The Youth Activators Lab is a six months programme for young people between the ages of 18 and 29 who will work with the Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs) to advocate for youth rights in Nigeria. The Youth Activators Lab (YAL) is an upgrade of the NGYouthSDGs Champions Programme which began in 2019. Learn more

What You Stand to Gain

As a Youth Activator Lab Associate, you will:

• Connect and collaborate with like-minded young leaders transforming their communities across Nigeria.

• Participate in high-impact leadership training, advocacy, and capacity-building sessions.

• Gain opportunities to represent NGYouthSDGs at local and international events.

• Build professional visibility and receive recommendations to support your career growth.

• Develop hands-on skills in programme design, project management, campaigning, stakeholder engagement, and fundraising.

• Co-create and implement impactful youth-centred initiatives in your state.

Who We Are Looking For

We want motivated young changemakers who meet the following criteria:

Age - Emerging leaders between 18-29 years of age

SDGs - Understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals and the potential to transform youth lives

Location - Resident in Nigeria (At least for the next six months)

Commitment - Available to dedicate 8 – 10 hours monthly for the next one year

The selected associates (fellows) work with NGYouthSDGs to advocate for meaningful youth engagement in policies and programmes for young people to lead and thrive in Nigeria. The associates with support from NGYouthSDGs’ staff will design innovative campaigns focused on the agency of youth for sustainable development and engaging with policymakers and youth stakeholders for the rights of youth in Nigeria.

Capacity-building training for every associate focused on campaign, policy advocacy, stakeholder management, programme design, communicating with the media and fundraising. The associates get to codesign and implement programmes with NGYouthSDGs in their states with the opportunity to attend events and engage with high-level stakeholders.

Our Developmental Intentions

• Equip associates with practical skills to design and implement innovative campaigns and programs that will cause systemic change in their communities.

• Enable associates to recognize societal challenges and proficiently implement solutions.

• Provide training in technical skills essential for addressing social issues within their communities.

• Identify young people who can imbibe the values of NGYouthSDGs, empower them to represent the organisation and replicate projects/programmes in their respective states.

• Receive support to design innovative campaigns focused on the agency of youth for sustainable development and engaging with policymakers and youth stakeholders for the rights of youth in Nigeria.

At the end of the programme, associates will receive certificates and undergo a graduation ceremony. This would occur in December every year to mark the end of the cohort.

Apply for this opportunity via: Learn more

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OnePipe, established in 2018, is a fintech company driven by innovation, growth, and financial inclusion. Our vision is to create a shared ecosystem where traditional institutions and fintechs can collaborate closely to achieve mutual growth rather than compete.

At OnePipe, we focus on creating frictionless gateways and ecosystems that enable anyone to launch financial services products seamlessly in any market, capturing value for their innovation. We are committed to providing cutting-edge digital solutions to empower our clients and their customers.

About the Program

The OnePipe Emerging Talent Accelerator is a 12-week, fully funded learning and development program designed to identify, train, and empower young professionals who want to build a career in fintech operations, integrations, and product enablement.

Participants will gain practical exposure to how fintech products work — especially OnePipe’s API ecosystem — and will learn directly from OnePipe’s product, partnerships, and technical operations teams. They’ll also collaborate on real-world projects that mirror how fintech solutions are launched and supported.

The program also serves as a career pipeline into OnePipe — the top 12 participants will be considered for full-time roles at the end of the program.

What You’ll Get

• ₦100,000 monthly stipend throughout the program.

• Hands-on learning in API-based product operations, digital finance, and integration support.

• Mentorship from industry experts and OnePipe team members.

• ₦1,000,000 cash prize for each of the top 2 participants.

• Direct hiring opportunity into OnePipe for top performers.

Who Can Apply

We’re looking for:

• Recent graduates or early-career professionals.

• Individuals with interest in fintech, APIs, product management, or technical support.

• People who are curious, analytical, and eager to understand how digital products come together.

• Self-motivated individuals who embody our TRRII values — Tenacity, Resourcefulness, Result-Orientation, Innovation, and Intentionality.

• No prior technical experience is required — just a willingness to learn, collaborate, and grow.

This program is for smart young people who want to understand fintech products and integrations — not necessarily to code, but to help build, operate, and support them.

Program Details

• Timeline: November 2025 – February 2026

• Mode: Virtual sessions

• Cost: Fully sponsored by OnePipe (no participation fee)

1. Your work contributes directly to reshaping financial systems across Africa — not just in theory, but in code, product, operations and strategy.

