Eagles Leadership Assembly

27/08/2025

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OPINION:

In April, 2023, Federal, State and Local Governments shared 650Billion naira FAAC. In July, 2025, about 2 years 3 months later, the three tiers of government shared 2Trillion naira with States and LGAs receiving over 40 percent. This about 300 percentage increase in the monthly FAAC shared is possible as a result of fuel subsidy removal, floating of the naira among other reforms of the sitting government.

It should be noted that the increase in federal government revenue which is reflecting in the FAAC allocation is not necessarily due to productivity in other sectors, but ultimately as a result of fuel subsidy removal. Now, what the fuel subsidy removal has done is to skyrocket cost of living, increase poverty rate and enlarge the number of people confronting multifaceted poverty crisis to about 133 million people.

TAKE ALWAYS:
- The federal government might have had "good intentions" in removing fuel subsidy among other reforms.
- The removal of the fuel subsidy has removed money from the pockets of the masses and dropped in the pockets of the federal government.
- As a result, the Federal government has increased FAAC allocations to all levels of government for a purpose.
- The purpose presumably is to provide infrastructure, improve education, health, power supply and reduce poverty.
- But, the outcry out there indicates that poverty and general hardship are on the increase.
- Civil servants whose minimum wage has been increased to about 100% recently are crying more than before that their take home is not taking them home even with the increment.
- In the midst of these, Some State governors and other politicians in the opposition are defecting into the rulling party claiming that the economic reforms are yielding positive results and thus should be sustained. Meanwhile, the position of these defected governors seems to contradict sharply with the reality confronting the masses, judging from the public outcry.
- Expectedly, no one expect state governors including those in the opposition to say that the economy is not doing well. How will you expect someone getting three times what he used to get to now say the economy isn't doing well. You can now know why the defections are unavoidable.

QUERIES:
- What is the purpose of the increment in FAAC to the state Governments and LGAs?
- Has the increment made the States and LGAs to expand provision of quality education, health and general infrastructure and reduce the level of poverty and general hardship?
- Should we blame the Federal Government for increasing FAAC to States and LGAs?

Going forward, if the government at all levels fail to build trust in the people through the ongoing reforms by ensuring that the reforms better the living standards and conditions of people, it will be difficult for the people to trust any other reforms that might be introduced in the immediate and near future.

- Augustine Kiki

12/08/2025

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY, 2025

THEME: LOCAL YOUTH ACTIONS FOR THE SDGs AND BEYOND

Today, the calendar does not just turn a page, it opens a doorway. It quiets the world's noise so that one loud voice can ring out: the voice of youth, resonating from far-flung villages, city streets, mountain peaks, and distant beaches.

From the streets of Lagos pulsating with multifaceted activities to the tree-friendly arenas of New Delhi, from Nairobi's trailblazing tech centres to the cold infected city of Toronto, and from the Black Star of Acra to aquatic atmosphere of Badagry. From tight classrooms where imaginations soar to open fields, where futures are planted. Today the world celebrates its finest asset. It is not locked up in bank vaults or oil reserves, but alive in the boundless energy, innovation, and resilience of young people.

International Youth Day is not just a UN observance, it is a vital pulse check. It affirms that young people are not on the sidelines, biding their time until their turn to lead; they are the dynamic force driving change. Their voices ignite unwavering movements and decisions. Their actions forge pathways, landmarks and solutions. Their visions break new grounds and challenge conventional boundaries.

But to meaningfully celebrate youth, we must engage with their realities with uncompromising candor and unflinching optimism. We see the star graduate staring at a shut job market. We hear the young farmer battling climate catastrophe with grit and ingenuity. We know the brilliant young woman whose potential is constrained and darkened by structural and customary barriers. In spite of the looming difficulties, tempests, and creeping doubts, youth endure and match on. They create melodies from quietness, spark hopes in darkness, and invent amidst scarcity. They conquer despair, authoring their own narratives.

This year's theme, "Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond," reminds us that the future is not shaped by high-level statements or policies only. It is forged in the unsung heroism of daily actions: a young teacher opening a reading club in a village, a coder developing an app to provide sustainable water, an activist restoring a lost forest, tree by tree. This is the pulse of the Eagles Leadership Assembly: to awaken every young person to the tremendous potential within. Leadership is not a distant badge to be achieved, it is a mantle to be taken, here and now, with what is at hand, for the greater good.

To governments, we say: Invest in youth not as charity, but as long-term strategy for national prosperity. The nations that succeed tomorrow are those empowering their young people today. To communities, we implore: Take young people seriously by giving them room to test, fall, learn, lead, and succeed.

