I write this from a point of pain and gratitude. Pain because of the death of a hard working and honest man, Rotimi Olaleye, who is both a great father, as attested to by his children who he has been taking care of single handedly since his wife died about five years ago, and an honest and diligent auto mechanic, as confirmed by his clients, including yours truly. We met less than a week before his death, but he left an unforgettable impression on me, even in death.

Gratitude? I was less than 10 seconds away from where Mr. Olaleye was when the fire that took his life occurred with my wife and first child.

Let me start from the beginning. I met Mr. Olaleye on March 8, 2025 following a need to change my mechanic. I was introduced to him by the best car air conditioning technician I had ever met, Mr. Akinola Ayeni. We drove the car together on that day. He spotted some issues, including the fact that the former handler was as careless as not putting the knots that should be holding the connecting ABS wire to the wheel of the driver’s side, by just driving the car. That was quickly fixed. And he told me, very honestly, that other things had to wait until Monday. That he needed to finish some other jobs. I left happily.

On Monday, I took the car to him. He appeared meticulous. Despite the fact that I told him that on completing the work on the Highlander, which my wife uses, I was going to send in my own car for servicing, he was not in a hurry to declare the vehicle fit.

On Tuesday morning, the first accident occurred on Otedola Bridge. My wife had to return home. By the way, we live in one of the most organised estates around OPIC in Ogun State. Before she returned, Mr. Olaleye had told me to stay in coming to meet him as he had already spent three hours from Mowe in Ogun State and was yet to get to Berger in Lagos State, a journey of less than 30 minutes. From that time on, he kept briefing me on developments until 6pm when he told me he was now satisfied with the car.

I immediately asked him if I could head in his direction. The answer was no. He wanted to get the car washed. I told him I would take it to the car wash the following day. He said even if I do, it should still be washed. I gave up arguing.

Then at 7pm, Mr. Olaleye told me the washing had been completed by his apprentices. I called my wife, Mrs. Taiwo Oladipo, that it was time to go home. By the way, we have our offices in the same building. By the time she came downstairs to meet me, I discovered that my first daughter, Ewaoluwa, a 500 Level student of Chemical Engineering, who had requested to follow us home, was yet to leave her friend’s house. So we waited for her. For a few minutes.

When we eventually set out, we discovered we needed to buy drinking water for the house. Mrs. Oladipo and Miss Oladipo said we should buy it close to the office in Ogba area of Lagos State because each bottle was N400 cheaper than what we would get close to the house. That would save us some cool N2,000. I said no, Mr. Olaleye was waiting for us. As I zoomed past the supermarket on the way, my wife said let’s buy the water. I stopped. Reversed. We spent about 10 minutes doing that.

Then we meandered our way through the New Afrika Shrine area onto the Opay building, less than two minutes to where Mr. Olaleye was waiting for us. He said he was already by the gate of the mechanic village, which was to the right of Otedola Bridge, underneath. So I told him emphatically in Yoruba: “E maa ri wa ni iseju kan (You will see us in one minute).”

As we descended the bridge and approached the divider that separated those heading towards the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and those going to CMD Road, just about 10 seconds to where Mr. Olaleye had already parked both his car and my wife’s, Mrs. Oladipo was the first to notice a truck that had obviously lost control.

Instinct immediately set in and I changed course towards CMD Road. And in split seconds, the truck crashed, the seal of the tanker burst open and the sky became blue, an indication that the truck was bearing gas. Between the seconds when we saw the truck and when the seal opened, I had dialled the last number on the dashboard of the car, which was that of Mr. Akin. It was ringing when the explosion occurred. And then followed the massive fire.

I was annoyingly slow for some people behind me. One woman came out of her car and started banging ours: “Move, move.” She did it a second time and I wound down the back glass, addressing her and my wife who had also become agitated: “We have a man down there. Let’s see if there is still something we can do before we go too far.” And then his line stopped ringing.

My head immediately told me to call Mr. Ayeni. As soon as he picked it up, he asked me: “Have you collected your car? Rotimi has parked by the gate and is waiting for you.” He did not even hear me saying there was trouble at the workshop until I shouted at the top of my voice. Mr. Ayeni, who was at Agidingbi, immediately turned back. He, alongside others, discovered the remains of Mr. Olaleye, lying face down. His apprentices who were with him said as the truck crashed, he told them to flee that he needed to “save his customer’s car”. Meanwhile, his own car was just behind mine. He succeeded in turning the car around to face the workshop. But that was as far as he made it. I cried that night. Something I have not done in several years. I wept bitterly.

In the short period I knew Mr. Olaleye, I learnt a lot of lessons. He left an impact I would never forget. But it was a pity he didn’t pick my last call, which was to tell him to abandon the car and flee to safety. His meticulousness on the job was second to none from what I saw in the three days of being with him. He also knew his job. Adieu Mr. Olaleye.

