The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • NDLEA and illicit drug traffickers

    NDLEA and illicit drug traffickers

     Sir: One of the major issues soiling the image of Nigeria abroad is its citizens’ involvement in the trafficking of illicit drugs. This has damaged the image of this country to the point that Nigerians travelling to other countries are not only subjected to discriminating and embarrassing search experiences at international airports but stereotyped as ‘a country of drug traffickers.’

    On account of a few black sheep that besmirched the name of the country with trafficking activities, Nigerians have been declared unwanted in some countries. In some extreme instances, innocent citizens have been endangered by the criminal activities of their unpatriotic compatriots.

    For example, a few years ago, a group in South Africa that called itself People Against Gangsterism and Drugs, PAGAD, went on a rampage on the street, killing anyone found to be a Nigerian, whom they accused of masterminding drug rings and other organized crimes in their country.

    In recent years, the government of Seychelles has also issued a persona non grata edict against Nigerian tourists whom they allege bring drugs into the country.

    Some social commentators have correctly pointed out that harsh treatment against Nigerians abroad is fuelled largely by the trafficking activities of some unpatriotic citizens of this country.

    Back in the 1960s, Nigerians were once known for their virtues: industrious, God-fearing and law-abiding. But a tiny minority of unscrupulous Nigerians has destroyed our good image.

    Just recently, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in a decisive operation, intercepted a drug smuggling attempt by one Orobi Adoubi Amen on Thursday, July 18, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

    Amen, a passenger from Benin Republic heading to Dubai via Accra, Ghana, on an Air Peace flight, attempted to smuggle narcotics into Dubai.

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    Just imagine that this was coming shortly after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government lifted a 21-month travel visa restriction imposed on Nigerian citizens on July 15.

    The prompt actions of NDLEA saved the country from what could have been another international scandal were he to be caught in Dubai with drugs.

    NDLEA has caught scores of drug traffickers heading to the Middle East and India in the past few months.

    By and large, we are coming to terms with the critical role of NDLEA in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and its global reputation.

    Every effort must be made by government to ensure that this agency is fully optimised with the necessary human, material and monetary resources to continue its good run against unpatriotic citizens bent on bringing shame to  our country.

    •Tosin Damola,Lokoja, Kogi State.

  • Nigerians and the rhetoric of bad leadership

    Nigerians and the rhetoric of bad leadership

    Sir: The right to protest is a key component of fundamental human rights as enshrined in the constitution. The peculiarity of our own situation in Nigeria is the question of who will cast the first stone at this very stage of our historical predicament.

    At every point of our national discourse, we are always quick to conclude that the whole issue of fixing our nation right is about bad leadership. The average Nigerian who is ready to cheat at every transaction, those who won’t respect traffic lights, those who sell seven litres of petrol for 10, who scoops a full bucket out of a bag of rice and sells as full bag, all blame the leaders.

    Interestingly, we all blame the politicians, whereas the actors in our political scenes in this country have come from every professional sector.  Teachers, lawyers (worse of all), military personnel, doctors, accountants,  engineers, surveyors, clergies of both faiths,  Civil Service, even journalists, all constitute the political class.

    So the politicians in question are just the typical ordinary Nigerians in all ramifications. The legal practitioner who knows quite well that a Federal High Court does not have the jurisdiction on a certain matter whose  jurisdiction is vested in a state high court, yet takes it there and secures a judgement or vice versa, and will appear on the television thereafter talking about bad leadership. The university lecturer who harasses students for sex and uses same as criteria for pass mark also complains of bad leadership. Same as the rank and file police officer who harasses innocent people on the road through their road blocks. So who or which sector is different?

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    Today, every member of the National Assembly wants to establish a university in his or her constituency. All former presidents and governors have established universities in their villages. Suffice to say, present ones have equally started same. There are various bills slated for hearing and legislation in the upper chamber for the creation of universities in the villages of the sponsors. Primordial sentiments have thrown statesmanship overboard.

    I was once privileged to sit with a couple of taxi drivers at a mechanic workshop in Abuja and heard all their discussions on the performance of their respective representatives at the National Assembly. It was all complaints of not being able to attract any federal presence in their constituencies. Complaints of non-response when they needed monies for burials, naming ceremonies, house warming, and payment of school fees; complaints of non-distribution of “dividends of democracy” which, in their expressions, are basically but not limited to monetary gifts.

