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  • Togo Increases Grains Output

    AgricThe grain output in Togo in 2020 was 1.26 million metric tons.
    According to the Central Bank of the West African States (BCEAO) the figure covers corn, millet, and sorghum.
    The corn output rose by 7% between 2018 and 2020 - from over 886,000 Mt to nearly 950,000 Mt (it passed 900,000 Mt in 2019). Corn, it should be noted, is the most consumed crop in Togo. 
    For millet and sorghum, which are mainly sown, harvested, and consumed in the northern part of the country, growth their combined output was less significant than corn but noticeable. From about 303,000 Mt in 2018, the figure increased by around 5% to 318,000 Mt in 2020 (and around 309,000 Mt in 2019). 

  • Stop your Evil Acts to Avoid the Wrath of God-Cleric to kidnappers and other criminals.

    Evil

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    Kidnappers and other categories of criminals in Nigeria have been advised to desist from their evil acts to avoid the wrath of God.
    This advice of given by a Christian cleric, Pastor Opeyemi Ajayi.
    ''My advice to kidnappers, terrorists, and other categories of criminals is for them to desist from their evil acts to avoid the wrath of God. They should turn a new leaf, if not the wrath of God would eventually consume them. If history is anything to go by they are already treading the path of destruction.
    Also, the Government at all levels should make life more meaningful and bearable for Nigerians'', Pastor Ajayi concluded.

  • Religious Intervention to Resolve Crisis By Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 4When one accepts a faith, it is for one to be submitted to the will of his or her creator for the purpose of destiny realization.

    This is because in every religion there is always a mechanism to regulate and control all affairs, most especially in the area of personal rule, social and spiritual control for all activities to be duly regulated in the line with the upheld scripture which must be the supreme consultation by which adherents are supposed to live their lives because all scriptures are considered to have a divine construct, religious curriculum, therefore, is expected to be more superior in value and potency, than the social construct we call the nation's constitution.

    Religion and those who symbolize its existence usually play the tertiary fiddle and are classified into the poor second to the fourth estate of the realm of the government-the Media, which is but equally abused into the poor state of a watchdog for the government to play around most of the time as a pun in the hands of the powerful.

    1Corithians 6: 5-10 alludes to the above observations. ''I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

    6But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.

    7Now, therefore there is utterly a fault among you because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

    8Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.

    9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be Not Deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

    10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.''

    Rel 1

    This is why in clear terms the Almighty Allah admonished the Muslims not only to be true believers but to truly resolve conflicts through the process of Mediation, Conciliation, and Arbitration and at the utmost level to use the Scripture to adjudicate on any ensuing matters. The Holy Quran refers, ''To thee, we send the Scripture in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: So judge between them by what Allah hath revealed(the Jews through the old Testament, the Christians through the New Testament and the Muslims through the Holy Quran to avoid sentiments or bias for a religion other than that of our faith, with a clear purpose to respect individual fundamental human rights), and follow not their vain desires diverging from the Truth that hath come today to each among you have we prescribed the law and an open way. If Allah has so willed, He would have made you a single person, but His plan is to test you in what He hath given you: So strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah. It is He that will show you the Truth of the matters in which He disputes.''

    For the above reasons, let us all put on the armor of prayer and the virtue of patience, perseverance, and tolerance in our homes, large compounds, communities, and the society as adherents of our faiths that have learned sufficiently enough in the houses of God to the benefit of self and the society through settling conflicts without external intervention.

    The best option to keep up with amity in the home and peaceful co-existence in the society is to live by the Scripture for the benefit of others. Do not allow sins to develop into crimes. They are preventable

  • Beyond the People's Reach

    Poverty 9Strangely, poverty alleviation and reduction seem not to be on the priority list of the state actors at all levels of government.
    The measures in the past years have failed woefully to empower Nigerians to be economically productive, with the sole focus of improving their quality of life.Transfer Money with Wise
    Poverty alleviation programs do not cut across all sectors of the economy, failing to adequately address the problems of low economic growth and high poverty incidence.
    Millions of Nigerians insist that beneficiaries of government advertised empowerment programs are not known to them.
    The insecurity everywhere in Nigeria has foreclosed any way forward in the agricultural sector.
    indeed, unemployment, access to affordable housing, satisfactory Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary health care delivery, quality education, potable water supply, and regular electricity supply among others, constitute the urgent needs of poor Nigerians, who are in the majority are beyond reach. And a result has brought about hunger, poverty, and stunted economic growth.