I was informed as I was ending this piece that a staff of Zenith Bank Plc and his wife died in the accident. The husband was said to have just resumed from his annual vacation that day. He had just picked his wife and they were heading home when they were caught in the explosion. May their souls and those of others I do not know involved in the accident rest in peace.

To the Lagos State Government, bravo. The response by the emergency responders was swift. However, it was not enough. Only one fire truck arrived after 15 or 20 minutes of the fire. After it exhausted its water, it took another 15 or 20 minutes for another to arrive. By the time Mr. Ayeni and others reached where Mr. Olaleye was, he was still breathing. But help did not reach him on time. But beyond that, the team did well. Despite the damages and the danger of dealing with a gas explosion, the scene was cleared well under 18 hours.

To the company that owns the truck that lost its brake and ended up ending no fewer than five lives and consuming properties that included cars and buildings, Second Coming Gas Company, I am torn between knocking them and giving them kudos. This was because of their response to the victims who were admitted in the hospital. The following day, the management staff had reached out to those in the hospital and met with the executives of the technicians association affected. They were making plans, like some of us are doing, to reach out to the children of Mr. Olaleye. I was told their mum died about five years ago. And the company is in discussion with the technicians on how to alleviate their losses.

But they could have done better. That truck was faulty as those who passed by it on CMD Road before it crashed noticed. The driver was, obviously, trying to manage it into the station on CMD Road. I imagine if it was into the station, which had drinking bars and other joints around it, the truck crashed.

I also pity Lagosians who have to pay N15,000 for third party insurance but get no benefit when the accident involves fire as a representative of Nicon Insurance Limited said. It amounts to gifting the company money for rendering limited services.

To the Federal Road Safety Corps and Lagos State Traffic Emergency Management Agency, you still have a long way to go. It appears the traffic laws in Lagos are meant more for private vehicle owners. Whereas we know that most infractions are committed by commercial vehicle owners, including the trucks that bear inflammable and heavy materials. When these agencies exercise their mandates fully, it is then those with warped minds will come to the realisation it is drivers who have no regard for lives and properties that are the cause of accidents on the Otedola and Kara bridges.

By Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia,

As we celebrate the 60th birthday anniversary of my dearest ‘mum’ Ms. Arunma Oteh, I am overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude and admiration for a woman whose life has been a beacon of Hope, Excellence, Resilience and Integrity .To the world, she is a trailblazer in global finance, an advocate for economic reform, and a leader of profound impact. To me, she is much more—a mother, a teacher , a mentor, and a guide whose influence has profoundly shaped my journey and that of countless others.

Ms. Arunma Oteh’s life is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, vision, and resilience.

Born in Kano Nigeria, her academic journey began with a first-class honours degree in Computer Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She then scaled the heights of education, earning an MBA from the prestigious Harvard Business School. These were the stepping stones to a career that would leave indelible marks on Nigeria, Africa, and the world.

Her illustrious career spans decades of service at institutions like the African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank, and FSD Africa. At AfDB, she rose through the ranks, assuming pivotal roles, including that of Treasurer and Vice President for Corporate Management. Her expertise and leadership turned challenges into opportunities, paving the way for sustainable financial growth across the continent.

In 2009, Ms. Oteh was entrusted with the monumental task of leading the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as its Director-General. It was a turbulent time for Nigeria’s capital market, but she embraced the challenge with unmatched determination. Her reforms eradicated entrenched abuses, restored investor confidence, and laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

Her leadership was not without resistance, as she confronted powerful interests that sought to undermine progress. Yet, with resolute commitment, focus, integrity, and the support of reform-minded leaders, she navigated these challenges, leaving behind a reformed and revitalized capital market.

Ms. Oteh’s appointment as Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank in 2015 underscored her global stature. Managing a $200 billion debt portfolio and advising Sovereign Wealth Funds, Central Banks, and Pension Funds, she exemplified financial expertise at the highest level. Beyond her technical brilliance, she championed inclusive economic policies that benefited emerging markets and underserved populations.

Her legacy at the World Bank extends beyond numbers; it is a story of transformational leadership and unwavering commitment to empowering others.

While her professional accolades are monumental, what sets Ms. Oteh apart is her personal touch. To me and many others, she has been a mother—providing guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support. Her mentorship has been a compass in my life, teaching me the values of integrity, hard work, and service.

Her ability to nurture talent and inspire excellence is unparalleled. Through her mentorship, she has raised a generation of leaders who are now making meaningful contributions in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.

Ms. Oteh’s story resonates with people from all walks of life. She embodies the principle that our background does not define our future, but our choices do. Her life is a beacon of hope for those striving to overcome challenges and achieve greatness.

As an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), a recipient of the “Distinction In Public Service” award, and one of Forbes’ “Africa’s 50 Most Powerful Women,” Ms. Oteh is celebrated not only for her achievements but also for the values she represents—integrity, resilience, and Excellence in service . Now a leading best seller on Amazon for her new book ‘All hand on deck’

On this special occasion of her 60th birthday, I celebrate Ms. Arunma Oteh for her unquantifiable contributions to Nigeria, Africa, and the global world. I honour her for the lives she has touched, the systems she has transformed, and the legacy she continues to build.

