The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Transformative power of educating the girl-child

    Transformative power of educating the girl-child

    Sir: Education stands as the cornerstone of progress and within its embrace lies the transformative potential of the girl child. In the journey of nation-building, training a girl child is not merely an investment in an individual but a catalyst for widespread development and growth.

    The significance of educating the girl child cannot be overstated. When a girl is educated, she acquires not only knowledge but also the tools to navigate the complexities of life. Education equips her with critical thinking skills, empowering her to make informed decisions that can shape her future and contribute to the well-being of her community.

    Beyond the individual, the impact of educating a girl radiates throughout society. Studies consistently show that societies with higher levels of female education experience lower rates of poverty and greater economic stability. A girl who receives an education is more likely to participate in the workforce, thereby enhancing the overall productivity and prosperity of the nation.

    Education is a powerful equalizer, breaking down barriers and challenging societal norms. By investing in the education of the girl child, we dismantle the shackles of gender inequality. Education becomes the bridge that connects dreams to reality, enabling girls to pursue careers, lead communities, and participate actively in civic life.

    Moreover, educating the girl child has a profound effect on public health. Educated women tend to have fewer children and are more likely to provide their families with better healthcare and nutrition. This has a cascading effect on the nation’s health indicators, leading to a healthier and more resilient population.

    Read Also: ‘How to ensure girl-child’s sustainable development’

    Training a girl child means instilling values of empathy, compassion, and resilience. Educated girls often become agents of positive change, advocating for social justice and contributing to community development. Their ability to navigate challenges and adapt to evolving circumstances makes them invaluable assets in nation-building efforts.

    As we contemplate the importance of education for the girl child, it is crucial to recognize that this is not just a matter of policy but a moral imperative. Every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and realize her full potential. The empowerment of the girl child is synonymous with the empowerment of a nation.

    In conclusion, the education of the girl child is a potent force that transcends generations. It is an investment in the present and a gift to the future. By recognizing the importance of educating and training the girl child, we pave the way for a more equitable, prosperous, and harmonious society. Let us join hands to ensure that no girl is left behind, for in her education lies the promise of a brighter tomorrow for us all.

    • John Amabolou Elekun Iju-Ajuwon, Lagos.
  • What next after the reopening of Lagos markets?

    What next after the reopening of Lagos markets?

    Sir: In the last few weeks, many markets across Lagos State have been locked and opened by the Ministry of Environment and the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). There is no gainsaying that these markets deserve the closures. However, what next after the re-opening of the markets?

     One of the places in town synonymous with huge refuse generation is the markets. Many times, markets are considered to belong to nobody; as such, traders want their immediate environment habitable for their businesses, and at the close of the day, they “drop” the by-products of their wares somewhere, mainly on the roadside by the huge refuse collector and head to their various abodes.

     Yes, we will not, but blame the traders for not doing the appropriate thing. However, with the recent strategic move of the Ministry of Environment and LAWMA, everybody will know that it is no more business as usual. You have to take full responsibility for your environment, or else, the state will deal with you.

     However, there needs to be a pivotal strategy by the government to ensure that refuses do not become a menace for the traders, with the campaign on Circular Economy and how to achieve this. It is time to really put this into action for the good of every Lagosian.

     The Lagos State Government and LAWMA need to design a model of evacuation of refuse to these markets so that there would be seamless management. For instance, Mile 12 markets, wherein groceries are sold at the open market, will always have perishable items. There is a need for the government to know if this waste can be used to nourish the soil or even made into consumables for livestock. If this is done, there will be a significant drop in wastage that we currently face as a nation.

    At the moment, there are some peculiar markets, Computer Village and Alaba, Aswani and Yaba, with products that the world is still grappling with the best way of handling its waste; these are the largely electronic-related-waste and clothes. We do not have a model that will resolve waste, and it has become expedient to know how to fix this challenge too.

    Read Also: Alternative Bank partners LAWMA to drive waste to wealth initiative

     The peculiarity of each market will determine what will be done to ensure that we get the best out of the waste produced daily. So, we need to develop a strategy for markets that deal in motor parts, fashion, and accessories, pieces of furniture, metals, amongst others.

     I would also want to drum up support for the state government’s action. As a result of the import-dependent nature of the Nigerian economy, many traders have had the opportunity to travel to nations wherein they import their wares and also gone on pilgrimage either to Jerusalem or Saudi Arabia. The famous saying, “Opopo Mecca mo roro”, means the streets of Mecca are sparkling clean. However, we all enjoy making our roads stink.

