The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Soludo, Anambra traditional rulers and 2025 politics

    Soludo, Anambra traditional rulers and 2025 politics

    • By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    Sir: Anambra is a unique political experiment. The Anambra voter is sophisticated and defiant. The Anambra political terrain is full of landmines and banana peels. Veteran politicians and age-long political dynasties have known sudden defeats in a state that has consistently mocked the Nigerian existing state of affairs.

    Charles Soludo leads the current government. He has two full years before he tests his popularity again at the polls. Next year, he may have Ifeanyi Ubah to contend with. The senator representing Anambra South in the senate has the guile, pockets, and people to knock Soludo off his perch.

    Soludo knows this just as well as he knows the unpredictability of those who would determine his fate at the polls when the date is due. It is why the state governor is railing against the chieftaincy title conferred on Ubah in Neni.

    It is also the reason the Anambra Traditional Rulers Council in the state has been dissolved. Soludo says the council had to be dissolved because it was not properly constituted.

    It is curious that it took the conferment of a chieftaincy title, a string of suspensions, and criticism from the council for the state government to discover that it was not properly constituted.

    Nigeria’s crisis has disoriented even those who have always played such key roles in stabilizing the country. Infiltration and interference have also been such powerful disruptors. 

    The traditional institution has been hard hit. Those unfit to be even courtiers in any palace have somehow found their way to thrones, supported of course by mischievous government officials. Royal appointments have known no little government interference. This has denigrated the traditional institution. 

    But Soludo’s insecurity is worrisome. The conferment of chieftaincy titles on his potential rivals should not worry him so much if he is so sure he is the solution to his people’s problems. Since he fancies himself the solution to Anambra’s myriad problems, he should not be too bothered by what others are doing. He should not be having sleepless nights because of the activities of other politicians. Especially when they have tried and failed to be governor before.

     But Soludo seems disconnected in a way that is so disappointing for many people who have invested hope in his administration.

     He won his election to much fanfare in November 2021. His March-2022 swearing was dubbed a new dawn for the state. However, that dawn has since been replaced by dusk, the light going off as quickly as it came on. Controversy after controversy has greeted his every move.

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     In going out of his way to court even more controversy, he has lost credibility. Traditional rulers in Anambra State should be kept out of politics. Their appointment and work should be insulated from noxious politics.

    Soludo may need to check the excesses of traditional rulers some of whom have forgotten what they represent.  But he should also remember that the traditional institution is where it is today because of interference.

    State governors have been known to appoint their cronies to exalted royal seats. They have been known to politicize traditional institutions and turn their custodians into sycophants. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo came under fire last year for humiliating traditional rulers at an occasion in Oyo State. Yahaya Bello who was governor of Kogi State until days ago, was known for his vendetta against traditional rulers in the state.

    It amounts to playing with fire to toy with traditional institutions. Soludo should know that.

    The custodians of age-long traditions should never be dragged into the infantile tussles of those whose tantrums are as brief as the transience of their power is swift.

    Disaster looms if key pillars of the Nigerian society continue to be pulled down one after the other.

    • Ike Willie-Nwobu,

    Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Faux outrage from the usual quarters

    Faux outrage from the usual quarters

    • By Chiechefulam Ikebuiro

    Sir: It’s tough. It was not going to be an easy ride and discerning minds anticipated the challenges that would come with the tough but necessary decisions/policies.

    While I believe in the potential for long term gains, a genuine concern has been raised: the apparent lack of empathy demonstrated by the government at all levels. This sentiment is particularly fuelled by the perceived reluctance to slash frivolous spending despite the hardships faced by the people. The government on all tiers have failed at this simple task of empathy and it is time to reassess spending priorities, with a focus on eliminating frivolous expenditure(s).

    Focus should also now be heavily channelled to the fundamentals – security, enhanced electricity infrastructure, diversification of revenue streams, and streamlined custom process, production, positive balance of trade et al.