2. We offer a structured career growth framework, mentorship, and regular development opportunities.

3. Be rewarded fairly. Performance-driven pay, bonuses, and a transparent compensation system mean your effort and results are seen.

4. Comprehensive health coverage, unlimited eave days, financial support tools, and wellbeing-first programs ensure you’re supported personally too.

5. Work with trust & flexibility. Remote or hybrid options, and autonomy in how you deliver results.

6. Join a values-first culture. TRRII — Tenacity, Result-Orientation, Resourcefulness, Innovation, Intentionality — is more than a motto. It’s how we hire, reward, and grow together.

7. Belong to something bigger. Our inclusive, transparent, feedback-forward culture ensures you’ll be heard, valued, and part of co-creating our future.

Interested applicants should apply via: https://app.paidhr.com/job/68eeaafcbb71b35dfe8a957d/apply

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If you’re between 15 and 18 years old and passionate about making a difference, here’s your chance to take your voice to the world.

The Prosperity Alliance Shenzhen (Greater Bay Area), in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), is inviting young people everywhere to take part in the “Youth Voices” Speech Contest — an inspiring global platform designed to help you speak on the issues shaping our shared future.

This year’s theme, “Global Issues, Youth Expression — Envisioning a Future of Sustainable Prosperity,” challenges participants to explore topics such as:

• Sustainable economic development

• Educational innovation

• Technology and digital transformation

• The balance between tradition and modernity

• Environmental sustainability and urban futures

You’ll have the opportunity to submit a 3–5 minute recorded speech in English (with subtitles), sharing your unique insights, stories, and ideas for building a more sustainable and inclusive world.

🎯 What You’ll Gain

• Stronger global communication skills – Learn to connect across cultures and tell compelling stories.

• Confidence in public speaking – Develop fluency and presence on a global stage.

• Critical and creative thinking – Craft original ideas around real-world challenges.

• Intercultural understanding – Discover values and perspectives from beyond your borders.

• Global citizenship – Explore the UN Sustainable Development Goals and propose local actions that make impact.

🗓️ How to Participate

• Record your 3–5 minute speech and include:

  1. Your full name and age

  2. The title or theme of your speech

• Name your file as [Your Name] + [Country/Region]

• Submit your entry by October 31, 2025 to Office@szciptc.com

• All videos must include English subtitles.

Finalists will be evaluated on content depth, delivery, structure, global perspective, and presentation quality. The winning entries will be announced in November after expert review.

This initiative is more than a contest — it’s a movement empowering the next generation of global citizens to shape conversations around sustainability, innovation, and our shared human future.

👉 Learn more about the context here

A few weeks ago, Google announced an ambitious plan — to train 3 million students, young people, and teachers across Africa in digital and AI skills over the next five years.

Starting today, that promise is coming to life.

If you’re a student in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Rwanda, or Zimbabwe, this is your chance to tap into something massive:

💡 Free access to Gemini Pro, Google’s most advanced AI model for 12 months!

This isn’t just another chatbot. Gemini Pro is built to help you learn smarter, study faster, and think deeper — from generating study guides and quizzes to offering explanations that help you actually understand your coursework.

And yes, it also comes with:

• Guided Learning modules

• Study guides and quizzes

• 2TB of cloud storage

• Full access for eligible tertiary students (18+)

But beyond the free tools, this is really about preparing a generation of African innovators — people who will use AI not just to find answers, but to create solutions, ask better questions, and build what’s next.

Why This Matters

This rollout spans Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, ensuring that African students get equal access to cutting-edge technology — and the opportunity to shape the future with it.

If you know a student who could benefit — or if you’re in higher education yourself — don’t miss this.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Check your eligibility: You must be 18+ and currently enrolled in a tertiary institution (university, polytechnic, or college) in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Rwanda, or Zimbabwe.

2. Visit the official registration page: goo.gle/profree

3. Sign in with your institutional email (the one ending with your school’s domain — e.g., @lasu.edu.ng).

4. Complete the short verification process to confirm your student status.

5. Activate your free Gemini Pro plan — valid for 12 months from signup.

6. Start exploring! Use Guided Learning, quizzes, and your 2TB of storage to supercharge your studies.

🎯 Deadline: Registration closes December 9th, 2025 — so don’t sleep on this!

If you care about the environment, love creativity, or just want to be part of something bigger than yourself, this is your chance to do good, have fun, and get noticed.

UNICEF Nigeria, through its YOMA platform, is calling on young Nigerians aged 10–35 years to join the Eco-Champions Challenge 2025 — a youth-driven campaign empowering you to take real climate action in fun, creative, and inspiring ways.