     

  • Managing Power- A Religious View by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 4Every ruler has a ruler he reports to according to Ecclesiastes 5: 8-9,'' 8 If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.

    9Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.''

    Poor people could be likened to civil servants, if their salary scale is compared to that of the political office holders, most especially in some nations that are underdeveloped amid the abundance of natural and human resources.

    The ratio and the gap are too much between the civil servants and the political office holders creating a social class of dichotomy of kleptocracy for those who are opportune to control the resources of the land and the harsh effects of extreme poverty among the larger number of the population.Transfer Money with Wise

    This situation is usually characterized by institutional indiscipline, corruption, and the emerging state of insecurity.

    To correct the aberration, the relevance of the religious sector must not be undermined.

    This is to promote God and godliness in the lives of the people to be able to do things the right way without having an inordinate ambition to cheat on others.

    Power 2

    The Holy Quran 3: 23 refers, for the consciousness of all rulers and those who are aspiring to hold sensitive positions. ''O Allah! Lord of power and Rule, Thou givest power to who Thou pleasest and thou stripes of power from whom Thou pleasest, and Thou bringest low whom Thou pleasest: In Thine hand is all Good. Verily over all things Thou hast power.''

    The Holy Prophet Muhammad warned that all leaders are not only accountable to the people but their creator, the almighty Allah, so also in Proverbs 22: 22-23,'' 22Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: 23For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.''

    The Holy Quran 6: 165 refers, '' It is He who hath made you the inheritors of the earth: He hath raised you in ranks, some others: That He may try you in the gifts (power) He hath given you: For thy Lord is quick in punishment; yet He is oft forgiven, most merciful.''

    Let us use power wisely and dispense power with caution bearing in mind that we shall all be accountable not only to the society we purport to be serving but without a doubt to our creator from whom we are all from and onto whom we shall all return.

     

     

  • There is Massive Poverty in Nigeria-Ex-Officio TUC

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    The World Bank report that 7 million Nigerians are now under the poverty line has only confirmed that there is massive poverty in Nigeria.
    This assertion was made by an Ex-Officio of the Oyo State Council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), who is also a former Chairman of the union in the state, Comrade Andrew Emelieze in a chat with Poverty Line.Transfer Money with Wise
    ''The World Bank report that indicates that 7 million Nigerians have fallen below the poverty line in the last 2 years confirms the reality on the ground that there is poverty on a massive scale in Nigeria. The prices and goods and services have gone beyond the reach of poor Nigerians. The insecurity in the land has prompted several farmers to abandon their farmlands, the resultant effect is the high cost of foodstuff all over the country.

     

     

     

     

     

     


     

  • Criminality as a Way of Life

    Inj 2For over a long period of time the Landlords and Tenants Association, community leaders, criminally-minded residents, some unscrupulous officers, and rank and file of the Police have ensured that various categories of criminals in Molusi, Solanke, Oyegbami, Olorunsogo, Molete, Oshodi, Scout camp, Aluko, Felele straight and Rab, among several other communities in Oyo state perpetrate crime with impunity.
    Cultists, armed robbers, car snatchers, kidnappers, ritualists are just a few out of the long list of criminals, who have perhaps, been motivated by the comments of state actors during the end of SARS protests the previous year.Transfer Money with Wise
    How can accountable and responsible leadership appeal to worried residents to dialogue with criminals?
    The body language of state actors indicates that these criminals not only have their consent but also their blessings.
    Interestingly, these criminals continue to commit heinous and grievous crimes on a daily basis without hindrance.
    Notable among the criminals are one Samba, a barber at the Scout camp junction, linking Oshodi street and Aluko street, one samad, a generator repairer, Lekan and Segun Adewale of 8 Kehinde Aderibigbe Street, Olorunsogo, Molete, one Tobi Adesanya, a.k.a Ijoba, one Akin an electrician, who along with his gang operate from an abandoned building on the same street with the Redeemed Christian Church of God(RCCG)(    Potters house), Olorunsogo, Molete, the Okada riders operating at the Molusi street junction, Molete among others.

