Renowned Nigerian sports journalist and archivist, Kayode Tijani sadly passed away on Wednesday 7th of February 2024 at the age of 55, after battling a prolonged illness.
Super Eagles players celebrating the semi final penalty shoot out win against South Africa
The victory over South Africa would have been one the ace journalist would have cherished and I do hope that he’s smiling down and will be cheering on the Super Eagles from the other side on Sunday when Nigeria take on the host country, Ivory Coast in a bid to win a 4th Afcon tournament.
Kayode Tijani with FIFA president, Gianni Infantino | Photo Credit: Instagram
Meeting the Veteran Journalist
I first met this soft spoken icon of journalism in London in 2016 when he visited Deluxe Studios, after being a great admirer of his work for many years. We also met at St Petersburg for the second time while he was covering the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
He had a remarkable collection of historic stats, videos and Nigerian sporting files that is unmatched. In fact he was an encyclopedia of not just Nigerian sports, but also African football. Tijani was also connected in elite sporting circles and was highly respected amongst his peers.
Kayode Tijani with David Dein, former co-owner and vice-chairman of Arsenal Football Club.
We were always in touch and his humility and simplicity was second to none. Tijani, who was the Chief Executive Officer of SportsXclusive and Sports Focus International, had a highly successful career, attending numerous sporting events around the globe and interviewing many high profile sporting icons.
Tijani with legendary ex Nigerian footballer, Jay Jay Okocha
Contributions to Sports Journalism
He started sports journalism at a young age becoming one of Nigeria’s most respected sports archivist and football analyst. His contributions included over 280 interviews with sports personalities and celebrities.
Tijani served as the Chief Press Secretary to the late former Minister of Sports, Chief Alex Akinyele. His extensive career saw him work for publications like The Guardian Newspaper and Complete Football Fame magazine, later heading the Sports Desk at Channels TV and becoming the Head of Sport for BEN TV in the United Kingdom.
Kayode Tijani at the FIFA World Cup, Russia 2018
Legacy they say, is not leaving something behind for other people. It’s leaving something behind in other people. Sir Kay as I fondly call him, left an indelible mark in the history of Sports Journalism in Nigeria.
Kayode Tijani is survived by a widow and children, leaving behind a strong legacy of great contributions to Nigerian and African sports journalism as a whole. He will be sorely missed and may his gentle soul rest in peace.
NRTC Contributors is a News Round The Clock (NRTC) initiative established to give students, scholars and readers the opportunity to air their opinions on various issues, topics and reviews of trending episodes in our society and other parts of the world.
NRTC Contributors is a News Round The Clock (NRTC) initiative established to give students, scholars and other readers the opportunity to air their opinions on various issues, topics and give reviews of trending episodes in our society and other parts of the world.
Why Most Adults Resort To Sports Betting As A Means Of Survival
Sports Betting (Photo Credit: NRTC Contributor, By Peter Emmanuel)
In the lively town of Akungba-Akoko, resided a young man named Edet who, much like his peers; harbored aspirations but lacked the financial means to chase them.
His determination to carve a path for himself faced repeated setbacks. One fateful day, at his lowest ebb, a close friend introduced him to the realm of sports betting.
Edet possessed nothing more than a five hundred naira note in his pocket, and the notion of testing his luck in the world of betting proved both alluring and daunting.
Without hesitation, he followed his friend into a dimly lit sports betting establishment; a place where aspirations and gambles hung in the balance, its walls adorned with screens displaying live matches and odds. With little to risk, he placed his bet and watched with bated breath as the game unfolded on the screen.
Moses Edet, a student at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), shared his experience with sports betting, revealing how it proved favorable for him, even after losing some money.
He mentioned winning #250,000 with an initial bet of #250, which was quite surprising. Edet in his analysis of strategies, acknowledged that not all analyses yield positive outcomes. He also noted that had he not lost three matches out of his selections, he could have earned 4 million within 24 hours, all from the comfort of his home and with just #500 as an initial investment.
Sports betting is the activity of predicting sports results and placing a wager on the outcome.
The frequency of sports betting often varies by culture, with the vast majority of bets being placed on association football, American football, basketball, baseball, hockey, track cycling, auto racing, mixed martial arts, and boxing at both the amateur and professional levels.
Sports betting can also extend to non-athletic events, such as reality show contests and political elections, and non-human contests such as horse racing, greyhound racing, and illegal, underground cockfighting.
Well-known sports betting platforms in Nigeria are; Bet9ja, Sportybet, Betking, Melbet, Parimatch, 1xbet, zebet, and others.
