The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Israeli strike on UN school in Gaza reportedly kills at least 35

    Israeli strike on UN school in Gaza reportedly kills at least 35

    An Israeli air strike on a United Nations school crowded with displaced Palestinians in central Gaza has reportedly killed at least 35 people.

    Residents reported that the attack occurred in the early hours of yesterday at Al-Sardi school, situated in the densely-populated Nuseirat camp, where Unrwa provides services. The school was housing hundreds of displaced individuals who had fled from other conflict zones in Gaza.

    An eyewitness said a warplane fired two missiles at classrooms on the top floor of the school in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp. Videos depicted the aftermath of the strike, showing extensive destruction and numerous casualties.

    Israel’s military stated that it had “conducted a precise strike on a Hamas compound” within the school premises, claiming to have killed many of the 20 to 30 fighters it believed were present.

    However, Gaza’s Hamas-run Government Media Office refuted these allegations, accusing Israel of perpetrating a “horrific massacre.”

    The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa), Philippe Lazzarini, who manages the school, condemned the incident as “horrific” and expressed shock at the suggestion that armed groups might have been inside the shelter.

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    Dead and wounded individuals were rushed to the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital in the nearby town of Deir al-Balah, which has been overwhelmed since the Israeli military initiated a new ground operation against Hamas in central Gaza.

    The circumstances surrounding the strike in Nuseirat remain unclear, and the BBC is actively verifying incoming information.

    Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos and devastation, with one survivor describing how he heard a loud explosion followed by smoke filling the air. Another resident awoke to the sight of bodies strewn everywhere, while videos circulated on social media documented the destruction and casualties.

    The death toll initially reported by residents exceeded 20, but later, officials at al-Aqsa Hospital disclosed receiving 40 bodies from the school. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry confirmed that 40 people, including 14 children and nine women, were killed, with 74 others injured.

    Philippe Lazzarini emphasized that the school was struck “without prior warning,” stressing the imperative of protecting UN premises and personnel at all times.

  • Tracking Nigeria’s response to open defecation scourge

    Tracking Nigeria’s response to open defecation scourge

    One of the problems bedevilling Nigeria is the health effects of open defecation whose impact, according to available statistics, is huge. In this special report, OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE writes that it is heart-wrenching that more than 100,000 children less than five years of age die each year as a result of diarrhoea which results from unsafe drinking water, unhealthy sanitation and other Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)-related diseases.

    SOpen defecation practice remains a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Certain individual factors such as age, educational attainment, media exposure, household wealth status, and access to drinking water are relatively associated with open defecation practice.

    Moreover, community-level factors such as residence, country income status and region in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have a significant effect on open defecation. There is a significantly disproportionate pro-poor distribution of open defecation practices in the region.

    Each country should prioritise the elimination of open defecation practices that focus on the poorest communities, rural societies and areas that have limited access to water. Media exposure and education should be on the front burner. Moreover, public health interventions should target narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor in terms of open defecation practices among households, including provisions of subsidies to the poor.

    The United Nations (UN) recognises access to clean water, sanitation and health (WASH) as a human rights issue. Despite achieving some progress in improving access to these essential services, billions of people globally still lack them.

    According to a 2015 UN report and another by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 2021 report, over 4.5 billion people or over half of the global population lack safe sanitation. Additionally, 946 million people continue to practice open defecation.

    With an estimated 46 million Nigerians still practising open defecation, it ranks one of the highest among the countries with the highest number of people that are still practising open defecation.

    T he Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu said the practice has the populace, especially children, in the areas of health and education and has contributed to the country’s failure to meet the MDG target.

    Furthermore, he stated that the sanitation situation in the country prompted the National Council on Water Resources in 2014 to prioritise the development of a roadmap that aims at eliminating open defecation in the country, in line with the United Nations global campaign for ending open defecation.

    He said: “This initiative tagged “Making Nigeria Open Defecation-free by 2025: A National Roadmap was developed by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources with invaluable support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other key sector players across Nigeria.

    “In 2016, the National Council on Water Resources endorsed this roadmap as a means of eliminating open defecation in Nigeria.”

    The Roadmap,  according to him,  provides a guide towards achieving an open defecation-free country; using different approaches such as capacity development; promotion of improved technology options through sanitation marketing; provision of sanitation facilities in public places; community-led total sanitation; promotional and media campaigns; creating enabling environment and coordination mechanism.