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    That said, the faux outrage from the usual quarters raises questions about their sincerity of purpose, in that these same people might not be as vocal if these same policies were implemented by a different candidate- especially the one who came third. In my opinion, the uproars from these quarters are totally not altruistic especially when we all agreed during the campaign period that these policies were necessary.

    To them, it’s not really about the implementation, but who did.

    My take is that we sift through the noise and discern between genuine and politically motivated outrage. Nigeria’s success hinges not only on the government and its policies, but also on our ability as the led to have the capacity to engage in constructive dialogue.

    May Nigeria succeed.

    •Chiechefulam Ikebuiro,

    chiechefulamikebuiro@gmail.com

  • The rise of militias

    The rise of militias

    By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    SIR: Militias are rising in Nigeria, thanks to insecurity. An explosion of militias, some government-backed, and others backing themselves, are currently rocking the country.

    Armed, aggressive and unaccountable, these militias are symptoms of Nigeria’s insecurity and militate against its security.

    Government has failed to provide security. States, groups and individuals are compelled to fend for themselves, and compete for the increasingly scant scraps of security.

    In the Southwest, there is Amotekun. Ebubeagu in the Southeast. Nigeria’s  South-south has many militias competing for the country’s black gold. In the North, vigilante militias have evolved to fight or contribute to insecurity. Some of them are partners with Nigeria’s security forces in the combat against insecurity. In Nasarawa State, Miyetti Allah’s decision to front a vigilante group has worked up a cyclone. The group says it is a response to banditry which disproportionately affects its members who are cattle rearers. The move is causing apprehension. Because the group has been fingered as a key provocateur in deadly farmer-herder conflicts in the Northcentral, many feel there is more to it.

    So far, Nigeria has refused to entertain the idea of state police. Security personnel are stretched across the country. Poorly equipped, poorly motivated and facing superior weapons, Nigeria has been mostly second best in the war for its survival.

    The slaughter has been very great in the last decade. Borno, Zamfara, Yobe, Benue, Niger, Kaduna, Plateau, Katsina have all felt the piercing pinch of insecurity.

    Cowed Nigerians who have mostly ignored calls for self-defence have been open to the idea of militias. One reason is that it is a mark of the compelling regional rivalry which marks Nigeria.

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    The 1914 amalgamation was far from a masterstroke. The fissures prove it. The friction confirms it.

    In politics, religion, economics and everywhere else, the competition is forceful.

    Even when voting blocs come together to form Nigeria’s government, it is often a marriage of convenience with a lot of suspicion.

    The militias operating in different parts of the country are a sign of suspicion. Suspicious of each other, Nigeria’s many parts front military groups just in case.

    Like other Nigerians, Miyetti Allah fear for their lives and cattle. They have contributed a significant number of casualties to Nigeria’s cauldron of insecurity. They have also been accused of fomenting insecurity.

    It should alarm government at all levels that individuals and groups are taking their security into their hands. Non-state actors arming themselves under different guises should alarm the government. In many ways, it is an admission of failure that individuals and groups are now resorting to protecting themselves. It is an indictment of the government.

    Nigeria’s bloated budget provides billions for security every year. Yet, it is Nigerians armed with sticks and knives who must defend themselves from the daily assaults of ruthless terrorists.

    These militias are only symptoms of the disease that insecurity has become on the body of Nigeria. It is like a cancer which is metastasizing gradually. Experience shows that it cannot be checked like half measures like arresting the brains behind the militias. Any action taken must be total.

    When people do not have confidence in the ability of the state to protect them and theirs, they will look for the means with which to help themselves. For as long as people feel that the government is treating the issue of insecurity with kid gloves, they will look for means by which to hammer out fists of iron and tackle the deadly scourge.

    The threat to the country’s sovereignty is clear. Armed groups, controlling vast swaths and refusing any accountability, can act with rampant impunity. And though there are no unanimous indicators of what a failed government looks like, there is a near consensus that a government that cannot guarantee the security of its citizens is a failed government.

