where the people stand.

In every corner of IGUOSHODIN–NEBUDIN, in every classroom, every uniform, every stall in the new market… his actions echo the challenge of that famous American quote. Not what your “country can do for you but what you can do for your country”!!!!

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Edo Expresses Commitment To Ease Of Doing Business

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The Edo State government has expressed commitment to providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

The state Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, gave the assurance after a closed door meeting with representatives of Pan Ocean Oil Corporation Nigeria Limited, NewCross Exploration and Production Limited in Benin.

The deputy governor, who served as chairman of the state boundary committee, noted that this is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the SHINE Agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

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Idahosa, who said “it is part of the state’s strategy to create employment opportunities,” pointed out that it is in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo economic drive to turn the state into an investor friendly one.

READ ALSO:2027: I Will Resign If Tinubu Loses In Edo – Governor Okpebholo

He also emphasised meed to resolve the lingering disputes, saying the boundary committee is proactively looking into and settling areas of concern regarding the issue.

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All communities that are in the boundary line between Edo and Delta States where there are communal disputes, we want to assure them that we are doing everything within our power, using diplomatic and democratic means to make sure this is resolved amicably,” he assured.

The deputy governor noted that under the SHINE Agenda of this administration, much has been done in the area of infrastructural development.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo’s One Year Performance Outshines Some governors’ 8 Yrs, Says Idahosa

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This has made it possible to access roads to major companies, communities, and, ensuring the security of life and properties across the state by investing aggressively in security,” he stated.

On the outcome of the robust interface with the oil workers, Idahosa said through deliberations at the meeting, both parties successfully forged a headway.

He said this has resorted to the invitation of the Edo State Boundary Committee for an on the spot inspection of operation sites in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state.

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He called on investors and multinational companies operating in Edo State to go about their businesses with ease as the Okpebholo led administration is investment friendly.

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Imansuangbon Donates To Benin IDPs, Charges Wealthy Nigerians To Advance Humanity

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Politician and philanthropist, Barr. Kenneth Imansuangbon on Wednesday charged political office holders and well-to-do Nigerians to use their position and wealth to advance humanity.

Imansuangbon gave the charge when he visited Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)housed by Home for the Needy Foundation, Benin, where he donated food items, drinks, cash, toiletries, etc to the children and women as part of his Christmas gifts to them.

Recall that last month the IDPs lamented hardship caused by the economic situation of the country, saying due to the economic hardship, a single meal where they used to cook 15 bags of rice has been reduced to 5.

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Rising to the occasion, the philanthropist said his love for humanity and in accordance with the teaching of the Holy Book drove him to give to the needy annually, adding that he has been doing it for the past 20 years.

READ ALSO:Tragedy For Borno IDPs As Fire Guts 200 Houses

Imansuangbon, who expressed displeasure over the current happenings in the country, said: “If the country is really working we will not find ourselves in this kind of situation. This is an embarrassment to the giant of Africa.”

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“If we teach ourselves love and humanity, then the country will be safer and better for everyone

“We are just a tool in the hand of God Almighty. Anywhere God has placed you, use it to advance humanity. You are in government? Get it at the back of your mind that you are not the first person to occupy the position, and you are not going to be the last.

“The way our country is today, I am not satisfied, this goes beyond Mr. President or the Senators, it is about realising that We all need to save our country. If the country is really working, we will not find ourselves in this kind of situation. This is an embarrassment to the giant of Africa.”

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READ ALSO:Imansuangbon Donates Food Items IDP In Edo, Sues For Honour For Humanitarian Workers

Imansuangbon, who is the proprietor of Pacesetter School, Abuja, expressed gratitude to students, staff members and parents of the school, saying the donations were from them.

“I’m here in Benin with the half of their donation. The children donated ₦1.5m cash, and I am here with the money. You can see these 70 bags of rice, 100 bags of noodles, bags of cane drinks, water, toiletry, etc, are from them. I am grateful to them for doing this for the past 20 years.”

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He, therefore, appealed to Governor Monday Okpehbolo to extend the hand of fellowship to the IDPs particularly on Christmas day.

Responding, coordinator of the camp, Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, while appreciating the donor, said: “He does this regularly not because he is a politician but because of his love for humanity. He is one of the few that comes here anytime, not an electioneering period alone, but anytime we are in need. He has been showing his love for the children for years, so I thank him.”

Folorunsho used the occasion to appeal to well-to-do Nigerians to come and assist the IDPs, stressing that until Imansuangbon came they (IDPs) had nothing to “eat for today.”

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