This isn’t just another competition — it’s a movement where young people like you inspire others to protect our planet through photos, art, and storytelling.

💡 What You Can Do

Pick any action that excites you — big or small. Here are some ideas to get started:

1️⃣ Before & After Collage

• Clean a space, plant trees, or recycle materials.

• Take a “before” and “after” photo from the same spot.

• Create a simple collage using Canva or your phone editor.

• Add a short caption explaining your action and its impact.

2️⃣ Eco-Fashion or Art

• Turn waste into wearable art or eco-inspired artwork.

• Snap clear photos (full shot + close-up).

• Write a short message about your creation and the materials used.

You can express your creativity in English or any Nigerian language — what matters is your message and impact.

🌟 Why You Should Join

• Recognition from UNICEF GenU 9JA for eco-leadership.

• Rewards: Top 10 most innovative uploads win 20GB data + UNICEF Station Box.

• Visibility: Get featured on YOMA & UNICEF partner platforms.

• Community: Join a growing movement of young change-makers.

• Opportunity Access: Once registered, you’ll receive local and global opportunities directly to your email or WhatsApp!

📅 Timeline

The challenge runs from September 3 – October 30, 2025.

🚀 How to Get Started

1️⃣ Register here if you HAVE NOT taken climate action before: https://go.yoma.world/4mfQMgi
2️⃣ Register here if you HAVE taken climate action: https://yoma.world/opportunities/0198e1e3-f1cf-7943-8692-7f8eecc7be14

When done, send your full name and email to this WhatsApp number → wa.me/2349049920975

Nigeria’s future rests on a new generation of bold, ethical, and visionary leaders—young people who understand that true change begins from within the system.

If you’ve ever dreamed of influencing policy, shaping laws, or understanding how governance really works, the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) is your gateway.

Now in its 4th Cohort, LMI is inviting passionate Nigerians to join a transformative leadership journey designed to equip emerging leaders with the tools, mentorship, and insight needed to build a better Nigeria.

What is the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI)?

LMI was created to groom the next generation of ethical public leaders—individuals grounded in transparency, accountability, and service.

It’s more than a training program; it’s a leadership accelerator for governance. Fellows learn directly from experienced legislators, policymakers, and governance experts, exploring how the legislative process shapes national development.

LMI’s goal is simple yet powerful: to raise a movement of informed, capable, and ethical leaders who can drive Nigeria’s democratic growth and sustainable development.

Why You Should Apply for LMI Cohort 4

1. Learn the Craft of Policy-Making
Get hands-on experience in governance, public policy, and legislative development. You’ll be mentored by lawmakers and policy experts who have shaped reforms across Nigeria.

2. Build a Powerful Network
Join a vibrant alumni community of emerging leaders working across public, private, and civic sectors. These connections often become lifelong collaborations.

3. Create Real Impact
As a fellow, you’ll contribute to live research and policy projects that directly influence Nigeria’s development agenda.

Who Can Apply

You’re eligible if you:

• Are a Nigerian citizen aged 21–35.

• Have a strong interest in policy, governance, or leadership.

• Are committed to ethical public service and national development.

• Come from any academic or professional background—diverse voices are welcome.

Application Details

• Applications Open: October 1, 2025

• Deadline: October 14, 2025

Selection is competitive, so early and thoughtful applications are encouraged. Showcase your leadership experience, your ideas for Nigeria’s future, and why ethical governance matters to you.

Join a Movement for Ethical Leadership

LMI isn’t just a program—it’s a commitment to building a Nigeria led by integrity, innovation, and empathy.

If you believe in Nigeria’s potential and want to be part of shaping it, this is your call to action.

👉 Apply now and become part of Nigeria’s next generation of changemakers.

Visit the official LMI website to learn more and begin your application.

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At the time, I was deeply passionate about solving problems around the environment. SDG 13: Climate Action wasn’t just a buzzword to me; it was a personal mission. So, when I discovered a global program designed to support young innovators building planet-positive solutions, I felt like I had found my place.

According to its description,

The fellowship, funded by Mercedes-Benz and implemented by The DO School Fellowships, offers a free, three-year journey for changemakers. The first year is a 12-month hybrid foundation program where fellows receive mentorship, entrepreneurial training, and venture coaching to build projects tackling environmental challenges.

Afterward, fellows continue to grow their impact through a global network of mentors, peers, and funding opportunities — including scholarships of up to €20,000 for their projects.

It sounded like a dream. But there was one problem.