    Nigeria’s flawed federalism and bloated constitution ensure that the conversation about state police never really gains any steam. But that conversation will have to be revisited again with open minds if Nigeria is to secure itself.

    • Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com  

  • Role of research and development in food security

    Role of research and development in food security

    SIR: Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa has a total land area of 910,770 sq. km with an estimated population of 200million people. The country is blessed with both human and mineral resources not only that but also has favourable climate, good weather condition, water resources and arable lands.

    It is a paradox that with all of these resources bestowed upon the nation, many people still die of starvation. The stark reality is that majority of Nigerians cannot afford three square meals a day.

     Every day, the prices of foodstuffs keep increasing at an astronomical rate. At the same time, our local currency has been devalued making its purchasing power to be low. It is no longer news that our country is currently experiencing food crisis. Recall that successive administrations had one time or the other embarked on some laudable agricultural initiatives in an attempt to achieve food security in the country. These included but not limited to the establishment of 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAS) in all the six geopolitical zones, Establishment of the Directorate of Foods, Roads and Rural Infrastructures (DFRRI) in all the 774 Local Government Areas.

    However, the success of these laudable programs was hindered due to poor co-ordination, lack of political will, policy somersault and lack of involvement of beneficiaries in project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

    Today, our food security is being threatened by climate change, urbanization, population explosion, flood, insecurity and farmers/herders clashes to mention but just a few.

    The question now is: what can our nation do to achieve food security? The last two decades have proved that research and development can play a significant role in achieving food security. There is a lot of quality research in the country that is not finding its way into industries. Recall that during the administration of former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, cassava bread was produced. Some scientists carried out a research and came up with the idea of mixing cassava flour with wheat flour unfortunately, the idea was jettisoned along the line due to lack of political will. This idea could have saved the country substantial amount of foreign exchange. Ukraine supplies the rest of the world with wheat unfortunately, there is a war going on between Ukraine and Russia. Wheat is now very expensive not only that but also difficult to come by. It is regrettable to say that African leaders do not pay much attention to Research and Development.

    Recall that two decades ago, there was Abuja declaration that required African leaders to invest two percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Research and Development but this has never happened in Nigeria.

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    My concern is that we are not getting our priorities right. We do prefer to waste our resources on things that are irrelevant rather than expending it on education.

    For instance, non-availability of data has been a serious challenge in this country. There is need for us to generate data on soil quality, water quality, rainfall pattern, weather condition and data on application and distribution of fertilizers. This is to enable us make informed decisions. Our universities are supposed to generate credible data for policy makers unfortunately, our public universities are poorly funded; not only that but also they do not have well equipped functional laboratories where they could carry out meaningful research. Apart from the universities, there are international research organizations that do carry out research on tropical crops. These include the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture in Ibadan (IITA), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in Rome and the United Nations Food Program in Geneva. Through research, scientists have been able to produce varieties of corns, tomatoes, rice and wheat through the application of genetic engineering. It is also important to mention here that most of the raw materials that are being employed in our various industries are products of research. For instance, “Ethanol” which is produced from cassava and corn is being used as raw materials in most of the industries as well research laboratories as “solvent”. There are quite a lot of research activities that are being carried out at the IITA where scientists are busy working on various tropical crops like cassava, yam and potatoes.

    I would like to implore our African leaders to ensure that the 2% GDP Abuja declaration which is required to be invested in Research and Development be implemented without further delay. I would also like to suggest that the African Union consider setting up a regional research and development centre in Addis – Ababa, Ethiopia.

    • Oladele Oladipupo, oladipuposaka@yahoo.com
  • Restructuring: Open letter to PBAT

    Restructuring: Open letter to PBAT

    SIR: When you took the oath on May 29, 2023, the hopes of many citizens soared, inspired by your enduring commitment to democracy and true federalism over the years.

    Your initial months in office have witnessed bold steps, such as the removal of the fuel subsidy and unifying the exchange rate. However, it is evident that these initiatives, and future ones, will face limitations without embracing true federalism and the devolution of power. The pressing security and economic challenges confronting Nigeria demand a more nuanced approach beyond the centralization of power.

