In 2022, the Executive Secretary, Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council FRC, Dr Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo was honored by an international body for making giant strides under 40, both in the private and public sector in Nigeria then as Commissioner for finance, Lagos state .

Then , as Commissioner for Finance in Lagos state , he created a lot of bonds , and was the only state in Nigeria that generated above 600 Billion from the capital market to the state that attracted multiple development.

Having achieved greatly particularly during COVID global emergency period and End SARS crises in Lagos in the area of infrastructure and manpower development, Olowo became the first set of appointees by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Head of Agencies, Departments and Parastatals, owing to his unique performance and achievements at the cosmopolitan Lagos state.

The global award and his dedicated service to Lagos state when he became a Commissioner of Finance at 34, became a cynosure of other corporate organizations to synergise.

Fortunately or coincidentally, the new appointment as Executive Secretary, Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council FRC, that is charged with corporate governance and regulations of accounting systems and activities in Nigeria, became attractive to accounting bodies like Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, (ICAN) among others.

For four consecutive years in the cosmopolitan Lagos state, Olowo manned effectively and efficiently that transformed both the infrastructural and socioeconomic development of Lagos state, that led to the initiation of many modest developmental projects.

Having achieved through extraordinary performance during the country’s emergency situation particularly COVID and End SARS, his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to contribute to the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration was not out of place , particularly his giant strides to better the lots of Lagosians.

Just one year down the line at the Financial Reporting Council, his extraordinary traits begins to manifest , an indicator that the global honor was not out of place at the state in 2022.

The most recognized and renowned accounting body , Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN ) , also confered on him the “2024 Top Chartered Accountant under 40, ” owing to his unique performance and achievements one year after his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at FRC.

His achievements under six months at the helm of affairs of Financial Reporting Council FRC that led to the award was obtaining the buy-in of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Lagos state Governor , Babajide Sanwo-olu, key Ministers and other Stakeholders for the adoption of the new Sustainability Standards IFRS S1( General requirements for the Disclosure of Sustainability Related Financial Information) and IFRS S2
( Climate Related Disclosure) , due to his resourcefulness and remarkable transformation.

Olowo also launched the road map for the adoption of sustainability reporting standards at a session with the Chairman of the ISSB/IFRS foundation, Mr Emmanuel Faber alongside the NGX.

He created the sustainability reporting unit to drive adoption and advocacy for Sustainability Reporting in Nigeria, through the new Financial Reporting Council FRC.

For the first time in Financial Reporting Council FRC history, attaining the full complement of seven directorates following the operationalization of the Directorate of Actuarial standards and Directorate of Valuation Standards.

He also commenced Audit Quality Reviews, the hallmark of the regulatory oversight towards credible financial reporting process in the country.

The new Financial Reporting Council FRC leadership under Olowo synchronised the FRC data base with NIN verification for improved integrity of the data base , to ensure transparency , accountability and due diligence.

With this greater achievements targeted towards improving accounting profession both in the private and public sector, the honor done to him by ICAN was timely and desiring.

Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.

Department of State Security (DSS), Adeola Ajayi advocated for self-help and communal approach to insecurity and crimes such as raids on vulnerable communities leading to unprovoked deaths, insurgency, banditry and kidnapping, he ignited a heated debate about whether his suggestion invited anarchy and mutually assured destruction that could plunge the country into technical warfare.

However, DG Ajayi was not pioneering this perspective. In 2022, General Theophilus Danjuma reiterated the same position at a public event in his home state of Taraba, echoing his earlier 2018 statement responding to widespread violence that left destruction and misery in its wake.

“As a soldier, the best defence is attack. Right now, we are all sitting ducks. These people are armed to the teeth with weapons of mass destruction, but we don’t have them. We have the numbers and the land belongs to us…,we must find out the source of the arms of terrorists; Nigerians should equally find a means of arming themselves to face the terrorists.”

As a general, former Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of Defence, Danjuma’s military expertise lends weight to his assessment. His prescription for self-defence, though controversial, addressed the brazen impunity of perpetrators of heinous crimes. His stance was also perceived as an indictment of Nigeria’s failing security architecture and the ruling elite, to which both Danjuma and DG Ajayi undeniably belong.

The escalating killings in Plateau, Benue and other parts of the country have given these views increased traction. Public opinion now increasingly favours what would ordinarily be considered unthinkable. In recent weeks, over 100 lives have been lost in Plateau and Benue, victims of heavily armed unknown assailants terrorising defenceless communities. Simultaneously, Boko Haram resurgence in the Northeast and banditry in the Northwest continue unabated. Political, ethnic and religious polarisation persists, fostering an atmosphere of mistrust. The critically low ratio of law enforcement personnel to the population compounds these challenges.