    The minister noted that the strategy document is an indicative investment required for achieving the roadmap showing the cost by the government at all levels and the private sector, especially for the construction of sanitation facilities in public places and the cost by households for the construction of household sanitation facilities.

    The Roadmap, he further stated, provides a basis for the development of the Partnership for Water and Sanitation (PEWASH) programme which aims at establishing a multi-sectoral partnership among government, development partners and the private sector to support the empowerment of rural dwellers in Nigeria through the provision of adequate water supply and sanitation services.

    He promised that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources will provide the enabling environment, leadership and coordination required to achieve this target by working together with communities, civil society organisations, development agencies, the private sector and the government at sub-national levels to transverse the length and breadth of their communities to deliver hygiene promotion messages.

    According to a 2021 WASH National Routine Mapping (WASHNORM) survey, 47 million people in Nigeria still practice open defecation.

    In 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari declared a state of emergency in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector, demonstrating political will at the highest level of government and launched a national campaign tagged “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” to jump-start the country’s journey towards becoming open defecation-free by 2025.

    Current situation

    According to the latest data, 122 million people were practising open defecation in the West and Central Africa Region (WCAR) in 2015. The number has increased by 34 million since 2000 as the rate of progress in ending open defecation was insufficient to account for population growth. West and Central Africa Region accounts for 14 per cent of global open defecation with eight countries having more than five million open defecators, including Nigeria which ranks second in the world with 47 million. In addition, in 12 of the region’s 24 countries, more than 20 per cent of the population practises open defecation.

    Inequities persist in terms of location and wealth, with almost 85 per cent of the open defecators living in rural areas, while people in the poorest quintile are nine times more likely to defecate in the open than those from the richest quintile.

    Ending open defecation as key for WCAR children

    Open defecation contaminates the environment and spreads disease (diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, dysentery). These preventable child killers result from poor sanitary and hygiene conditions and contribute to stunting, which affects the physical and mental development of 28 million children in WCAR.

    Statistics show that one in four children less than five years of age exhibit severe stunting, while one in 10 is wasted due to frequent episodes of diarrhea. Open defecation also causes losses in productivity and valuable time that could be spent on productive tasks.

    When there is no toilet at school, children will go home to use the toilet or defecate on the school grounds. Girls are often absent from school during menstrual periods and lack access to quality products, infrastructure and information for managing their menstrual cycle in safety and dignity.  The World Bank estimates that inadequate sanitation costs African countries billions of dollars each year in lost gross domestic product (GDP).

     Also, UNICEF will work with governments to build supportive business environments and regulatory frameworks; enabling an enhanced engagement of the private sector to provide adequate and affordable sanitation services.

    Also, WaterAid, a UK non-governmental organisation (NGO) that focuses on adequate and clean water and sanitation said it is working closely with the Nigerian government as part of its commitment to making everyone access clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene by 2030. It praised what it called powerful women and youths; traditional and religious institutions’ voices that help them in changing the course of women and youths.

    In a document, the NGO illustrated the extent of work it has done, especially for women in the village of Orwua Nyam where it used to be tough to get potable water. It noted that women had to walk for a long distance to get water from a dirty river.

    The statement added that “the organisation has built a new hand pump so that women and girls can collect clean water without having to leave the village.

    It further stated that “people no longer fall sick and there is no need to cross the road in search of water. This means more time for work on the farm and at home, and the environment is neat. Everyone is knowledgeable about sanitation, including small children.”

     Tackling the toilet crisis

    The UK Water and Sanitation organisation has stated that over half of the population–116 million people–live without a private and safe environment that will enable them to have easy means to use the toilet comfortably.

    “Pupils in schools without toilets have no choice but to go to the bush to ease themselves–just metres away from where they play at break time. There’s nowhere to wash their hands, nor for girls to manage their periods hygienically.

    “Thanks to our sanitation project. More than 300,000 people across Ekiti, Enugu and Jigawa, three of Nigeria’s poorest states, now have decent toilets. About 119 communities have been declared free from open defecation. School pupils no longer entertain the fear of using the toilet,” it said.