    A crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked is the need for a comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria’s political framework. The current structure has inherent flaws that impede development and foster an environment conducive to mediocrity and corruption. Regardless of your well-intentioned efforts, the system, as it stands, is programmed to fail. Bring President Obama, Trump, Biden, and Clinton to govern Nigeria with the current constitution and military imposed unitary system, they will all fail miserably.

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    Every successive government in Nigeria has been worse than before since Obasanjo’s presidency, and the trend continues because of a bad structural bankrupt unitary system. There is no hope in the current Nigerian system, unless we are in perpetual denial, the urgency to change it for the common good is now.

    Dear President Tinubu, I implore you to reflect on your pre-presidential speeches and advocacies, especially when you were in the trenches as a pro-democracy activist and as the governor of Lagos State, during which you championed the cause of true federalism. It is clear that attempting to govern Nigeria within the existing structure may lead to little or no success. Our nation requires a fundamental shift towards a more sustainable and equitable system.

    The call for restructuring is not just a plea for change; it is a necessity to ensure the future prosperity of our great nation. The current trajectory is unsustainable, and the echoes of underdevelopment are becoming increasingly pronounced, especially when compared to our African counterparts.

    Nigeria must not be left behind in the progress that other nations of the world are achieving. It is time to break free from the cyclical challenges and embrace a path that allows each geopolitical zone to develop at its own pace.

    The choice is clear: You can go down in history as the man who took the bull by the horns and led Nigeria towards a restructured future or risk being bound by the limitations of an outdated system.

    • Prof. Babs Onabanjo USA.
  • Tackling the realities of inflation

    Tackling the realities of inflation

    • By Abachi Ungbo

    Sir: Our streets are bristling with anger and frustration as the country grapples with asphyxiating inflationary pressure that is proving largely intractable. Food prices have continued to make an upward trajectory constituting a nightmare that has continue to keep many awake at night. This is in the face of static income. Incomes are now substantially spent on essentials. Proper nutrition is way out of the plan of many. Ironically, the hitherto substitute goods are now luxury. Health care is pricey which of course will be pushing or already is pushing not a few into embracing unorthodox alternatives.

    Businesses are gasping for breath. Cost of production is fast chipping away at profit. For instance, the poultry industry is adrift in the sea of conflation of many factors like the rising cost of energy and essential raw materials for feed production and which has placed many jobs on the line. In fact, the general job market is tepid and constricted making jobs few and far between.

    Government intervention through monetary strategy hasn’t delivered the goods. The well-intentioned idea of pulling the plug on fuel subsidy which was attended by hike in transportation cost conflated with the depreciation of the naira which saw it lose considerable value against major currencies in bolstering inflation.

    The exchange rate remains volatile which of course has a negative consequence on an import dependent economy like ours.  Prices of imported commodities have all ramped up. There is no way inflation will cool when the naira continue to lose its value.

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    Tackling the inflation requires urgent intervention in addressing the challenges of productivity in the economy through ramping up local production and consumption. This means agriculture will need to be given a pride of place through huge investment in techniques and technology to boost value addition; so also, is in the area of insecurity which has continued to undercut the economy.

    There’s urgent need for creating enabling environment for attracting foreign investment and incentivizing exports. It is consequential to strengthen interventions in addressing the high cost of transportation and logistics challenges. So, also is the need to splurge on infrastructure which is so decrepit with negative effect on the economy. The fight against oil theft must be sustained to improve oil revenues.

    Inflation isn’t a peculiar problem but we walked ourselves into it as a result of recklessness in managing the economy. Make no mistake, there’re no quick fixes but with the right leadership and political will the country will march out of the woods.