    This is a cross all political office holders across every strata of governance, whether appointed or elected, must bear in our country.

    We all want universities and federal establishments in our constituencies, whether it is logical, appropriate, or morally correct. Same as every federal institution. Whoever has the privilege of doing so but fails to do it on moral basis will be crucified by his people. So there is a rat race to “corner” all or any available federal or state institution to our villages.

    Given the circumstances where the planners of the impending national protest are not conversant with Nigeria’s political and administrative history, if they take some time to read through our past history, they will see the contributions of their fathers, mothers, uncles, aunties, relatives, townsman and current mentors in the present predicament of our dear country. Some are just lucky that their past deeds are not remembered because most of us suffer collective amnesia.

    At every end of year, our media outlets, electronic and print, give awards of outstanding leadership in every sector of governance, politics, economy and the creative arts to leaders in Nigeria and at the beginning of the following year, we start complaining of bad governance.

    There is the need for individual re-orientation and rebirth on selfless patriotism. The irony of it is that when we point one accusing finger at government, four other fingers are pointed at us as citizens too. We must all be conscious that we must make our country succeed by contributing our positive individual quota to national development. The leadership too must be selfless, transparent and accountable to the people. It must be responsively conscious of people’s yearnings.

    Institutional infractions must have dire consequences especially when it is against citizens good and welfare. The government in itself must do strategic communication at all times on its programmes and actions for proper understanding by the citizens.

    Finally, all sectors of governance must equally be held accountable from federal to state and local governments. I hope the protest comes and goes peacefully; we cannot afford a repeat of EndSARS riots.

    •Fola Aiyegbusi,hefzibar2006@yahoo.com.

  • Leadership: What’s old age got to do with it?

    Leadership: What’s old age got to do with it?

    Sir: Over the decades, the narrative that the nation’s elderly statesmen are responsible for its persistent woes has gained traction. However, a closer examination reveals that much of Nigeria’s leadership since independence has been in the hands of relatively young leaders. These youthful leaders, many of whom were in their 20s, 30s and 40s when they assumed power, have often been at the helm during some of the country’s most challenging periods.

    Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, was 48 years old when he assumed office. He led the country through its early years of independence, but his tenure was cut short by a military coup in 1966. The coup brought Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, who was just 42 years old, into power. His rule lasted only a few months before he was overthrown and succeeded by General Yakubu Gowon. Gowon, one of Nigeria’s most youthful leaders, assumed power at the tender age of 31.

    The 1970s and 1980s witnessed a series of military coups, often led by young officers. General Murtala Mohammed, who became head of state in 1975, was only 37 years old. His brief but impactful tenure was marked by bold reforms and an anti-corruption stance, but his assassination just six months into his rule underscored the instability of the era.

    Following Mohammed’s death, General Olusegun Obasanjo, then 39, took over and successfully transitioned Nigeria to civilian rule in 1979. However, the civilian administration of President Shehu Shagari was short-lived, as another youthful leader, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, aged 41, seized power in a coup in 1983. Buhari’s regime, marked by strict anti-corruption measures and human rights abuses, was itself overthrown by Ibrahim Babangida in 1985. Babangida, aged 44, implemented several economic reforms but also annulled the 1993 presidential elections, leading to widespread unrest.

    Read Also: Niger Delta ex-agitators pull out of proposed protest, say promoters plotting anarchy

    The return to civilian rule in 1999 brought Olusegun Obasanjo back to power, this time as a democratically elected president. The subsequent presidencies of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan saw leaders in their mid-50s, relatively young by political standards. Jonathan, in particular, assumed office at 52 and faced significant challenges in tackling corruption, insecurity, and economic instability.

    As of now, Nigeria’s leadership continues to be relatively youthful compared to many other nations. President Muhammadu Buhari, who returned to power in 2015, was 72 at the time, representing a departure from the trend of younger leaders. Despite his age, his administration faced criticism for its handling of economic policies, security issues, and corruption.

