The War in Sudan: Who, Why, Where, When and What.

 

Written by Yusuf Nasir Ahmad.

Naseeryusuf07@gmail.com.

28 April, 2023.

 

The War in Sudan: Who, Why, Where, When and What.

In this article, you will learn who are those fighting in Sudan? Why are they fighting? Where is fighting taking place? When did fighting starts? What are they really fighting over and what are other countries and the international organizations doing about it?

Sudan is a country located in the North-East of Africa with a land size of 728, 215 SQ Miles. Its estimated population, according to UN, stands at 45.7 million people. It has a real GDP of $207.7 billion USD. Its significant source of government revenue is oil, gold other mineral resources. It has a per capita income of $4, 450.

It is important to mention that Sudan and Southern Sudan of today used to be Republic of Sudan since its independence on January 1^st 1956. However, a civil war that lasted for over twenty years broke-out between Sudan and Southern Sudan. Major reasons for this civil war were: Religious difference; ethnicity; economics and political interests. It was devastating: Two million people were estimated to have died and millions were estimated to have been dismissed.

The Northern Sudan, which happens to be Sudan of today is under the control of Arab Muslims, while the Southern Sudan is under the control of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A).  Arab Muslims in Sudan account for approximately 90% of the population, while Christians approximately account for 6% and traditional worshiper account for the remaining 3% respectively.

A truce was signed with the help of the United States, The United Nations and African Union in 2005 between the Sudanese government and the SPLM/A. Since the US funded 22% of the entire $5.4 billion UN annual budget, the US earned itself a seat at the peace brokers’ table.

 

What is Currently Happening In Sudan?

The current crisis in Sudan is a not between Sudan and Southern Sudan. Rather, it is a crisis that broke out two army generals in the country, particularly in Khartoum which later escalated to various regions of the country. The two parties involved in this conflict are: General Abdel Fattah Al Burha who is on the right side, known as the Defacto Ruler and otherwise known as the President of the country and the leader of the Sudanese Armed Force (SAF).

On the other polar extreme, you have General Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo who happens to be the leader of the Rapid Support Force (RSF) and also the known as the Vice President. In other words, the President and Vice President of Sudan are at war against each other.

However, let us get some background story as to why these two elephants are fighting. Recall that Gen. Omar Al Bashir was the President of Sudan from 1989 – 2019 when he was toppled by the duos who are fighting today. Both Gen Burha and Gen Dagalo created the Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC) as an accord too transfer back power back to a civilian government in November 2021 with Gen Burha as the Chairman and Gen Dagalo as the Vice Chairman of the Council.

Both General Abdel Fattah Burha and General Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo conspired and betrayed the trust of Omar Al Bashir who plotted a coup against the civilian government in 1981.

On October 2021, the two army generals decided to completely eliminate the civil political group that are part of the TSC accord that promised to return power to civilian government.

The October 2021 military junta coup was a direct breech and violation that the TSC would only last 3 years and 3 months, i.e, 39 months. In this said period, the military junta were to only reign for 21 months while the civilians would rule for the remaining 18 months.

In other words, 21 months on the military dictatorship will end on November 2021. However, before the stipulated transition time, both Gen Abdel Fattah Burha and General Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo decided to arrest and detained all the civilians and hijacked the government from them in October 2021.

We have seen so far, the duos have always collaborated and team up in their respective best interests. First, they team up and overthrew President Omar Al Bashir in 2019 even though he appointed them. Again they team up and arrest all the civilians in power and hijacked the government from the people. So one may ask, why then are the two elephants battling for power today?

After the coup in 2021, Gen Abdel Fattah Burha initiated a process to re-instate the politicians and members loyal to the former President Omar Al Bashir. Given that Gen Dagalo betrayed them, this moved really makes Gen. Dagalo suspicious of Gen. Burha knowing fully that party loyal to the former President whom they toppled will never trust him again.

Another significant factor is that inspire the whole drama is the influence of the elite ethnicity that have been dominant in the politics of the country. General Dagalo came from Darfur, West of Sudan which happens to be a rural area. This subjected General Dagalo to ridicule and labelled unfit and incompetent to rule Sudan.

Since General Dagalo felt outshined by his friends, and his sense of pride had been abused, he decided to change his strategy and teach them a lesson instead. General Dagalo positioned himself to the general public of Sudan and especially the people of Darfur as the man of the people. He claimed he was fighting for the marginalized people of Sudan.

Given that he knew the in and out of Darfur very well when he was conducting and counter-terrorism operation against Darfur Rebels back in 2003, he formed alliances with the rebel groups. At least, the enemy of enemy is my friend until he comes my enemy again.

This now led to the main fight between RSF, led by General Muhmmad Hamdan Dagalo and SAF, led by General Abdell Fattah Burha. These two generals are now battling for supremacy in Sudan in a fight that has lasted more than 14 days today.

According to a report by REUTERS, Gen. Dagalo made fortune from exporting gold, mining and the transportation sector. Therefore, he has enough resources at his disposal plus the alleged support he is getting from Russia.