    •Abachi Ungbo,

    abachi007@yahoo.com

  • Insecurity: The way forward

    Insecurity: The way forward

    • By Damilare Adeleye

    Sir: Truth be told, all is not well with the country. Criminals are feasting on our fatherland. Bandits are reigning like wild fire. Kidnappers are having a field day. Gunmen are ravaging. Terrorists are on rampage killing, maiming and destroying our homes. As it is, it is dangerous to sleep with one eye closed. All eyes need to be open to be on the alert. Nigeria is bleeding. The people are pleading!

    Throughout last week, hardly was there a day without report of killings and abductions. On Monday, unknown gunmen reportedly invaded a community called Gbauzokoyako located after Ketti in the Kuje Area Council of Abuja where father and son were said to have been killed. This was even as the assailants reportedly abducted five residents in the same community. The same day, armed men assassinated two traditional rulers in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State. This came at the same time when some gunmen abducted students, teachers, and a driver of Apostolic Faith Group of Schools in the Emure-Ekiti area of the state.

    Similarly on Tuesday, reports emerged that 11 farmers were killed in Firgi community, Pulka Ward of the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State after stepping on Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

    On Wednesday, gunmen reportedly abducted two teenage sisters from Guita community in Chikakore, located in Kubwa, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This was as 15 persons were reportedly killed after suspected herders attacked Ugboju community in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. On Thursday morning, unknown gunmen terrorizing Nigeria’s capital city also kidnapped a director at the Federal Housing Authority in the Federal Capital Territory, Aondo Ver. Later in the day, armed men attacked Koro community, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing the community’s traditional ruler, Olukoro of Koro, General Segun Aremu (rtd), and abducted his wife, alongside two others. Same day, a policeman was killed in Ebonyi State when gunmen attacked and engaged a police patrol team in a gun battle around Ngbo-Effium axis in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the State. Yet on the same day, gunmen beheaded a police officer identified as Inspector Osang.  On Friday, reports emerged that gunmen abducted 30 women escorting newlywed bride in Katsina. This happened along Gamji Road in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State on Thursday night. Similarly, Police in Borno State confirmed that four of its men were killed by insurgents during an attack on its quarters.

    All these happened in one week!

    The security agencies seem to be overwhelmed. Perhaps, they too also have suffered many casualties in these attacks. Many approaches including changing the security chiefs have been implemented to curb the menace, but none has proved to be effective enough. Therefore, it is time to take radical, novel actions.

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    I have two propositions to the government. First is the implementation of community policing. The need for state police cannot be overemphasized. Debate has been going on over the potential good and bad of such security structure. But, the truth is that it is the only way to go. The Federal Police system is overstretched, overburdened, making it losing its grip on the security situation. Starting with number of foot officers, equipment, arms and ammunition, one can tell that the federal policing system cannot longer help provide adequate security for our communities. Only the state police would work as each state would be responsible for the security of its territory. Each state would have capacity to recruit, arm and deploy security operatives as it deems fit within its territory. With security vote and security trust fund, the state governments can properly fund state policing system.

    The era when orders can only come from Abuja to all the 36 states of the federation is long gone.

    My second proposition is that the government needs to be more aggressive towards these bloodthirsty insurgents. They are enemies and internal aggressors, trespassing the Nigeria’s sovereignty. They do not mean well for the country, and so, they should be decisively dealt with. The trend of arresting these callous non-state individuals without proper prosecution is not helping the situation. The security agencies must up their game by ensuring speedy investigation and diligent arraignment in courts.

    We, the citizens, also have our responsibilities. We must help the government and security agencies with intelligence. With our support and faith, the security agencies can get rid of these bad elements within us to make the country a haven for everyone to live.

    •Damilare Adeleye,

    Lagos.

  • Drug abuse and No gree for anybody mantra

    Drug abuse and No gree for anybody mantra

    • By Olufemi Fadahunsi

    Sir: The year 2024 has been given an aggressive theme of “No gree for anybody” by young Nigerians.

    In some quarters, “No gree for anybody” has become a personal creed for achieving success in the year. We have seen some businesses use it in adverts to send motivational messages urging Nigerians to be resilient in the face of adversity in the year.