When I opened the eligibility list, Nigeria wasn’t there.

Again in 2024, Nigeria was also excluded from applying for the program.

I remember staring at the screen for minutes, wondering how Africa’s largest country often called “the Giant of Africa” could be left out of a global fellowship on innovation and sustainability. Kenya was there. Rwanda was there. South Africa was there. But not Nigeria.

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They responded politely, listing the eligible countries again — and Nigeria wasn’t one of them.

That moment stayed with me.

So imagine my joy when, this year, I saw the announcement for the 2026–2027 beVisioneers Cohort and right there in the list of eligible countries was Nigeria.

I smiled so hard reading that line.

It may not have been because of my message alone, but it reminded me that every voice counts — even the small ones. Sometimes, simply asking why can move the needle a little closer to inclusion.

Now, I’m writing this to tell every young Nigerian — this is your chance.

Applications for beVisioneers Cohort 4 (2026–2027) are now open. If you’re between 16 and 28, passionate about sustainability, and eager to turn your ideas into real impact, this fellowship could be your launchpad.

What You’ll Get

· 1:1 mentoring with global experts

· 24 hours/month flexible commitment — perfect for students or early professionals

· Venture coaching to shape and accelerate your ideas

· Financial support (needs-based) to help you participate fully

· Project scholarships up to €20,000

· Fully funded travel and accommodation for key fellowship events

· A powerful hybrid community of changemakers across 25+ countries

Eligibility

· Age: 16–28 at the time of application

· Good command of English (minimum B1)

· Must be studying, working, or residing in one of the listed countries — including Nigeria 🇳🇬

· A clear passion for sustainability and positive impact

🕒Deadline: January 25, 2026
📍Apply here if interested

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While many organizations and institutions offer tech education for youths, there is a lack of inclusive programs for people with disabilities in Nigeria. This highlights the need to address the digital divide and promote inclusivity.

In an interview with Samuel Olomu, Michael Showunmi, founder of Raising Stars Africa, a non-governmental organization aimed at empowering differently-abled (disabled) and less privileged children through education, advocacy, and life skills development noted that one of the primary reasons for this digital divide is the mindset and orientation of people towards persons with disabilities.

Nigeria has an estimated 32 million Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), making up about 15% of the population, according to a 2021 report from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Neglecting to include this large minority group in digital skills education could hinder the country's digital economy.

Michael noted that, in Nigeria where over 50% of people living with disabilities are without employment, technology provides an opportunity.

He however stated that for this opportunity to materialize, people living with disabilities must be equipped with ICT skills and assistive technology that will better position them for the future of work.

According to Michael, misconceptions about the capabilities of these individuals often lead organizations to overlook their potential. This communication gap further exacerbates the issue, leaving many potential learners feeling disconnected and unsupported.

Showunmi emphasizes the importance of hiring technology-skilled instructors who are passionate about teaching individuals with disabilities, starting from basics and allowing learners to progress at their own pace.

This individualized approach is crucial, as each person with a disability has unique learning needs and styles, he stated.

Showunmi emphasizes the significance of digital education for people with disabilities nothing that this will empower them to overcome barriers, enhance their employability and make them participate more fully in society.

The acquisition, deployment and use of digital skills and services is necessary for optimization in all aspects of human endeavor today. So, PWDs have as much stake in the digital economy as the non-disabled and so should not be neglected or overlooked in that context.  

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The goal of all men is to have the warm reception of well-prepared food on their table and perhaps have drinkable water to push it. All men desire to have their fork and knife engaging in brawls in competition for the inviting delicacies.

Sadly, the world’s food system is in shambles. One in ten people is undernourished. One in four is overweight; at least one in five Africans goes to bed hungry. And according to statistics, more than one-third of the world’s population cannot afford a healthy diet.

What a soothing memory to remember a popular old-school verse, “Some have food but cannot eat, some can eat but have no food”. The second limb of this verse will be the central focus of my exposition as it fits well into the context of the FAO goals. This begs the question, what then is the effect of climate change on food security? And how can taking food actions mitigate the climate crisis?

This essay shall however paint a vivid picture of food production and its impact on climate change and shall comprehensively enunciate my six actionable agenda on how I will contribute to ameliorating the menace of food non-availability and climate sustainability in my immediate community, in Africa, and in the global space.

FOOD PRODUCTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE: CONNECTING THE DOTS

Climate change affects everything from the smallest of bugs to the biggest of whales including us, humans. It is one of the greatest challenges of our era and its impact will affect how and where we produce our food. This, in turn, will reduce the level of food access and availability thereby creating more hunger on the planet.