  • Rejection of Electricity Supply by DISCOs calls for Concern-Ex-Officio TUC

    ProbThe rejection of electricity supply from the Transmission Company of Nigeria(TCN) by the Distribution companies in Nigeria calls for great concern.
    This assertion was made by an Ex-Officio of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), who is also a former chairman of the union, Comrade Andrew Emelieze. Transfer Money with Wise
    ''The rejection of electricity supply from the Transmission Company of Nigeria(TCN) by the Distribution companies calls for great concern. It is worrisome and most unexpected that our people are not enjoying the services they paid for despite the so-called privatization of the distribution of electricity. It is equally unfortunate that an apartheid regime was introduced in the billing and supply of electricity, a situation in which some people can have electricity for longer hours than others, with annoying estimated billing. For how long will Nigerians continue to pay for a dysfunctional system. The only option is for Nigerians to cease to pay for darkness and decide that the payment of electricity would be subject to the availability of electricity,'' Comrade Emelieze stated.

  • Most State Govs have surrendered to Fate-Ex-Officio TUC

    GovThe inability of most State Governors in Nigeria to turn around the fortunes of their states has occasioned the involvement of the private sector.
    This assertion was made by an Ex-Officio of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), who is also a former chairman of the union, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.                                         Transfer money with Wise
    ''Most State Governors in Nigeria have surrendered to fate as a result of their inability to turn around the fortunes of their states. They are now running from pillar to post, suggesting that they have turned governance into a private business. Since this is the case, they should hand it over to the private sector to govern their states. It is not possible for the State Governors to climb on the backs of the people to get to power and thereafter sell the people to the private sector'', Comrade Emelieze noted.

  • The need for Accountability

    Govt 6The discussion on the lip of every Nigerian, presently, is the embarrassing absence of the visible impact of the government at all levels on their lives.
    It is not, definitely, the vision of the elected and appointed, to provide basic amenities-water, electricity, and health facilities-rather the preference is for white elephant projects.
    The monetary value of projects embarked on, is on the high side, while such projects have in no way empowered the youths.
    In the place of future leaders, Nigeria is presently grooming future criminals.
    The only way that governance can be felt by the people, is for Those-in-Charge to initiate and execute projects that meet their needs and aspirations.
    The resources of the states are been managed by manpower, who lack commitment, determination, and prudence, while too much focus is on the borrowing and servicing of bank loans revolving around an inefficient and ineffective cash flow management system.
    Modalities for the award of contracts in most states are devoid of transparency, accountability, and due process, even as consultants have finally become an integral part of governance in several states.

    Govt 2
    Since the criminal elements among the commercial motorcyclists(Okada riders) are crucial to the success of Those-in-Charge in the affected states and are significant factors in their investment, banning them is not on the cards.
    Interestingly, the pace of governance is very slow, corruption has hit the rooftops and poverty has taken root in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria.
    Perhaps, the only way forward is to ensure that individuals who occupy executive positions are made to be more accountable.

  • Information Leakage : Govt Official Arrested in Sudan

    Govt 4The Director of Information, Khartoum State, Sudan, El Tayeb Saad Eddin, has been arrested for leaking classified information to unauthorized persons who took an active part in the immediate past administration of Al Bashir.

    According to the Sudan News Agency (SUNA), Saad Eddin's arrest was ordered by the Committee for Dismantling the System of 30 June 1989 and Restoration of Public Funds.