    It further said that although the government has made some progress in reaching out to more people with clean water, one in five Nigerians are still going without having access to clean water. Many schools have no toilets; and health clinics struggle without running water. And, as thousands of people move to urban areas, makeshift homes are built without any access to essential water, sanitation and hygiene services.

    It’s estimated that 44.5 million people don’t have clean water close to their homes; that’s one in every five people while about 117 million people don’t have decent toilets of their own; as it is estimated that more than 65,000 children less than five years die every year as a result of diarrhoea which results from dirty water, poor toilets and lack of hygiene facilities.

    The document also stated that the organisation is working closely with the Federal Government as part of its commitment to provide everyone with clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene by 2030.

    On what motivated people to imprThey attributed their successes to the sanitation project where, at least more than 300,000 people across Ekiti, Enugu and Jigawa, now have decent toilets and 119 communities have been declared open defecation-free. School pupils no longer fear going to the toilet. Instead, having decent toilets in homes and schools has become a normal trend.

  • Inside Gombe’s herders, farmers peace deal

    Inside Gombe’s herders, farmers peace deal

    Gombe State celebrated a significant milestone last year, marking the first time in decades without violent clashes between herders and farmers. This achievement underscores the state’s commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence, essential for agricultural and economic growth. Simple yet profound demands from both groups include fairness from governing authorities and protection of their livelihoods—cattle and crops. EMMANUEL CHIDI-MAHA reports

    Last year marked a significant milestone for Gombe State, as it was the first time in decades that no violent clashes occurred between herders and farmers. While past years have seen relatively peaceful interactions, this achievement stands out as particularly noteworthy. The herders and farmers have simple yet profound demands: they seek fairness from governing authorities and protection for their means of livelihood—their cattle and crops.

    Additionally, they are advocating for educational opportunities for their children and other initiatives to help them thrive. The nomadic pastoralists express a strong desire to be integrated into mainstream society, believing this will help sustain and further the peace they have worked so hard to achieve. A series of meetings between leaders of various farming and herding groups have been instrumental in creating a safer farming environment. These discussions have already begun to yield the much-desired positive results, fostering a sense of cooperation and mutual understanding that bodes well for the future of Gombe State.

    Last week, the leadership of both farmers and herders were invited to a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Gombe, the state capital. This meeting was one of several initiatives aimed at solidifying the peace between these two groups in the state. The town hall meeting underscored the Gombe State government’s commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, a crucial element for the state’s agricultural and economic growth. Participants left the meeting with a renewed sense of purpose and cooperation, hopeful for a peaceful and productive year ahead.

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    Indeed, Gombe State may no longer experience clashes between farmers and herders as the state government builds on its success in maintaining peace between both groups. Though the town hall meeting was a relatively small gathering, its impact could extend beyond ensuring food security within Gombe State to influencing neighbouring regions. Leaders of farmer and herder groups gathered to strengthen their cooperation and understanding, fostering a more harmonious and productive future.

    The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Dr Barnabas M. Malle, also known as Magayakin Kamo, represented Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the meeting. He emphasised that the state government views peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders as essential for the state’s agricultural and economic growth.

    He stated that Governor Yahaya has vowed to build on the prevailing peaceful coexistence among groups and communities in the state. The commissioner highlighted that this commitment is a crucial part of the state’s renewed efforts to prevent farmer-herder conflicts. Malle, who chairs the Farmers/Herders Prevention and Settlement of Dispute Committee, praised Governor Yahaya’s leadership in ensuring a clash-free farming season the previous year. He called on the people of Gombe State to continue supporting the Inuwa-led administration’s developmental projects, particularly in the agricultural sector.

    He announced that in June 2024, the government would provide farmers with subsidized fertilizer to promote a bountiful harvest. The Commissioner noted that in 2020, Governor Yahaya reactivated the Farmer-Herder (Disputes Prevention and Settlement) Committee under the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry. The aim was to create a platform dedicated to deploying strategies to prevent lingering conflicts between farmers and cattle herders, an issue that has plagued other states in the federation.