To fellow young leaders, wesay: Stop waiting for permission to make a difference, you already have it. The Sustainable Development Goals would not be met by remote elites alone; they will thrive on your energy, innovation, and persistence. Never forget: An eagle does not escape the storm, it soars on its winds. Your community work is those wings. Sowing seeds, bringing knowledge, developing solutions, or demonstrating for justice, you are elevating your community and the entire world.

Today, on this International Youth Day, we are honouring not only the potential of young people, but their real impacts. You are the pulse of today, the designers of tomorrow, the light in an era starving for it.

Rise like the bird, Eagle and soar, the horizon is limitless, the currents are powerful, and the world awaits your flight.

Happy International Youth Day.

- Augustine Mautin Kiki
President,
Eagles Leadership
Assembly

12/06/2025

06/06/2025

SACRIFICE IN OBEDIENCE

Today, as Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha, we are reminded of the profound power of faith, obedience, and sacrifice. The story of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering trust in God invites all of us, regardless of our faith, to reflect on what it means to truly submit to a higher calling.

This holy day is not just about the ritual of sacrifice, but about the spirit behind it: the willingness to let go of what is dear for the sake of what is right. It is a time to deepen compassion, share with those in need, and foster unity in our communities.

May this Eid inspire us to walk in humility, serve with generosity, and live with purpose.

Eid Mubarak.

27/05/2025

IT'S CHILDREN'S DAY

Today, we celebrate children and what they stand for in our homes, schools and in the general society. Children are sources of joy and fulfillment to parents and they provide hope for a continued human society.

They carry in them great potentials, competencies and talents that add value not only to their families, but to the world at large. To this, the society, inclusive of their families, owe them the duty of education and general brought up. It is by the provision of these fundamentals that they will become responsible contributors to nation building.

As we celebrate them today, may they all be filled with joy, happiness and growth. May their families continue to be fulfilled by their presence, and may our nation come to it's full potential by their ingenuity.

Happy Children's Day!

- Augustine Mautin Kiki
President, Eagles Leadership Assembly.
27th May, 2025.

20/04/2025

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THE AGORA is a Publication of St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, Ogun State. It is a scholarly Journal that features articles in Philosophy, Theology and related disciplines. In this edition of the revered publication, I share my views on the theme "Cyber Ethics in Nigeria: Balancing Technological Advancement with Moral Responsibility." In the Vox Populi corner of the magazine, I emphasise the importance of digital literacy and the need for responsible censorship.

It may interest you to know that every Catholic Major Seminary has a publication in form of a magazine through which the Seminarians and their Formators engage the general public on thematic issues in society.

I wish to appreciate my good brother and friend Nutayi David Semawon for giving me the platform to contribute to the intellectual discourse.

Gracias!

- Augustine Kiki

01/01/2025

It's New Year, and I'm eager to grap its good tidings!

To you my family member, friend, colleague and acquaintance, I wish you the best of the Y2025.

Happy and Prosperous New Year!

- Augustine Kiki

24/12/2024

Christmas is a miracle, for the circumstances that surrounded the birth of Christ seem impossible according to human intelligence.

May this season bring God's miracle to your life and may His peace which surpasses all human understanding abide with you.
Amen!

Have a great Xmas celebration.

18/12/2024

Today, we celebrate an amazing personality with multidimensional qualities that are capable of transforming the society to an enviable height. He has held several positions cutting across religious, community and social circles. He is a trailblazer and a strong pillar in youth transformation and development.

As an erstwhile Deanery Coordinator of the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), Badagry Deanery, he was able to promote youth activities that were geared towards making young people in the church become responsible contributors to not just the church, but to family life and the nation at large.

He became the Coordinator of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Badagry Local Branch at a time when the involvement of the youth in public affairs on the Badagry corridor was quite insignificant. Taking the bull by the horns, he embarked on a wide campaign and advocacy across the nooks and crannies of Badagry Federation for youth involvement, responsible participation and engagements with key players in the public space. This transformative strides translated to formation of the Youth Council at the LCDAs that have further expanded the activities of the council across board.

Today, he stands unique, uncommon and vibrant in his world. On this day, I'm proud to say he has been a trusted, reliable and progressive friend over the years. He has gradually moved from just been a mentee to an associate, ally, leader and now a torchbearer, a pathfinder and a mentor to several young people around.

As he celebrate his birthday, may God bless him with more fruitful years of impacts, achievements and greater heights.

Best wishes from me, your friend and ally.

- Augustine Kiki.