    The News Agency also stated that investigations and charges are being drawn up in line with the Dismantling Act and the Public Service Act.

    The allegation against the Director revolves around the fact that he has ''continued to communicate actively with elements in the dissolved National Congress Party”.

     

     

     

  • PMS- FGs Assurance A Warning Signal to Nigerians-Ex-Officio TUC

    Govt 1The assurance by the Federal Government that the price of the Premium Motor Spirit(PMS) shall not be increased in the month of June has been described as a warning signal to Nigerians to brace up for terrible times.
    This assertion was made on Monday by an Ex-Officio of the Oyo State Council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC)Comrade Andrew Eemelieze in a chat with Poverty Line.
    ''I think Nigerians should start preparing for the worst in July because we have been told that the pump price of the PMS shall not remain the same after June. Nigerians have been deceived. The assurance of the Federal Government should be seen as a warning signal to Nigerians to prepare for the worst after June'', Comrade Emelize concluded.

     

     

     

     

  • All must Join Hands to Produce Future Leaders-Prof. Olagoke

    Respect 1All stakeholders  must play positive roles for the society to produce the desired future leaders.

    This assertion was made by the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke in a statement titled ''Walk The Talk''.

    ''Good parenting must be worked on to produce real future leaders for the society. The traditional rulers must resuscitate our culture of self-esteem and integrity. Religious leaders need to live exemplary lifestyles and teach the scripture on peace, justice, equity, security, sustainable development, and peaceful co-existence. Academic institutions and professional bodies must be engaged in research for the restoration of lost values while the Government and the rich must institutionalize the concept of philanthropy and inclusive society for a better social order of peace, security, and wellness of the people and tranquility

     

     

  • Antecedents: Use and Dump

    In a sizable number of states in Nigeria, individuals who presently occupy the Government houses are, perhaps, apostles of the Use and Dump Philosophy.

    For the period these individuals have been there, the people are yet to identify the fresh ideas to take the affected states to the next level of development, rather schemings, intrigues, and maneuvres for self perpetuity is the direction.

    In these states, it is not about the people not wanting good leaders, but it is all about the imposition of mediocrity.

    Sadly, the people never conducted background checks on the antecedents of Those-in-Charge in the states to verify their capacity and capability.

    Use

    The overbearing influence of the helmsmen in the states is given prominence by the docility and silence of political appointees on the government's unpopular policies and actions.

    Indeed, most of the appointees in the cabinets of the affected states are disturbed, but their facial expressions mislead the public to believe the contrary.

    Strangely, crime and criminality are now the norms in the affected states, with the helmsmen making feeble efforts to include dialogue as one of the options to put an end to the wasting of human lives and the destruction of properties.

  • NNPC : Investigate Corporation's Claim-Ex-Officio

    Corr 1The Federal Government has been called upon to carry out an investigation into the claims of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC)that its revenue goes into the subsidization of the cost of producing the Premium Motor Spirit(PMS).

    This call was made by an Ex-Officio of the Oyo State Council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), Comrade Andrew Emelieze.
    If such pontification is coming from the NNPC, perhaps, there is a need to investigate the age-long corruption in the Corporation. The vituperation of the NNPC is an indication that lawlessness has taken over the country. It also means that the NNPC is being run like a private business concern under the command of a dangerous cartel. Nigerians did not vote for the NNPC to direct the affairs of Nigeria, we expect such information to come from the executive,'' Comrade Emelieze concluded.

  • Former Zimbabwe Deputy PM Warns of Coup

    PeopleA former Deputy Prime Minister in the now-defunct inclusive government, Prof. Arthur Mutambara has warned that the attempt by the Zimbabwe Government to annex all the powers of the state through the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 2 could result in a Coup de tat.
    Mutambara who made this disclosure recently in an online discussion organized by civic society group, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC), revealed that the amendment seeks to remove the presidential running mate clause during elections.