    According to him, the committee had been left dormant in previous years, largely ineffective and without the necessary resources to address the ongoing conflicts. However, with the advent of Governor Yahaya’s administration, the committee was revitalised and given the critical support and resources needed to operate effectively. This included not only financial backing but also the authority to implement comprehensive strategies aimed at mitigating conflicts between farmers and herders. Dr. Malle emphasised that this renewed focus has enabled the committee to undertake proactive measures, such as community engagement programmes, conflict resolution workshops and regular dialogue sessions between the farming and herding communities. These initiatives are designed to foster mutual understanding and cooperation, addressing grievances before they escalate into violent clashes.

    The commissioner’s remarks underscored the importance of sustained support from the community to ensure the long-term success of these efforts. He called on the people of Gombe State to continue backing the administration, particularly in its initiatives aimed at agricultural development and conflict prevention. This, he argued, is crucial for maintaining the peace and enhancing the overall economic prosperity of the region. Dr. Malle also highlighted the broader impact of these efforts, noting that a stable and peaceful agricultural environment not only benefits the local economy but also contributes to national food security. By preventing conflicts and ensuring that both farmers and herders can operate without fear of violence, Gombe State sets an example for other regions facing similar challenges, he said. According to him, the state’s proactive approach serves as a model for conflict resolution and sustainable development, demonstrating how effective governance and community collaboration can lead to lasting peace and prosperity. He concluded by reaffirming the state government’s commitment to maintaining and building upon the peaceful coexistence achieved thus far, reiterating the governor’s pledge to continue supporting initiatives that promote harmony between farmers and herders so that Gombe State can remain a beacon of stability and agricultural success.

    “The main task of the committee is not dispute settlement, but dispute prevention between farmers and herders for the development of our dear state. We will not allow any herder to come into Gombe State until our farmers take all their farm produce back home; therefore from tomorrow, our committee will start visiting emirates and chiefdoms to meet with stakeholders and pass the message across,” the commissioner added.

    He expressed a strong conviction in the Committee’s determination to ensure that any room for disputes between the two parties is averted. Malle emphasised that the Committee’s proactive measures and comprehensive strategies are geared towards maintaining peace and fostering a cooperative relationship between farmers and herders. “Through continuous dialogue, conflict resolution workshops, and community engagement programs, we are committed to addressing potential issues before they escalate,” he stated. “Our goal is to create an environment where both farmers and herders can thrive without fear of conflict.”

    He reiterated that the reactivation of the Farmer-Herder (Disputes Prevention and Settlement) Committee has been instrumental in mitigating conflicts and promoting mutual understanding. The Committee’s efforts have already shown positive results, with a noticeable decrease in violent outbreaks and a significant improvement in the relationship between the two groups. He concluded by urging all stakeholders to remain committed to the cause of peace and to support the Committee’s initiatives. “The success of our efforts depends on the cooperation and support of everyone involved. By working together, we can ensure a stable and prosperous future for all residents of Gombe State,” he said.

    In summary, the renewed efforts by the Gombe State government, under the leadership of Governor Yahaya, have fostered a more peaceful and cooperative environment between farmers and herders. The revitalised Committee, with its strategic initiatives and community-focused approach, has been pivotal in preventing disputes and promoting harmony. With continued support and commitment from all stakeholders, Gombe State is poised to set an example of successful conflict resolution and sustainable agricultural development. “There has to be a dispute among parties first before settlement, in this case, we won’t even allow the dispute to happen as such our Committee is resolute to be preventive in our approach,” he said.

    In his opening remark, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu, reiterated the ministry’s dedication towards ensuring farmers and herders do not have a clash.  He called for increased cooperation from both farmers and herders to ensure lasting peace in Gombe State. The District Head of Nasarawo and Oversea Senior District Head of Gombe, Alhaji Usman Shetima, emphasized the vital role of traditional rulers in supporting the policies and programs of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration, and assured of their continuous support through raising awareness among their communities about the importance of peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

    Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Rearers Gombe State Chapter, Alhaji Modibbo Yahaya, reaffirmed the Fulani community’s commitment to working alongside the state government and noted the importance of peaceful coexistence. Yahaya also urged all Fulani groups in Gombe State to abide by the law and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture for organizing the gathering. He also pleaded for the provision of job opportunities from the government, for his people, adding that they have graduates of different educational levels amongst them.