As humans, we live on food to survive and the ways we produce these foods contribute to climate change. Yet, we won't stop eating. Today, 60% of the Earth’s land surface is used for agricultural purposes. Also, food production is responsible for about 30% of the greenhouse gasses contributing to climate change. In perspective, there is a need to connect the dots between climate change and the world food system.

The UN Food Summit recognizes the importance of food systems for global climate discussions and solutions, marking an important shift to put food systems at the center of global discussions on climate change impacts and solutions. But agriculture and food systems still receive insufficient attention and funding to address the crisis.

In a similar vein, emission reductions from food production have so far received less attention in GHG mitigation policies than those from energy, transport, and other industrial sectors. Consequently, emissions from agriculture could become the dominant source of global emissions.

Therefore, meeting the Paris Agreement’s targets to limit global temperature increases to 1.5°C or well below 2°C, will be impossible without an intensified involvement of the agricultural sector. Essentially, the actualization of the Paris Agreement - which of course is a climate-driven policy - is not solely dependent on the energy sector as it appears; the contribution of the agricultural sector is as much imperative.

The world is now warming faster than at any point in recorded history which has over time changed the weather patterns and disrupted the usual balance of nature. These gasses are released when we use energy from fossil fuels for farm machinery, food processing, transport, storage, cooking, or waste disposal while meat and dairy contribute to greenhouse gasses through the methane released by livestock and use more of the world’s natural resources.

Moreover, trees can help mitigate climate change by storing carbon in tree tissue and sequestering atmospheric carbon from the key greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2). As humans, we breathe out carbon dioxide while trees take in carbon dioxide. However, when we cut down forests to create farmland, the carbon stored in trees and the soil around them is released into the atmosphere thereby creating more problems for the planet's health.

Notably, the global food system needs a revamp — in policies and institutions as well as on social, business, and, technology fronts. Invariably, what we eat and the way we grow, produce, and process our food have a huge impact not only on our health but also on our ecosystem; as such there is a need to take necessary precautions against the effect of some of our actions and connect the dots where and when necessary.

SIX ACTIONABLE AGENDAS FOR FOOD SECURITY AND CLIMATE STABILIZATION

Ending hunger is the greatest challenge of our time. It is not about supply, the problem is access and availability, both of which are disrupted by things like extreme weather, food waste, drought, and – worst of all – conflict. However, questions that knock for answers include; how can we regulate the climate crisis in a way to stabilize food production? And how can we mitigate the environmental negatives that create the problem of access and availability to food production?

As recommendations, I have outlined some of my actionable agendas on how I will take contributory actions to mitigate the climate crisis and at the same time motivate and mobilize people, creatively and innovatively, to care for the environment. My actionable agenda is what I call the “CRIDIR Agenda”.

AGENDA 1 — CREATE

Create comprehensive information-based systems particular to human and ecological dimensions.

Agreeably, ICT is a very formidable tool to combat climate change and mitigate its effects. ICT makes available vital information on the changing environment to the mass population who need information and education to help sustain basic needs such as food and water. Ideally, this agenda could be achieved through green technologies such as mobile devices and base stations powered by solar energy. Hereunder are my actionable agenda:

A. Since information is cardinal to knowledge, I would create a climate education platform where through leveraging several social media platforms, I would mobilize a wider audience of more than 15,000 on the importance of taking necessary actions to save our planet while also tilting towards ending hunger in Africa.

B. I will build an incentive-based system where innovative and creative ideas aimed at climate actions will be appreciated. This can be in the form of various writing and arts competitions or contests.

AGENDA 2 — RESHAPE

Reshape food access and consumption patterns. This will ensure basic nutritional needs are met and will foster healthy and sustainable eating patterns in Africa. To achieve this, hereunder are my actionable agendas:

A. I will address chronic undernutrition and hunger by harmonizing development policy and coordinating local and regional programs to improve livelihoods and access to services among food-insecure rural and urban communities.

B. I will volunteer for social interventions that promote positive changes in the variety and quantity of diets through innovative education campaigns.

AGENDA 3 — INTEGRATE

Integrate food security and sustainable agriculture into global and national policies.

A. As part of my actionable plans, I will develop platforms at global, regional, and national levels for coherent dialogue and policy action related to climate change, agriculture, crisis response, and food security. These include fostering local and regional-level coalitions and partnerships for food security and building resilience, particularly in areas most vulnerable to climate shocks.

AGENDA 4 — DEVELOP

Develop programs and policies to assist populations and sectors that are most vulnerable to climate change and food insecurity.