    It is evident that Nigeria’s history is replete with instances where youthful leaders have had the opportunity to steer the nation’s course. While age alone does not determine a leader’s effectiveness, the frequent turnover of young leaders has often led to inconsistency, policy reversals, and a lack of long-term vision. The narrative that the elderly are solely responsible for Nigeria’s challenges overlooks the significant influence and, at times, mismanagement by their younger counterparts.

    By the way, Yahaya Bello became the governor of Kogi State in January 2016 at the age of 40. Ben Ayade became the governor of Cross River State in May 2015 at the age of 46.

    As Nigeria looks towards the future, it is crucial to correct the erroneous impression that it is our aged parents that mismanaged our nation; it is time to strike a balance between the conquer-seize-and-occupy energy and innovation of youth and the wisdom and experience of older generations.

    This is not a rejection of youth but an acknowledgment that experience, stability, and long-term vision are essential for national progress. By fostering a political landscape that values both youthful dynamism and seasoned wisdom, Nigeria can hope to achieve the progress and development its people so richly deserve.

    •Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba,Lagos.

  • Between ECOWAS and AES

    Between ECOWAS and AES

    Sir: There is Hausa adage that says you should not stab yourself through the stomach and start boasting. This is exactly what the three Sahelian countries -Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger did, when they served the notice to exit ECOWAS.

    It is tantamount to committing economic suicide for these landlocked countries to break away from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    These countries, not ECOWAS are the real losers. It is even more pitiable that after all their contributions to the building of the most formidable regional bloc in Africa, they have now exited!

    I learnt that in the Ivory Coast alone, there are over four million Burkinabe living there, earning their living peacefully without tears.

     Moreover, millions of Nigeriens have made Nigeria their permanent abode. Some of them have amassed immense wealth.

    But once it is formalised and confirmed that the AES have left, then all these foreigners living in ECOWAS territory must apply for residence and work permits. All those Nigeriens, Burkinabe and Malians who take advantage of our porous border to sneak into the country anytime they deem fit, will have to apply for a visa before entering any ECOWAS territory.

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    One of the significant contributions of ECOWAS is trade liberalization, including removal of tariffs. As a result, today, many member countries buy goods at cheaper price. But once these countries exit ECOWAS, then they would stop to enjoy this privilege. They would buy the goods at more expensive price.

     Again, ECOWAS offers humanitarian support to its members during natural disaster. The most beneficiaries mostly are areas like Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali that experience desertification and drought perennially. But the moment their exit is formalised, they can kiss a goodbye to this support.

     ECOWAS members share intelligence, conduct joint military operation, etc. This is another potential monumental lost to AES.

     ECOWAS also offers $1 Million to every member state for counterterrorism. Mark the phrase: “Member states”. This means Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso will soon cease to enjoy this largesse.

     Finally, the so-called Alliance of Sahel States does not have direct access to sea. This puts them in a conundrum. We are amusingly witnessing the drama between Niger and Benin. We are enjoying it because one country is poor, and it is arrogant, unwilling to bend and negotiate.

    The AES lacks concentration of manufacturing industries. Most of their exports include meat and vegetable. This will also work against them.

    Therefore, it is crystal clear that unless these countries –Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger want to drag their countries into economic doldrums, they have no option but to return to ECOWAS. Grandstanding cannot work.

    •Comrade Bishir Dauda Sabuwar,Unguwa Katsina.

  • Better to go for the calm before the storm

    Better to go for the calm before the storm

    Sir: A Yoruba adage says it is the beginning of war that we know; nobody can tell how it would end. It’s therefore in this foregoing and a sense of responsibility that I fervently I appeal to President Bola Tinubu to quickly step in to calm the nerves of restive Nigerians to avert the planned nationwide protests.

    Undisputedly, every citizen has the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution as well as Section 39 (1) unequivocally reinforces these fundamental rights. The rights of citizens to protest is an integral democratic instrument with which the people, who feel oppressed, deploy to pressurize the government to deliver equitable governance for the people. It is also an avenue to cause change by voicing out grievances to the government on any unsatisfactory policy.

