Development Diagnosis Initiative - DDI

26/01/2026

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17/01/2026

JERRY EZE FOUNDATION DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT GRANT, Doing "What God Cannot Do" That Exists

One of the most heart-warming news stories coming out of Nigeria, Africa, this 2026, is the business innovation and incubation programme in technology, agriculture and manufacturing initiated by the Pastor Jerry Eze Foundation, themed: "Jerry Eze Foundation Digital Empowerment Grant."

While this may not be the first of its philanthropic kind in Nigeria, Africa, by an individual, or organisation, this, however, is unique, coming from a self-effacing young man, who, just before the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, was an unknown quantity. The burst and meteoric rise from obscurity to national, continental and global limelight stems from his brand of intelligent prayer and worship "content" via mass communication, and social mediation.

The focus on technical (technology), agriculture and manufacturing sectors represents a significant effort to drive grassroots economic empowerment, cultivate a mindset of intentionality, self-reliance, and purpose among Nigerian youth, and potentially transform them into future mentors and economic drivers.

Initially announced as a $300, 000 (450 million naira) initiative to support 100 young entrepreneurs with at least $3, 000 each, it has since grown to $525, 000 (N780 million naira) for 175 young entrepreneurs through additional donations from Tonye Cole - ($60, 000 for another 20 entrepreneurs), Tony Elumelu - ($60, 000 for another 20 entrepreneurs), and Nuvion Bank and Flutterwave - ($105, 000 for another 35 entrepreneurs). It did not stop at donations; Elumelu volunteered a 12-week business education course for all the awardees, while Flutterwave added technical backstopping (guarantee, or support mechanism to prevent failure) for tech awardees.

I am convinced that many more individuals and organisations will key in on the project, knowing that the man behind the project has shown that he knows where he is going, and the world is willing to pave the way for him.

Jerry Eze Foundation's programme aligns with broader national priorities, such as those in Nigeria's Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, by targeting sectors that are foundational to sustainable development.

Some of the key benefits of this Innovation programme are:

1. Economic Growth and Job Creation: By providing seed funding for start-ups, it will enable the establishment of businesses, which can generate employment opportunities in a high-unemployment country like Nigeria. Manufacturing being one of the areas of focus could boost local production, thus, reducing reliance on import and stimulating GDP growth in a sector that currently contributes about 9% to Nigeria's economy.

2. Agricultural Advancement and Food Security: Agriculture employs over 35% of Nigerians, yet it faces challenges like low productivity and poor value-chain processing. Grants for innovative agribusiness ideas, such as tech-enabled farming or value-added processing, can enhance yields, improve supply chains, and support rural economies.

3. Technological Innovation and Industrialisation: Funding technical projects fosters digital transformation, including areas like fintech, AI, and e-commerce, which align with Nigeria's growing tech ecosystem. This can accelerate industrialisation, attract foreign investment, and position Nigeria as a regional hub, similar to how the Tony Elumelu Foundation has scaled African start-ups.

4. Poverty Reduction and Inclusive Development: Targeting underserved youth promotes social equity, particularly in rural and urban areas, by building human capital and reducing inequality. Over time, successful grantees could create multiplier effects, such as community uplift and tax revenues for public services.

Besides these inherent benefits, the programme will also provide inspiration and mentorship for the youth. The business education course by Tony Elumelu and technical backstopping by Flutterwave to the awardees constitute mentorship programming, which extends beyond financial aid.

The processes for application and selection of awardees, having been outsourced to a reputable international organisation, no doubt will ensure transparency and merit, thereby making the grant available to those who would grow it and look forward to empowering others in no distant future.

This holistic approach, rooted in Pastor Jerry Eze's vision of caring for the total man, combines faith-based motivation with practical entrepreneurship tools. There is no better SERMON than inspiration through opportunities and role modelling. Offering accessible funding for ideas in tech, agriculture and manufacturing would motivate the youth to pursue entrepreneurship amid economic hardship, signalling that innovative ideas can lead to tangible success.

Pastor Jerry Eze, as a prominent clergyman with a massive following via the New Season Prophetic Prayer Declarations (NSPPD), serves as an inspirational leader who demonstrates how faith and action can drive change, encourages participants to view business as a form of service and resilience beyond his popular declaration: "What God cannot do does not exist." By this noble act, Jerry Eze, no doubt, has found one or two things that God cannot do, and has gone ahead to do them for God, thus giving life and deeper meaning to the declaration.