It is worth stating that, what further exacerbated the conflict is a bill that was proposed to relegate the RSF and place it under the control of the SAF. In fact, some reports have it that Gen Burha has currently proscribe the RSF and declared them as rebel groups. This is the main trigger of the conflict.

 

So What Are Other Countries Doing About The War in Sudan?

The United States, United Kingdom and European Union have all unanimously condemned the conflict and calling parties involved to embrace peace and a ceasefire.

The UN Security Council voted to renew sanctions on the regime. This will be the latest sanctions that hits the country since 2005. However, countries likes Russia and China have different motives as they both abstained from the vote at the UN Security Council.

There certain reports that alleged the presence of Russian mercenaries providing support for General Dagalo in exchange for gold. However, given the conflict in Ukraine, Western media could say anything just to discredit Russia.

However, Russia’s possible interest in Sudan could be to establish a Naval Base in the Red Sea on the Sudanese coast line. This move will enable Russia have access to the Indian Ocean from the black sea to Suez Canal and back to the base at Sudanese coast line and back to Indian Ocean.

UAE Saudi Arabiya also enjoy a long lasting relationship with General Dagalo given that they both shared interests and fighting on the same sides in Yemen.

In conclusion, it is important to note that Africa possesses abundant natural resources such as oil, gold, gas and other mineral resources. The methods deployed by the imperial powers is to get involved in these countries are of course different.

Western countries often hide under the banner of promoting democracy, freedom of speech, human rights and gender equality to intervene in the politics and economics of third world countries. While Russia and China deploy the use of infrastructure investment to intervene.

Finally, just because the US is currently silent about the conflict does not mean that they will be silent forever. Sounds like they are currently evaluating their options and strategies. Given the significant role the US plays at the UN, any sustainable truce or ceasefire between the two elephants must include the US government indeed. It was the US government who sealed the truce in Sudan back in 2005. It was the US government who gave freedom to South Sudan back in 2011. Thus, their role in reaching a ceasefire can never be overemphasized.

The BRICS And The End of The US Dollar Hegemony?

 By Yusuf Nasir Ahmad.

Naseeryusuf07@gmail.com. 

“Science…never solves a problem without creating ten more.” -George Barnard Shaw.

 

The BRICS nations, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, have been gaining economic power and influence in the world in recent years. As their economies continue to grow and become more interconnected, some experts believe that the US dollar's status as the dominant global currency could be challenged.

The US dollar has been the dominant global currency for decades, with many international transactions and investments being denominated in dollars. This has given the United States significant economic power and influence, as well as the ability to impose economic sanctions on other countries by restricting their access to the global financial system.

Although, the USD has dominated global trade and capital flow for decades, with share of 59.8% of global central banks reserve a drop from 70% more than 20 years ago. While the Chines Yuan maintained global share of 2.8% of the global currency reserve. However, the rise of the BRICS nations are changing the global economic landscape. These countries have a combined population of over 3 billion people and account for over 25% of global GDP. They have also been investing heavily in infrastructure, technology, and other industries, which has helped to spur economic growth and development.

According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) accounted for around 21.7% of world merchandise exports in 2020. This represents a significant increase from their combined share of 6.1% in 2000.

It is important to note that the percentage of world export control by the BRICS nations may vary by country and product. For example, China accounts for the largest share of BRICS exports and is the world's largest exporter overall, while the other BRICS countries have smaller shares of world exports. Additionally, the specific products and industries in which the BRICS countries have a larger share of exports may differ.

Despite this, the increasing role of the BRICS nations in global trade is undeniable, and they are likely to continue to play a significant role in shaping global trade patterns and policies. The BRICS nations have sought to promote greater South-South cooperation in trade and investment, reducing their dependence on developed nations and creating new opportunities for trade and investment among themselves and with other developing countries. This could lead to new trade relationships and opportunities for businesses and consumers around the world.

 

The South Africa's ambassador to BRICS in an interview in the city on Monday ahead of the June Summit in South Africa disclosed that "Thirteen countries have formally asked to join and another six have asked informally. We are getting applications to join every day." Since its formation as the BRIC in 2006, the group has only admitted one new member – South Africa in 2010. Saudi Arabia and Iran are among the countries who've formally asked to join.

In recent years, there have been several moves by the BRICS nations to challenge the dominance of the US dollar. For example, China has been promoting the use of its own currency, the Yuan, in international trade and investment. The country has also been working to establish its own international payment system, which would reduce its dependence on the US-dominated SWIFT system.

Russia and India have also been reducing their reliance on the US dollar. In 2019, Russia reduced its holdings of US Treasury bonds to a 12-year low, while India has been promoting the use of its own currency, the rupee, in regional trade.

Brazil and South Africa have also been exploring ways to reduce their dependence on the US dollar. In 2020, Brazil signed a currency swap agreement with China, allowing the two countries to trade in their own currencies instead of using the US dollar. South Africa has also been promoting the use of the rand in regional trade and investment.

While the US dollar is still the dominant global currency, the rise of the BRICS nations is likely to continue to challenge its hegemony. As these countries become more integrated into the global economy and more confident in their economic power, they are likely to seek greater autonomy in international financial transactions. This could lead to a shift away from the US dollar and towards other currencies, such as the Yuan or the euro.

