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Nigerian Political Parties Lack Ideology” – Joko, Mindshift Convener—-The Convener, Mindshift Advocacy for Development Initiative, Mr. Joko Okupe, has indicted Nigerian political parties for lack of ideological direction. Mr. Okupe made this declaration in a media interaction held recently at the Mindshift corporate office in Ikeja, Lagos.

Fielding questions from the press the Mindshift Convener argues that none of the parties in Nigeria contending and jostling for political power come 2023 is driven on the wheels of ideology. What directs the life and operations of a political party in a democracy, he said, is ideology. Ideology is the bulwark of the party’s culture. It stands tall as the oil or blood that runs the engine of the party and directs the actions of both the party officials and the membership.

According to Mr. Okupe, “Ideology consists of the common beliefs, values, and norms of the party directed at defining the kind of society a party plans to build. It comes from a common vision designed by the party as a roadmap to the society in view. Ideology forms the operating framework from where the political parties draw their inspirations and strategies which are encapsulated into manifestoes and agendas and subsequently communicated to the public through their campaign communications. But can we say the parties have any ideological direction? How, for instance, can you distinguish APC from PDP. Because the parties lack ideology, so there are no distinctions in their manifestoes. Every party appears to be saying the same thing about: building infrastructure, providing youth employment, providing good health care and good education. But we know it is the same thing they have been saying since 1999”.

 

Speaking further about the Nigerian state and the type of leader Nigerians will expect come 2023 he said, “There is no political party in Nigeria today you can say is a shining example of what a political party should be. They all lack ideology. We are in a Nigerian state variously described by political scientists as predatory, prebendal, parasitic, patrimonial, neo-patrimonial, crony, kleptocratic, venal, greedy, etc., that has created a crop of leaders who in themselves are selfish and do not understand their own historical mission. Under this situation he posited that we need a certain kind of leader. “We need a leader who is sufficiently knowledgeable about the task ahead, and understands the context behind Nigeria’s current historical trajectory, and would be ready to tackle it headlong. We need a leader who is bold, brave, and courageous – who can break the bounds of our stranglehold. A leader who understands the need to build cohesion in a multiethnic and multicultural society. We need someone who can confront orthodoxy and demolish our fault lines without diminishing our disparate cultural and ethnic values. Such a leader needs to have a clarity of his vision and how he wants to achieve it. I have not seen much of that in the present crop of party contenders for the post of the president in 2023.”

Speaking on the solution to the Nigerian leadership problem, he said that Nigeria needs an upgrade in the reformulation of the state, the leadership class, and the citizens. The state is malfunctioning because of its hackneyed structure which tilts towards centrality and unitary-federalism. That is an aberration in a multiethnic and multicultural state. The leaders are selfish and visionless, attracted only by the fancy of their kleptomaniac tendencies. They do not understand the very purpose of life, and hence can hardly understand the essence of leadership. The followers are famished and lack the understanding of what liberal democracy is all about. In the most part, they lack enough knowledge to appreciate that they are actually the king while the politicians are their servants. They mistake the concept of leadership in a political setting with the concept of kingship in a traditional setting; and this makes them subservient to the politicians who should be accountable to them. This contradiction makes democracy difficult to practice in Nigeria. Under this scenario the politicians weaponize poverty as an instrument of domination against the citizens.

 

Following this, Mr. Okupe advocates for the mass enlightenment of the political class and the citizens. For him, both the political class and the citizens are under bondage, and need to be enlightened so that they can be liberated to develop the country, without which Nigeria remains undeveloped for eve. This is the reason he convened the Mindshift movement.

 

Explaining further, Mr. Okupe said that, “Mindshift Advocacy Initiative for Development was created out of the vision and understanding that our response to whatever situation we find ourselves, either in our individual terrain, group terrain or national terrain, is directly a result of how we think. The bible says, as a man thinks in his heart so he is or becomes. So, if we understand that, we will all push for a Mindshift or a change of how we think. That is what will actually move us away from where we are now. So, the Mindshift movement is actually focused on shifting mind-sets from negative to positive. It is a non-governmental and non-partisan organization. It is focused on redirecting the mind-set of Nigerians from the route of destruction in every area of lives. “If a man wants to be destructive or disruptive, it is through the power of his mind.”