    “What we are doing now will lead to another coup de tat. You know why? Because when the first one happened, Mugabe had these useless vice presidents, he was hiring and firing at will and one of them (Mnangagwa) left the country and engineered a coup de tat (in November 2017),” he said.
    “What Mnangagwa is doing could lead to another coup de tat by somebody else because right now he is controlling succession. He is controlling everything and maybe some people may say the only answer is a coup de tat. If we are not careful these shenanigans will lead to another coup de tat,” Prof. Mutambara stated.
    Zimbabwe had a military-led coup in November 2017 when then-President Robert Mugabe was toppled from office and replaced by the incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa.
    Mugabe was accused by the coup leaders of neglecting his presidential duties by allowing his wife, Grace Mugabe, and senior members of the rival Zanu PF faction – G40 – to dictate the country’s affairs. Mugabe died in September 2019.

  • Ramadan Fast(Daily Guide) By Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 2Wednesday 28th April

    In this season of the Ramadan fast for the forgiveness of sins and crimes and total refrain from devilish thought processes, let the opportunity make us awesome to be able to enjoy the promise of overall protection from all forms of life's hazards as exemplified in the Holy Quran 8: 29 and authenticated by the provisions of Proverbs 14: 26-27. The words of God must not be doubted by believers. Let us all work towards receiving grace. Ramadan Kareem.

    Thursday 29th April

    Have you worked on how best to achieve and imbibe the concept of the fear of God in this period of the holy month of Ramadan for you to be one of those who will give testimonies for others to increase in faith and belief. 

    The Holy Quran 8: 29 refers : ''Ho ye who believe! If ye fear Allah, He will grant you a Criterion to judge between right and wrong, remove from you all evil deeds and forgive you: Allah is the Lord of grace unbounded.

    Proverbs 14 : 26-28 refers :

    '' 26In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 28In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince. ''

    So let it be with you and our dear nation by walking the talk. Ramadan Kareem.

    Friday 3oth April

    A t this period of the Ramadan fast let us begin to SWOT analyze ourselves to be able to increase in good deeds, as our strength, refrain from all forms of devilish acts that may destroy virtues and values to zero our weaknesses.

    Equally, let us seize the opportunity of this sacred month to be spiritually rejuvenated to be able to live expected exemplary lifestyles. Everybody has his or her areas of threats. For example, poverty and fear as well as insecurity in the land. This is the time to fortify ourselves to be able to break even. Ramadan Kareem.

    Saturday 1st May 

    As we are preparing to enter the harvesting period of the Ramadan fast, let us begin with a self-assessment on the compliance with the rules of holding the prescribed Ramadan fast.

    This is to be able to make necessary adjustments not to be a loser after the end of the socio-spiritual class sessions of the sacred month of Ramadan. Ramadan Kareem.

    Sunday 2nd May

    For ease of rating ourselves, on our performances so far, in our observance of the Ramadan fats, let us use the SMART concept for us to be able to project into the kind of harvest we should expect as we are about to enter the last 10 days of the fast. Routinely, be specific and measurable on the achievable assignments herein contained in the month of Ramadan.

    Be sincere and realistic without deceiving yourself because the Ramadan fast period is either 29 or 30 days time-bound.

    Endurance, tolerance, and perseverance ought to have been learned in this month for possible peaceful co-existence and ease of achievement in the areas of our social desires and development. Ramadan Kareem.

     

     

     

  • Ramadan Fast(Daily Guide) by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

    Prof 2Friday 23rd April

    The week of mercy must have opened a floodgate of access to good things of life as well as the opportunity to keep a close relationship with the almighty Allah if and only if the month of Ramadan has been respected and the Ramadan fast has been observed with caution, due process and the fear of God. Let us check ourselves on this to make necessary adjustments. Ramadan Kareem.

    Saturday 24th April

    We are already in the second cycle of the Ramadan fast where soberness is required with a sincere reflection on the past to be able to enjoy the target of divine forgiveness as promised all sincere adherents.