WHAT WILL A BREAKTHROUGH BY THE BRICS NATIONS MEANS TO THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE?

A breakthrough by the BRICKS nations could have significant implications for international trade. Like we previously established, as these countries continue to grow in economic power and influence, they are likely to seek greater autonomy in international financial transactions, reducing their dependence on the US dollar and other traditional currencies.

If the BRICKS nations are successful in promoting their own currencies for international trade and investment, this could lead to a shift away from the US dollar and towards other currencies, such as the Yuan, Rupee, or the Russian Ruble (RUB). This could also reduce the dominance of Western banks and financial institutions in international trade and investment, as the BRICS nations seek to establish their own financial infrastructure and institutions.

Furthermore, a breakthrough by the BRICKS nations could lead to increased South-South cooperation in trade and investment. As these countries seek to reduce their dependence on developed nations, they are likely to increase trade and investment among themselves and with other developing countries. This could create new opportunities for trade and investment, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy.

However, it is important to note that a breakthrough by the BRICS nations would not necessarily lead to a complete overhaul of the global economic system. The US dollar is still the dominant global currency, and the BRICS nations are likely to face significant challenges in establishing their own currencies and financial infrastructure. Additionally, international trade and investment are governed by complex regulations and agreements, which can be difficult to navigate.

 

 

In conclusion, the BRICS nations are increasingly challenging the dominance of the US dollar in the global financial system. As their economies continue to grow and become more interconnected, they are likely to seek greater autonomy in international financial transactions, which could lead to a shift away from the US dollar. While the US dollar is still the dominant global currency, its hegemony is no longer as secure as it once was, and the rise of the BRICS nations is likely to be a significant factor in its future. However, it is important to recognize the challenges and complexities involved in establishing new financial infrastructure and institutions, and the impact of the BRICKS nations on the global economic system is likely to be gradual rather than sudden.

 

 

 

Professor Ibrahim Garba Vs Current A.B.U Zaria Administration. Recap and more 👇👇👇

Professor Ibrahim Garba Vs Current A.B.U Zaria Administration. Recap and more 👇👇👇

There is an Igbo adage which says " A mature eagle feather will forever remain pure".

 In late November 2019 Prof. Ibrahim Garba's family were attacked at the VC's lodge of ABU Zaria by two unknown gunmen while he was away on official duty, several shots were made with sophisticated riffles in an attempt to gain access into the main compound, a police officer was hit in exchange of fire, thank God they never gained access but this never made headlines.

The next accusation on him was when Prof Kabir Bala became V.C, he and his cohorts insist the former VC must vacate the seat and go on Sabbatical despite having months left in his tenure, meanwhile this sabbatical there talking about is optional for him constitutionally, for peace to reign, he vacated the seat.

Another petition followed that he left with his official vehicle, they took this petition to EFCC, this case was in court and prof. Ibrahim Garba emerged victorious because constitutionally in the system, he is entitled pay for the car and have it as an outgoing VC and they all know it. He was suppose to press charges then but he forgave and left

The next petition again was that the former V.C made auction of university spoilt and unused vehicles, when documents were presented for investigation, they now discovered that prof. Kabir Bala was the committee chairman for the auction back then, he signed the document while his boss was away on an official assignment they quickly withdrew the case and kept mute, prof Ibrahim Garba still forgave them

The next attack was this same Prof Kabir Bala denied the former V.C his entitlements and at the same time denied him the sabbatical leave they forced him to vacate his seat and go for. The court had to intervene and gave order to the V.C to sign his papers and allow him proceed on sabbatical recently.

They have now ignited a fire that will later consume them by God's grace. A petition that he stole and laundered money when he was V.C in 2013, this is someone who came into office as VC in may 2015, how possible? In 2013 Professor Ibrahim Garba was serving as an advisor to the president of Guinea on Mineral resources and almost at the same time serving in a world Bank committee. He made his fortunes while they were still asleep.

They went further and stated that he diverted money worth above one hundred and seventy two million to a company account named USIG NIGERIA LIMITED, even though on the press release EFCC Kaduna made, they claimed the money was diverted to their personal account, which is another blonders, it was actually a company account based in Kaduna. After fact checking on goggle, this company was registered in 1996 and has three directors namely;

1. Usman Hadiza Lamir

2. Usman Muhammadu Lamir

3. Usman Ibrahim Shehu ( the bursar prof Ibrahim Garba meet in office) 🧐

The third name on the list looks familiar, that name belongs to the bursar prof Ibrahim Garba actually meet in office.

Then comes the issue of Kongo conference hotel renovation money that was squandered, in which Dr Bashir Kurfi as the then director of Kongo conference refused to give account of how he spent 400 million naira on its renovation and came back for additional 60 million naira. Prof Kabir Bala, the new VC was the Kongo conference hotel board chairman back then refused to investigate even after the DVC had wrote to him concerning Dr. Bashir Kurfi's refusal to give account. Don't forget this money was formally disbursed after a unanimous agreement by the University council.