    Governor Yahaya had called on all Local Government Chairmen to mitigate farmer-herder clashes in the local government areas. The Governor spoke while administering the oath of office on the newly elected chairpersons of the 11 local government areas in the state. He advised the new council bosses to promote peaceful co-existence and work in collaboration with security agencies and traditional rulers to establish peace in their respective councils. “Let me remind you of the crucial need to promote peaceful co-existence and safeguard the lives and property of your constituents. Given the current security situation across the country, I urge you to foster closer collaboration and cooperation with security agencies, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders, to bolster security measures that will enhance intelligence-gathering efforts and the effective performance of law enforcement agencies.

    “As the rainy season approaches, it is essential that you put in place proactive measures that are aimed at mitigating farmer-herder conflicts in our communities. As local government chairpersons, you are the closest to the grassroots. Thus, you bear great responsibility in promoting the well-being, peace and prosperity of the common man through responsive leadership. Your actions and decisions shall be guided by the collective interests of your constituents. I urge you to repay the confidence reposed in you, and to approach your job with the fear of God, honesty and accountability.”

  • Islamic musicians inaugurate excos

    Islamic musicians inaugurate excos

    The newly-inaugurated President of the Islamic Musicians Association of Nigeria (ISMAN), Abdul Azeez Adebayo, has expressed his commitment to repositioning the association and prioritising the welfare of members.

    He spoke at the inauguration of the national executives and investiture of life patron which held in Lagos.

    Adebayo noted that his administration would be open to dialogue proper consultations before taking decisions. He said the administration is poised to carry out beneficial projects and impact all members.

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    “Our administration shall govern and not rule over you. We are here to heal and mend this association, not to tear it apart. We shall always consult and dialogue, but never dictate. This administration will be carrying out huge projects such as building a National Secretariat, National Central Mosque, Nursery and Primary Schools, new buses, among others,” he said.

    The guest lecturer, Abdullai Ibrahim urged the executives to display discipline, integrity and humility and the fear of God in the discharge of their duties.

    The oath was administered on the executives as they vowed to adhere to the rules and regulations of the association, Islam and the Constitution.

  • FOMWAN empowers women with financial literacy

    FOMWAN empowers women with financial literacy

    The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), said it has continue to provide entrepreneurial and vocational skills to women to become self-reliant.

    This, the organization, said was to advance the welfare of women, children, less privileged, orphans and widows.

    Speaking during the a briefing to herald FOMWAN week, Lagos State Amirah, Alhaja Sherifat Ajagbe, said this year’s theme: ‘Economic empowerment for indigents: A life-changing venture for self-reliance and poverty alleviation’ is centred on self-improvement, cleanliness and giving helping hand.

    She said: “Though the world is going through tough times because of economic crisis, the best solution to get through the challenges is by adaptation and the ability to take the right steps. As Muslim women, we should not be in despair or disturbed because it is a global issue affecting everybody directly or indirectly. In addition to our level of spirituality, we should be emotionally stable and mentally prepared to be relevant and meet the needs of time.”

    She said the FOMWAN week is for assessment and the beginning of the association’s new calendar year which is widely celebrated throughout the nation by the entire FOMWAN family.

    “It is a kind of religious and socio-economic function purposely designed to mark and review the association’s past activities, reflect and assess what we have been able to achieve, correct out shortfalls and work towards improving on them. It is also an occasion to brainstorm and project into the future. The weeklong week will include lectures, visitation to FOMWAN elders and public homes with gifts and cleaning of public places, like mosques and markets,” she said.

    Ajabge noted that FOMWAN as a non-governmental and non-profit making religious body encouraged service to humanity.

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    “We spread love and take care of widows, orphans and the vulnerable. Therefore, in line with this Year’s theme, the association is set to empower three less-privileged members amongst our fold to mark the FOMWAN week, with the hope of uplifting them morally, spiritually and economically,” she added.

    FOMWAN National Chairperson on Community Development and Humanitarian Services, Alhaja Khairat Sodique, said the association has been equipping individuals, particularly those facing challenges, with tools and resources they need to become financially independent, adding that the FOMWAN week is a unifying programme worth celebrating every year.

    “We bring different programmes every year, three years ago we taught our people how to make soap, air freshener, insecticide and others but we are doing something different because the country’s economy is harsh. Everybody is affected including the rich. That is why we say this year we must do things differently to help one another and that is why we decided to bring financial literacy training to teach ourselves how to be financially stable.”