The government appears bereft of solutions. Experts are proposing alternative approaches based on models that the DSS boss observed succeeding elsewhere. He cited incidents in Azare and Bogoro communities in Bauchi state where residents effectively repelled Boko Haram. At a security personnel event, DG Ajayi urged “Nigerians to emulate the people of Azare and rise to the occasion of supporting the security agencies in their bid to reduce security challenges…If we want to stop this terrorism, we should learn from them.”

Outlining his ‘practical approach,’ he acknowledged, “it is impossible for us to deploy to every community in the country, it is unimaginable that any security agency has the resources to do it… What we have to start experimenting with is how we can make the community a force in the first line of defence. What is our culture? Our culture is communal. We do things together. We celebrate festivals together. We hold ceremonies together. So why can’t we fight some miscreants, some shenanigans among us, together?”

Other prominent Nigerians have aligned with DG Ajayi and General Danjuma, including former military governor and Senate President, David Mark and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau. “We can no longer stand to watch people killed needlessly for no just cause,” David Mark stated regarding the Benue murders.

Governor Mutfwang, having witnessed repeated failures to restore peace in Plateau state, appears disillusioned with security agencies. “Let me remind you that whatever arrangements the security agencies will make may not solve the problem; the solution will come from the communities. We have come to a point in Nigeria, where every community must defend itself,” though he cautioned against lawlessness, adding, “I will not, however, support lawlessness, but we can’t afford to go to sleep.”

Historically, communities relied on local heroes who defended their territories with unwavering commitment. This tradition waned with the advent of political opportunists who exchanged security promises for votes. The military initially provided some semblance of safety, but politicians’ broken promises, underinvestment in security technology, outdated weaponry, and the emergence of various militias—some disguised as state security but serving as governors’ personal enforcers—have exacerbated security challenges and nullified earlier gains. The situation has devolved into a landscape of mercenaries, insurgency, and armed incursions that have transformed communities into killing fields.

The absence of national outrage, with only localised protests from affected areas, suggests widespread apathy. The DSS Director-General’s admission that resources are insufficient to “deploy to every community” underscores the necessity for self-protection initiatives.

His commitment to organise communities as a “first line of defence” should be fully embraced by vulnerable populations. Self-protection principles should be codified into national law, potentially encompassing community policing, intelligence gathering, collaboration, and neighborhood watch programmes, while prioritising peaceful approaches and human rights. Indeed, isn’t community mobilisation for self-protection preferable to pooling resources for ransom payments?

Critics cite America’s gun violence epidemic as evidence against armed civilians. However, Nigeria faces organised, premeditated attacks on an unprecedented scale, distinct from American dynamics. Finding localised solutions to indigenous challenges is more appropriate than importing foreign models.

What, then, is the controversy about self-protection when traditional security measures have proven inadequate? A fresh approach warrants serious consideration.

Zainab Suleiman Okino is chairperson of Blueprint Editorial Board and a syndicated columnist. She can be reached via: zainabokino@gmail.com

Unfortunately, we live in an era where many people misuse social media. They forget or perhaps never learned that this space holds immense power for good.

Yes, social media can be fun and engaging, but beyond that, it has birthed movements, built careers, created global stars, and even served as a therapy space for those going through hard times. Still, many have chosen to use it for the wrong reasons.

We’ve seen how some who abused social media ended up behind bars, while those who embraced its positive side earned accolades and long-term recognition.

Remember Aminu Adamu Muhammed?
In June 2022, a young student from the Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State, was arrested after tweeting about the First Lady, Aisha Buhari. That tweet, perceived as cyberbullying, cost him his freedom. Aminu, a young, promising Nigerian could have chosen his words carefully. Instead, he traded his freedom for a few seconds of online attention. How did we get here? And when those who bully others are asked for their motive, the answer is often: “I just wanted to trend.” Outrageous, isn’t it?

But the truth is, the same platform used to mock, shame, or attack others can be used to shine honorably.

Look at Peller and Jadrolita-creators who have used social media to build brands, inspire minds, and grow authentic communities. They chose purpose over pettiness. We can’t deny they’re doing well because they carved a niche for themselves instead of using their voices to pull others down.

Think of Tunde Onakoya, who recently broke the world record in chess marathons and made it into the Guinness Book of Records. Or little Emmanuella, who rose to fame through wholesome comedy skits. These stories prove that social media, when used wisely can elevate anyone, regardless of background.

Here’s a reminder for the bullies:
You can call out issues respectfully. You can be heard without being harsh. You can trend for the right reasons.

Many people online chase clout through negativity, but here’s the twist; they don’t last. Fame built on insults and shame has no roots. Why? Because you can’t shine using someone else’s pain. God doesn’t anoint disgraceful acts.