It is a shame that all these years has passed by and the current administration of A.B.U Zaria has done nothing to improve the lives of students, workers and learning in general but kept busy witch hunting one man. The VC should know that prof Ibrahim Garba provided him with the major prerequisites that qualified him to contest as a V.C, he made him the Dean of Post graduate school and also made him the second in command of the institution (DVC) during his time. 

A Yoruba adage says "All lizards lie flat on their stomach and it is difficult to determine which has a stomach ache".

You will never know how rotten the system is in Nigeria until you or one of your own becomes a victim, how can a whole EFCC claimed to have taken three years on this investigation, investigating who & what exactly? no proper details, distorted context, no established evidence. These allegations are false & unfounded. So many questions to be answered even though some questions looks rhetoric in favour of the accused. It's obvious that they just wanted to take a picture of him & make it public, they were so desperate. The accountant general of the federation stole above a hundred billion naira, he had just recently refunded around 30 billion naira & we have never seen his picture with EFCC

One things is certain;

The perpetrators must be either finding a way to beg the accused to withdraw the case or else they will have to rip what they sowed and pay for damages, a Hausa adage says "the needle shall eventually dig out the hoe". Another Igbo adage says " If the yam used in sacrifice does not die prematurely, it will eventually germinate".

They really have to pay a price for this, enough is enough. Case is already in court and all hands are on deck to fight untill justice is served in sha Allah.

Lastly, For those who think Professor Ibrahim Garba is locked up somewhere in Gwantanamo Bay, the Erudite Professor has since returned, he remains more confident and optimistic than ever.

Every cloud has a silver lining!

Life Lessons From Football: A Call For Youths Introspections by Yusuf Nasir Ahmad.

Life Lessons From Football: A Call For Youths Introspections.

By Yusuf Nasir Ahmad.
Naseeryusuf07@gmail.com
+2348145598212, +2349059013894.

Alright, The Long Awaited World Cup is Over. Let's quickly ponder about lessons learnt from football.

Every game has its rules and regulations, football is not an exception, it has its own rules too. In totality, there are 17 rules in football which are:

1: The Field of Play.
2: The Ball.
3: The Players.
4: The Players' Equipment.
5: The Referee.
6: The Other Match Officials.
7: The Duration of the Match.
8: The Start and Restart of Play.
9: The Ball In and Out of Play.
10: Determining the Outcome of a Match.
11: Offside.
12: Fouls and Misconduct.
13: Free Kicks.
14: The Penalty Kick.
15: The Throw-in.
16: The Goal Kick.
17: The Corner Kick.

Of all these rules, which are of course  important, I found few very significant. In other not to keep visitors too long, I will touch on rule 10; Determining The Outcome of The Game. Rule 5; The Referee. And Rule 7; Duration of The Match.

Starting with rule 10: Determining The Outcome of The Game.
This is the fundamental aim of football. It is simply the objective of every football game. The objective is to score a goal across the opponent's goal line. Score as much as you can and shield your own goal post from the opponents. In other words, your twin objectives are also to intercept, obstruct and prevent your opponents from scoring a goal against you.

However, these objectives cannot be achieved without all the 17 rules listed above. Thats what makes them thoughtful.

Suppose you are team leader, and your objectives are to score and prevent your opponents from scoring, how would you do it? Life is just like football. There are these rules and regulations of life that we have to follow whether, in our relation with God Almighty, in businesses, family, or any other constructive institutions.

In order to achieve these objectives, first we must understand the rules. We must understand the field of play. Where are we playing? Understand the environment. Understand our opponents. Who are we playing against? Do we have a ball? Here balls is simply the strategy that will lead us to our goals. We must nit take away our eyes from the ball. It is the most fundamental instrument to the ultimate goals.

If you understand all the rules and the environment, the opponents, their strengths and weakness, we will come with a plan to achieve those goals. In achieving those goals, playing the ball is a necessary strategic component that must be dissolved.

Then the game starts, there is the aggregate time allocated for the game. There is also a refree that punish transgrsors and reward the victims. For you to be ables to achieve these goals, you must stick to the rules. For instance, if you adhere strictly to all the rules and score a goal while you are offside it will not be accorded to you as it is against the rule.

The main pillar of the similitude is to make emphasis on working as a team. This life is just like football, there is competition everywhere. And most are competitions we cannot win alone, just like Argentina couldn't have won the World Cup with Messi alone. Thus, we need to work as a very powerful goal oriented team.

The good thing about football is that it encourages and promotes both cultural and religious diversities. Different people with different cultural backgrounds, skin color, tribes and even religious beliefs come together united as a dynamic team to achieve these goals.

In building your team, there must be a goal keeper. There must be defenders, there must be midfielders  and there must be attackers. All of them interdependent on each others. Working collaboratively to defeat the opponents.

Well, this is already happening. Game theory Theorists and Theoritical Frameworks are deployed in the field of Economics, Politcal Sciences, War, Peace and Conflict Resolution and International Relations to understand players think and what are their objectives. And also how to reach the optimum objectives.

