The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio on Saturday said the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended by the Senate for six months, traumatised him and others.

Akpabio had come under heavy criticism following the sanction handed out to the lawmaker.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, cautioned the Senate against making the political atmosphere toxic for women.

Major opposition parties in the country have also expressed outrage over the manner in which the complaint was handled.

But Akpabio maintained his innocence, saying none of what she alleged was true.

Speaking at an event to commemorate International Women’s Day, Akpabio raised concerns that he was merely her latest victim, saying previous allegations by Natasha had turned out to be false.

He said, ‘’It is only yesterday that I realised that what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That is when hell was let loose, and all sorts of allegations came up, only after the change of seat and change of committee, which my Senators know to happen from time to time.

“This is said to have happened on December 8, a day before my birthday, which was celebrated in the Stadium in 2023. So from the 8th of December 2023, I never heard, my wife never heard, no Nigerian ever heard, even the husband never heard any issue of sexual harassment until her committee was changed and then her seat was changed.

“Have you ever wondered about the trauma caused by that same woman on the other people she has accused in the past? None has been proven so far. Do you even wonder about the trauma this caused to the 10th Senate and the image of the Senate with all these useless allegations? I have refrained myself from making a statement.

“Look at these beautiful women. They have come across me so many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is the person thinking that you are not beautiful?”

By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice

The appointment of Dr. Fashagba Femi Paul as the Provost of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, is a masterstroke in academic leadership. With an impressive track record in academia, administration, and professional excellence, he is undoubtedly the right person to lead the institution into a new era of transformation. His wealth of experience and outstanding credentials make him well-suited for the task ahead, one that requires vision, strategic planning, and a relentless commitment to excellence.

Dr. Fashagba’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Having served as the Director of the Academic Planning Unit at the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, he demonstrated exceptional administrative acumen, successfully leading the accreditation and reaccreditation of over thirty academic programs—an achievement unmatched in the history of the institution. His tenure as Dean of Students’ Affairs further highlighted his ability to foster a student-friendly academic environment while ensuring discipline and quality education. In addition to his administrative competence, Dr. Fashagba is a well-respected scholar, researcher, and mentor, with numerous academic publications and conference presentations to his name. As a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and a distinguished member of the Chartered Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria (CIFCN), he embodies the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Now at the helm of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, Dr. Fashagba must harness his expertise to drive meaningful reforms. The institution, like many teacher-training colleges in Nigeria, requires structural, academic, and administrative revitalization to remain competitive. One of the key areas of focus should be academic excellence and accreditation. Strengthening the college’s accreditation status by ensuring that all programs meet national and global standards is essential. A research-driven environment must be fostered, encouraging both lecturers and students to engage in innovative academic work. Additionally, modern pedagogical tools must be introduced to align with contemporary teacher education.

Beyond academics, institutional development and infrastructure must be prioritized. Improving physical facilities, including classrooms, hostels, and ICT centers, will significantly enhance the learning environment. Seeking partnerships with government and private sector stakeholders to attract funding and grants should also be a focal point. Establishing a robust e-learning system to complement conventional learning methods will further modernize the institution and expand its reach.

To build a well-rounded institution, the welfare of students and staff must also be taken into account. Policies that ensure a conducive learning and teaching environment should be implemented, while continuous professional development programs must be introduced for lecturers to keep them updated on modern teaching methodologies. Encouraging student participation in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service programs will also help in shaping well-rounded graduates who are equipped to make meaningful contributions to society.

As an astute accountant, Dr. Fashagba is well-positioned to enhance financial management and transparency within the college. Prudent financial practices, revenue-generating initiatives, and reduced reliance on government subventions will be key to ensuring the financial stability of the institution. At the same time, fostering strong ties between the college and the local community will be instrumental in driving mutual growth. Building strategic alliances with education-based NGOs, international bodies, and government agencies will further enhance institutional development and open up new opportunities for students and faculty members.