  • Ex-NAHCON boss seeks training for Zakat beneficiaries

    Ex-NAHCON boss seeks training for Zakat beneficiaries

    The immediate past Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, has called on zakat institutions to prioritise the training of beneficiaries on entrepreneurship and business ideas.

    He said this is important to eliminate the situation where people become perennial receivers of zakat after failing to utilise previous zakat funds judiciously.

    The former NAHCON boss said this at the Zakat fund distribution of The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and the professions, where he was the guest speaker.

     “We need to sensitise our people that zakat is not what you get yearly. You are supposed to see zakat collection as a way to either temporarily ease your difficulty or for you to use the opportunity to engage in businesses that can take you out of the poverty line. So, the receivers need to understand that they are not supposed to be perennial receivers,” he said.

    Alhaji Hassan also stressed the need for increased awareness on zakat payment, noting the amount received is still insignificant when measured against the needs of people.

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    Chairman of the Zakat Committee, Imam Nojeem Jimoh, stated that the sum of N42 million was generated this year and distributed in Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Cross River, FCT, Abuja and Lagos states.

    Imam Jimoh noted that despite the economic meltdown in the country, payment of zakat to The Companion has increased continually over the years.

    “The amount that Muslims paid in zakat has increased on a continual basis. From N25 million four years ago, to N32 million year after, and N36 million last year. This year, we are distributing N42 million. There is an increased awareness on the need to pay zakat amongst the Muslims,” he said.

    National Amir (President) of The Companion, Kamil Olalekan, an engineer, said Allah instituted zakat as a form of wealth redistribution and commanded those who have excess to assist the poor and the needy.

    He urged wealthy Muslims to always pay zakat, saying it purifies and increases their wealth. He said the beneficiaries represent a small fraction of the number of applications in their data bank.

    He enjoined beneficiaries to make judicious use of what they got.

  • Nigeria’s Democratic Cobweb

    Nigeria’s Democratic Cobweb

    “….Whoever deviates from my (divine) guidance will surely live a hanging life and he/she will be resurrected as a blind person on the Day of Judgment”. Q. 20 verse 124.

    Monologue

    Besides being man’s natural teacher, history continues to serve as man’s principal reminder about the past occurrences and human experiences in handling those occurrences. Such is for the purpose of shaping the future,in proper perspective, to the benefit of mankind. This is a period in Nigeria when history’s role as a reminder can be most active.  

    Memory Lane

    At the main entrance of the University of Cordoba in Spain, a unique, historic   inscription was conspicuously hung. The contents of that inscription are as follows:

    “The world is sustained by four formidable pillars: the wisdom of the learned; the justice of the great; the prayers of the righteous and the valour of the brave”.

     For centuries, that inscription served as an impeccable template that guided people seeking knowledge acquisition through academic prowess and exemplary conduct in the ivory towers of all other Universities subsequently established around the world.

    University of Cordoba was the very first University ever established in the world. It was established by the Muslim Arabs of the second Umayyad dynasty in Spain, in the 9thcentury. After its establishment, that University came to partner with another tertiary research institution that had preceded it existence and named Baytul Hikmah (Home of Wisdom).

    BaytulHikmah was established in the early 9th century, by the Abbasid dynasty, in Iraq.

    However, It was the University of Cordoba that opened the eyes of the entire world to tertiary education and enabled the Caucasian race of the West to attain unthinkable pinnacle of technological heights in human history.

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    It must be remembered that the three oldest Universities in the world today are offshoots of the University of Cordoba. They are the Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt; the Qarawiyyin University in Fez, Morocco and the Zaytuniyyah University in Tunis, Tunisia. Those three Universities were established about the same time in the 10th century. Each of them had celebrated 1000th years of existence in the 1970s.

    If the managers of Universities around the world had held on tenaciously to the contents of the mentioned inscription hung at the entrance of the University of Cordoba or anything similar to it, perhaps, the world would not have become as restive intellectually,politically and economically as it is today.

    Democracy of Doom

    Philosophers who came up with the idea of democracy and defined it in the primordial time as the government of the people by the people and for the people, might be right, relative to their time and their cultural situation. But in contemporary time, that definition seems to have become obsolete and inconsistent with the reality of today.

    In theory and in practice, the aims and objectives of initiating  democracy as an alternative to monarchy have so drastically changed  that the original meaning of democracy has been stripped of the real civilized value.