I was a devotee of Jerry Eze's morning prayer marathon before his uncanny tendency to cry became unbearable for my fragile emotions. Once he starts crying, I will start crying, and the devotion ends for me. I had always tried to know why he sheds tears so profusely, and with such ease, but couldn't fathom it. But now I know better: He groans from an inner burden to innovate, incubate and fund technology, agriculture and manufacturing ideas.

Written by Rowland Enwerem - Research Lead, Development Diagnosis Initiative (DDI).

Enquiries: [email protected], 08034511753

15/01/2026

A Spectre is Looming:
The Taxation of Every Income, the Taxification of Every Expenditure, and the Affliction of Hardship

08/01/2026

08/01/2026

AN ASSESSMENT OF JUSTICE INYANG EKWO'S FICTIONAL WORKS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY

Introduction

Justice Ekwo Inyang would have been a child literary prodigy if he had published some of his fictional works as early as he began to write. Widely known for his distinguished career in the Nigerian judiciary and his extensive legal scholarship, also stands out as a creative literary voice. Beyond his legal texts, which have contributed to the development of Nigerian jurisprudence, he has authored five fictional novels and a remarkable anthology, demonstrating a multidimensional intellect that bridges the worlds of law, society, and imaginative storytelling.

His fictional works reveal deep reflections on human behaviour, moral choices, power dynamics, and the social realities that shape contemporary Nigerian lives.

This assessment examines Ekwo's fictional writings:

1. Storm in the Will, 2008, which received the ANA/Jacaranda Prose Prize 2009. Republished in 2020 by Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co., LLC, USA/Singapore

2. Just a Mile More, 2009. Republished in 2022 by Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co., LLC, USA/Singapore

3. Beyond the Yard, 2012, which received the ANA Prose Prize (1st Runner up) in 2012. Republished in 2022 by Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co., LLC, USA/Singapore

4. The Fall of Silence, 2013, which received the ANA/Chevron Prose Prize (1st Runner up) in 2013. Republished in 2022 by Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co., LLC, USA/Singapore

5. Mission of the Dusk, which has undergone rave reviews. Republished in 2020 by Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co., LLC, USA/Singapore

6. Fingers of the Heart, an anthology. Most of the poems in the anthology have received several awards.

These books help to evaluate how his creative contributions extend beyond literature into social consciousness and public enlightenment. It was due to the wide acclaim for the novels that they have been republished by Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co., LLC, USA/Singapore.

Overview of His Fictional Works

Storm in the Will: This novel explores the turbulence of personal decisions, internal conflicts, and the consequences of moral wavering. Ekwo uses internal monologue and character-driven narrative to explain how individuals struggle against both external and self-imposed pressures. The story illustrates how inner turmoil, if unresolved, can shape destinies and relationships through several generations.

Just a Mile More: A narrative of perseverance, resilience, and human endurance. The text reflects Ekwo's interest in determination and human spirit's capacity to rise above obstacles. Themes of hope, sacrifice and aspiration resonate strongly, making the novel both inspirational and socially relevant.

Beyond the Yard: This work addresses society from the perspective of spaces, physical and metaphorical. Ekwo examines what lies beyond the familiar: new opportunities presented in unfamiliar environment, unexpected challenges, and the confrontation with the unknown. It engages with themes of curiosity, ambition, and the courage to step outside comfort zones.

The Fall of Silence: A powerful exploration of suppressed truths, injustice, and the eventual eruption of hidden realities. The novel echoes the author's judicial background, as the plot deals with the moral consequences of speaking out. Ekwo uses suspense and social commentary to show how truth can reshape communities and personal identities.

Mission of the Dusk: A richly atmospheric novel that suggests transition, uncertainty, and the threshold between light and darkness - symbolically and literally. The text explores themes of change, destiny, and responsibility. With dramatic tension and well-developed characters, Ekwo reflects on how individuals navigate eras of decline or transformation.

Fingers of the Heart: The anthology showcases the author's poetic sensibilities and emotional depth. The collection touches on love, loss, humanity and subtle nuances of human experience. It reveals a softer, more intimate side of the author, highlighting his ability to express empathy, tenderness and introspection.