     With the level of government investment in LAWMA and the franchisees located across the state, there are still insufficient waste truck collectors that can serve these markets daily, and that is why the level of waste keeps growing geometrically and the unending competitive need for the services of these waste collectors from the residential areas to the commercial areas. This might warrant the closure of the commercial spaces every week because of the attendant waste.

     The LAWMA Summer Academy for children needs to be infused into the curriculum for students of Lagos State so that we can begin to catch them young. If the content of the training is made available to children through the classroom, they will, in turn, educate their parents, and this will lead to attitudinal change in the community at large.

     Beyond the sanctions on residential and commercial areas on issues of waste management, a stakeholder forum on effective waste management for a mega city like Lagos needs to be organized so that we can take lessons that will turn our waste into wealth.

     The game is not over; the advocacy is not over, and the attitudinal change should really begin now across all societal strata so that our Lagos can also receive accolades for being one of the cleanest states in Nigeria and Africa at large.

    • Olutayo Irantiola, Lagos
  • Japa and challenge of brain drain

    Japa and challenge of brain drain

    • By John Amabolou Elekun

    Sir: Brain drain, the emigration of highly skilled and educated individuals from one country to another has become a pervasive global phenomenon. This phenomenon has significant implications for the countries of origin, particularly in the developing world. One such country grappling with the repercussions of brain drain is Nigeria.

    Migration has been an integral part of human history, driven by economic, social, and political factors. In recent decades, globalization has accelerated the movement of people across borders, with skilled professionals seeking enhanced career prospects and improved quality of life. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and France have been among the favoured destinations for individuals pursuing a better future.

    Several factors contribute to brain drain, with economic opportunities and job prospects being primary motivators. Developed countries often offer higher salaries, better working conditions, and advanced research facilities, attracting skilled professionals from around the world. Additionally, political instability, lack of job security, and limited career advancement opportunities in some countries further drive the emigration of talented individuals.

    Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has experienced a significant outflow of its skilled workforce, including medical doctors and nurses. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon: Nigeria faces economic challenges, including a high rate of unemployment and insufficient financial incentives for professionals. The allure of better salaries and improved living standards in developed countries is a powerful force drawing Nigerian talent abroad.

    Read Also: Why technology will play crucial role in sanitizing mining sector, by Alake

    Inadequate infrastructure and challenging working conditions in Nigeria, particularly in the healthcare sector, push professionals to seek environments with better-equipped facilities, advanced medical technologies and improved patient care standards.

    Limited access to cutting-edge educational resources and research opportunities in Nigeria can discourage professionals from staying in the country. The prospect of advanced training and research in well-established institutions abroad is a significant pull factor.

    Periods of political instability and insecurity in Nigeria contribute to a sense of uncertainty among its citizens. Seeking a stable and secure environment becomes a priority for those with the means to migrate. Concerns about the overall quality of life, including access to education, healthcare, and social services, motivate individuals, including healthcare professionals, to relocate to countries offering a more comprehensive welfare system.

    Brain drain is a complex and multifaceted issue with far-reaching implications for countries like Nigeria. Addressing this challenge requires a holistic approach, including economic reforms, investments in education and healthcare infrastructure, and efforts to create a conducive environment for professional growth. Only through comprehensive strategies can nations hope to retain their skilled workforce and foster sustainable development.

    •John Amabolou Elekun,

    Iju-Ajuwon, Lagos

  • As Nigeria’s railway system goes e-ticketing

    As Nigeria’s railway system goes e-ticketing

    • By Adedigba David

    Sir: In the heart of Nigeria’s digital revolution, a monumental leap has been taken to redefine the nation’s railway experience. On October 31, the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) introduced its ground-breaking E-Ticketing system, catapulting the country’s transportation sector into a new era of efficiency, convenience, and security. This transformative initiative not only dismantles the inefficiencies of the analogue era but also establishes a robust, digitally fortified railway system, setting new standards for seamless travel in the 21st century.

    Gone are the days of frustrating long queues and cumbersome ticketing processes. With the advent of E-Ticketing, passengers now have the power to effortlessly book their journeys online, curate their travel preferences, and select seating categories with just a few clicks. This streamlined process not only saves invaluable time but also empowers travellers with unparalleled freedom and control over their travel plans. The railway system, once plagued by inconvenience, has now become a realm of hassle-free exploration and seamless connectivity.