To assist populations and sectors that are most vulnerable to climate change and food insecurity below is my actionable agenda:

A. I shall with the company of friends organize intervention programs that will bring together policymakers; local farmers and individuals and lecture them on how they can contribute their quota in mitigating climate negatives and the importance of taking meaningful and practicable actions to save our world.

AGENDA 5 — REDUCE

Reduce loss and waste in food systems.

The world produces more than enough food to feed everyone, and yet 828 million people still go to bed hungry each night. However, abundance has led to overconsumption, the immediate consequence being the excessive exploitation of natural resources.

Furthermore, the huge waste of food that doubled overconsumption can be considered one of the main sources of today’s energy and climate crisis with its significant greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint. Production, transportation, and handling of food generate significant Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions and when food ends up in landfills, it generates methane, an even more potent greenhouse gas.

In a bid to eliminate food loss and waste, I will:

A. As part of my actionable agenda, preach the transformation of by-products into useful agricultural products. Currently, less than 2% of valuable nutrients in food by-products and waste are recycled, and most of them end up in landfills where they are left to rot and produce greenhouse gasses, or else be incinerated. I will on the other hand motivate people to tap into the endless opportunities for turning this “waste” into useful products, which can drive innovation and create sustainable jobs.

AGENDA 6 — INTENSIFY

Sustainably intensify agricultural production while also reducing Greenhouse gas emissions and other negative environmental impacts of agriculture.

Agriculture is central to the climate crisis. While essential to human survival, it contributes to greenhouse emissions that pose a dire threat to humanity’s future. Climate change has reduced global agriculture productivity by 21% since 1961, according to a recent study by Nature and climate change. Activities that improve soil, plant, and animal health can improve resilience to climate change. Practices such as no-till cultivation and planting cover crops, can ensure that plants and soil are in the best condition to tolerate drought and erratic rainfall.

Here are my actionable agenda to intensify environmental impacts:

A. Planting of cover crops is a successful method of farming that helps to prevent soil erosion and promotes water retention, and nitrogen fixation. As a child raised in the locals, I will educate farmers on the importance of planting cover crops and legumes which are known as nitrogen-producing crops — participating in the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to plant-ingestive forms.

B. I will educate the local farmers on the evil of excessive soil tillage and the importance of efficient irrigation management. Since irrigation is key to reducing fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and no-till cultivation discourages soil disturbance.

CONCLUSION

Food and energy make a vital contribution to people’s quality of life and society. We cannot afford to detest a blazed path and head for the bush. In essence, we cannot as a people ignore the huge opportunity waiting for us to be exhumed if thoughtful ideas are not coupled with meaningful actions.

To the bottom line, the cut-and-dried dictum of Lord Denning is hereby invoked, when the erudite jurist remark; “If we never do that which has not been done before, we shall never get anywhere”. On this center-pin, this essay concludes by reiterating that a cry for food security and availability is a cry for climate sustainability, and if these actionable agendas are activated by every individual, the change we want in the global energy space would start from our immediate localities.

The simple answer to what can be traced to be the cause of these questions of thoughts is “MONEY” — What the Holy Bible called the root of all evil. We run from pillar to post, struggle hard, hustle tight — day and night, and hope-high to get a very befitting delicacy on our tables.

Yes, money determines everything. It determines our doings from the spiritual to the mundane, from the political to the socio-economical. So, there is a need for regulation. The reason man jostles for power and influence is either because he wants to earn high or because he wants to move with those I call “top guys” who can change his life. Also, kidnappers kidnap for ransom (money), so they could live a very good life the same way some people concluded to be a higher assassin for money.

In short, money cannot be left out of the plausible challenges facing our world today and particularly, the Nigerian nation.

Timeline of Currency Redesign in Nigeria

In the medievals, different cultures in Nigeria used different items as means of exchange. The perceived importance of a means of exchange to facilitate the transactions in everyday life necessitated the introduction of items like, cowries, manila, bottles, beads, and salt. However, the first major currency issued in Nigeria was undertaken following the colonial ordinance of 1880 which introduced the Shillings and Pence as the legal tender currency in British West Africa. The units of coins managed by the Bank of England were one shilling, one penny, 1/2 penny and 1/10 penny and were distributed by a private bank, the Bank for British West Africa till 1912.