“There is so much capacity in the power of the mind that the way and manner that the mind is directed determines a man’s outcome. Even for us, as a lesson, other nations of the world are doing incredibly well is due to the different mind-sets that they have. The average Nigerian mindset is anti-progress and anti-development. How can we have progress and development without working on the re-orientations of the mindset we have?   Even when government decides to run a campaign on changing attitudes, the success will depend on how people think.” We must have that clear understanding. That essentially is the mandate of the Mindshift advocacy.

Joko Okupe who is a brand management and marketing communications expert of about 35 years, and who has consulted for many globally reckoned organisations, is set to bring that knowledge and experience to the front burner in the management of the Mindshift advocacy, with the sole aim of galvanizing the Nigerian people to a new way of thinking and reasoning that will lift this country from one milestone of development to a higher milestone of development.

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ZENITH BANK REWARDS ITS UNICORN WORKFORCE WITH IMPROVED PAY AND PROMOTES SEVERAL

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ZENITH BANK REWARDS ITS UNICORN WORKFORCE WITH IMPROVED PAY AND PROMOTES SEVERAL

ZENITH BANK REWARDS ITS UNICORN WORKFORCE WITH IMPROVED PAY AND PROMOTES SEVERAL—-One of Africa’s leading financial institutions, Zenith Bank has reaffirmed its dedication to employee welfare by announcing the promotion of over 4,000 staff members and implementing salary increases ranging from 20% to 30% across various employee grades.

This bold initiative, under the leadership of Managing Director/CEO Dame Adaora Umeoji, its aimed at boosting staff morale and productivity.

With over 8,000 employees, this significant investment in human capital reflects Zenith Bank’s belief that its workforce is its most valuable asset. The salary adjustments, effective January 1, 2025, aim to reward performance, alleviate financial pressures, and ensure enhanced customer service delivery. Promotions for top management are also expected as part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to excellence and growth.

Dr. Umeoji emphasized the importance of maintaining a motivated workforce, stating that the bank’s dedication to its employees will translate into superior service experiences for customers. She highlighted the organization’s commitment to setting industry benchmarks through innovative solutions and exceptional service delivery.

Zenith Bank’s continued leadership in the Nigerian financial sector is underscored by numerous awards, including Best Bank in Nigeria 2024 by Global Finance and recognition as the Biggest Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in 2024 by The Banker. These accolades complement its reputation for innovation, sustainability, and corporate governance.

By prioritizing employee welfare during challenging times, Zenith Bank not only strengthens its internal operations but also sets a standard for other financial institutions in the region, reinforcing its position as a leader in Africa’s banking landscape.

As a major player in Nigeria’s financial landscape, under its managing director/chief executive officer, Adaora Umeoji, the bank has embraced a holistic approach to growth that integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles with its core business objectives.

At the heart of Zenith Bank’s strategy is a focus on buoying economic inclusion, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and driving technological innovation to enhance customer experiences. The bank’s proactive investments in renewable energy, sports, digital transformation and impactful community initiatives exemplify its dedication to creating long-term value for its stakeholders while addressing global sustainability challenges.

Zenith Bank’s continued success is driven by a combination of strong financial performance and an unwavering commitment to its stakeholders.

Zenith Bank’s growth trajectory is underpinned by a robust expansion strategy. With operations in several countries, including the UK, UAE, China, and most recently, France, the bank continues to expand its geographical footprint.

As usual, the bank’s efforts in 2024 did not unnoticed as the lender clinched several local and international awards in recognition of its outstanding performance.

In 2024, the bank won the Best Bank in Nigeria at the annual Global Finance award in Washington, DC, NY.

The bank also emerged the Biggest Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital, 2024 by The Banker; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria 2024 – World Finance; Best Corporate Governance, Nigeria 2024 – World Finance; Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria 2024 – International Banker; Bank of the Year, 2024 – Business Day; Retail Bank of the Year, 2024 – Business Day; Bank of the Year 2024- The Banker.

It also clinched the Most Responsible Organization in Africa 2024 – SERAS; Best in Gender Equality & Women Empowerment 2024 – SERAS and Best in Transparency & Reporting 2024 – SERAS

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ERPS: Modo Ante Restates Commitment to Technology, Innovation for Progressive Revenue Generation

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Modo Ante

ERPS: Modo Ante Restates Commitment to Technology, Innovation for Progressive Revenue Generation—–The CEO/Founder of Modo Ante, a Public Governance and Policy Consultancy, Mr. Bamijoko Okupe, has restated the company’s commitment to the application of technology and innovation as creative and transformative tools for progressive revenue generation in Lagos State, and across the country.