    At the heart of this revolutionary transformation lies the E-Ticketing system’s unparalleled ability to enhance security and thwart fraudulent activities. By ingeniously linking each ticket to the passenger’s identity through their NIN number, this system creates an impenetrable digital fortress. Manipulation and counterfeit ticketing attempts are met with insurmountable resistance, ensuring air-tight security for all passengers. This dynamic fusion of technology and security not only safeguards passengers’ interests but also illuminates a path towards a transparent, trustworthy railway system.

    In the broader context of Nigeria’s digital metamorphosis, the integration of E-Ticketing in the railway system stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to modernization and progress. As various sectors enthusiastically embrace digital solutions, the railway system emerges as a beacon of technological prowess. It serves as a living embodiment of how innovation can elevate essential services, marking a significant stride towards a more connected, efficient, and digitally advanced nation.

    To guarantee the perpetual success of the E-Ticketing system, vigilance becomes paramount. Implementing periodic monitoring and evaluation mechanisms ensures that any potential challenges are swiftly identified and promptly addressed. This proactive approach not only optimizes passenger convenience but also keeps the system adaptable, ready to embrace emerging technologies and evolving needs. It is a testament to Nigeria’s resilience and dedication to providing its citizens with a world-class travel experience.

    Read Also: Learn to leak your wounds, APC counsels Obi

    Moreover, the E-Ticketing policy paves the way for the creation of a comprehensive passenger database, a cornerstone in the realm of national security. In an era where accurate information is of paramount importance, this database becomes an invaluable asset. It empowers law enforcement agencies to track passenger movements, analyse travel patterns, and respond swiftly to any security concerns. The amalgamation of technology and security creates a synergy that fortifies the nation’s safety net, reassuring passengers and bolstering their confidence in the system.

    The introduction of E-Ticketing in Nigeria’s railway system is not merely a milestone; it is a testament to the nation’s visionary stride into a digitally empowered future. As we celebrate this monumental achievement, let us be reminded that this journey is not just about trains and tickets; it’s about embracing progress, igniting innovation, and crafting a future where every citizen can travel with unprecedented ease, security, and pride.

    Together, let us embark on this digital odyssey, ensuring that Nigeria’s railway system remains a shining beacon of innovation, setting an example for the world to follow.

    •Adedigba David,

    adedigbadavid2@gmail.com

  • Protecting children from drug-trafficking parents

    Protecting children from drug-trafficking parents

    • By Nanzem Nkup

    Sir: The rate at which women are involved in the illicit trade of drug trafficking is alarming and should be a subject of concern to the Nigerian public.  In the past three months, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the arrest of an unprecedented number of female suspects. One of them was the alleged female head of a drug syndicate, whose name was given as Faith Ebele Nwankwo, who was arrested at her residence in Lagos, shortly after she returned from a warehouse at Amuwo-Odofin, where she loaded eight cartons of tramadol 225mg into an unmarked white Honda Pilot SUV.

    Similarly, a Lekki, Lagos, female lawyer, Ebikpolade Helen, alleged to have specialised in the production and distribution of skuchies, a New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) that is a mixture of cannabis, opioids, and black currant, was arrested in a follow-up operation in Awka, Anambra State, following an earlier seizure of 5kg cannabis and 12 bottles of prepared skuchies in her apartment at Lekki. In the first week of October, there was a mugshot of a 45-year-old woman identified as Bilikisu Mohammed Bello who was arrested at Kano airport on her way to Saudi Arabia with cocaine and methamphetamine. A week earlier, two women were arrested with bags of cannabis. 

    Read Also: Why technology will play crucial role in sanitizing mining sector, by Alake

    These women are among a long list of women arrested by NDLEA in the past three months. 

     What is appalling about their situation is that they conducted their illicit businesses in their homes, where they lived with their children. 

    This should be of concern to Nigerians. And we should start pondering: What kind of children are these women raising? Again, this raft of arrests of female traffickers should also turn our attention to the possibility that not all teenagers picked drug abuse or drug trafficking habits from friends and peers.  Some of them actually ‘inherited’ the habit from their families. If a mother or father sells cannabis or any other illicit drugs for a living, what is the possibility that the child will deviate from the ‘family’ business? What is the possibility that the child will not end up as a user? 

    This is not about women alone but about parents in general. It is disheartening to see fathers and grandfathers dealing in drugs, like in the case of Boniface Ogwurlobi, 62, and Chimezie Onyenjuru, who were arrested at Uli town, Ihila LGA, Anambra State, with 49kg of cannabis sativa, 127g of methamphetamine, and 15g of cocaine.