Meanwhile, the first set of bank notes were released from 1912 to 1959 by the West African Currency Board (WACB) who inserted hyperlinks to bank notes. The Board also released coins in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and the Gambia. The highest banknote denomination was one pound, while the one shilling coin was the highest coin denomination.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on 1st July, 1959 issued Nigerian currency banknotes, while the WACB-issued banknotes and coins were withdrawn. It was not until 1st July, 1962 that the currency was changed to reflect the country’s republican status. The banknotes which bore the inscription, ’FEDERATION OF NIGERIA‘, now had, ‘FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA’, inscribed at the top. The notes were again changed in 1968 following the misuse of the currency banknotes during the civil war.

Sequel to the decision by the government to change from the metric to decimal, the name of the Nigerian currency was changed in January, 1973. The major unit of currency which used to be £1 ceased to exist and the one naira which was equivalent to ten shillings became the major unit, while the minor unit was called the kobo; hundred of which made one naira.

On 11th February 1977, a new banknote with the value of twenty naira (₦20) was issued. It was the highest denomination introduced at the time as a result of the growth of the economy; the preference for cash transactions and the need for convenience.

The banknote was the first in Nigeria to bear the portrait of a prominent Nigerian citizen, the late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed (1938-1976) who was the torch bearer of the Nigerian Revolution in July, 1975. The note was issued on the 1st anniversary of his assassination as a fitting tribute to a most illustrious son of Nigeria. He was declared a national hero on 1st October 1978.

On 2nd July, 1979, new currency banknotes of three denominations, namely ₦1, ₦5 and ₦10 were introduced. These notes were of the same size i.e. 151 X 78 mm as the ₦20 note issued on 11th February, 1977. In order to facilitate identification, distinctive colours were used for the various denominations. The notes bore the portraits of three eminent Nigerians, who were declared national heroes on 1st October, 1978. The engravings at the back of the notes reflected various cultural aspects of the country.

In April 1984, the colours of all the banknotes in circulation were changed with the exception of the 50 Kobo banknote to arrest the currency trafficking prevalent at the time. In 1991, the 50K and ₦1 were both coined.

In response to the expansion in economic activities and to facilitate an efficient payments system, the ₦100, ₦200, ₦500 and ₦1000 banknotes were introduced in December 1999, November 2000, April 2001 and October 2005 respectively.

On 28th February, 2007, as part of the economic reforms, ₦20 was issued for the first time in polymer substrate, while the ₦50, ₦10 and ₦5 banknotes; as well as ₦1 and 50K coins were reissued in new designs, and the ₦2 coin was introduced.

On 30th September, 2009 the redesigned ₦50, ₦10 and ₦5 banknotes were converted to polymer substrate following the successful performance of the ₦20 (polymer) banknote. Thus, all lower denomination banknotes were now printed in the polymer substrate.

Finally, the CBN, as part of its contribution towards the celebration of the nation’s 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence and 100 years of its existence as a nation, issued the ₦50 Commemorative polymer banknote on 29th September, 2010; and the N100 Commemorative banknote on 19th December, 2014 respectively.

Now, down to the present, October 2022, the Central Bank of Nigeria announced its plan to redesign the currency again, this time, the CBN says it would redesign the ₦100, ₦200, ₦500 to the ₦1000 and will issue the new notes from 15 December, 2022 in order to control the currency in circulation, also imperative to forestall the abnormalities bedevilling Nigerian financial, monetary and security systems and for other economic reasons.

The effect of this would be that both the old and new currency will circulate together as a legal tender until 31st January, 2023 when the existing currency ceases to be a legal tender.

THE DEBATE

The eventual announcement by the Central Bank of Nigeria has left so many Nigerians with different opinions and commentaries. While some reacted positively, others reacted negatively. 

However, I would rather as a person see it from two angles. The first being the perspectives of Economist and Banking Experts who understand farther than I do and secondly, the Nigerian point of view i.e the layman's point of view on which I will rest most of my assertions.

Fine, it is important we control the money in circulation, yes, I think it is important we destroy the vault of those trying to keep the money meant for all citizens for their unborn children thereby leaving the vast majority of citizens in abjection — by making the money they've stolen of no value whatsoever.  All these are possible to achieve only if the Nigerian system permits it to happen. 

Reason am! with an almost incompetent Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the unprecedented strategies that the Muhammadu Buhari regime has engendered in the last seven years, I won’t be surprised if the main motive force for the CBN’s move to redesign the naira is to accomplish a plan to put Buhari’s face on one of the notes.

The more the days go by, the worse it becomes. The baton of ungovernance, misgovernance and degovernance of this maladministration is going at a frightening speed. They go after insensible policies leaving the needed one; leaving leprosy and concentrating on eczma. No be juju be that?