 

He affirmed this at the Eko Revenue Plus Summit which held recently at the Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

 

Okupe applauded the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu for prioritizing technology-driven governance. “The Eko Revenue Plus Summit has proven that when government and private sector stakeholders collaborate, the possibilities for revenue generation and sustainable development are limitless,” he said.

 

Reiterating Modo Ante’s commitment, Okupe outlined the consultancy’s three-pronged approach to revenue optimization: Harnessing technology for efficiency, developing customized digital solutions to improve tax compliance, streamline public service delivery, and enhance transparency. Innovative Policy Frameworks: Advising governments on policies that incentivize private sector investment while creating sustainable revenue streams. Strategic Communication: Designing campaigns that foster public trust and encourage compliance with tax and regulatory requirements.

 

Okupe, who is also the co-Convener of the summit, emphasized the critical role of data analytics and economic modelling in solving complex governance challenges. “At Modo Ante, we believe in the power of data to guide decision-making. Our goal is to provide actionable insights that drive growth and create value for all stakeholders,” he explained.

 

He stressed the importance of continuous dialogue and knowledge sharing to sustain the momentum generated by the summit. “The Eko Revenue Plus Summit is not just an event; it is the beginning of a movement. Together, we can build a future where technology and innovation drive inclusive growth and prosperity,” he declared.

 

Following the conclusion of the highly successful Eko Revenue Plus Summit, Modo Ante, a leading consultancy specializing in Governance, Public Sector, and Political Organisation Consulting, has reiterated its dedication to leveraging technology and innovative strategies to optimize revenue generation for governments and corporate organizations.

 

The two-day summit, brought together policymakers, thought leaders, and private sector stakeholders to explore new revenue streams and innovative approaches to governance and economic development. Anchored by Modo Ante in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, the summit served as a platform for robust discussions on the role of technology and innovation in addressing fiscal challenges and enhancing public service delivery.

 

In his keynote address, Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu advocated for broader revenue strategies in the state beyond taxation, including optimizing state-owned assets and creating new economic opportunities that Eko Revenue Plus Summit would identify. He urged the private sector to partner with the state under the PPPs in creating innovative revenue solutions, particularly in real estate, waste management, and technology and how to hold the government accountable for revenue. According to him, these three identified areas have enormous revenue potentials that are not yet fully tapped.

 

The Governor underscored the importance of technology as a critical tool for modern governance and revenue optimization. He emphasized the state’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve by embracing innovative solutions to manage its growing urban population and expanding economy.

 

“The Lagos State Government has consistently demonstrated leadership in adopting cutting-edge technology to drive development and improve revenue collection,” Sanwo-Olu stated. He highlighted the ongoing deployment of digital tools such as the Lagos State Unified Revenue Portal, which has simplified tax collection processes and improved transparency.

 

During his recap of proceedings, Mr. Abdul-kabir Opeyemi Ogungbo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation and Revenue, presented a detailed roadmap for sustainable revenue growth in Lagos State. He highlighted the state’s achievements in widening the tax net and implementing data-driven policies to improve compliance.

 

“Our success stems from our ability to innovate and deploy intelligent systems that simplify revenue collection while ensuring accountability,” Ogungbo noted. He cited the state’s partnership with private sector technology firms in developing analytics tools that identify untapped revenue sources.

 

Ogungbo called on other states in Nigeria to emulate Lagos by prioritizing investments in technology and capacity building. “Revenue generation in the 21st century requires a shift from traditional methods to a more data-centric approach. The Lagos example is a template that can be replicated across the country,” he asserted.

 

The success of the Eko Revenue Plus Summit underscores the growing recognition of technology and innovation as indispensable tools for governance and economic development. Modo Ante’s pivotal role in organizing the summit and its commitment to transformative solutions solidify its position as a leader in the consulting space.

 

As the consultancy continues to engage with governments and corporate organizations, it remains steadfast in its mission to deliver impactful results that foster sustainable development. With its expertise in governance, public policy, and political communication, Modo Ante is poised to reshape the future of revenue generation and public service delivery in Nigeria and beyond.

 

The summit concluded with a renewed call for collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society to address fiscal challenges and unlock new revenue streams. Participants lauded the role of technology and innovation as game-changers in public finance management.

 

 

 

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