My message here to we the youths is embrace working as a team. Get around a team of highly intellectual people with dreams, objectives and motivations. Don’t forget, even in football, there is the duration of the match. So is life, our match has already started, and we don't not have much time, once the time is up, the whistle will be blown. Therefore, the time is now.

Especially as elecions are fast approaching, let these guide how we think on those we want to vote for. Remember, we will be held accountable and responsible for whosoever we voted in for the next few years to come. And whatever policies they make, whether good or bad, will have a significant impact on us, our families, environments and others phenomena.

Back to the main issue, it is very normal to get tired in life, that is why even in the duration of the match which is usally 90 minutes dived in to two equal halfs as 45 minutes for first half and another 45 minutes for second half, there is 15 minutes break interval for half time. That is where you get to rest and give yourself a self introspections as to how far or close you are to achieving your goals.

After that, you come out from the hole and finish what you have started. It must be finished. Whether you win or lose is another thing, however, it must be concluded.

In the event that you lose, don't get discouraged, as Wiston Churchill said "Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that matters."

Dont give up on your goal if you failed and also don't relax when you succeed. We also learn how to retain success. Its very expensive, difficult to get and yet slips aways so easily, even melts faster than salt melts in water.

Looking Ahead of 2023 Elections: How to Decide Who to Vote for And Not.

By Yusuf Nasir Ahmad. 

+2348145598212.

Naseeryusuf07@gmail.com

@YusufNasir_ahmd

According the 2022 Q1 data by the NBS, Nigeria's inflation currently stands at 17.71%. Unemployment rate stands at 33.33%. Underemployment rate stands at 22.8%. While youth unemployment stands at 42.5%.

The data claimed real GDG to have grown in the Q1 of 2022 by 3.11%. While a data from the Central Bank of Nigeria pegged FX rate at N415/$1.

With a population of over 200 million citizens, unemployment rate of more than 33% and youth unemployment rate of over 40%. Nigeria is like going to even face stiffer structural and cyclical unemployment in the coming years.

Recently, the CBN sound an alarm of capital flight from Nigeria. According to them, from 1986 to 2015 alone, over $8.8trn have been lost to capital flight.

Our Balance of Payment, which of course is the records of aggregate international trade and financial transactions between Nigeria and the rest of the world, in the first quarter of 2020 hit -$11.182bn, according to data from CBN. We have been running BoP deficit for the past 25 quarters. 

Instead of indulging our cognizance into the lense of religious biases of the said contenders,  we should rather be asking the following questions:

1- What can any contender do to prevent jobs from being lost to insecurity in the country. 

2- What can these contenders do to create enough new jobs to employ youths off the labour market. 

3- What policies do these contenders have to slow down inflation?

4- Is the rate at which Naira is exchanging per dollar acceptable? If no, what can we do about it?

5- How do we plan to secure our country from the beasts lying in ambush as we travel across our highways?

6- When are we going to ever have surplus or at least equilibrium Balance of Payment?

I think, these and many more questions, should be our focus of the day. We shouldn't just seek the truth buy asking these significant questions, rather we should follow closely and meticulously their responses and examine how realistic their camping propaganda is. Then we can say, ah, this is who have realistic responses to these critical questions. Therefore, this is who I will vote for.

Nigeria's Digital Economy: Opportunities and Challenges.

Nigeria’s Digital Economy Opportunities and Challenges:

On the 16th of December 2021, I administered a Google Form questionnaire with six(6) fundamental questions. The questions are as follows:

1. Are you a graduate?

2. Are you currently employed?

3. Does your potential career requires a digital skills?

4. What are the challenges you thin you may likely encounter in getting a job today?

5. (Given set of options) Which of the options do you think is likely going to be Nigeria’s Challenge in digital economy?

6. Drop your email for potential opportunities.

The questionnaire has since being active, until recently when I decided it is time to write down the blog.

This is likely going to be the best blog I have ever written so far, because I made you, the reading community, the center of the blog. Your inputs are very important. And in fact, your responses to the questionnaire, are in line with the facts out there.

By the end of this blog, Insha Allah, I must have provide scientific responses to each and every question above.

I will also like you to comment below, and let me know what you think as well.

 

Understand: Digital technologies are rapidly changing the way we humans behave in all aspects of the society, starting from digital economy, health-care, finance, agriculture, education services, traveling, working life, personal and group communication, democracy etc. Therefore, it is very important we understand its applications in our daily lives.

The COVID19 pandemic came along with banes and blessings. Among its banes are global economic meltdown. Further throwing the low class below the poverty line, and increasing numbers of youths unemployment, global insecurity etc. It has also expose the frictions from the industrial economy that still remains with us till date.

The blessings can never be overemphasis. From our ability to work from home, I.e, remote working, from the increasing number of young people coming online, digital marketing, virtual meeting, alternative source of income and our ability to spend more time with our families. This is a warning, however, the blessings are never without a cost.

Let us Understand: every economic system has its principles of wealth creation. Once for instance, the Industrial Revolution brought about wealth creation called “industrialization”, so does the digital economy brings about a new form of wealth generation known as “digitization”.