    That some Nigerians are planning to embark on a 10-day protest is not unjustifiable considering the current economic realities which have plunged many into severe poverty and rendered many hopeless. Nigerian people have really endured and have also been patient. They should not be denied the opportunity to express themselves within the instrumentality of the law and for the government to hear them out.

    The demands of the aggrieved Nigerian youths are certainly meritorious and deserving of government’s attention. They want the current hardship mitigated and desire good governance. It would be an act of hypocrisy for anyone to feign ignorance of the economic quagmire in the land.

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    Even the president himself has several times acknowledged and lamented the unpalatable situation with promises to mitigate the sufferings. However, despite various economic policies and measures to bring down the inflationary trends, and perhaps relief the pain and agony of the people, the results have not effectively yielded the much-needed impact on the masses. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) recently cried out that many Nigerians are barely able to afford basic meals as a result of their low purchasing power in view of the rising cost of food items. The government must re-strategise to change the narrative.

    President Tinubu should listen to those dissenting citizens, who do not only mean well for the country, but also desirous to see Nigeria work for anyone regardless of social or political status. As for the seemingly political undertone and agenda behind the planned protests; that should not deter the president from taking pragmatic steps to defuse the tension. It is unhelpful to describe the angry youths as mere political jobbers or criminal elements. It would also be hasty for the government to conclude that the ultimate motive of such demonstration was to tarnish and destabilize the country.

    Certainly, we cannot afford to allow our already unstable economy to crumble or be crippled again. We should not allow things to degenerate like the ENDSARS did. Also, we cannot afford to lose the gains we have achieved so far in the security and infrastructure sectors. The planned protests must be curtailed by all means necessary. The president needs to talk to Nigerians and promptly walk the talk.

    It is time for his administration to take proactive steps to curb the acute hunger and abject suffering in the land.

    I am certainly not calling for more food or cash palliatives as these interventions do not really get to the needy but to the hands of corrupt state officials who only divert them for their greed.

    The president needs to come up with immediate actions to douse of the tension and to renew the hope of Nigerians in the possibilities for good governance. Remember, it is always better go for the clam before the storm.

    •Damilare Adeleye,damilareadeleye025@gmail.com

  • On LAMATA/National Theatre transportation partnership

    On LAMATA/National Theatre transportation partnership

    Sir: In a strategic move aimed at enhancing accessibility and boosting economic activity, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) is exploring a collaborative partnership with the National Theatre, now known as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts. The alliance is focused on exploring opportunities for joint efforts in transportation infrastructure development within the complex.

    The collaboration is poised to yield significant benefits for both institutions and the city at large. With three major rail lines – Blue, Red, and Yellow – converging at the National Theatre, the collaboration is poised to transform the National Theatre into a more accessible and vibrant hub for arts, culture, and entertainment, while also driving economic growth for the entire Lagos metropolis. 

    To the discerning, the collaboration between LAMATA and the National Theatre is expected to have a far-reaching impact on various fronts. 

    Firstly, it would improve accessibility. The integration of rail lines and other transportation options will enhance accessibility to the National Theatre for residents and tourists alike, stimulating cultural participation and boosting tourism.

    It is equally expected to spur economic growth. Yes, by facilitating easier access to the complex, the partnership is expected to boost the local economy through increased patronage of businesses, restaurants, parks, art stores and other businesses.

    Importantly, it will create jobs. The development of transportation infrastructure and the subsequent increase in visitor numbers will create employment opportunities in various sectors, contributing to the city’s economic growth.

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    Moreover, the LAMATA/National Theatre collaboration will boost urban development. The partnership aligns with Lagos’ broader urban development goals, promoting sustainable and efficient transportation systems. By providing improved transportation options, the collaboration will support the National Theatre’s mission to promote Nigerian culture and arts on a global stage.

    The impact of this partnership extends far beyond the National Theatre itself. By improving transportation infrastructure, LAMATA and the National Theatre are creating a catalyst for economic growth in the surrounding area. Increased foot traffic will boost local businesses, generating employment opportunities and tax revenue for the government. Additionally, the revitalized National Theatre is expected to become a major tourist attraction, contributing to Lagos’ reputation as a vibrant and culturally rich city.

    To fully appreciate the potential impact of the LAMATA-National Theatre partnership, it’s essential to examine successful transportation-culture collaborations from around the world.