To many, sports betting is regarded as a means of side hustle, some see it as means of survival and others regard it as means of employment.
According to NOI Polls analytics, Nigerians spend over N730 billion on sports betting each year, with at least N2 billion earned every day. The research also found that over 60 million Nigerian punters spend more than N3,000 each day on bet stakes and that there are at least 50 betting sites in Nigeria, with the number expanding annually as published by Betensured.
Approximately 66% of Nigerians, according to data, have placed bets on a sporting event at least once in their lives, with expectations that the Online Sports Betting market in Nigeria will grow by 9.30% (2023-2027) resulting in a market volume of US$366.70m in 2027.
Like Edet, Festus Opeyemi, in an interview with an NRTC Contributor, shared his experience of using sports betting to cope with the financial challenges caused by inflation in Nigeria.
He emphasized that sports betting goes beyond mere chance, as predictions don’t always favor the bettors. According to him, “In betting, you must adapt and adjust your strategies when things aren’t going your way.”
Opeyemi, a resident of Akure, is one of the millions of Nigerians who view betting as a potential source of additional income, rather than a reliable or sustainable means of livelihood.
Not Students Alone, Artisans Bet
In his [this reporter] quest to find sports betting enthusiasts under the scorching sun, he unexpectedly came across Akinkotu Adewale, a phone repairer engrossed in playing, highlighting the boundless nature of betting.
Adewale admitted he hasn’t won a significant amount from betting yet but hopes for a big win soon. He mentioned having an ongoing rollover and expressed a preference for Sportybet and bet9ja, two betting platforms known for their attractive odds.
Another interviewee, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed his involvement in sports betting since his N.Y.S.C days in 2011. He shared a recent streak of success, winning over 1 million for three consecutive weeks after being dismissed from his job due to health issues. Despite his substantial earnings, he still considered sports betting a side hustle.
Supporting the anonymous interviewee, Femzy, who works at a bet9ja shop, described the emotional rollercoaster experienced by customers at his shop, emphasizing that success in sports betting depends on one’s ability to predict game outcomes, which leads to both tears of despair and cheers of joy among customers who sometimes bet beyond their means.
Offering a contrasting perspective, Alex Daramola expressed his frustration with sports betting, citing frequent losses due to ticket cuts, particularly cut 1 and cut 2 when expecting significant payouts.
Another individual, known as Uncle P, admitted turning to sports betting out of economic desperation, as there are limited job opportunities in the country. He mentioned feeling ashamed because his wife has been the primary breadwinner for the family, and he turned to betting in hopes of changing their financial situation.
Ladies Are Defying The Odd
Good Mama, one among the countless women challenging stereotypes, explained that she entered the world of betting with the goal of providing financial support for her husband.
Much like Good Mama, Jennifer also turned to sports betting as a means of survival during trying times. She expressed her perspective, saying, ‘I can’t repeatedly ask my boyfriend for money, knowing he has his own responsibilities. I want to show that not all women are reliant on their partners; some of us are independent and don’t need a dime from our boyfriends.
Expert Weigh In
An Economist and Educationist expert, Ifedayo Bamidele highlighted the detrimental impact of betting on Nigeria’s economy, as well as its contribution to social and psychological consequences for those who engage in it.
Mr Bamidele underscored that betting companies are not immune to these psychological and social risks, and they often share in the negative effects experienced by their customers.
He, however, elucidated that individuals with limited income may become conditioned to view betting as a means of survival, a phenomenon he refers to as addiction.
N.B: NRTC Contributors is a News Round The Clock (NRTC) initiative established to give students, scholars and other readers the opportunity to air their opinions on various issues, topics and reviews of trending episodes in our society and other parts of the world.
NRTC Contributors is a News Round The Clock (NRTC) initiative established to give students, scholars and other readers the opportunity to air their opinions on various issues, topics and give reviews of trending episodes in our society and other parts of the world.
Why We Still Embrace Online Loan Apps Despite FG Ban In 2022
Loan Apps (Photo Credit: Punch Newspaper)
In this report, Peter Emmanuel spoke with Nigerians who are still borrowing from online apps after the apps were banned by the Federal Government.
Staring at this reporter inside a container painted in cream colour was 45-years old Balogun Temitope, a father of four and also businessman in Lagos State, Nigeria.