    Do we seriously expect their offspring not to be interested in the livelihood of their parents? 

     In our collective drive¯spearheaded by NDLEA¯to rid our country of the menace of dangerous drugs, we need to pay attention to children from homes where parents are active producers and traffickers.  

    As a society, the onus is on us to protect the rights of the child, and this includes looking out for their wellbeing and ensuring that they grow up in a wholesome environment where they will not be introduced to abnormal behaviour by their families. 

    The NDLEA should expand its WADA advocacy campaign to target community leaders, religious leaders, and teachers to further amplify the message to parents to think about the future of their offspring before venturing into the trade and trafficking of illicit substances. 

    •Nanzem Nkup,

    Rikkos, Jos

  • River State political situation and social media reports

    River State political situation and social media reports

    Sir: Rivers State was recently thrown into crisis following an attempt by state legislators to impeach the governor.

    The feud came to a head on October 30, when 24 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly believed to be loyal to the former governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike, signed an impeachment notice against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The move came after the bombing of the state House of Assembly complex on the previous day.

    The impeachment attempt was however shelved, following the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum.

    At the centre of the political crisis is the disagreement between former governor, now Minister of the FCT and the incumbent governor, Fubara.

    The feud between Wike and Fubara is reportedly rooted in a number of factors, including personal grievances and political ambitions.

    Wike is believed to be unhappy with Fubara’s leadership and the latter’s attempt to undermine him as the political leader of Rivers State.

    Wike is also said to be worried that Fubara whom he supported wholeheartedly to become the governor is now working against his interest and also trying to destabilize his political structure just five months after he assumed office.

    But there are also wide reports bordering on alleged control over the state’s resources.

    These reports, seen mostly in the social media, allege that the FCT Minister demanded a percentage of the state resources, specifically N20 billion from the incumbent governor as well as the exclusive rights to award contracts

    Laughable as the unsubstantiated reports might seem, they have indeed stirred up debates and reactions in the public domain.

    But they have also been dismissed by the FCT Minister Wike as purely politics and not necessarily factual. The minister has also stated that he would not lose sleep over them.

    Looking at the pattern of these reports, it is possible that the agenda may not be far from politics as the minister has stated, because even the incumbent governor has never come out at any time to say that monetary demands were made on him by the minister.River State

    Read Also: APC will soon take over Cross River State – Aspirant

    So one begins to wonder about those behind the reports and where they got the information. And one may not really need to look very hard to understand where they have emanated from, judging from previous attacks on the FCT Minister in the social media.

    One would recall that even before the Rivers State political situation, popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gummi made unguarded utterances about the appointment of Wike as FCT Minister.

    Fortunately, President Tinubu, with the understanding of Rivers State as an important economic enclave, has also stepped in to resolve the issues, which is one of his strong support base in the South.

    Not only does this move justify President Tinu’s inclusive leadership style, it shows that he is a promoter of peace and stability in the country.

    Also worthy of commendation is the FCT Minister’s role in the administration of President Tinubu and for agreeing to the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Rivers State, no matter the issues. The remarkable achievements he has recorded in the FCT in a very short space in terms of infrastructure provision and service delivery also attest to his focus on his national assignment.

    But the distractions in the social media still remain.

    Though the recent political crisis in Rivers State might still hold a few secrets, social media reports has proven not to be the true representation of the situation.

    •Danladi Akilu,

    Abuja

  • Romance of Nigerian Police and corruption

    Romance of Nigerian Police and corruption

    Sir: The confluence of corruption and the Nigerian Police Force traces its origins to the colonial era, during which the colonial administration, in its bid to maintain control, often utilized the police as a tool of coercion. This not only sowed the seeds of suspicion between law enforcement and the populace but also precipitated a climate conducive to the cultivation of corruption. The nascent mistrust between the police and citizens fostered a fertile ground upon which corruption germinated and flourished to become such an impediment in the country.

    The nefarious nexus between the Police and corruption has spawned a plethora of manifestations, ranging from the quotidian to the profoundly systemic.

    The more pernicious forms of police corruption exist as demands for bribes during routine stops, extortion from citizens in their quotidian activities and abuse of power for personal gain. There are numerous reports of officers involved in embezzlement, drug trafficking, human rights violations, and collaborating with criminal elements. The far-reaching consequences arising from the intricate interplay of corruption and the Nigerian Police have cast a profoundly detrimental impact on society. The erosion of public trust in the law enforcement apparatus has resulted in a significant hindrance to cooperative efforts, thereby impeding the effective identification, apprehension, and subsequent prosecution of criminals. Consequently, the frequency and severity of criminal activities have surged, thus contributing to a pervasive atmosphere of insecurity and societal instability.

