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A Confused Leadership Is A Nightmare For A Country:
DDM NEWS
Across the globe, numerous discerning leaders dedicate their efforts to securing investments and negotiating bilateral agreements that will benefit their citizens and nations.
They understand the crucial role of attracting foreign capital to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and improve the overall quality of life for their people.
These leaders engage in meticulous planning, research, and strategic negotiations to ensure favorable terms and maximize the positive impact of these agreements on their countries.
They prioritize long-term sustainable development and work tirelessly to forge partnerships that foster mutual prosperity.
In stark contrast, Nigerian leadership, at all levels, appears to prioritize international travel, often under the guise of investment or bilateral discussions.
These trips, however, frequently resemble tourism, lacking the substantive engagement and tangible outcomes expected of genuine diplomatic endeavors.
This misallocation of resources and misplaced focus deprives Nigeria of the crucial opportunities for economic advancement and development that other nations actively pursue.
The resources expended on these unproductive trips could be better utilized to address pressing domestic needs and invest in initiatives that would genuinely benefit the Nigerian people.
The confusion in Nigeria is for our leaders to believe that Nigeria is an Island, and hence, it’s very unfortunate that, our president will just wake up and ban all foreign goods through an unserious policy without seeing the global bilateral trade value as embarked by UK and India, recently.
Meanwhile, the president and other leaders that brought about this policy are entangled with foreign vehicles, yacht, planes and even solar panels and installations.
You are enacting a national policy without showing a good example of what you want the citizens to be subjected to.
What a discriminatory impunity!
Amidst the fanfare surrounding international tourism initiatives, particularly given the president’s well-documented affinity for France, the economic realities for many Nigerians remain bleak.
A growing number of citizens face escalating hardship and financial insecurity, while the nation’s resources appear to be steadily diminishing under the guise of official procedures.
A recent trade agreement, officially signed and sealed just days prior, has been reported between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
This landmark deal signifies a strengthening of economic ties between the two nations, promising mutually beneficial outcomes.
The agreement encompasses a wide range of sectors, aiming to boost bilateral trade and investment.
Details emerging from the agreement suggest a focus on reducing trade barriers, streamlining regulatory processes, and fostering greater cooperation in areas such as technology, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.
Both leaders expressed optimism about the positive impact this deal will have on their respective economies, emphasizing the potential for job creation and economic growth.
The agreement also includes provisions for enhanced collaboration on issues like intellectual property rights and sustainable development, reflecting a shared commitment to responsible and inclusive growth.
Analysts predict this agreement will not only strengthen existing economic ties but also pave the way for deeper diplomatic and cultural exchange between India and the United Kingdom.
Currently, India is in the process of negotiating a free trade agreement with the European Union.
This parallel negotiation underscores India’s proactive approach to expanding its global trade network and diversifying its economic partnerships.
The outcome of these negotiations with the EU could have significant implications for global trade flows and potentially influence the dynamics of the UK-India trade relationship.
In a significant move last month, Apple Incorporated unveiled its ambitious plan to shift the entire assembly of iPhones destined for the U.S. market to India.
This strategic decision aims to establish a robust production capacity exceeding 60 million units annually by the close of 2026, representing a substantial $40 billion investment in the Indian economy.
This investment is poised to significantly impact India’s manufacturing sector, fostering growth and creating numerous job opportunities across the supply chain.
The move is expected to bolster India’s position in the global electronics market, attracting further foreign investment and stimulating innovation within the country.
Nigeria, for instance, shares several parallels with India, including a large and youthful population, a growing consumer market, and a desire to attract foreign investment.
However, a critical distinction lies in the leadership landscape.
While India has cultivated a political environment that prioritizes strategic thinking, long-term planning, and technological advancement, Nigeria, unfortunately, grapples with challenges related to governance and leadership.
The presence of incompetent and self-serving individuals in positions of power hinders Nigeria’s ability to fully capitalize on its potential and attract similar large-scale investments.
These individuals, often driven by personal gain and short-sighted agendas, prioritize their own comfort and engage in corrupt practices, thereby undermining the nation’s economic progress.
The absence of visionary and competent leadership in Nigeria creates a significant obstacle to attracting the kind of transformative investments that Apple is making in India.
This situation underscores the urgent need for Nigeria to prioritize good governance, transparency, and accountability in order to unlock its vast economic potential and create a more prosperous future for its citizens.
Let’s compare the international engagements of the current Nigerian administration since its inauguration on May 29, 2023, with those of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during the same period.
Specifically, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has embarked on 38 international journeys since assuming office.
These trips have drawn criticism, with some characterizing them as “jamboree tourism experiences,” suggesting a lack of substantial outcomes or a focus on leisure rather than official business.
This perception raises questions about the effective utilization of public resources and the strategic direction of these presidential trips.
In contrast, Prime Minister Modi of India has undertaken 14 international trips during the same timeframe.
This significantly lower number of trips suggests a more deliberate and focused approach to international engagement.