    By and large, the intention of the dogma was for every Nigerian not to give in to failure or any negative circumstances that might otherwise impede their progress and that of the country in the year.

    There is no better context for the “No gree for anybody” mind-set than in the campaign against illicit drugs. In recent years, the surge in the abuse and trafficking of illicit substances among the youth has risen to an alarming proportion and has become one of the most disturbing concerns about the future of this country.

    Despite the commendable efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in seizing over 7,500 tonnes of illicit substances, arresting over 48,000 drug trafficking offenders and getting 8,350 of them convicted in court, there seems to be no let-up in the number of people who are doing drugs in this country. There is no week that NDLEA did not record significant seizures and arrests. That simply speaks volumes that more is needed to be done to curb the menace of illicit drugs on our streets and in our cities and communities.

    From the published records of NDLEA, the fact that they have equally arrested over 46 drug barons in just three years, underscored the severity of the issue at hand.

    By now, it should have become clear that relying solely on law enforcement is not enough. The fight against illicit substances requires social action involving the whole of society, and beginning at the individual level.

    The War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) already instituted by NDLEA is commendable. However, there is a need to raise the intensity of the advocacy such that society will be saturated with the message of the campaign to the extent that WADA will become a street slogan.

    Be that as it may, the fight against the abuse of illicit drugs requires the strength, enthusiasm and cooperation of youth.

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    The message has to get across to young people that illicit substances are a trap, a slippery slope that leads to addiction and ultimately a destructive end.

    NDLEA needs to make a prudent intervention to ensure that the message resonates with the young generation.

    Indeed, the agency has been seizing initiatives to create awareness, on its social media, and especially via its weekly X Space every Friday and through the WADA outreach to churches, mosques, schools, marketplace, parks and offices.

    But to maximise the absorption of the message, it is also imperative to speak the language of the moment that resonates with young people who are the critical mass of the country’s population. That language presently is “No gree for anybody.”

     While the NDLEA continues its commendable efforts to curb the supply and apprehend those responsible, it should also propagate the “no gree for drug abuse” mantra among youth.

    This will further lend impetus to law enforcement efforts to curb the drug scourge.

    •Olufemi Fadahunsi,

    Ado Ekiti.

  • ECOWAS: Navigating uncharted waters

    ECOWAS: Navigating uncharted waters

    • By Akinola Ayobami Steven

    Sir: The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS has profound economic and diplomatic implications for states in the region. ECOWAS, built on the principles of economic integration, may face disruptions in trade and cooperation. Diplomatic relations could strain, affecting regional collaboration on various fronts.

    The power vacuum created by the withdrawal raises questions about the great power struggle in the Sahel. External actors may seize the opportunity to exert influence, with Russia’s increasing presence standing out. The dynamics of this struggle could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the region.

    The landlocked status of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger compounds the challenges posed by poor supply chains and infrastructural development. Negotiations with ECOWAS become critical for addressing economic concerns and ensuring sustainable development despite these constraints.

    The withdrawal introduces uncertainties in the general security situation, particularly concerning pronounced terror activities. ECOWAS, historically playing a vital role in addressing security challenges through collaborative efforts, may find its effectiveness diminished.

    The motivations behind the withdrawal raise questions about whether it benefits the juntas or the people. The formation of a politico-military alliance indicates the juntas’ objectives, but the long-term impact on the populations of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger remains uncertain.

    Navigating this complex terrain requires a comprehensive risk assessment. A strategic and united approach is needed to maintain regional stability. To navigate this uncharted terrain, ECOWAS must undertake a meticulous risk assessment of the stances of the three member states and carefully consider the implications for regional peace and security.

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      A detailed analysis of the economic interdependence between these states and the remaining ECOWAS members is crucial. A diplomatic risk assessment should be conducted to understand potential strains in diplomatic relations. Analyzing historical ties, shared interests, and possible areas of contention will inform effective negotiation strategies.