    Take the Southbank Centre, the iconic cultural complex on the South Bank of the Thames in London. It is a significant cultural venue that benefits from the convenient access to the London Underground and public transportation. Its location contributes to its status as a thriving cultural and commercial hub, drawing millions of visitors each year to its various events and activities.

    In New York, the Lincoln Centre, situated near several subway lines, has successfully leveraged its convenient location to draw diverse audiences. The area has also experienced significant commercial development, contributing to the city’s economy.

    The UNESCO World Heritage site in Barcelona, Palau de la Música Catalana, is easily accessible by public transportation, including metro, bus, and tram. The venue’s integration with the city’s transport network has been instrumental in its success as a major tourist attraction.

    By studying these and other successful case studies, LAMATA and the National Theatre can identify best practices and tailor them to the specific needs of Lagos. 

    As the partnership progresses, LAMATA and the National Theatre must demonstrate commitment to keep the public abreast of the project’s milestones and achievements. Through open communication and engagement, they can build public support and ensure that the benefits of this transformative initiative are shared by all.

    To maximize the economic benefits, the partnership should focus on developing integrated transportation solutions that include not only rail but also bus services, pedestrian walkways, and cycling lanes. This multimodal approach will ensure that visitors have a variety of options to choose from, regardless of their mobility needs.

    While the potential benefits of this partnership are immense, there are also challenges to be addressed. These include issues such as traffic congestion, parking availability, and the need for adequate infrastructure to support increased passenger volumes. To overcome these challenges, LAMATA and the National Theatre must be willing to work closely with other government agencies, private sector partners, and community stakeholders.

     The partnership represents a long-term investment in Lagos’ future. By creating a world-class transportation hub at the National Theatre, the city is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable urban development. This project serves as a model for other cultural and entertainment venues, demonstrating the power of collaboration to drive positive change.

    •Elvis Eromosele elviseroms@gmail.com

  • Nigeria failing to protect its children

    Nigeria failing to protect its children

    • By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    A society where children are prone to abuse would always condone excuses for exposing children to horrific abuse. Such a society often shields the worst offenders or punishes them minimally before cutting them loose to continue their sadistic abuse of children.

    The case of 13-year-old Bridget Samuel in Taraba State is particularly pathetic. Falsely accused of stealing N5000, her hands were tied by two of her uncles and dipped in hot water mixed with pepper and sand. The horrific cruelty coupled with the fact that she was not immediately given medical attention may end up causing the permanent loss of her hands.

    The punishment meted out to Bridget which was for an unconfirmed act of theft highlights the dangers children face at the hands of adults who are supposed to protect them. No matter the crime the child committed there could have been no justification for the cruelty with which she was treated.

    Children remain tragically exposed to abuse in Nigeria where constant referrals as leaders of tomorrow is fast receding behind a cloud of complacency.

    It has been more than two decades since Nigeria passed the Child Rights Act, yet, safety has only marginally improved for Nigerian children. As with the myriad of laws passed in Nigeria, the law has been bogged down by the bogeyman of implementation.

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    Nigeria owes every Nigerian child a debt that can only be repaid by lifelong security, quality education, healthcare, social security and other variables that firm up a quality life. Generations have gone with this debt remaining unpaid.  This sequence must be snapped if the country’s future is to beat its past.

    Nigeria faces a catastrophic reckoning if the authorities do not commit more resources to protecting children.  Children are the future. Abused children will bring up an abused future. Scarred children will bring up a future mapped with scars and neglect.

    Education and sensitization about child care and protection must continue for parents, guardians, and the society at large. Those entrusted with the care of children must be made to understand that there are clear lines that cannot be crossed under any circumstances in the care of children. This is important to keep children safe always.

    For now, with child abuse rife, Nigeria needs to hold a conversation with its children about the kind of life and future they want. Without this heartfelt conversation, the needless suffering of children will continue to endanger the future of an entire country.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,

    Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Olatunji Dare: As a titan bows out

    Olatunji Dare: As a titan bows out

    • By Usman Bulama

    Sir: The name Olatunji Dare has been ringing bell for over three decades in the sphere or elitist journalism. I saw him only once and for that matter at a distance while visiting The Guardian newspapers promises in 1991. However, I have been glued to his columns all these while as he wrote  for The Guardian and until  now as he wrote for The Nation newspapers.