Think of the digital economy this way. Think of it like a tree. A tree has roots beneath the soil, it has a body and so many branches. The root of the digital economy is the broadband penetration. The body is the cyber infrastructure, and the branches are all aspects the internet ubiquitously extend to, from health, skills, finance, education, transport, you name it. 

The branch we seek to address in this blog is becoming employable and how to better improve on our obsolete skills to the contemporary ones. And if we were firms, where and how do we employ skilled labour. Thus, this blogs seeks to address the problems we are likely going to face from two perspectives:

1. From the perspective of the employer,

2. From the perspective of the employee.

Say you are a digital business, your number one problem is likely going to be access to skilled employees. 

Joysy John, Director of Education at UK Innovation Foundation Nesta, and Chris Johnson, CEO and co-founder of Talent Acquisition Platform looked at 41 million jobs advert. What they found was amazing. The patterns they were able to identify were skills that will see increase in demand and those that will see a decrease in demand in the forthcoming years. 

Some of the skills that are the basic digital skills which are associated with jobs that are going to see a decrease in demand are requiting lots of digital skills. However, they are some jobs like, teaching which actually see an increase in demand are seeing low digital skills that are required.

Base on Nesta analysis, the most promising digital skills are things like animation, multimedia production, designing engineering, research and quantitative analysis, these are some of the more advance digital skills rather than the basics that can be automated away. 

The research shows that just having these technical skills or digital skills is not enough, we need creativity, collaborative problem solving, communication skills to complement the digital skills.

At this point, it is important to note that according to UNCTDA 2019, global employment in ICT sector, which is the core pillar of digital economy, increased from 34 million in 2010 to 39 million in 2015, with computer service accounting for the largest share (38 per cent). We can see of course, employers are still on the run looking out skilled employees. For employers looking out for skilled employees, it is best they consult Digital Hubs for this. For instant, KadIct in Kaduna is linking up employers with employee. Other Hubs in Lagos are most likely not going to resist this temptation. There is also Malhub at Ilorin. In fact, Kaduna State increasingly becoming the Silicon Valley of Northern Nigeria. No state in Northern Nigeria match Kaduna State in terms of contemporary skills acquisition centers, backed by Google, Microsoft, United Nations and Amazon.

Coming back to our questions from the questionnaire, when respondents were asked if there were graduates or not? 50 percent responded yes, and the other half also 50 percent. 

Source, Author.

Secondly, when asked if respondents were currently employed? Only 20 percent of the them said yes, while overwhelming 80 percent said no.

Source, Author.

Thirdly, when respondents were asked if their your potential career requires a digital skills? All of them attested to this in affirmative. Below is the pie chart of their testimony. 

Source, Author.

Fourthly, when respondents were asked what are the challenges they think they may likely encounter in getting a job today? It is an open ended questions. Below are their responses:

A. Having access to potential employers.

B. Challenge in communication skills.

C. Lack of crisis management skills.

D. Scarcity of vacancy.

E. High rate of unemployment.

F. Job opportunities are not on merit.

G. Don’t like command or given orders.

H. Not applicable.

I. Required qualifications.

J. Lack of entrepreneurship courses in our institutions that will enable students/graduates to be independent.

Fifthly, when respondents were given set of options, and asked which of the options do they think is likely going to be Nigeria’s Challenge in digital economy? 20 percent said access to skilled employees. 40 percent clamored cyber-security. 10 percent said data privacy breech and 30 percent emphasized obsolete academic curriculum. Below is a pictorial representation.

   

Source, Author.

So what lessons do we learn from this survey? Let us start our analysis from the last question, “Which of the options do you think is likely going to be Nigeria’s Challenge in digital economy?” While all the options mentioned above staged a serious challenge to Nigeria’s digital economy, the challenge of cyber security can never be overemphasized.

According to CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Bank customers lose 42.7 billion  to social engineering in the last four months of 2021. Data from the Nigerian Inter Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) demonstrated that social engineering remains the best deception trick fraudsters deploy successfully to lure their victims.

Another report by YallAfrica 2021, Nigeria has lost N5.5 Trillion to cybercrime in the last decade.

Nigeria is not alone in the mud. Global economic cost of cybercrime is estimated to be around $600b in 2017. Such attacks have micro-effects on citizens (victims), SMEs, and even large organizations.

Seeing how thriving the industry has being without effect law and policing, it has attracted unemployed youths known as “Yahoo Boys” in Nigeria. In fact,  cybercrime is the fast growing remote crime; and this it has continued intensely with the everyday engagement of numerous young person (s) who are electrically infuse with the get-rich-quick syndrome.

All hands must be on deck to bring about an inclusive and lasting solution to this problem. Furthermore, there is growing demand on cyber security experts. And the pay is very handsome. Nigeria as a country must make courses related to cyber security as ubiquitous as possible.

During my undergraduate project, titled “The Roles of Digital Economy On Quality of Life in Nigeria”, I was overwhelmed when I discovered people now understand the need to protect themselves online.

For instance, I once asked, a group of 54 people if they have the opportunity of learning data science, graphics design and cyber security, which one would the choose? Majority choose the latter. 