The appointment of Dr. Fashagba Femi Paul is not just another administrative change—it is a call to action. The weight of expectation is enormous, and the demand for impact is immediate. As he takes over the reins, he must bring on board the right strategies, policies, and personnel to reposition the college for greatness. The people of Kogi State, the academic community, and the students of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, look forward to a progressive, transformative, and prosperous tenure. With his sterling credentials, vast experience, and stoic commitment to education, there is no doubt that Dr. Fashagba will leave an indelible mark on the institution. Now is the time to deliver, and the future starts today.

Perfectly musing

By Abdullahi o. Haruna Haruspice

Tinubu’s administration has set its sights on a bold and transformative economic vision, reaffirming its commitment to bridging financial gaps and fostering inclusive growth across Nigeria. In a significant move to accelerate this agenda, Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, a strategic initiative aimed at positioning Nigeria as a trillion-dollar economy by 2030.
The event, held at the State House Banquet Hall, also marked the signing of a landmark investment agreement under the Aso Accord Initiative, a key pillar of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reshape the nation’s financial landscape.

Speaking at the inauguration, Vice President Shettima underscored the need for deliberate action and strategic planning to achieve Nigeria’s economic aspirations. “Our road to a $1 trillion economy by 2030 shall remain a mere wish unless we lay a foundation strong enough to carry our dreams. Dreams are not built on hope alone. They are the sum of deliberate ideas and strategies, inspired by our desire to win,” he stated. His remarks echoed the administration’s determination to ensure that economic opportunities reach every Nigerian, particularly those historically excluded from the financial system. Since the launch of the Financial Inclusion Strategy in 2012, Nigeria has made commendable progress, improving inclusion rates from 60.3% to 74% as of 2023. However, beneath these figures lie the untold struggles of millions still locked out of the financial ecosystem.

The inauguration of the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion is not just another policy initiative; it is a national duty, a higher calling to bridge the economic divide and unlock the full potential of every Nigerian. The Vice President emphasized that while economic reforms come with short-term challenges, the government remains steadfast in mitigating these effects and expanding financial opportunities for all, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status.“This is not merely another government initiative. This is a higher calling, a national duty to bridge the economic divide and maximize the full potential of our people,” he asserted.

A critical aspect of this initiative is tackling systemic barriers that continue to exclude youth, women, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and rural populations from accessing financial services. The newly established Presidential Committee will operate through a Governance Committee and a Technical Committee, supported by an Implementation Secretariat to ensure that financial inclusion efforts are robust, strategic, and adaptable to evolving challenges.

The private sector has also stepped forward as a crucial partner in this ambitious plan. At the signing of the Aso Accord investment agreement, IQS Africa led a consortium of investors committed to providing the essential infrastructure required to implement the initiative. This collaboration reflects the government’s recognition that public-private partnerships are vital to achieving its economic goals. The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, reinforced this point, highlighting that the committee’s composition—drawn from state governments, key ministries, departments, agencies, and the private sector—demonstrates a unified effort to attain Nigeria’s trillion-dollar economy target.

State governments have also embraced the initiative, recognizing financial inclusion as a powerful tool for local economic transformation. Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State noted that the state’s focus on financial inclusion has led to a significant increase in internally generated revenue, proving that integrating the underserved into the economy benefits both individuals and the broader financial system. Similarly, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, emphasized that financial inclusion is long overdue, particularly in the northern region, where inadequate digital infrastructure has perpetuated economic disparities. He welcomed the federal government’s efforts, praising Vice President Shettima’s visionary leadership in tackling these long-standing challenges.

The private sector’s endorsement of this initiative further validates its potential to drive real economic change.
Emmanuel Itapson, President and CEO of IQS Africa, described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a defining moment in Nigeria’s economic trajectory. “The agenda is a bold move to redefine the contours of opportunity and possibilities before the nation,” he remarked. His words reflect a growing consensus that financial inclusion is not just about banking services but about unlocking the full economic potential of all Nigerians.

As Nigeria advances toward its trillion-dollar economy goal, the success of this initiative will depend on strategic planning, seamless execution, and sustained public-private collaboration. President Tinubu’s administration has laid a solid foundation, but the road ahead demands undiluted commitment from all stakeholders. With a renewed sense of purpose and a clear vision for economic inclusion, Nigeria stands at the cusp of a financial revolution that will empower millions, drive sustainable growth, and redefine the nation’s economic future.