A closer examination of Prime Minister Modi’s travels reveals a clear emphasis on strengthening India’s economic standing, bolstering its defense capabilities, and fostering crucial foreign partnerships.
This stands in stark contrast to the perceived lack of concrete outcomes from President Tinubu’s more frequent travels.
The comparison raises concerns about the Nigerian government’s prioritization of international engagements and whether these trips are effectively contributing to the nation’s economic growth, security, and overall development.
The recent trip of the FCT Minister to China exemplifies this troubling trend. His journey, ostensibly to discuss crucial water resource infrastructure projects, was marred by a glaring omission: the absence of key stakeholders whose expertise is essential for such discussions.
Rather than including vital personnel such as engineers, hydrologists, and relevant authorities from the water resources sector, the minister opted to include his son in the entourage.
This decision raises questions about the true purpose of the trip and whether it was genuinely intended to advance the interests of the FCT in terms of water resource management.
Yet, Nigerians remained strangely silent, exhibiting a disconcerting apathy in the face of escalating societal decay.
We saw the blatant corruption, the erosion of democratic principles, the widening gap between the rich and the poor, yet we remained passive observers.
Like birds confined to a cage, we felt trapped, our voices stifled by fear and a sense of powerlessness.
This silence, this inaction, stemmed from a tacit acceptance of our subjugated status.
We had, consciously or unconsciously, assented to being treated as second-class citizens in our own land, allowing a select few to exploit our resources and manipulate our destinies.
We had become slaves in our own country, bound not by physical chains, but by the shackles of fear, apathy, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness.
And before you dismiss this as mere rhetoric, allow me to remind us of a fundamental truth: injustice and corruption which will persist in Nigeria unless we awaken to the power of our collective voice.
These societal ills will continue to fester and spread like a malignant disease until we recognize our inherent right to freedom and self-determination.
We must understand that we, the citizens of Nigeria, possess the power to dismantle the corrupt systems that hold us captive.
We have the power to chase out the vampires in leadership who feed on our nation’s resources and leave us impoverished and disempowered.
This power, however, lies dormant until we actively choose to wield it.
The key to unlocking this transformative power lies in the conscious preservation of our citizenship rights, particularly our right to vote.
We must not only exercise this right diligently, but we must also exercise it wisely.
We must choose credible leaders, individuals with integrity and a genuine commitment to serving the people.
We must scrutinize their track records, evaluate their promises, and hold them accountable for their actions.
Written by Dr. Sunny Oby Maduka (DSM) Ph.D
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The Trump administration has announced a sweeping review of more than 55 million foreigners holding US visas, aiming to identify potential violations that could trigger visa revocation or deportation.
In a statement to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all visa holders are now subject to “continuous vetting.”
Officials will examine any indicators of ineligibility, including overstaying authorised periods, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engagement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organisations.
If authorities find evidence of such violations, they will revoke the visa, and individuals already in the US could face immediate deportation.
Officials stressed that the review targets both individuals residing in the United States and those holding multiple-entry visas abroad.
Since assuming office, President Donald Trump has prioritized strict immigration enforcement, targeting not only undocumented migrants but also holders of student and visitor exchange visas.
The current vetting process extends far beyond prior reviews, potentially affecting individuals who initially received approval to stay in the US.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, last year the US had 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas.
Immigration policy expert Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute noted that the 55 million figure likely includes individuals living abroad with tourist or business visas. She questioned whether allocating resources to review people unlikely to return justifies the scale of the initiative.
Alongside the review, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that the US will immediately halt work visas for commercial truck drivers, citing safety risks and threats to American jobs.
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio wrote.
The administration recently strengthened English proficiency requirements for foreign truckers following incidents where language barriers contributed to accidents. State Department officials confirmed they are pausing the processing of new work visas to reassess screening and vetting protocols.
“Ensuring that every driver meets the highest standards protects American workers and maintains a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department added.
Experts warn the broader implications of the review could ripple across the US economy. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explained that the administration’s policies aim to discourage companies, universities, and hospitals from employing foreign workers.
“The economic consequences will extend far beyond individual visas,” Alden said, emphasizing that employers risk compliance issues if they continue hiring foreign staff.
The review represents the most comprehensive enforcement action in recent US history and signals that the administration will aggressively monitor both legal and temporary visa holders to maintain national security and prioritize domestic employment.
The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned Nigerians that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is giving false hope about rescuing the country from underdevelopment.
“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed his willingness to be Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
Although Obi has shown interest in the 2027 race and is aligning with ADC coalition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, Baba-Ahmed stressed that he wants Obi to remain in the Labour Party and contest as its presidential candidate.
“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
When asked about his plans for the 2027 race, Baba-Ahmed confirmed his readiness to serve as a running mate for like-minded leaders committed to restoring Nigeria.
“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying.
I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals aligned with restoring the nation,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also revealed two potential leaders he would consider deputising, with Peter Obi being his primary choice. “The first one has not said anything.
The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he added.
Nigeria has secured a $238 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support the expansion and modernization of the national power grid.