    Moreover, the compromised reputation of the police force extends beyond national borders, acting as a deterrent to potential foreign investments and thereby exerting a stifling effect on the nation’s overall economic growth.

    Read Also: Still on the trouble with Nigerian Police

    Reports detailing instances of police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and the blatant abuse of power serve as stark and unsettling reminders of the pressing need for comprehensive reform. These grave transgressions underscore the urgent necessity to sever the symbiotic bond that ties corruption to law enforcement, thereby establishing a framework that can safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens and effectively reinstate the rule of law.

    A multitude of underlying factors have perpetuated and intricate relationship between corruption and the Nigerian Police. The meagre compensation and substandard working conditions endured by officers have propelled them towards engaging in unethical conduct as a means of survival. Simultaneously, the lack of effective mechanisms to hold errant officers accountable contributed to a pervasive culture of impunity within the police force. Additionally, the absence of robust training programs focused on ethics and professionalism has further exacerbated this quandary, leaving officers vulnerable to ethical ambiguity and moral dilemmas. This multifaceted predicament underscores the necessity for comprehensive and systemic reform efforts that address these deeply-rooted catalysts of corruption.

    The imperative to disentangle the Nigerian Police from the grip of corruption necessitates a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, there’s an urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the police structure, including far-reaching reforms in recruitment, training, and compensation. By implementing rigorous oversight mechanisms and establishing independent bodies to investigate police misconduct, it becomes possible to restore public confidence and ensure accountability.

    To achieve this, a revamp of the recruitment process is essential. Introducing stringent background checks, psychological evaluations, and aptitude tests can help filter out potentially corrupt individuals during recruitment. This can be complemented with adequate payment of the officers and comprehensive trainings that focus not only on law enforcement skills but also on ethics, human rights, and community engagement. 

    Furthermore, the adoption of technology-driven solutions can significantly enhance transparency within the Nigerian Police. Equipping officers with body cameras during their duties can provide an unbiased record of interactions, preventing abuse of power and discouraging corrupt behaviour. Digital records and databases can help streamline administrative processes and reduce opportunities for manipulation.

    Collaborative endeavours that bring together government determination, civil society initiatives, and international collaboration are pivotal in constructing a united anti-corruption framework that aligns with Nigeria’s distinctive requirements. Civil society organizations can play a crucial role in advocating for police reform and ensuring that the government remains accountable in its efforts. International partnerships can provide expertise, resources, and benchmarks from successful police reforms in other nations.

    Equally, strengthening the judiciary and legal systems can ensure that cases of police misconduct are promptly and fairly addressed. Likewise, Whistle-blower protection programmes can encourage officers to report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.

    • Hisham Saleh Gidado, hishamsalehgidado@gmail.com
  • Zamfara from the outside

    Zamfara from the outside

    Sir: Zamfara State has a sweet-bitter story: massive reserves of mineral resources including gold, iron ore, granite, limestone, chromate, etc., but illegal mining of gold and other minerals has led to making the state and its neighbours one of the hotspots of banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria. 

    Some 12 years ago, Zamfara State began to have its fair share of banditry and poverty in Northern Nigeria. There are 8.33 million out-of-school children in northwest Nigeria; when Governor Dauda Lawal took over the state’s affairs, Zamfara accounted for a significant number of this figure. Insecurity, kidnapping, and school closures are some of the factors responsible for the increase in the number of out-of-school children.

     In the 2023 gubernatorial election, the people of Zamfara boldly moved away from the past—it was not only surprising, but it shocked the polity. In the presidential election, the Zamfara people voted for the All Progressive Congress (APC), and President Bola Tinubu won the state, but in the gubernatorial election, Zamfarawa voted against the ruling APC in the state; they voted for something entirely new.

    But questions need to be asked. Why did the Zamfara people opt for something new and someone ‘fresh’ in the 2023 gubernatorial election? Why did mis-governance and insecurity stay in Zamfara before now? Why is the current government of Zamfara State facing unnecessary distraction? Why is the opposition to the current Zamfara government oiled from the outside of the state, but the masses are supporting the government?