Literary Style and Strengths

Justice Inyang Ekwo's fictional writing is marked by:

a. Strong moral vision: His works often revolve around ethical choices, justice, truth and personal responsibility.

b. Character-driven narratives: He builds complex characters whose journeys reflect societal realities and psychological depth.

c. Symbolism and metaphor: Titles like "Mission of the Dusk" and "The Fall of Silence" demonstrate layered storytelling.

d. Humanistic themes: Love, struggle, truth, perseverance and transformation weave consistently through his works.

e. Accessible but thoughtful language: His fiction remains readable while maintaining philosophical richness.

His background in law enriches his storytelling with themes of justice, conflict resolution, accountability and societal order.

Contributions to Society through Fiction

Though known primarily as a jurist, Ekwo's fictional works contribute meaningfully to society in several ways:

1) Social Awareness and Moral Education: His novels address ethical dilemmas, truth-telling, justice, and integrity. These are values that are essential to social stability. Through relatable characters, he conveys lessons that resonate with readers across professions and ages.

2) Youth inspiration: Themes of perseverance offer motivation to young people facing personal and societal challenges.

3) Humanization of Law: By writing fictions, Ekwo brings human face to issues often seen only through legal or bureaucratic lenses. His creative stories bridge the gap between the judiciary and the everyday realities of citizens.

4) Cultural Enrichment: His works contribute to Nigerian literature and establish him among jurists who also become cultural icons, who expand the intellectual landscape of the country.

5) Encouragement of Creative Expression: His dual career shows that professionals, including judges and lawyers, can participate in the arts. This challenges stereotypes and encourages broader participation in literature.

Overall Assessment

Justice Inyang Ekwo's fictional endeavours reveal him as a versatile writer with depth, empathy and social consciousness. His stories demonstrate a keen understanding of human character, moral complexity, and societal challenges. Through his novels and anthology, he offers reflections that enrich readers' perspectives on justice, personal growth, truth and human emotions.

His contributions to society extend beyond the courtroom. As a writer, he elevates public understanding, inspires moral clarity, and adds meaningful voices to Nigeria's literary scene. His ability to combine legal intellect with imaginative storytelling makes him a distinctive and influential figure whose works deserve wider recognition both within and beyond Nigeria.

Written by Rowland Enwerem - Research Lead, Development Diagnosis Initiative (DDI).

Enquiries: [email protected], 08034511753

06/01/2026

A REVIEW OF JUSTICE INYANG EKWO'S LAW LITERATURE AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE

Introduction

Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo, in theory and practice, unarguably is one of the finest legal minds and jurists in the contemporary Nigerian judiciary, and without a doubt, within the Commonwealth's legal system. This argument stems from a general overview of his scholarly works in academic journals; his seminal and groundbreaking law literature, as well as his pronouncements on law and jurisprudence.

Ascribing to Justice Ekwo as a scholar-jurist, one whose intellectual works, judicial service, and institutional involvement have contributed meaningfully to the development of law and jurisprudence, is just stating the facts. His career reflects a rare blend of academic scholarship, practical legal administration, and judicial craftsmanship. These are elements that have shaped his influence within the Nigerian legal system and beyond.

This Review, therefore, assesses his principal legal writings and their significance, as well as his broader contributions to jurisprudence and the administration of justice in Nigeria.

Overview of His Intellectual and Scholarly Background

Justice Ekwo's legal scholarship is grounded on a solid academic foundation, comprising advanced legal degrees and decades of experience with legal practice, corporate regulation, and judicial adjudication. His stint at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) helped to enrich his understanding of corporate governance, non-profit regulation, and institutional compliance. This experience, no doubt, helped to weave his thoughts into writing most of his literary and legal works.

His transition to the Federal High Court of Nigeria added a jurisprudential dimension to his intellectual output, positioning him not only as a judge but also as an educator, researcher, and author whose writings bridge theory and practice.

Review of His Major Legal Literatures

Justice Ekwo's contributions to Nigerian legal literature are seminal, broad and impactful, having always stemmed from rare and specialised areas - often neglected, or indeed uncharted territories in mainstream legal scholarship.