The time was 11:00 am on a Tuesday morning around Egbeda in Lagos when this reporter approached Mr Balogun who was attending to a customer (she was buying bread and tea). Upon seeing this reporter, he was joyous, hoping he wanted to purchase what he was selling, due to the downturn in the market.
The lending rate among Nigerians (According to Statistics by World Bank)
“I’m not buying anything”, said this reporter—with a disappointed face after he asked,”what do you want?”
Mr Balogun revealed that he had been borrowing money from online apps to furnish his shop with goods. “Businessmen like me are helped by the online borrowing apps business we couldn’t borrow from people or banks because of disgrace and collateral,” he said with concentration on her market.
In August, 2022, the Federal Competition and Consumers Protection Commission, FCCPC, directed payment systems operators, PSOs, such as Flutterwave, Opay, Paystack and Monify, as well as telecommunication companies, including Mobile Network Operators, MNOs, in Nigeria to stop providing support that enables the operations of illegal digital money lenders, also known as money sharks, in Nigeria.
The link below shows out the annual statistics which Nigeria borrows according to the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN.
Statistics by Central Bank of Nigeria
Equally, the decision was made known by the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera in Lagos, after the Commission conducted enforcement actions against a loan shark known as Soko Lending Limited.
The link below showing the lending rate in Nigeria according to the word bank World Bank like Mr Balogun, Nicholas Ugwu who sells building materials in Lagos couldn’t oblige to the Federal Government’s directive due to lack of collaterals to borrow from Bank; he rather borrowed from Fairmoney, Okash and Palmpay Credit”.
“I only use three which are Fairmoney, Okash and palmpay credit and I do encourage my colleagues to borrow from them due to it little interest because it help us to know whether we make profit or loss,” Mr Ugwu further said.
Similarly, Stephen Modupe, a student and an entrepreneur, said she borrowed from Fairmoney to satisfy his customers. “I borrowed to keep my business moving appropriately and to avoid telling customers of not having a particular product.”
The interface of the loan app, Swift Cash
“I need to borrow so that I can get my products ready, some customers pay on an agreed date either days or sometimes weeks after getting bags and shoes from me.”
On his part, Mayomi Aderele, a student of Adekunle Ajasin University said he borrowed to pay miscellaneous fees on campus.
“My parents do send money late and I can’t borrow from fellow coursemates because they are all students who are still dependent on their parents, but rather borrowed online and paid back immediately my parents credited my account.”
“I borrow from online loan apps for assignment and sometimes project,” said Olojede Esther, a student of Federal University of Oye Ekiti, FUOYE,.
According to Fairmoney, over one million people apply for loans per day.
Fair Money (Photo Credit: App Site)
While speaking with a financial expert, Mr. Ifedayo, he said that when we take a close look at the loans app, we will understand they are not operating like the financial institutions because they want to reap people’s hard earned money. Analyzing why some loan apps borrow individual money and ask such people to pay back within 7 days.
He further stated that the majority of these loan apps are owned by foreigners and to him it has an effect on Nigeria’s economy due to the fact that when they get the money here, they will leave and invest in their country. “It is a leakage to our economy,” Ifedayo said.
N.B: NRTC Contributors is a News Round The Clock (NRTC) initiative established to give students, scholars and other readers the opportunity to air their opinions on various issues, topics and reviews of trending episodes in our society and other parts of the world.
NRTC Contributors is a News Round The Clock (NRTC) initiative established to give students, scholars and other readers the opportunity to air their opinions on various issues, topics and give reviews of trending episodes in our society and other parts of the world.
What To Do For Africa’s Education System To Work
What to do for Africa’s education system to work (Photo Credit: UNESCO)
According to George Washington Carver, the first black student and faculty member at Iowa University, “Education is the key that unlocks the golden door to freedom.”
As a result, it appears that African nations lag in some domains of human endeavour.
This predicament emerges from the underestimation of the significance of education across the continent.
Despite the purported dissemination of education to its citizens, the method and allocation of resources requisite for its establishment remain inadequate. Numerous African countries have neglected their education sectors, diverting focus to alternative areas such as mineral resources for empowerment.
While optimizing mineral resources is prudent, the imperative of prioritizing education in these nations is equally paramount for equilibrium.
Paradoxically, if education continues to be marginalized, the purported mineral wealth will suffer mismanagement and metamorphose into sheer squander.
The African educational framework languishes in disarray due to prevailing apathy.
This prevailing disregard for education engenders obstacles for other sectors to flourish, resulting in African nations; incapacity to rival global counterparts across the spectrum of human pursuits.