Source, The Roles of Digital Economy on Quality of Life, (Yusuf Nasir Ahmad 2020).

Data Privacy Breach: With the evolution of mobile app money lenders who loan our money to lenders without collateral, whenever these lenders default, these firms have resorted to breaching of customers data to send deforming messages to customers contacts. Well, this is a clear breach of data privacy. NITDA and other institutions involved have taken keen measures to address this issue. However, data such as our digital footprints are also monetized without our consents. Google sell them out to firms to train machine learning model and artificial intelligence algorithms to use targeted ads in return for ads revenue through click through rate.

We must take responsibility for our data online. Terms and conditions are not always comprehensive to read and understand, but that is where the problems lies. We don’t read terms and conditions. And even if we do, the function-ability of the app is held hostage to us agreeing to the terms and conditions. NITDA also needs to design a framework to probe this scheme.

 

We can see about 40.7 percent responded to cyber security as their best option. 

Secondly, the responds we got from the respondents when they were asked what are the challenges they think they may likely encounter in getting a job today? These challenges exists. And until we address them, the desired output may not e achieved.

 

Secondly, Problems such as having access to potential employers, challenge in communication skills, lack of crisis management skills, scarcity of vacancy, high rate of unemployment, job opportunities are not on merit, don’t like command or given orders, required qualifications, and lack of entrepreneurship courses in our institutions that will enable students/graduates to be independent can all be addressed with the right approach.

Having Access to Potential Employers: you must know what skills you posses, where you need to apply them, target any firm you feel you can work with and watch them closely. Whenever they are recruiting, whether invited or uninvited, pay them a  surprise visit. Make sure you have done some research about them. I know of a lady who landed her dream job when she paid the Airline Firm she desired working with a visit on the day of the recruitment exercise. Even though she was not invited, she was able to prove her worth. And guess what? She is now working with them happily.

 

Communications Skills Challenge: Communication skills is nothing but simply the ability to communicate effectively. In order to communicate effectively, one needs to first listen attentively. Don’t interrupt the speaker. Develop the ability to mirror back his words to him. Use languages that are simple and easy to understand. Demonstrate and use relevant examples. Communications skills is beyond verbal communication. You must look out for nonverbal cues. Emotions. For instance, you don’t invite a friend who recently lost his dad or brother to your birthday party.

Finally, summarize what you have told them and remind them again. Make your communication have a happy ending as possible. You can refer to books such as “Effective Public Speaking”, by Dale Carnegie. “How to Talk to Anyone”, by Leil Lowndes. These two books, I’m sure will have tremendous positive impact on you if carefully studied.

 

Crisis Management Skills: Crisis management is simply the ability to creatively improvise whenever we are faced with an obstacle of inglorious predicament out of sheer habit. In crisis, we learn. We must develop the ability to embrace diversity of thoughts, creative thinking capacity and think out of the box whenever we are in crisis. Sometimes, all that is required of us is embrace all the peaceful mind we can muster.

For skills on crisis management, I strongly recommend “The Obstacle is The Way”, by Ryan Holiday.

 

Birds of the Same Feather: To me, Scarcity of Vacancy, High Unemployment Rate and Nepotism are all birds of the same feather. Rather than complain, we must learn to get up and think. Not only think, take responsibility. We must first of all look for motivation, passion and enthusiasm. We must change the perspective. What if we can actually start something very small, like for instance writing a blog, poem, digital marketing, online session, tutorial, free lancing or anything? We must cultivate the art of saving for our long term goals. Yes, you unemployed, that should not justify your idleness. The internet is now the new market square. We can sell ourselves online. 

 

Don’t Like Command or Taken Orders: Well, I’d better tell you, you are a rebel. You have the mindset of an entrepreneur. However, most entrepreneurs went through apprenticeship in life. You also need mentors, either books or human angels who will eventually guide you in life. If keep this ego and your narcissism, you are most likely going to end up in a deadlock, dead end or even a stalemate. 

Albert Einstein rightly said, knowledge equals to 1/ego. The lesser the ego, the greater the knowledge and vice versa. I strongly recommend “The Laws of Human Nature” by Robert Greene for you.

Paradigm Shift: Required qualifications and lack of entrepreneurship courses in our institutions that will enable students/graduates to be independent can all be addressed with the right approach calls for a paradigm shift. This alternation must happen both at micro and macro levels.

At micro levels, we as individuals must learn contemporary new skills as the necessary ticket we will have to pay to make income from the new economy. We must spend less time on social medium, and entertainment centers.

At macro level, we need to rethink our academic curriculum. We must integrate contemporary courses into the system. For economics students fro instance, data science is now essential. Learning Python for data analysis or machine learning will not be overemphasized. 

Thirdly, It is indeed a good news that all respondents now acknowledge that they need digital skills in order to remain relevant in the labour market today. I truly hope they understand that know is just the first step. You must look out for the skills you want to master and start your apprenticeship now.

Fourthly, the 20/80 percent response is a testimony of youth unemployment in the land. We must replace skills and competency of over certificate if we truly desire to remain within potential output. Skills, zeal, passion, ability and enthusiasm is the new certificate employees must vigilantly watch put for. 