    He isn’t your run of the mill journalist reporting mundane stories and writing about gossips around town or making commentaries on sports; apologies to those who do these activities; for what is a newspaper without such contents? The media in general educates, inform and entertain.  In all these, the field journalist is the nexus of the newspaper house.  However, my segregating approach in describing our subject – Olatunji Dare, is because of his uniqueness as a multi-faceted communicator.

    A professor at various universities at home and abroad who churned out and mentored many journalists who in their own right have become celebrated. He as well writes with fecundity all these years without a hiatus that I can remember. He has written over and over again whether in his Matters Arising while in The Guardian newspapers; or At Home Abroad in The Nation newspapers. His educative and informative articles discussed a plethora of subjects ranging from politics, economy and the egalitarian society all persons of conscience yearn for. He along with others told truth to leaders, defended citizen’s rights and imparted knowledge. 

    A satirist, an art in which he has no equal-thus someone describing him a man of style, biting satire and rib cracking humour and wit. And, he is an eminent columnist who for many is a must read. He is in a class of scholarly communicators in The Nation newspapers  that have created a niche for themselves. The professor is nothing less than a maven in the field of journalism and an activist par-excellence. One rarely comes across such selfless people who commit themselves for public service and do so without pecuniary expectations in a materialistic milieu such as ours.

    What is more, his academic forays are said to be landmark achievements whether as a recipient of a first class degree in mass communications at the university of Lagos and post graduate studies in America, his stints as columnist at both The Guardian and The Nation newspapers were also stellar as he handled the pen in most amazing and impressive ways.   

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     The greatness of this man is summed up by a fellow columnist at The Nation as presented respectively: “Professor has been equally celebrated by all institutions he attended or worked, starting from the university of Lagos, Columbia and Indiana universities”.

    And the other says; “His retirement from The Nation’s back page as he clocked 80 isn’t just the end of a column, it is the dimming of a beacon that has illuminated the landscape of Nigerian journalism for decades”.

    Indeed, it is the dimming of a beacon for those of us who just could not miss reading his masterpieces. However, we take solace in the professor’s own words as he wrote his last column/epistle titled Farewell in The Nation of July 23. Thus Retiring the column is not the same as retiring from journalism……I should make it clear I am retiring from columnism not from journalism.

    That gladdens the hearts of his numerous admirers as once in a while we shall still read those scintillating and elegant prose. We wish professor an active and robust health as he hangs the pen for a well-deserved rest.

    •Usman Bulama,

    Mairi village, Maiduguri, Borno State.

  • How Nigeria can manage her diversity

    How Nigeria can manage her diversity

    By Stephen Olabode

    Though Nigeria has enjoyed 25 years of unbroken democratic rule since 1999, the nation still suffers from several issues along its diversity lines. While the democratic system has solved some of the problems caused by the military, it faces myriad of ethnic and cultural challenges, posing threat to national unity.

    This largely can be blamed on leadership and ineffective governance systems. Issues like insurgency, farmers-herders clashes, agitation for secession, communal conflicts, poverty, etc, have become order of the day. Despite Nigeria’s potential to thrive on the wings of diversity, poor leadership and corruption have caused a great setback. These corrupt practices, nepotism, favouritism, misappropriation, and embezzlement of public resources cause resentment and mistrust among diverse groups reinforcing stereotypes and creating tensions.

    Nigeria is yet to achieve full potentials of democracy. Communities in rural areas often lack access to dividends because there is no effectiveness of local government. A lot of these communities have suffered neglect and could not have a fair share of the federal allocation of resources needed for development. This causes marginalization and make them feel excluded.

    Ordinarily, no human will feel safe where their interests are not protected. More reason why groups from various parts of the country have been calling for secession owing to claims that their interests are no longer safe in the country. Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah said at the 21st convocation ceremony of the University of Abuja that, “when people do not feel a sense of being equal before the law, then differences become manifest”.