Among his key legal works are:

1. Drug Laws Enforcement and Administration in Nigeria, 2018, Princeton Associates, Lagos, Nigeria.

2. Education Law and Administration in Nigeria, 2010, Odade Publishers, Lagos, Nigeria

3. Incorporated Trustees: Law and Practice in Nigeria, 2007, LexisNexis, South Africa.

4. Incorporated Trustees Law for Churches and Religious Associations, 2003, Brighter Law Publications Limited, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Drug Laws Enforcement and Administration in Nigeria: This text is one of the few comprehensive examinations of Nigeria's drug-control legal framework. It addresses the statutory structure of drug regulation, the roles of enforcement agencies, procedural challenges, and the policy gaps that affect effective drug-law administration. The book is especially valuable because it synthesises criminal law, administrative law, and regulatory practice into a unified analysis, making it a significant reference for prosecutors, judges, law enforcement institutions, and academics studying narcotics law.

Education Law and Administration in Nigeria: This examines the legal framework governing educational institutions, management authorities, students' rights, disciplinary processes, and governmental oversight. The book contributes significantly to the growing field of education law, offering insights that guide administrators, policymakers and legal practitioners.

Incorporated Trustees: Law and Practice in Nigeria: Here, Justice Ekwo provides an authoritative exploration of the legal status, governance rules, and statutory requirements for incorporated trustees, entities widely used by religious bodies, NGOs, associations and charitable organisations. His analysis clarifies compliance duties under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), procedures for registration, powers and liabilities of trustees, and judicial interpretations governing non-profit entities

Incorporated Trustees Law for Churches and Religious Associations: This was written before "Incorporated Trustees: Law and Practice in Nigeria." They both clarify compliance duties under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), procedures for registration, powers and liabilities of trustees, and judicial interpretations governing non-profit entities. However, "Incorporated Trustees Law for Churches and Religious Associations" fills a critical gap for churches and religious organisations whose operations are often misunderstood or improperly regulated.

Beyond these major publications, Justice Ekwo has written articles, papers and seminar materials (local and international) that engage with corporate administration, judicial ethics, legal reforms, and the structure of Nigeria's regulatory institutions.

Even his fictional works could be unmistakable as "law fictions" as they are suffused with legal ruminations and drama, in the mode of "Lamb Tales from Shakespeare." In fact, lawyers who desire proper grounding in instituting cases in courts and exercising the diligence to follow through with such cases should obtain his books of fiction for guidance.

These writings further demonstrate his commitment to developing underexplored areas of Nigerian law.

Influence beyond the legal academy:

a. Impact on civic institutions: Churches, Mosques, NGOs, schools, drug-control agencies, and civic associations rely on his works to guide decision-making and organisational structure. This broad public utility extends his influence far beyond the courtroom.

b. Contributions to Public Policy and Governance: His analyses often highlight gaps in existing laws and suggest involvement in the administration practice. Such insights are valuable to policymakers and reform advocates seeking to strengthen governance.

c. Promotion of Rule of Law: By emphasising due process, compliance, institutional integrity, and ethical leadership, Ekwo's works reinforce the foundations of a democratic society grounded in the rule of law.

Contribution to Law, Judicial Reasoning and Jurisprudence:

i. Development of specialised areas of law: Through his publications, Justice Ekwo has contributed to expanding the boundaries of Nigerian legal literature in areas such as non-profit law, drug enforcement law and administration, and education law and administration; these are fields with limited scholarship and high practical relevance.

ii. Influence on Legal Practice and Institutional Compliance: His works serve as reference materials for courts, government agencies, NGOs, churches, universities and legal practitioners seeking clarity on compliance, governance and statutory interpretation. This demonstrates his broader societal impact beyond the courtroom.

iii. Contributions to Judicial Interpretation and Jurisprudence: On the bench, he has delivered decisions that engage complex legal questions involving administrative law, corporate regulation, civil rights and public interest matters. His judgments often reflect the depth of his academic orientation and commitment to statutory clarity.

Overall Assessment and Legacy

Justice Inyang Ekwo's contribution to the judiciary demonstrates a commitment to strengthening the administration of law, enriching legal education, and expanding Nigeria's jurisprudential landscape. His legal writings remain important resources for practitioners and scholars, offering clarity in fields that lack sufficient scholarly attention.

Without any iota of doubt, or at the risk of contradiction, Justice Inyang Ekwo's law literature and judicial service place him among the scholar-jurists whose works contribute meaningfully to the understanding, development, and application of law in Nigeria.

His influence is evident in academic circles, legal practice, institutional governance, and the broader jurisprudential evolution of the Nigerian legal system.

Written by Rowland Enwerem - Research Lead, Development Diagnosis Initiative (DDI).

Enquiries: [email protected], 08034511753