Hence, considering the topic given, this essay will highlight some concepts that are sin qua non to transform education in Africa.
As mentioned earlier, transforming the educational landscape need not be an insurmountable task. One avenue that holds immense promise in this endeavor is the seamless integration of technology into traditional education practices.
In the context of African classrooms, where technology is being introduced to students, a key area that deserves more attention is the practical application of these technological concepts. Consider a scenario where students are learning about coding and programming.
While theoretical lessons are valuable for building foundational knowledge, the true understanding and mastery of these skills come from hands-on experience.
By providing students with access to coding platforms and software development environments, educators can enable them to write and test their code, fostering a deeper comprehension of programming principles.
Moreover, the benefits extend to the teaching process itself.
Imagine a classroom where interactive smart boards and multimedia presentations are used to convey complex ideas. Visual aids, animations, and simulations can be employed to elucidate abstract concepts, making learning more engaging and accessible to students.
This approach not only enhances comprehension but also lessens the burden on educators, who can utilize these tools to elucidate challenging topics effectively.
In terms of assessment, technology can bring about a paradigm shift. Online quizzes and assessments, tailored to individual students results about their learning levels can provide real-time feedback on
their progress.
This allows educators to identify areas where students may be struggling and adapt their teaching methods accordingly.
Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence can analyze patterns in student performance, enabling personalized learning paths that cater to diverse learning styles.
On the subject of teacher evaluation, technology opens up new horizons for accountability.
Imagine a platform where teachers can submit digital portfolios showcasing their teaching strategies, innovative classroom activities, and student achievements.
School administrators and governing bodies could then assess these portfolios to ensure that educators are meeting their responsibilities effectively.
This streamlined approach to evaluation not only ensures transparency but also encourages a culture of continuous improvement among educators.
Furthermore, an additional catalyst for effecting positive change in the transformation of education in Africa pertains to the incorporation of subjects that presently remain absent from the curriculum, particularly within secondary schools.
Acknowledging the pivotal role that secondary education assumes in the broader educational landscape, it becomes clear that these institutions hold considerable potential as game-changers for educational reform in Africa.
A notable step in this direction is to consider restructuring conventional subjects such as Physics and Chemistry, akin to the approach adopted in the Western educational framework. By breaking down these subjects into diverse branches, students gain the advantage of a balanced curriculum while being afforded greater flexibility in charting their career trajectories.
Concurrently, the introduction of forward-looking subjects such as Programming, Astronomy, and Robotics can serve as conduits, effectively situating African students on par with their global
peers.
Embracing these subjects not only instills an awareness of the digital landscape but also facilitates the seamless integration of scientific knowledge into the daily lives of African youth.
However, it is crucial to recognize that the efficacy of such transformations hinges significantly on the empowerment of educators. As the adage goes, “A student is only as proficient as their teacher”.
In this context, prioritizing teachers’ training is paramount.
Educators must be equipped with the proficiency to navigate these new disciplines, ensuring their comfort and familiarity before students embark on this educational journey. With educators illuminated, the path for their students becomes markedly smoother, paving the way for a more engaging and productive learning experience.
Equally crucial is the significant role that government funding plays in the transformation of education in Nigeria.
Upon revisiting the points raised earlier, it becomes increasingly apparent that translating these ideas into reality is intrinsically linked to the availability of robust financial backing.
In essence, the bridge between conceptualization and actual implementation is constructed through the infusion of adequate funds.
This financial support not only facilitates the execution of transformative initiatives but also ensures their sustainability and continued progress over time.
In summary, the integration of technology into education in Africa has the potential to revolutionize teaching and learning.
By prioritizing practical application, interactive teaching tools, personalized assessment, and transparent teacher evaluation, we can pave the way for a more effective and inclusive educational system.
Also, introducing forward-looking subjects can help in fast-tracking this reform.
N.B: NRTC Contributors is a News Round The Clock (NRTC) initiative established to give students, scholars and other readers the opportunity to air their opinions on various issues, topics and give reviews of trending episodes in our society and other parts of the world.
NRTC Contributors is a News Round The Clock (NRTC) initiative established to give students, scholars and other readers the opportunity to air their opinions on various issues, topics and give reviews of trending episodes in our society and other parts of the world.
Studentpreneurs: How We’re Earning A Living
Student Enterpreneur 3 (Photo Credit: MP)
Amidst the hustle and bustle of her university life, Deborah Osoki, a 400-level student of Accounting from Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State embarked on an inspiring journey as a studentpreneur, juggling her demanding class schedule and tight deadlines, as she discovered her passion for creating photo frames for students.