The CBN Governor, Emefiele who should in all capacity have a more intimate and esoteric knowledge of Nigeria’s monetary policy than anyone once thought the value of the naira was in an implacably downward spiral. This thought of his might have been engineered because a Nigerian-owned UK-based website called AbokiFX was publishing the black-market foreign exchange rates of the naira. This event resulted in a physical combat between Emefiele and Oniwinde Adedotun, the owner of AbokiFX, so the value of the naira could rise again!

Emefiele cannot be trusted in any respect as he has masqueraded himself as a person whose judgement and prescriptions anyone should not trust and defend. At a point in time, he even became openly politically partisan by unsuccessfully running to be president on the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress while still a supposedly apolitical CBN governor. I ask you, how does this happen in a normal society?

Now, reason am again! This same year, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Ahmed Halilu, his brother-in-law, an older brother to Aishat Buhari, as the head of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting, a department which prints Nigeria’s currencies. Halilu was first appointed as one of only two executive directors at the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting in late 2019 before he was promoted by President Buhari from an executive director of Nigeria’s currency printing company to its head on September 1, 2022.

With my calculations and speculations, with the congress and synergy that existed between the partisan CBN governor, Emefiele and Buhari’s brother-in-law, the head of the minting company who has the final say on any design to be used and printed. I would not be surprised to see the portrait of our dear president appear on, probably the 1000 naira note in a way to remember him when he leaves office. My puzzle, opinion and thinking is accurate though it might not be fulfilled in the long run but think about these things.

This in fact can be reasonably linked to tilting towards the precedence from what happened in Uganda far back as January 1973, when Uganda's Idi Amin decided to change the country’s currency in order to get them designed with his portrait.

Yes, Omoyele Sowore opined and I tended to blend with his submission. He said: “When Boko Haram wanted to release the first batch of kidnapped #Chibokgirls they specifically requested for Euros and were paid in #Euros. They also claimed some well-placed Nigerians have stacked Naira at home, truth is that most well placed Nigerians spend foreign currencies.”

This is in sharp contrast to what Emefiele said while stating the prospects for the currency redesigning. He said; “in view of the prevailing level of security situation in the country, the CBN is convinced that the incidents of terrorism and kidnapping would be minimized as access to the large volume of money outside the banking system used as source of funds for ransom payments will begin to dry up.”

So, he actually wants to control terrorism and kidnapping through redesigning the currency? This is unreasonable to some extent. What happened to the case of a woman who according to Omoyele Sowore, trended in a WhatsApp message was threatened with abduction and given the option to deposit money into an account.

“The woman enlisted the help of her banker friends to get the account number flagged so that the kidnappers may be caught. The message said, “Bank did checks. Bank said the account cannot be flagged, else they will lose influential clients. How so? The names attached to the account are powerful names”.

So, I'm not convinced enough and I don't think any other Nigerian would be convinced to believing that  combating terrorism and banditry can possibly be a reason for redesigning naira notes. His claims and assertions are just like the veil of the masquerade, which makes virtually everyone think that the person behind the mask is from the celestial.

So many people have also moved against this decision and one of them was the Finance Minister Zainab Ahmad who said she was not in on Emefiele's plan to redesign the naira, adding that it “portends serious consequences on the value of the naira to other currencies.” Talk of a confused and discordant government!

Let's learn from the experiences of the past. Let's learn from 1984 when Buhari did a thick-skulled currency change that impoverished millions of people. This wrongheaded policy inflicted enormous hardship on every Nigerian. So many people died without getting back their money. Now, we are here celebrating an improvement which we have no idea about.

My conclusion is short. Let's learn from the #100 notes which were changed in 2017. I ask you, since the redesign, what has changed? The newly proposed currency redesign will only be effective if the Central Bank of Nigeria can answer all the ‘why’ questions ringing in the hearts of every Nigerian. Yes, it will surely control the money in circulation and perhaps inflation but this is only from the expert's point of view, mere theories which might not work due to some Nigerian factors. Rather, let's look at the Nigeria's point of view. I ask you again, what has the redesigned #100 achieved? Is terrorism and Banditry not on the hike?

Lastly, when a system is faulty in Nigeria, we either change the name, redesign it or paint it in a more inviting colour to deceive the masses. SARS was faulty, it was changed to SWAT, yet, police brutality remains on the hike. The NNPC logo was defective, it was changed for a new one, yet fuel scarcity persists. Now, Naira is devalued, we are moving to change its design. “Reason am again!”

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