    Democracy by Manipulation

    Apparently, because of the situation in their own time, the originators and definers of democracy did not consider the changing nature of man vis-a-vis the possible manipulation that democracy could pass through in its implementation by man’s innate desperation and greed for power. It is therefore clear now that with the frequency of change in eras as well as in the nature of man, the definition of democracy has been rendered practically unsuitable for the cultural situation of the 21st century. And this is not peculiar to Nigeria or Africa. It is evidently global. The point here is not that democracy is bad for the contemporary world. But its handling by the selfishly desperate people is its calamitous bane.

    Evidence of Rigging

    In the United States of America, where democracy is globally believed to be referentially entrenched, the fierce political battle between George H. W. Bush junior and Anold Al Gore, during the 1999/ 2000 election in that country, remains an eye opener of historic reference. In the political logjam that ensued and lasted about six weeks, unbelievably, at that time, Al Gore of the Democratic party, who had been Vice-President to Bill Clinton, scored much more votes than Bush. 

    But the latter was declared the winner and sworn into office as President for two undisclosed ambiguous reasons:

    •Bush’ younger brother, Jeb, was the Governor of  Florida, where the raging controversy over that election was most pronounced and he was firmly on ground to manipulate the results of the election in his State in favour of his brother.

    •The father of both Bush, ie: Bush the Presidential candidate and Bush the Governor of Florida, was the 41st US President that preceded Bill Clinton as President. What else is called hegemonic democracy? It was that unpalatable historic election that brought a new political paradigm called ‘too close to call’ into American democratic dispensation for the first time since that country’s declaration of independence in 1776. And incidentally, the outcome of that volatile election was said to be in the overall interest of America as a nation even at the dawn of the 21st century.

    Also, in 2015, the fierce presidential contest between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton which put the latter ahead of the former by over three million votes, ended up with a historic award of Presidency to Trump of the Republican party through a controversial international manipulation that   allegedly involved a  clandestine Russian hand under the watch of Vladema Putin. And the deed was sealed and justified with the claim of ‘national interest’. Yet, it is the same America that some Nigerian political demagogues are banking on to reap political fortune. If we may ask, in whose national interest was the mentioned 2016 political abracadabra in America upheld by an unbeatable cabbal? And with that, who says democracy, even in the United States, has no hegemonic window?

    The June 12 Saga

    Here in Nigeria, after some decades of post- independence political rigmarole, the Almighty Allah deliberately guided the citizenry aright and showered them with a rare political mercy in the name of Option A4 which came with only two political parties: Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC). Besides instilling unprecedented political discipline in all the citizens of Nigeria that ingenuous political invention had no better alternative in economic management of politics anywhere in the world. And nothing else has, since June 12, 1993, shown Nigerians any factor of peace and harmony in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society other than that year’s election. Even the weather of that day, throughout the country, joyously came with an unfathomable clemency to bear witness to the impeccable serenity of the day. It was one special mercy from Allah which the supposed beneficiaries refused to acknowledge with gratitude. That was an election that cost the government virtually nothing as there was no need either for polling booths or for ballot boxes or even ballot papers. The voting pattern was such a clear evidence of discipline and political tolerance that most foreign observers started to think of selling the idea of recommending it to their home governments for adoption.

    At the voting centers, the candidates’ posters with their parties’ logos and their photographs were displayed side by side and the electorates were asked to queue up in front of their preferred candidates or parties. The system was so apt that it required no heavy security.

    After queuing up in the open, the voters were counted openly and everybody knew the results immediately while those results were promptly endorsed by the party agents  without any controversy.                

    On that historic day, the two presidential candidates were Bashorun Moshood Kashimowo Olawale (MKO) Abiola for SDP and Alhaji Bashir Tofa for NRC. It did not take more than three hours before the final results were known throughout the country, even though, the official announcement of those results were delayed for the reason of a hidden agenda which the designers of the system had surreptitiously kept in secrecy like a land mine meant for an enemy.

    The suspicious lull that followed that historic exercise after some days turned the psychological cloud of the nation into an unpredictable pregnant womb.

    Exactly 11 days after that historic election (on June 23, 1993, a flimsy radio announcement was made which claimed to have annulled the Presidential election. It turned out that the same self-acclaimed military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida who had acted as the giant spider that weaved the democratic cobweb was the destroyer of that cobweb.