    Read Also: Tinubu addressing demands, no need for protest – FEC

    Embracing inclusion in all facets of Nigerian society is essential for effectively managing the country’s diverse cultural landscape. We must rejig and redesign our educational system entirely to celebrate and promote our cultural values.

    For instance, only the indigenous languages of major tribes are taught as subjects in schools. Moving on, provisions must be made to include the indigenous languages of other minority groups in school curriculum and should be taught to interested students. This will give these tribes a sense of relevance, preserve culture richness, and promote value.

    While the federal system of government is crucial in promoting national integration and unity, it has been observed that the system has attracted too much concentration of powers to the centre. In a democratic society, power belongs to the people. As such, Nigeria must decentralize power as a way to promote inclusion, effectiveness, and solve diversity issues by reintroducing regional government and local government autonomy.

    To further strengthen cohesion and unity, the government should give more recognition to minority and marginalized ethnic groups through sports and tourism development. Cultural heritage sites and artefacts should be developed and protected as national assets. Our National Sports Festival should include more indigenous sporting activities, especially those of the minorities.

    It is important that every citizen embrace one identity regardless of our different language and tribe. The individuality of Nigeria’s Atlanta ’96 winning team did not carry their various ethnic identity to the Olympics but a single national identity. This, we must emulate to build a nation of our dreams.

    The effort to manage our diversity must be an intentional and a concerted one. Through national orientation, good leadership, legislation, and policymaking, Nigeria can harness the strength of its diversity to propel the nation towards a future where tribes and tongues harmonize in a symphony of progress and prosperity.

    • Stephen Olabode, Abuja.

  • Protest: Let’s choose wisely

    Protest: Let’s choose wisely

    Sir: Nigeria faces challenges whenever progress seems within reach. Some individuals, who benefit from destabilization, oppose advancements and incite public unrest. By comparing Nigeria to Kenya and emulating their protest strategies, they risk bringing further destruction—looting, stealing, and bloodshed. Such actions could lead to widespread condemnation of the current government, destabilize the nation, and provoke unpredictable future administrations. The irreversible losses from the EndSARS protest serve as a stark reminder.

    The current administration may face criticism, especially if another protest erupts. This is precisely what those opposed to Nigeria’s progress desire. The saying, “The pot that will contain a good stew will get seriously hot,” highlights that good things require patience. While destruction is swift, rebuilding takes time.

    President Tinubu’s administration is laying a solid foundation for Nigeria’s growth through the removal of subsidies and liberalization of forex. These reforms aim to fight corruption, promote fiscal discipline, and create a stable investment environment crucial for long-term prosperity.

    Removing fuel subsidies alleviates the fiscal burden on the government, reallocating funds to vital areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare. In 2022, Nigeria spent over $7 billion on subsidies, draining public funds and enabling corruption. A 2012 report by Nigeria’s House of Representatives indicated that $6.8 billion was lost to corruption in the subsidy regime between 2009 and 2011. Eliminating subsidies promotes transparency, encourages market efficiency, and stimulates investment in alternative energy sources.

    Read Also: Tinubu administration committed to taking Nigeria to sound economic footing – Presidency

    Liberalizing forex allows the exchange rate to be market-driven, addressing disparities between official and black market rates, which have fuelled corruption. A transparent forex regime attracts foreign investment by providing stability and reducing currency fluctuation risks. This policy has started to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI), essential for economic growth and job creation. Additionally, a market-driven exchange rate makes Nigerian exports more competitive, supporting diverse sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.

    Since these reforms, Nigeria has seen improved economic stability. The removal of subsidies has reduced fiscal deficits, and forex liberalization has stabilized the naira. Increased oil sector revenue is now funding social programs and infrastructure projects, enhancing Nigerians’ quality of life. Corruption related to fuel subsidies and forex allocations has decreased, with anti-corruption agencies better equipped to tackle fraud.

    While the current administration’s efforts may not yet meet everyone’s expectations, they are expected to yield positive outcomes in the near future. Despite tough times, let’s believe there is light at the end of the tunnel. As patriotic citizens, let the change we desire start with us and our household. By fulfilling our civic duties, together we can work towards making Nigeria great again.

    •Haroon Aremu, (NYSC)Abuja.