Lastly, we have much graduates as much as we have have undergraduates in school. The flow is almost constant. Just like the flow of money supply. The question should not be about quantity, but quality. Just like too much money in circulation creates serious and unhealthy inflation, too much graduates in circulation without jobs, create serious socioeconomic catastrophe: Kidnapping, cybercrime, bandits, drugs and alcoholism, etc. It will not be a bad idea if institutions create mandatory internship programs to enable students have real world experience. Send them to Hubs to learn contemporary skills before graduation, they should all learn programming, it assists tremendously in problem solving.

By sharing this blog, you will be part of the community that are advocating for solution to Nigeria’s unemployment and digital nonchalant attitude. Please be kind enough to put down your comments below let me know your perception on this blog as well. Thank you very much for reading!!!

THE VICIOUS CIRCLE; Nigerian Politrick-sians.

"Nigerian politicians have the appetite of an elephant and the memory of a mice." - Chidi Amuta, 2017.

Though we are still 382 days away from 2023, yet Nigerian politicians still believe it is very close around the corner. Thus, subtle campaigns and "politrickings" must begin.

What worries me most is actually not the politicians. It our our emotions. Our inability to reason. We can now see the direction our country is heading to by mare observing closely the viral emotion patterns on social media platforms today. 

Since, no social media can stand Facebook in terms of active users, most of our emotions hold us sway in this platform. Sadly, it also explains how we think, how we are likely going to make irrational choices and decisions. 

For every content created on Facebook, whether, pictures, videos, articles, location, event or blog, a user can either respond through the following: like icon, funny icon, sad icon, angry icon, shock icon or comment below. 

Issues critical to national unity, development or capable of turning the country into chaos are welcome by viral emotions subjective to the region the problem is evolving from. For instance, some  from the Northern region are most likely going to respond to blogs of IPOB distorting peace in South-East with  the funny icon. 

While those from the East are mostly likely going to respond with problems of bandits and kidnapping the North with a happy icon or funny icon. This clearly shows part of us are happy when part of us are in pain!

Digging down a bit dipper, down the comments section. You are most likely going to be welcome with emotions, sentiments, insults, religious bigots, tribalism among others. Nobody wants criticism. Somehow, we must all be correct simultaneously. Our political party is the best. Yours are actually corrupt. Join PDP for salvation. No, you have to join APC to make garden of Eden. Etc....

Well, those fail to learn from history are doom to repeat the past. I wanted writing this piece for a very long time, I was procrasting to make it a bit technical by quoting some incidences in the past and current statistics.

However, I came to the conclusion that the truth is not further from those who think deeply. Who see clearly with their eyes. What seems to be the past has somehow found its way to the present with us again!

The fundamental factor that led to the collapse of PDP 16 years of rule in Nigeria was insecurity, especially Boko Haram operations in North East. And the then state of the economy, removal of fuel subsidy among others.

The opposition party took these facts and underscore the former President Dr. GoodLuck Ebele Jonathan. He was criticised. Labelled as impotent leader. Incompetent. Lack focus. And corrupt. Therefore, Nigerians must vote him out by all means necessary. 

This strategy worked. In fact, it set a legacy in Africa. Never in the history of Nigeria has an incumbent President been defeated in general elections. It, however happened in 2015. We saw it. It set a benchmark for other African countries to emulate. 

Just 382 days away from 2023, we have again found ourselves at the center of the same vicious circle: Insecurity. Economic hardship. Fuel subsidy removal. And even more:  Banditry. Kidnapping. Inflation and Unemployment. 

Just like in the past,  outrageous call for the removal of the current leadership in favour of, a supposed Saint, Messiah or human angel who is likely going to solve all these problems for us. Somehow, the opposition party always have the magic bullet. 

We are back at the centre of the circle of 2015. The opposition party are clearly capitalising on the socioeconomic malady, civic unrest and insecurity in the land to underscore the ruling party just like destiny had it the current ruling party did to underscore the incumbent opposition party in the past.

How do we now break out of this vicious circle is my concern? Whereever people talk about the future and past, pragmatic people most always settle for the future. Although, looking back to history, ad a backward glancing eye will enable us to learn from our past mistakes, it should never a prison we must live in.

We must not lose guard and lose our focus from the facts that 2023 is around the corner. Just like the politicians are very much aware, we must equally be vigilant. 

We should not vote for candidates on the fact that they belong to this party or that. We must break free from the "We vs Them Dynamic" politicians create. It is a tool to divide and rule us.

In searching for who to vote, competency, truth, human feelings and credibility should be our barometer. We must interrogate carefully whatever campaign promises these people are making. How are they going to fund their projects? How realistic is their manifesto. Otherwise, we will only get empty promises in disguise. 

Importantly, we must reflect on our own character. What are we doing to help this country over come its challenges in person? In our own primary places, what are doing? We must never lose faith in the Almighty God. We must see ourselves as one nation. One Nigeria. Not about North, South ,West or East. 

Nobody have the last word in wisdom: I stand to be corrected.