    However, the realization of this is a function of the observer's readiness to move away from sins and crimes to have their bodies well preserved for God. Thread gently as a true servant of God, the almighty Allah. (Holy Quran 25: 63)

    Sunday 25th 

    Be right guides of the rules of exemption for those who are permitted to observe the Ramadan fast, the aged are already in the exponential decay region of life, the pregnant women have more than two mouths to feed just like mothers who are breastfeeding their babies and those with terminal diseases who depend on prescribed drugs. A balanced diet and timely attendance by caregivers, ante-natal, and pediatrics shall always be needed for their survival. But for those who are to repay this offer of exemption, the classification is equally obvious. Women in their menstrual period, the sickly, and travelers suffering from ailments such as fatigue, observing these guides will equally be tantamount to having the fear of God. This is the objective of the Ramadan fast. Ramadan Kareem.

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    Monday 26th

    The wellness of the people matters most to the almighty Allah as He submitted in the Holy Quran 2: 145, ''Allah intends every facility for you, He does not want to put you to the difficulties.''

    Those who are exempted for one reason or the other, not to fast in this sacred month must not abuse the privileges of mercy and forgiveness and must not lose the focus of the fear of God by been modest in their affairs and other interpersonal relationships.

    The Almighty Allah loves those who live within the ambit of the law. Holy Quran 22: 38, ''Verily Allah will defend from ill those who believe: Allah loveth not any that is unfaithful, ungrateful.'' Ramadan Kareem.

    Tuesday 27th

    As we enjoy the benefits of forgiveness in this sacred month of Ramadan fast, let us learn to forgive those who might have offended us, as our perceived enemies. Let us equally eschew hatred from our hearts and replace it with love. This month extends to divine cleansing of our hearts for the purpose of soul purification from evil thought processes for us to be wholesome as true Muslims right from this sacred month of Ramadan. The benefit of this cannot be overemphasized or over quantified.(Holy Quran 94: 1, 20: 25-26).

  • Monthly Allocation: Govs Claim sign of incompetence-Ex-officio TUC

    GoThe claim by the 36 State Governors that a major portion of their monthly allocation is used for workers' salaries confirms their incompetence.
    This assertion was made by an ex-officio of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC)who is also a former chairman of the union in the state, Comrade Andrew Eemelieze.
    ''The proposition by the State Governors that they are using a large chunk of their monthly allocations to pay workers' salaries is laughable, a sign of their incompetence to occupy the seat and an indication of the failure of the Governors to transform available resources to wealth. If the Governors lack the initiative to generate revenue, the workers should not suffer for their inefficiency'', Comrade Emelieze declared.

     

     

  • The Long Wait for Answers

    GovtA number of Those-in-Charge in the states, run these states like personal fiefdoms. Corruption is commonplace while monetary allocation from the center is the major focus.
    Several questions without answers have continued to trail the award of contracts to proxies of Those-in-Charge, with the choice of, but not limited to, infrastructure, rehabilitation, renovation, and road construction as the signposts of good governance in this dispensation.
    In some states where constructed street light poles only need repairs and refurbishment, preference is given to the award of contracts for the construction of new ones.
    The thousands of Nigerians who benefit from the daily feeding programs in this month of Ramadan fast in several states is a reflection of the deteriorating state of governance. Indeed, a particular number of helmsmen, at all levels of government have failed to conduct themselves in ways that suit the various offices they hold in trust for the achievement of peace, law, and order, security, and good governance.
    Unfortunately, today's elected officials and political appointees did not pass through diligent background checks, because the profile of the leadership is questionable.
    As the debasing and defrauding of the resources of the state of the federation continue unabated, criminally-minded entrepreneurs, consultants, estate developers, and cultists feature prominently in governance, just as distraught and impoverished Nigerians continue to ask: What was the growth rate of the economy at the federal and state levels, before those in the saddle came on board? What is the growth rate of the economy at present? What percentage of the population have the policies of government at all levels empowered economically?