What began as a simple hobby had evolved into a thriving small business— in between lectures, she made photo frames and showcased her creations across her social media handles.
The demand for Deborah’s frames soared, as friends and fellow students began placing orders— what set her apart was not just her flair but her unwavering commitment.
In Nigeria, it is evident enough that employment opportunities cannot reach every citizen due to the voluminous number of citizens, the failed government system, and others. Nigeria’s unemployment rate for 2022 was 5.76%, a 0.18% decline from 2021. The rate decreased to 4.10 percent in the first quarter of 2023 from 5.30 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics Nigeria, about 53.40 percent of youths are unemployed. But in her effort to have a futuristic society that will not neglect and underestimate Deborah leverages making frames to forge her path to financial independence amidst the challenges of academic life.
Deborah, who was seen by this reporter with a dozen frames hanging around her inside the scorching sun, explained that ‘the frames are her means of survival in AAUA.’
“Aside from my tuition fee being paid by my parents, I sort the remaining expenses myself without the help of anyone and that makes me venture into the framework. I chose a framework because a lot of students do frames for different occasions.
“I do photo frames, birthday surprises, and catering services. It’s almost 2 years now and it has been productive, though it’s challenging combining academics with what I do because both require time and you have to balance the two to meet the standard needed in academics and businesses,” she added.
Studentpreneurs are students going into the world of buying and selling (entrepreneur) to cater for themselves as a result of poor parenting background, among others. Like Nigeria, not all countries of the world are capable of providing employment opportunities for the youths to cater for and improve their standard of living, hence, the need Deborah decided to chase the dream of becoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Like Deborah, another student, Odunayo Goerge from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) who serves as a manager and a brand partner with Oriflame said one of the challenges facing him as a studentpreneur is training, practical, and implementation.
The 400-level student, who doubled as the CEO of Ohgee Beauty Empire— a brand that specializes in skincare, and body and face fragrance including body spray— maintained that dealing with business and academic challenges was a survival of the fittest. “This is a way of survival as a student and it reduces the burden on my parents and to also meet certain needs.”
More Studentpreneur, More Experiences
NRTC Contributors is a News Round The Clock (NRTC) initiative established to give students, scholars and other readers the opportunity (Photo Credit: MP)
Olalekan Kuye, a 400-level student of Mass Communication at AAUA into selling Data [whose business is a year old], said consistency and timeliness are the things driving him as they are important in keeping business moving.
“Having a good customer relationship, how you relate, and talk with them is crucial. Being online to respond to messages as soon as possible has kept the majority of my customers, but not getting a payment receipt after buying is tiring”, Kuye added.
Speaking on balancing academics with business, he said ‘Knowing yourself and getting to study when you can easily understand.’
Similarly, Edith Martha, a student of Science Laboratory Technology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said she decided to venture into Fashion design because people can’t do without wearing clothes. “It’s something that helps cover our nakedness and I learned it during the 9-month strike last year and has been of assistance to me financially.
Oriloye Christiana Abiodun, a 400l student in AAUA and the CEO of “Tiana Wear” said her journey as a Studentpreneur began in June 2022 and is still in the business and looking forward to more achievement—managing it with academics is not a bad idea because academics and business are treated separately and won’t be entangled.
“Customers have been patronizing and I appreciate my SIWES boss who does patronise me and advised me that I should not quit, if 50 customers are like him it will be so good. I sell unisex round necks and make clothes— I started with N20,000.
“I also faced a trust issue because most people are scared to pay unless they see what they are buying, could you imagine that? With all these ups and downs, I use my money to get clothes as demanded by customers to please and show I am serious with my business but if they will not turn up again then I will begin to seek them out.
“I do advertise not that I am a millionaire yet but I will say with consistency and never quitting even when it seems the key to success.”
Also, Daramola Sunday, the CEO of “Samben Print” who does all kinds of printing on clothes, and car branding, consultant in printing, publishing books, and general contractor on printing matters recounted his experience as an apprentice back in 2014. “At that stage, it wasn’t easy but passion came in and the business has been growing, moving on well.”
“Students as non-students like organisations, people who have occasions, events to reach out to patronize and sales have been great but balancing academics and work is my biggest problem due to lectures, assignments, tests, etc.”
N.B: NRTC Contributors is a News Round The Clock (NRTC) initiative established to give students, scholars and other readers the opportunity to air their opinions on various issues, topics and reviews of trending episodes in our society and other parts of the world.
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