Ms. Oteh, your life is an inspiration, your achievements are a testament to excellence, and your mentorship is a gift to us all. As you celebrate this milestone, I pray for continued blessings, good health, and strength to keep shining your light on the world.

With deepest gratitude and love Ajia, is the President/CEO, Funab Group of Companies Ltd, a Security expert and a Politician.

Reaching the most vulnerable in Nigeria: Our Humanitarian Roadmap 2025

By Mohamed Malick Fall

On 23 January 2025, we will launch the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP). The plan targets 3.6 million of the most vulnerable people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states, requiring $910.2 million in funding. It underscores the urgent need for lifesaving interventions while laying the groundwork for resilience and recovery. It is a result of extensive consultations with affected people, Government authorities, and partners, ensuring that our response is evidence-based and needs-driven.

As we launch the Nigeria 2025 HNRP, we are reminded of the escalating challenges and the profound resilience of Nigerians facing one of the largest and most complex humanitarian crises in the world. From conflict-induced displacement to climate shocks, food insecurity, and disease outbreaks, Nigeria continues to grapple with overlapping emergencies that strain resources and test the limits of our humanitarian response. Yet, these challenges present an opportunity to rethink, reform, and realign our efforts for more efficient, impactful and sustainable outcomes.

The Nigeria 2025 HNRP is a strategic blueprint aimed at addressing these multifaceted crises. With an estimated 33 million Nigerians facing food insecurity, 1.8 million children at risk of severe malnutrition, and millions displaced across the country, the stakes are higher than ever.

Humanitarian needs extend far beyond the BAY states, affecting communities nationwide. The United Nations acknowledges these challenges and the urgency to address them. However, limited resources and capacity constraints necessitate careful prioritization to ensure the most effective use of available resources. Outside of the BAY states, a model is being developed that will jointly address humanitarian, development and peacebuilding needs. This with emphasis on development interventions addressing the underlying causes of vulnerability, reducing overall humanitarian needs.

Recognizing that the approach used in the BAY states may not be suitable for all other regions, efforts outside these areas will focus on a coordinated response with development actors to address underlying vulnerabilities. This strategy will be led by the government, leveraging national leadership and resources to ensure sustainability. A new model of coordination and response is being developed to achieve this goal.

The crises in Nigeria are rooted in a complex interplay of conflict, economic instability, and climate change. The BAY states remain the epicenter, with 7.8 million people in need, including displaced individuals and host communities. Conflict continues to drive displacement, disrupt livelihoods, and erode access to basic services. At the same time, climate-related disasters, such as the devastating floods of 2024, have exacerbated vulnerabilities, destroying homes, farmland, and critical infrastructure.

These challenges are compounded by systemic inequities. Women and children face heightened risks, from gender-based violence to malnutrition and lack of access to education. Girls and women are also often excluded from access to health care, livelihoods and decision-making processes. People with disabilities report feeling overlooked in aid distribution, highlighting the need for inclusive and equitable approaches. These disparities demand targeted interventions that prioritize the most marginalized.

Recognizing the need for transformative action, the 2025 HNRP introduces key reforms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian responses. First, we aim to reduce transaction costs by localizing aid delivery, channeling more resources through national and local organizations that better understand community dynamics. Empowering these organizations not only enhances local acceptance but also ensures faster, more trusted responses.

Second, it promotes a shift from reactive to anticipatory and proactive approaches to humanitarian action. By investing in early warning systems and pre-agreed trigger mechanisms, we can respond swiftly to predictable shocks such as floods and disease outbreaks. Allocating 5% of the budget to anticipatory action is a step toward minimizing human suffering and resource wastage.

Third, we are committed to leveraging partnerships with development actors and the Government to address the root causes of vulnerability. By integrating humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts, we can create durable solutions that reduce reliance on aid and promote long-term stability.

Finally, the plan seeks to diversify funding sources. Traditional funding mechanisms are no longer sufficient to meet growing needs. Innovative approaches, including private sector engagement and government-led initiatives, are essential to bridging the gap.

The success of the 2025 HNRP depends on the collective efforts of all stakeholders. Humanitarian actors must collaborate closely with the government, civil society, and affected communities to ensure that assistance is tailored, inclusive, and effective. Donors are called upon to sustain their commitment, recognizing that their support is vital to driving the necessary reforms and innovations.

More than anything, we must challenge our perceptions of humanitarian assistance. It is not a standalone solution but a critical component of a broader strategy that includes development and peacebuilding. By aligning our actions with these principles, we can address immediate needs while paving the way for resilience and empowerment.

As we embark on this journey, let us draw inspiration from the resilience of those we serve. Their courage and determination remind us of the profound impact we can achieve through collective action.

I call upon all stakeholders to support the 2025 HNRP. Together, let us invest in humanity and leave no one behind.

Mohamed Malick Fall is the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria.