The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Sokoto monarch’s murder; a call to action

    Sokoto monarch’s murder; a call to action

    • By Kabir Fagge Ali

    Sir: The tragic and brutal murder of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Bawa, by daredevil bandits has added yet another chapter to the annals of security woes in Nigeria recently.

    Recall that Bawa was abducted and subsequently killed in cold blood inside a remote forest where he was held captive. This heinous event occurred despite attempts to secure his release through ransom negotiations, which ultimately failed. This incident starkly illustrates the intensifying violence in the Northwest. This region remains severely affected by insecurity despite two defence ministers from the north-western region, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar and Bello Matawalle, the Minister of Defence and  Minister of State for Defence respectively.

    Both figures were expected to leverage their understanding of local issues to effectively combat the growing threat of banditry. However, their efforts appear to have had a minimal impact, prompting widespread frustration and concern among the residents of the Northwest and Nigeria as a whole.

    The murder of Emir Bawa is not an isolated event. It is part of a broader, horrifying trend of violence that has gripped the Northwest, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Communities that once thrived are now under siege, with countless lives lost and many more disrupted by the relentless onslaught of banditry. This region, which boasts of producing the two incumbent defence ministers, is ironically the same region that continues to suffer the most from insecurity.

    Badaru and Matawalle were expected to be the region’s champions in tackling insecurity, with their roots deep in the Northwest. Meanwhile, their appointments to the defence ministry were met with a widespread and palpable mix of reactions from pundits, analysts, experts, and the nationwide general public.

    Part of the expectation was that their intimate knowledge of the region’s complexities would drive a more effective response to the banditry that has plagued the area for years. However, the reality has been starkly different. Instead of declining violence, the region has seen an uptick, with bandits growing bolder and more ruthless.

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    The complication of local politics is undoubtedly a significant factor in their struggles. Both Badaru and Matawalle are deeply entrenched in a political landscape that is as treacherous as it is complex. Local politicians, traditional rulers, and even some security personnel are alleged to have ties to the very bandits they are supposed to combat. This creates a tangled web of alliances and enmities that makes decisive action difficult, if not impossible. Yet, this cannot be an excuse. The people of the Northwest deserve leaders who can cut through this complexity and deliver the security they desperately need.

    Time is not on their side, and the clock is ticking. The people of the Northwest need action now, not later. Every day without a significant shift in strategy is another day that the bandits tighten their grip on the region.

    While the situation’s urgency cannot be overstated, it is also crucial to recognise that the bandits are not discriminating against their targets. They are willing to attack anyone, regardless of status or position. No one is safe from their wrath, children to students, farmers to traditional rulers. This relentless campaign of violence seems to be spreading unchecked, and there is a growing fear that it may soon target even higher-profile individuals.

    The people of the Northwest are running out of patience, and understandably so. The murder of Emir Bawa should serve as a wake-up call to both Badaru and Matawalle. The Northwest cannot afford to lose any more lives to banditry. Comprehensive and objective security reforms are not just necessary; they are urgent. These reforms must address the root causes of banditry, including poverty, unemployment, and the proliferation of arms. They must also hold accountable those within the political and security establishments who have allowed this violence to continue unchecked.

    The two ministers have the power to make a difference, and must act quickly and decisively. Their legacies and the future of their region depend on it. The people of the Northwest deserve leaders who will not just hold office but will take bold and practical actions to secure their lives and properties. It is hoped that just as the ministers vowed, justice would be served on the perpetrators who continue to disturb the peace of law-abiding citizens.

    •Kabir Fagge Ali, (NYSC)

    faggekabir29@gmail.com

  • On the police invitation of NLC president

    On the police invitation of NLC president

    Sir: The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL, received the news of the invitation of the President of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero for questioning by the Nigeria Police with mixed feelings. It would be recalled that the police had on July 7, conducted a night raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja, a move that triggered media war between the organised labour and the police.

     We would like to call  on the government to immediately charge the NLC President to court if truly they have evidence to back up the claim that he is involved in any crime whatsoever against the state. We would also like to call on the government to be ready to compensate him for the embarrassment if the claim were later found to be trumped-up.

    We have observed that some agencies of the state are carrying out clandestine operations to arrest and persecute those that participated in the #Endbadgovernance protest. For the umpteenth time, we are reiterating our position of disappointment over the arrest of protesters on the basis of publicly associating with a protest aimed at decrying the socio-economic situation in the country and for calling for far reaching reforms that could give necessary reliefs to majority of Nigerians.

    Since citizens of this great country have the rights to support any peaceful protest that is in tandem with their personal opinion or conviction, it is wrong for any agency of government to launch a campaign of calumny or attempt to witch-hunt or arrest them based on their affiliation or association with a particular protest. It is therefore tantamount to gross abuse of power and authority for any agency of government to condescend so low to the extent of harassing citizens as a result of their involvement in any peaceful protest.

    Read Also: Alleged terrorism financing, others: Police invite NLC boss Ajaero

     While we are using this medium to advise the Nigeria Police and other Nigerian security apparati to be rightly and correctly guided in their operations, nuances and limitations under a democracy, so as not to resort to any arm-twisting or repressive attitudes over legitimate and peaceful agitations under any guise. The police as an agent of the executive, judiciary and other arms of government must at all times, be seen to operate within the ambit of the rule of law and separation of power, without which the state and the general public descend into an Hobbesian state of Nature. As a veritable stakeholder in the Nigerian project, we would like to reiterate that we are not in any way in support of anyone or group of persons engaging in terrorism financing, arson, treasonable felony, or any other crime against the state.

    •Debo Adeniran,cacolc@yahoo.com

  • ACReSAL’s Adamawa success story

    ACReSAL’s Adamawa success story

    Sir: The acronym “ACReSAL” stands for Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes. It is a World Bank-assisted project aimed at addressing the challenges of land degradation and climate change in Nigeria on multiple fronts, combating desertification, restoring degraded lands, and creating special ecosystems for agriculture and biodiversity conservation.

    According to the World Bank, the development objective of ACReSAL project is to increase the implementation of sustainable landscape management practices in targeted watersheds in northern Nigeria and strengthen Nigeria’s long-term enabling environment for integrated, climate-resilient landscape management. The project consists of four components:

    Dryland Management: This component will implement integrated watershed management planning and address the challenges of large-scale watershed degradation in northern Nigeria. It includes the sub-components of strategic watershed planning; landscape investments and special ecosystems.

    Community Climate Resilience: This component focuses on strengthening communities and community investments.

    Institutional Strengthening and Project Management: This component includes investments to improve the institutional and policy foundations for multi-sectoral integrated landscape management and climate resilience, as well as support for project management. It includes institutional and policy strengthening; project management.

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    Contingent Emergency Response (CERC): This is a financing mechanism available to borrowers in investment project financing (IPF) operations, enabling quick deployment of uncommitted funds to respond to eligible crises or emergencies.

    Development and environmental experts say addressing these issues will require effort across multiple sectors. The Federal Ministry of Environment is the lead implementing agency, in collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Rural Development.

    ACReSAL is also expected to work closely with state and local communities to tackle issues such as water scarcity for agricultural purposes and the negative impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of rural farmers in selected states in northern Nigeria.

    Adamawa ACReSAL is making significant strides in all aspects of the programme, thanks to the professionalism of its managers, the committed support from Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and strong community backing.

    In its efforts to boost local economic activities, create jobs, and empower the community through tree planting for the future, Adamawa ACReSAL has initiated a 400-hectare palm oil plantation and processing industry in the Kiri community in Shelleng LGA of Adamawa State.

    In partnership with the Adamawa government, ACReSAL has secured 250 hectares of land for the practice of regenerative agriculture. This land is now available to over 500 dedicated farmers, many of whom were previously displaced and had no access to farmland. With one hectare each to cultivate over the next 10 years, these farmers are set to transform this dry landscape into a thriving, productive, and sustainable agricultural hub.

    In another major endeavour, Adamawa ACReSAL has initiated the 6,000-hectare Dwam Irrigation Scheme in Demsa Local Government and its environs. Furthermore, Adamawa ACReSAL has empowered 25,000 farming households with the distribution of water pumps across the state, preparing them for the 2024 irrigation farming season.

    Moreover, Adamawa ACReSAL has conducted a step-down FAO training on large-scale land restoration techniques for key staff of the SPMU, focal NGOs, and MDAs. The training is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out large-scale land restoration in their respective areas. Additionally, Adamawa ACReSAL has launched 21 farms for regenerative agriculture training and is partnering with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to support the restoration of 350,000 hectares of degraded land in northern Nigeria.

    Due to its stellar performance, Adamawa ACReSAL tied for first place with Gombe State among the 19 northern states and the FCT participating in the ACReSAL project. Adamawa State was also ranked first in several criteria, including innovation, community-driven approach, number of beneficiaries impacted by the project, implementation progress, hectares of land recovered through afforestation, and support for identified beneficiaries!s

    Zayyad I. Muhammad,Abuja.

  • Unending rift between Nigerians and South Africans

    Unending rift between Nigerians and South Africans

    Sir: If you’re a Nigerian or South African who frequently uses social media platforms, there’s a high chance of being aware of the online hostilities between the two countries. This digital attrition of words was only possible due to the internet’s ability to shrink miles and miles of distance between geographic areas.

    It is not entirely clear when this digital conflict between two famous African brothers began, but three factors are important to consider here: the migration of Nigerians to South Africa and subsequent settlement within the country; the history of socio-political relations between both nations, particularly in relation to the apartheid era; and the global cultural influences of both nations.

    The latest episode in this protracted saga between Nigerians and South Africans seems to have stemmed from the Miss South Africa 2024 beauty pageant controversy featuring Chidinma Adetshina. After Chidinma was forced to withdraw from the beauty pageant due to concerns over the validity of her citizenship, Nigerians engaged in a tussle of verbal criticism and outright derision with South Africans on Facebook and Twitter.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s GDP grew by 3.19% in Q2 2024 – NBS

    And just when it appeared as if tensions had cooled down, Chidinma would later be invited to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria contest, and welcomed warmly by sympathetic Nigerians, fresh battle lines were redrawn by a South African man’s social media post. In the man’s social media post, he claimed that whenever he is bored, he requests a Bolt ride in Nigeria just to prank unsuspecting drivers. The confession, far from being met with indignation, was applauded by some of his fellow countrymen. Other South Africans began to emulate the man by ordering rides in Nigeria (particularly within Lagos) using the Bolt app.

    Unfortunately, many Nigerians preferred the course of retaliation, and they too, began ordering fake rides on Bolt and other e-hailing services within South Africa’s major cities and residential zones. Within a span of several hours, things began to take a comic turn of epic proportions as hundreds of Bolt drivers in South Africa were inundated with fake ride requests that only led to hilarious exchanges on the apps. The Nigerians behind these ride requests would get unsuspecting drivers to reach certain destinations, before chatting them up in bizarre exchanges, all in the name of cruise as it is popularly known on social media.

    At this point, social media banter had metamorphosed to produce real-life consequences, as innocent Bolt drivers and businesses were forced to count their losses and deal with the frustration of being caught in the crossfire of a pointless online-based war of misguided passion, tortured loyalties and sheer stupidity. After a day or two, the rate of pranks from both sides dwindled and online services like Bolt began to put measures in place to fix the loopholes which made it possible for such acts of tomfoolery to occur in the first place. At the end of it all, South Africans and Nigerians had only managed to further worsen relations and perceptions of each other they shared, contributing negatively to a long history of conflict, with this latest episode becoming just another chapter in a rivalry spanning at least three decades.

    In the aftermath of the xenophobic attacks in 2019, the South African government apologised to Nigeria. But apologies are not enough, and with the state of things between our countries presently, there is a need to ensure that the basis of bilateral relations would not be totally destroyed by social media madness. The protection of immigrants and their properties and businesses must be a top priority for the South African government, as xenophobia doesn’t exactly favour perceptions of the country at the global stage. Additionally, the South African government must also address the social ills of poverty and inequality that are root causes of xenophobia. Many young black South Africans often feel deprived and marginalized economically, and when ranting on social media is not enough, violence becomes a more satisfying outlet for their grievances.

    Ultimately, Nigeria and South Africa—as the top economies in Africa, must refrain from always considering each other as rivals. Rather, there should be mutual efforts to restore and cultivate peaceful relationships for the sake of progress. We cannot afford to relay hateful sentiments to coming generations. This is why we must begin working together for the sake of our continent, because sustained hostility would end up doing us more harm than good in the long run.

    •Zayd Ibn Isah,lawcadet1@gmail.com

  • Student Loan Scheme is for all Nigerians

    Student Loan Scheme is for all Nigerians

    Sir: The Student Loan Scheme is a conception of the purest, noblest, and loftiest of intentions and design. It is a bond to secure the nation’s future and a promissory note to a prosperous destiny for many young Nigerians.

    The kernel of the scheme is to remove the impediments of finance and guarantee access to higher education and skill development for ALL needing Nigerian students irrespective of where they come from, where they worship, what they look like, who they know or do not know, or whatever is their political interest and social complexion. It is for all Nigerians.

    As someone who had to take up the emergency job of an English and Literature-in-English teacher to pay my way through school, having been orphaned at a young age, I share a vicarious sense of relief and elation over the scheme. For many students like me who had to struggle through fiscal cliffs at school, President Bola Tinubu’s Student Loan Scheme is that actual pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It is manifest hope. It is dreams taking flight. It is an open sesame to a glorious destiny. It is victory.

    There have been spurious allegations of exclusion of certain groups in the disbursement of loans and upkeep funds by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the institutional vehicle of the scheme.

    NELFUND has done well to provide sufficient information on the modalities of loan disbursement. In response to the sputtering concerns, The Fund said it had ‘’sent a verification list to every institution eligible for disbursement, and that payments are being made to institutions that have responded to this verification’’, however some institutions are yet to respond.

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    Clearly, only applicants – those who have applied – can benefit from the loan. But there seems to be apathy from certain parts of the country, particularly in the south. The Student Loan Scheme is a national programme being implemented for the advancement of the nation and for the benefit of all Nigerians. No section of the country will be left behind. It is a moving vehicle, and all groups are on board.

    Many institutions in the Southeast, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Ebonyi State University, Imo State Polytechnic, Abia State Polytechnic, Abia State University, etc, have already been on-boarded.  Trust and faith in the government is of the essence. The Student Loan Scheme is for us all. No one is being excluded, and no one will be left behind.

    •Fredrick Nwabufo, Abuja.

  • Let’s return to the era of school farms

    Let’s return to the era of school farms

    Sir: In spite of the important role of agriculture in our economy, many present day pupils and students lack the knowledge of basic agriculture, agriculture business, and indeed the entire agriculture value chain – the process through which food gets from the farms to dining tables. It is indeed a sorry situation when school children in Nigeria, a country widely acclaimed for its rich agricultural heritage, do not have the privilege of experiencing practical agriculture during their schooling. To curb this problem, the practical aspect of agriculture in the school’s curriculum should be given equal attention as the theory.

    Several factors have been highlighted as contributing to the non-availability of school farms to support practical agriculture classes in schools. These include encroachment on school land by developers and members of host communities of schools; use of land for other non-agriculture-related projects; lack of adequate infrastructure in schools, hence, no space set aside for cultivation; un-affordability of farm inputs by schools; lack of funds to sustain the cost of farm inputs; bush burning; deforestation as a result of human activity – thereby destroying the fertility of the soil; changes in weather; erosion; insecurity; among others.

    School farms are not just spaces for growing food items. They are complete learning zones, which largely succeed in taking learning to new heights. School farms come in handy when it comes to teaching a variety of topics in agriculture, be it crop rotation, mixed cropping, inter-cropping, etc. For a successful school farm, implements and practical equipment should be purchased and distributed. And, whenever the school records bumper harvest, the pupils/students can be fed from the produce, while proceeds from the ones sold can be used to develop the school.

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    The knowledge obtained from practical sessions on the school farm helps not only to re-enforce what is taught in the classrooms. It also teaches pupils, and students alike, about eating healthy, about how food arrives our homes from the farms, etc. It also equips the pupils/students with first-hand knowledge of how to run agribusinesses. This is especially important in cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit in the students.

    In the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s, school farming was a major component of the schools’ curriculum, and there were no exemptions as to who participated in practical agriculture and who did not. All pupils and students trooped to the farms at the designated time. The idea behind this was to make agriculture an integral part of the school culture, so the pupils and students are well positioned to appreciate farming, and make it a lifestyle, even when they do not intend to specialize in it.

    It is important that schools be provided with necessary logistics for the successful implementation of the whole agricultural science curriculum, while the school farms serve as fields or laboratories for the training of the pupils and students, with the basic focus being on skills development and self-reliance. Today, agriculture in schools should be handled in such a way that from a very young age, pupils begin to take interest in farming. Efforts should be made to popularize farming as an honourable occupation. This will help to reduce apathy toward the practice of farming.

    Agric-school clubs such as the ‘Young Farmers Club’ can also be encouraged, where pupils and students will be taught about farming practice and encouraged to own farms. These steps could help ‘catch them young’ and inculcate the love of farming in young ones. Participation in agriculture competitions could also challenge the pupils/students to perform better.

    Also, qualified and competent Agricultural Science teachers should be employed, to help make their students appreciate the benefits of the study of agriculture in practicality. Apart from being qualified, these agricultural science teachers should be aware of interesting areas of agriculture that will attract and sustain young minds. These teachers should also undergo further training, as this will enhance their teaching skills. The knowledge thus acquired by the pupils/students can stick with them for many years to come.

    In view of the foregoing, it is important that both private and public schools at all levels establish viable school farms. Indeed, school farms are critical to meaningful engagement of students in practical agriculture!

    • Daniel Ighakpe,Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos.

  • Who wants cannabis decriminalised?

    Who wants cannabis decriminalised?

    Sir: It is preposterous to hear anyone still arguing for the legalisation of the use of cannabis or its cultivation in Nigeria, given that the countries they usually cite as examples are currently grappling with the consequences of their experimentation with the liberal use of drugs. Some of these countries are presently contemplating reversing the trend and reverting to status quo ante.

    Those advocating for the legalisation of cannabis in our country are either doing so out of ignorance and probably oblivious to the global trend on drug policies or are purposely blind to the red flags because of their vested interest in the economic gains of widespread use and cultivation of cannabis.

    The usual argument is about the economy and medicinal use. They talk about how big the global cannabis market is, how we are missing out and how Nigeria could supplement its economy by becoming a big player in that industry.

    In their argument, they equate cannabis to a wonderful plant that does no one any harm. And they make its cultivation seem like a simple process that will not have any ramifications for local consumption.

    Their arguments fall flat in the face of the Nigerian drug situation, which came to light in 2019 after the conduct of the UNODC- assisted National Drug Use Survey.

    The findings showed that Nigeria is already the country with the largest population of cannabis users, about 10.6 million. Worse still, the use of cannabis in Nigeria is largely for recreational purposes, not medicinal.

    Read Also: President Tinubu’s student loan scheme is for all Nigerians, by Fredrick Nwabufo

    Promoters of liberalisation of drug use usually cite countries such as the US, Canada and Australia, among others. But they fail to acknowledge that the decriminalisation of the use of any illicit drug, any drug at all, has proven to have boomerang effects. A case in point is the report published on July 11, in the New York Times, titled “Bold Experiment or Safety Risk? Canada Is Divided on How to Stop Drug Deaths.”

    The report by Vjosa Isai covered Vancouver and Victoria, in the British Columbia region of Canada. The summary of the report is British Columbia’s decision to partially retreat from its experiment to decriminalise drug possession as a solution to the opioid crisis. In just two years, the situation worsened and has put authorities in the region in reverse.

    Earlier in May, Canada’s federal government approved the request to reverse the policy and again make public drug use and possession in British Columbia a crime.

    In the United States, where a similar experiment had taken place in Oregon, the state legislature had voted in April to recriminalize drugs amid soaring overdose deaths. Cities and countries around the world are coming to the hard truth that abstinence is the only way to curb the consequences of drug use.

    Now, concerning cannabis, the usual argument is that its derivatives are harmless. Who says? Research upon research shows that cannabis has negative effects on users’ health. The promoters of cannabis are usually silent on this.

    The most recent research, published on August 1, in the JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, indicated a link between long-term daily use of marijuana and cancers of the head and neck.

    The findings of the research conducted at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles show that people who use cannabis, particularly those with a cannabis use disorder, are significantly more likely to develop head and neck cancers compared to those who do not use cannabis. They are at greater risk of developing oropharyngeal cancer, which is cancer of the soft palate, tonsil and back of the throat. The study, which found a strong link between various cannabinoids (biological compounds in cannabis plants) and tumour growth, sounded an alarm that the world may see a corresponding rise in head and neck cancer cases with the widespread legalisation of marijuana.

    This is coming three years after a study conducted in Denmark and published in JAMA Psychiatry on July 21, 2021, showed that there is a link between schizophrenia, a mental health disorder, and cannabis addiction.

    Nigeria should tread on the path of caution. Let’s not open the Pandora box. As a country, we don’t have a strong health institution or the economic capability to bear the burden of the public health ramifications of the use of cannabis. Nobody will come to harm if cannabis is banned, after all, it is not a basic need.

    •Adekunbi Lawal,Abuja.

  • Curbing the menace of noise pollution

    Curbing the menace of noise pollution

    • By Faith Oluwadamilola Obamodi

    Sir: Nigeria’s struggle with noise pollution has been a persistent issue, culminating in a significant response with the enactment of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Act of 2007 and the National Environmental Noise Standards and Control Regulations of 2009.

    These legislative frameworks were designed to address the escalating noise levels in urban areas, which have become sources of both social unrest and public health concerns. Noise pollution in Nigeria is not a recent phenomenon. The rapid urbanization, coupled with the explosive growth of commercial activities and a population exceeding 200 million, has turned cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt into hubs of relentless noise.

    From the blaring horns of vehicles to the loudspeakers used by religious institutions and street hawkers, the cacophony has become nearly inescapable. Over the years, citizens have voiced increasing frustration with this constant noise, which has been linked to adverse health effects such as hearing loss, stress, and, most notably, sleep disturbances.

    The Nigerian anti-noise pollution initiatives aim to reduce noise levels in urban centres to align with the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). These initiatives focus on three key areas: regulation and enforcement, public awareness, and technological measures. However, the success of these initiatives hinges largely on effective implementation—a challenge that has proven difficult for Nigeria. The country has a history of weak enforcement of environmental laws, often marred by corruption, resource limitations, and public apathy. The enforcement of noise pollution laws is particularly complex due to the diverse and ubiquitous nature of noise sources.

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    Religious institutions, for instance, are among the most significant contributors to noise pollution in Nigeria. The use of loudspeakers during worship, especially in densely populated areas, has sparked numerous complaints. However, regulating these institutions requires delicate negotiations to avoid backlash from religious communities. Similarly, businesses such as markets and street vendors also contribute to noise pollution.

    Enforcing regulations on these businesses is challenging without offering proper incentives and support, as such measures could threaten their livelihoods. Nigeria’s anti-noise pollution initiatives are a crucial step toward addressing a long-ignored environmental issue. Despite the significant challenges, particularly in enforcement and garnering public cooperation, the potential benefits make the effort worthwhile.

    To achieve its goals, the government must adopt a comprehensive approach that combines regulation, education, and community engagement. With sustained commitment and a willingness to address the socioeconomic factors involved, Nigeria could make a significant impact in creating a quieter, healthier, and more liveable environment for all its citizens.

    •Faith Oluwadamilola Obamodi,

    Veritas University, Abuja.

  • Ajaero: He who comes to equity…

    Ajaero: He who comes to equity…

    • By Kola Amzat

    Sir: Recently, detachment of the nation security team led by the Police stormed NLC Headquarters in Abuja to apprehend a suspected terrorist allegedly harboured on the second floor of the NLC complex.

    Even though the authorities have not disclosed the name of the suspect, they have gone ahead to invite the president of Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, for questioning, on account of alleged incriminating, indicting and damning correspondence they claimed to have scooped from the second floor of the Labour complex.

    What Nigerians of discerning mind expected the NLC president to do is honour the invitation with a view to defending himself. It is therefore most unfortunate that Comrade Ajaero and his executive council members have opted to make a big issue out of the whole thing.

    They have decided to throw the entire country into confusion and apprehension simply because of letter of invite from the Police to their president. They have even resolved to place workers across the country on red-alert should Ajaero be detained by the police.

     Are they inferring that the labour leader is above the laws of the land? Are they inferring that he’s at liberty to conduct himself in a way and manner that is injurious and inimical to the laws of the land?

    The way and manner that the labour leadership have gone about the whole issue clearly suggested that, they indeed have some things to hide.

    Does Ajaero truly believe that the office he occupies gives him liberty and freedom to involve himself in treasonable acts, and security agencies would just be looking other way, because he leads the Labour movement?

    Is he equally aware that it’s only the president and governors of 36 states that enjoy immunity from prosecution; not even, Senate President, Speaker of House of Representatives and other National Assembly members?   

    It’s auspicious for Ajaero to come down from his high horse, hug humility and stop deploying his office to settle personal scores with the government, its agencies and security forces.

    Nigerians vividly recall that it’s the same Ajaero that got himself enmeshed in unnecessary struggles with security agencies in Owerri at beginning of this year.

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     Suffice to submit that his tenure as NLC president has been uneventful, riotous, very disruptive and destructive.       

    Nigeria Labour Congress is created to advance the cause of workers across the federation, as well as tactfully, constructively and strategically defend the workers interests with a view to making them stakeholders in the Nigerian project, and, more importantly, collaborate with the government to build a prosperous and developed country.

    It’s not for NLC leadership to continually pitch the workers across the country against the government, through incitement, and casting aspersions on the leadership of government.

    Is it not the same NLC platform that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole rode to become governor of Edo State, APC national chairman and now senator? Is it not the same NLC office through which the late Paschal Bafyau nearly became the vice president?

    One recalls that the immediate past NLC president, Aliyu Wabba was an embodiment of maturity, decorum, knowledge and decency in office!

    Comrade Ajaero must change his ways if he wants to earn respect and honour.

    This is certainly not how to lead labour movement of a country with vibrant and vast population of about 230-240 million people and the largest black nation in the world.

    He is advised to promptly honour the letter of invite of police.

    •Kola Amzat (FCA, FCIB)

    Lagos.

  • Charting a new course for excellence beyond Paris 2024

    Charting a new course for excellence beyond Paris 2024

    By Ralph Omololu Agbana

    Sir: Opinions are deeply divided regarding Nigeria’s performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Many believe that for a nation with Nigeria’s reputation, not appearing on the final medal tally is tantamount to a catastrophe.

    Historically, Nigeria has had its moments of glory, such as at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics, which was a defining moment when the Dream Team secured the men’s football gold medal and Chioma Ajunwa won gold in the Women’s Long Jump. In previous Olympics, the Nigerian team had performed excellently, winning admiration and becoming a global sporting brand. Nigerian athletes had become renowned in all sprint events and relays, across both male and female categories. Therefore, the disappointment expressed by some over Nigeria’s performance in Paris this year is understandable. Nations tend to build upon their successes, and with the wealth of raw sporting talent available, Nigeria certainly had the potential to achieve more.

    The incumbent Minister of Sports, Owan Enoh, has admirably accepted responsibility for the situation. One of the most uplifting narratives from Paris 2024 is the emergence of new heroes, marking the unstoppable ascent of Nigerian talent. Please, fellow Nigerians, let us applaud our new amazon, Rena Wakama, the exceptional 32-year-old female basketball coach who opted to represent Nigeria, despite her American heritage. Wakama’s commitment and fervour for her ancestral land have established a new standard in sports leadership, and her triumphs reflect the boundless potential of Nigerian talent. Her journey is the forefront of the Bola Tinubu administration’s concerted efforts to discover and cultivate Nigerian potential worldwide, ensuring the nation’s continued production of elite athletes and leaders.

    Furthermore, the selection of one of our basketball players for the prestigious ‘Olympic Team’ marks a notable achievement. This accolade not only highlights the individuals’ extraordinary talent but also heralds Nigeria’s expanding prominence in the international sports domain. Even as we nurse the pain of coming short on the medals table, it is evident that Nigeria’s sports sector is advancing, propelled by a reinvigorated commitment to excellence and global competitiveness.

    One undeniable positive aspect of Nigeria’s participation, which even the staunchest critics must acknowledge, is the impeccable record of our athletes in upholding the integrity of sports. The Nigerian contingent at the Paris 2024 Olympics has set a commendable example of integrity and sportsmanship. With not a single doping incident among our more than 80 athletes, Nigeria has shown a steadfast commitment to fair play and ethical competition. This unblemished record is a source of national pride and reflects the high ethical standards promoted by the Tinubu administration.

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    This accomplishment is all the more significant in an era where doping scandals have tainted the reputation of numerous sporting events. Nigeria’s maintenance of an untarnished record is a testament to the discipline and commitment of our athletes, as well as the effective systems in place to nurture their growth.

    Investing in the future and sports infrastructure should be a top priority for all patriotic Nigerians currently. The Tinubu administration is proactively ensuring that Nigeria’s sports facilities are unparalleled. Minister Owan Enoh has detailed plans to enhance and preserve sports facilities nationwide, recognizing that top-tier infrastructure is crucial for athlete development. These efforts will equip Nigerian athletes with the necessary resources to train and excel at the highest levels domestically.

    The administration’s emphasis on building a success structure for future participation is part of a wider plan to foster a lasting sports ecosystem in Nigeria. Investing in our athletes’ futures and providing an optimal environment for their growth positions Nigeria as a significant contender in global sports.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s steadfast dedication is central to realizing these lofty aspirations. His administration’s forward-thinking stance on sports reflects an acute awareness of its power to unify and elevate the nation. Focusing on restructuring Sports Federations and appointing the right talents to strategic roles, President Tinubu is establishing a foundation for enduring success. Discussions bordering on President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and articulate response to our Paris Olympics performance and avowed commitment to sporting revival are positive takeaways from this Olympics.

    Nigeria’s performance at Paris 2024 is a celebration of resilience, integrity, and hope. As we look forward to future competitions, Nigeria stands poised to continue its ascent, driven by the spirit of determination and a commitment to greatness. The lessons learned from Paris 2024 will be the stepping stones to a brighter and more prosperous future for Nigerian sports.

    •Ralph Omololu Agbana,

    agbana46@gmail.com