No serious brand or person wants to associate with someone who becomes known for tearing others down. The identity you project is the reputation people will remember.

Let’s not forget:
Social media is an escape route for many people dealing with mental health struggles, grief, rejection, and real-life storms. So when someone finds the courage to show up online, it’s sad that some use that opportunity to tear them down.

Cyberbullying has no rewards. It causes more harm than many realize. Victims often suffer in silence, their confidence shattered. Some withdraw from online spaces completely. Others struggle with anxiety, depression, or self-worth issues—all because of a few cruel comments.

One of the worst trends today is body shaming. It’s become far too common. People no longer hesitate to post their pictures not because they lack confidence but because they no longer feel safe. They fear the backlash, the mockery, the toxic “jokes.”

To anyone reading this:
Please stop cyberbullying. Stop the trolling. Stop the body shaming.
Instead, let’s use this space to uplift and heal.

Social media should be a safe place. Let’s help keep it that way.
Onono Onimisi
Writer and Adult Educationist
Email: onimisionono54@gmail.com

Recent weeks have illuminated the intricate dynamics of Nigerian politics, particularly within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). As President Bola Tinubu undertakes his eighth trip to France amidst various undisclosed reasons, his administration appears to be grappling with internal rumblings. The president’s media team has been actively engaged in damage control following accusations of constitutional breaches regarding federal character principles. Allegations have surfaced of over 150 appointments concentrated within a single ethnic group across key economic, legal, and social sectors, a claim the government has countered by asserting all appointments were merit-based.
Beyond the outcry from other geopolitical zones seemingly excluded from these principal appointments, a significant undercurrent of discontent is brewing within the APC itself. Leaders and supporters of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the largest constituent bloc that merged to form the APC in 2013, reportedly feel marginalized within the current executive and legislative leadership. This perceived exclusion has not only reportedly angered former CPC leaders but also the electorate in regions that purportedly delivered substantial votes to President Tinubu in the 2023 elections, even surpassing his ancestral Southwest.
Since assuming office, the Tinubu administration has also faced scrutiny for its approach to the legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Policies and their implementation by the current government have been defended by attributing hardships and security challenges to the preceding administration. The government’s strategy in addressing insecurity in the North-West, characterized by a “non-kinetic strategy” involving negotiations, has coincided with an escalation of kidnapping and banditry in states like Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kaduna – regions that formed the bedrock of the defunct CPC’s support and Buhari’s electoral strength.
Furthermore, some key figures within the current administration’s national security and economic policy teams have allegedly displayed animosity towards Buhari’s legacy. Attempts have reportedly been made by officials like Nuhu Ribadu and Wale Edun to attribute the fallout from the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira to the previous administration’s prudent management of these issues over eight years.
These converging factors appear to have spurred discussions among prominent former Buhari ministers such as Rauf Aregbesola, Isa Ibrahim Pantami, Abubakar Malami, and Emeka Nwajiuba, alongside other Buhari loyalists like Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai, to explore a potential departure from the APC. This has seemingly triggered alarm within the ruling party, fearing the loss of the “used and dumped” CPC bloc. The few known Tinubu appointees with CPC roots reportedly lack the grassroots influence to stem this potential exodus or mend the perceived fractured relationships.
Reports suggest that these former CPC stalwarts are now under heightened scrutiny, with their communications and movements allegedly being monitored. Some are reportedly facing investigations, potentially aimed at intimidation to prevent their exit from the APC. This alleged pressure has further incensed both the former CPC leaders and their support base.
The recent flurry of activity suggests a shift in the APC’s stance towards the “expired” Buhari, who was previously seemingly blamed for the nation’s challenges. The Progressive Governors’ Forum reportedly appealed to Buhari to intervene and urge former CPC members to remain within the seemingly inactive APC. Similarly, the Northern States Governors’ Forum has also reportedly been directed to seek Buhari’s support for Northern unity behind the Tinubu administration.
The panic within the APC reportedly intensified following a meeting between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former President Buhari, attended by several prominent former governors and ministers. This was seemingly followed by an urgent visit to Buhari by the APC Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who had previously been critical of the former president.
The Tinubu government and the APC are now reportedly attempting to mobilize individuals perceived as disloyal within the defunct CPC to publicly express support for the current leadership. These individuals, known within the old CPC, are allegedly acting for personal gain and do not represent the broader sentiments of the CPC faithful. Their actions are likely to further alienate former CPC leaders and their supporters.
The path chosen by these individuals is viewed by many within the defunct CPC as a betrayal of their bloc, Northern Nigeria, and the Nigerian people.

Dalhatu Danzago writes from Paris, France 

ddanzago@yahoo.fr

+33 652 185 809 (WhatsApp only)