    ECOWAS must carefully evaluate the increasing presence of external actors, particularly Russia. An in-depth analysis of the landlocked challenges faced by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger is imperative. Assessing the state of their infrastructure, supply chains, and potential bottlenecks will guide negotiations on sustainable development.

    ECOWAS should prioritize upholding democratic principles in its approach. Encouraging dialogue, inclusive governance, and adherence to democratic values can mitigate internal conflicts.

    In all, ECOWAS must navigate this complex quandary with diplomatic finesse, commitment to democratic principles, and a focus on maintaining regional peace and security.

    •Akinola Ayobami Steven,

    NIIA, Lagos.

  • Cultivating peace through quality education

    Cultivating peace through quality education

    • By Blessing Tarfa

    Sir: The theme of the 2024 International Day of Education, Learning for Lasting Peace, resonated with the entire world. While the nature of attacks may be peculiar, no country’s education sector has been spared an attack on education in the last decade, either as a result of the pandemic, gun violence, insurgency, health epidemics, natural hazards, climate change, or civil unrest. The day, which has been observed every January 24 since 2019, acknowledges the role of education in bringing global peace and sustainable development.

    In Nigeria, insecurity, conflict, and violence continue to disrupt the peace and in so doing, the learning of children. Further, militarized efforts to neutralize conflict and maintain “peace,” such as enforcing curfews, installing checkpoints, and the closure of schools to “protect” education, are temporary solutions that have proven ineffective in the long run. It is time to adopt a different approach to fostering lasting peace in society through quality education.

    The common proverb “Children are sponges” refers to children’s propensity to mimic the behaviours they see in the world around them. It is imperative, therefore, to teach children the values and skills to withstand the pressure of a society where violence and conflict prevail. The persistence of conflict and its disruption of education have lasting effects on the development of children, but quality education provides an opportunity to counteract the societal effects of violence on the development of children.

    The Nigerian education sector cannot be criticised for lacking any initiative in providing solutions that protect the education of children from attack or restoring peaceful environments for learning to take place. In fact, in 2018, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria became one of the first 40 countries to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD), an intergovernmental commitment to secure schools, learners, and teachers from any forms of attack. By 2021, Nigeria had made strides in its implementation and operationalisation of the SSD with the development of tools and the creation of policies that support the common goal of this initiative: securing schools and increasing the resiliency of the education sector to withstand attacks. Viewing the progress made by the country, Nigeria hosted the 4th International Conference on Safe Schools Declaration in 2021, called the Abuja Conference, where the Safe Schools Declaration Minimum Standards for Basic and Secondary Schools, the Facilitators’ Training Manual, and the National Policy for Safe, Secure, and Violence-Free Schools were presented as Nigeria’s operationalisation documents to secure schools.

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    We must acknowledge that a conflict-ridden society is a reflection of our education sector. Therefore, if conflict prevails, then the educational sector is the brewing pot. Quality education in the context of propagating lasting peace is a teaching and learning experience that equips children with the skills to uphold the values of peace, learn to resolve conflict without engaging in violent acts, and have a mind-set that does not justify any form of violence. This requires a restructuring of the Nigerian curriculum and capacity development for teachers to be able to implement the curriculum effectively. Indeed, without adding regulatory frameworks to how the curriculum is implemented, Nigeria risks the possibility of children being indoctrinated with information that promotes the agenda and ideology of the teachers or the community. Through quality education, Nigeria can raise children who are ambassadors of peace and reflect a better society.

    It is time to invest in more holistic approaches that employ solutions that prevent the continuity of conflict within the community and within the school. Securing the future of society and children for lasting peace would involve structuring peace, unity, and nation-building into the school curriculum and the way of life of children. If we do not bring conversations about conflict and the history of Nigeria into the regulatory process of quality education, we risk raising a generation of children that are armed with the inbuilt biases of the society that raised them. Quality education is a unique opportunity for Nigeria to instil values in the children that they can imitate for lasting peace.

    •Blessing Tarfa,

     Abuja.