    That was how Nigeria’s democratic mercy was rejected by the military cabal without a replacement. Now, after spending almost 300 billion naira and losing so many lives, will tomorrow’s general election pave way for hope or for despair? That is a major question for today awaiting a major answer in the near future. More will be written about June 12, 1993 election in this column, in a foreseeable future in sha’Allah.

    Analysis

    Anybody who is well familiar with the contents of the Qur’an will understand that that Glorious Book of divine Law was revealed, by Allah, to mankind, through Prophet Muhammad (SAW), in coded language. And to decode that language for the purpose of meaningful understanding, the need to resort to expository analysis is a necessity. But since such expository analysis can only be obtained from the words and actions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) the adoption of Hadith and Sunnah as supplementary divine laws is a sine qua non.     

    That is why the analysis of every verse of the Qur’an requires deep and thorough analysis

  • ‘We shall use all we learnt in Lagos’

    ‘We shall use all we learnt in Lagos’

    Kogi State Security Trust Fund (KSSTF) will use all it learnt from Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Chief Executive, Abdulraheem Ohiare, has said.
    Ohiare, who spoke yesterday at the ceremony marking end of KSSTF’s visit to LSSTF office in Ikeja, Lagos, said KSSTF is grateful for the tips shared, and will deploy them to make Kogi safe.

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    He said Governor Ahmed Adodo is committed to making Kogi safe and this is why they came to Lagos State.
    LSSTF’s Chief Executive, Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun, said the record is made possible by the commitment of astakeholders to ensure the state is safe for all classes of businesses and people.

  • ‘Councils should emulate governor’

    ‘Councils should emulate governor’

    Local governments should build infrastructure at the grassroots, Chairman of Egbe Idimu Local Council Development Area Kunle Sanyaolu, has said.

    He said it is by social amenities and replicating Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s feat that Lagosians can savour more dividends of democracy.

    Sanyaolu noted that Egbe Idimu witnessed stagnation and infrastructural deficit, whuch must be halted.

    He told reporters infrastructural development would be his priority to rekindle hope.

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    Sanyaolu said there is no alternative to good governance, if the mandate conferred on officials is to be justified.

    On Egbe-Idimu LCDA, he said: ”It is a daunting task not only because the decay was enormous, but it is also due to dwindling resources.

    “But, we are not packaging an effective interventions with rehabilitation of the pipeline road in Idimu.

    “We will implement our roadmap for the people and ensure we bring government to them, based on our ‘Shared Prosperity Agenda,’ which encompases reconstruction, rehabilitation, and recovery.”

    Sanyaolu added: “We have to complement Governor Babajide Sanwoolu. That is why  we are set to complete rehabilitation of the pipeline road.

    “The construction has been neglected for long.  It will be completed in four months.”

  • Stove firm unveils Kano plant

    Stove firm unveils Kano plant

    A clean cookstove manufacturer, BURN, has launched its first assembly plant in Kano State.

    The facility will enable households to access clean cooking appliances.

    The firm has been in Nigerian since 2018, impacting over 23.1 million lives.

    The company employs over 700 people (200 in manufacturing and 500 in sales and distribution), with women accounting for 50 per cent.

    The factory with production capacity of 40,000 cooking appliances per month, hopes to produce 100,000 units per month.

    BURN intends to increase this to one million units in 2025.

    Country Manager in Nigeria, Etulan Ikpoki, said: “We are excited to announce this expansion, reinforcing our commitment to our operations in Nigeria. By end of the year, we will be producing 100,000 units per month to meet rising demand for clean cooking solutions in the country.”

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    BURN leverages carbon financing to make its clean cooking appliances accessible to households by subsidising stoves by 60-100 per cent.

    In the last 18 months, the company provided approximately $60 million in discounts through carbon credits, enabling families to access a $40 life-saving stove at $5.

    “We have delivered $15 million in discounts to Nigerian households through carbon credit finance,” Etulan said.

    Since its inception in 2011, BURN has manufactured and distributed over 4.5 million clean cookstoves. Its goal is to bring its ECOA range of fuel-efficient appliances that include biomass, LPG, ethanol, electric, and cookware to every household in Nigeria.