The deal, confirmed during engagements at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, reflects a strategic shift towards implementation-driven energy development.
President Bola Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s participation at TICAD9 focused on concrete, outcome-oriented partnerships rather than ceremonial diplomacy.
“We are moving from planning to implementation, from agreements to delivery, and from promises to measurable results,” he said.
Details of the JICA Loan Project
The $238 million loan, supported by a Federal Executive Council counterpart funding of ₦19,083,192,805.30, will finance significant upgrades to Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure.
Key components of the project include:
Construction of 102.95 km of new 330kV double-circuit lines
Construction of 104.59 km of 132kV double-circuit lines
Development of four 330/132/33kV substations and two 132/33kV substations
Multiple line bay extensions to improve efficiency and reduce system losses
According to Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the partnership with Japanese companies such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Japan’s Transmission & Distribution Corporation is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s energy potential.
“Our focus is on transmission infrastructure, operational efficiency, and strategies to reduce system losses.
This $238 million loan from JICA provides the backbone for that transformation,” Adelabu explained.
Adelabu acknowledged Japan’s consistent support for Nigeria’s power sector, highlighting contributions in infrastructure, technical studies, training, and financing.
He emphasized that JICA’s backing is critical to expanding access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across the country.
The project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission network, improve system reliability, and enhance overall efficiency, ultimately supporting industrial growth and meeting rising electricity demand nationwide.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a fierce warning to Hamas, declaring that Gaza City will face complete destruction if the militant group refuses to accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war.
Katz, in a statement shared on social media on Friday, August 22, 2025, used sharp words to describe Israel’s next steps.
He said the “gates of hell” would open on Hamas if it failed to disarm and release all hostages.
“Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza until they agree to Israel’s conditions,” Katz wrote.
He added that if Hamas refused, Gaza City would suffer the same fate as Rafah and Beit Hanoun, two cities previously flattened by Israeli offensives.
His comments mark one of Israel’s strongest warnings since the escalation of the conflict.
The minister’s remarks came only hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that negotiations had been ordered to free the hostages held in Gaza.
Netanyahu explained in a video address that Israel’s military operation in Gaza City would not stop during talks. “Defeating Hamas and releasing our hostages go hand in hand,” he said.
The prime minister also confirmed the mobilisation of 60,000 reservists to join the offensive.
Meanwhile, mediators have been waiting for Israel’s response to a ceasefire plan that Hamas accepted earlier in the week.
The proposal suggests a phased release of hostages, but Israel insists that only a deal ensuring the release of all captives at once will be accepted.
Israel’s hardened stance has sparked growing concern worldwide.
International leaders have cautioned that an expanded assault on Gaza City could worsen the humanitarian disaster already unfolding in the region.
Gaza’s health ministry says more than 62,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began.
The United Nations considers these figures credible.
The war was triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which left 1,219 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians.
Since then, the conflict has intensified, with both sides showing little sign of compromise.
With Katz’s threat to turn Gaza City into rubble if demands are not met, the conflict appears to be entering an even deadlier stage.
The international community continues to press for a ceasefire, but Israel’s leadership insists that victory over Hamas and the release of all hostages remain its top priorities.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of fake Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, the agency explained that the counterfeit milk is packaged to look like the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk,” but it is unauthorised and unsafe for consumption.
NAFDAC clarified that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the authentic manufacturer, stopped producing Cowbell “Our Milk” in September 2023.
The product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.” Despite this, fake versions of the old product have found their way into Nigerian markets.
Picture of Fake cowbell milk.
The counterfeit sachets bear the brand name, NAFDAC registration number, and familiar packaging design, making them difficult for unsuspecting buyers to identify as fake.
Health Dangers of Fake Cowbell Milk
NAFDAC warned that the consumption of these counterfeit products poses serious health risks.
Fake milk could contain toxic chemicals, harmful additives, or diluted ingredients that endanger human health.
Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Possible dangers include:
- Foodborne illnesses
- Allergic reactions
- Organ damage
- Long-term health complications
- In extreme cases, death
Counterfeit Product Details
- Product Name: Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet
- Purported Manufacturer: Promasidor Nigeria Ltd
- Production Date: 04/2025
- Expiry Date: 12/2028
Picture of original cowbell milk.
NAFDAC Issues Strong Warning
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing the counterfeit milk.
Healthcare professionals, distributors, and consumers have been advised to report suspicious sales of substandard or fake products immediately.
Reports can be made through:
The nearest NAFDAC office
Toll-free line: 0800-162-3322
Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC also called on traders and retailers to stop selling the fake sachets.
The agency assured the public that strict enforcement measures are being taken to remove the counterfeit products from circulation.
This is not the first time Nigerians have faced risks from fake food and beverages.
Experts warn that counterfeit consumables are becoming more sophisticated, often making them difficult to spot.
Consumers are advised to always check product details, expiry dates, and packaging changes announced by manufacturers.
By highlighting the dangers and raising awareness, NAFDAC says it hopes to protect Nigerians from avoidable health crises linked to fake milk products
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