    Read Also: Provide facts, figures of your wealth, anti-graft group asks Zamfara gov

    A look at what happened and is happening in Zamfara State: it is obvious that the Zamfara local people’s worldview on governance has changed; they are thirsty for a new beginning free from banditry, corruption, poverty, and mismanagement of the state’s resources, but they also value accountability, inclusivity, responsiveness, and transparency in their aspirations and needs.

    Governor Dauda Lawal promised them during his campaign that he would leverage his experience as a technocrat, technology, and people for efficient service delivery and prioritise sustainability and immediate local needs, not white elephant projects. He also promised to face the bandits head-on while protecting human rights and addressing the challenges that birthed insecurity. Thus, many public analysts are of the view that former Governor Bello Mutawalle should have used his current position as Minister of State Defence to work with Governor Dauda Lawal to tackle the security challenges in the state, not unnecessarily distracting the governor.

    • Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja
  • Revitalizing basic education in the North

    Revitalizing basic education in the North

    • By Abubakar Adamu

    Sir: Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu recently lamented that massive investments in the nation’s basic education sector have not translated into desired results.

    It is the glory of a nation to have an effective and productive educational system. Basic education is the bedrock of the society hence the need to actively give out the best towards ensuring its sustainability.

    UNICEF reports around 18.5 million out-of-school children in Nigeria. It is a significant rise compared to a figure of 10.5 million recorded in 2021. UNICEF also states that one out of five children from Nigeria does not attend school. This implies the need for the government at all levels to give in their all towards reaching out to the pupils, privileged to make it to the four walls of the basic education institutions.

    The minister said the investment so far in education is commendable but the output is not commensurate, not matching the input, therefore they need to do something about that. He further stated: “It is really disheartening that despite the federal government’s huge investment, interventions and technical support, the basic education sub-sector is still bedevilled by these unpleasant occurrences: learners sitting on bare floors, high rate of drop-outs, increased number of out-of-school children, poor infrastructure, dilapidated classroom buildings, inadequate learning facilities, unqualified teachers, inadequate monitoring, inequitable access and low learning outcomes which have resulted to the falling standard of education in our country.

    Read Also: Wike approves funds to maintain Abuja Nat’l Mosque, Christian Centre

    According to UNICEF, in the North, the picture is even bleaker, with a net attendance rate of 53 percent. Gender, like geography and poverty, is an important factor in the pattern of educational marginalization. States in the northeast and northwest have female primary net attendance rates of 47.7 percent and 47.3 percent, respectively, meaning that more than half of the girls are not in school.

    In response to these challenges, the minister said: “The SUBEB chairmen must also ensure that every child in their respective state benefits from the free, universal and compulsory basic education, regardless of sex, ethnic or religious backgrounds, language or status as this will reduce the out-of-school children syndrome”.

    The education deprivation in northern Nigeria is driven by various factors, such as economic barriers, religious, socio-cultural norms and practices that discourage attendance in formal education, especially for girls. The activities of insurgents have also contributed greatly to this phenomenon.

    There is therefore need for new strategies and collaborative efforts between the federal and state governments to address the identified problems so as to ensure that basic education in Nigeria yields rich results.

    •Abubakar Adamu,

    University of Maiduguri

  • The country the women deserve

    The country the women deserve

    • By Kene Obiezu

    Sir: According to the 2023 Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Index report, Nigeria ranks as the 16th most unsafe country for women in the world. If this is not a scandal, then pray what is?

    The odds stacked against women in Nigeria are well documented. In a country that is the perfect microcosm of a patriarchal world, women play second fiddle to men in almost every sphere of life.

    In politics especially, while women form the bulk of the Nigerian electorate and grassroots supporters, they embarrassingly play catch-up when the pies are go be shared.

    According to the report, Nigeria ranks 16th worst country out of 177 nations in terms of the status of women. The ranking was compiled along indicators linked to education, jobs, laws, and organized violence, divided into three categories: inclusion, justice, and security. According to the report, all the bottom 20 countries, including Nigeria, experienced violent conflicts between 2021 and 2022. Furthermore, 2022 has been identified as the most fatal year for conflict-related deaths since the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

    According to the rankings, the top five countries for women to live in are Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.

    The greatest indicator of the unmitigated marginalisation of women in Nigeria is in politics. The National Gender Policy prescribes that 35 per cent of all political appointments be reserved for women.

    If the NGP has been given a particularly short shrift by successive Nigerian administrations because it is a mere policy, there was a ground breaking judgment of the Federal High Court in 2022. The court ruled that 35 per cent of all political appointments should be reserved for women.

    The current administration which took off on May 29 has not abided the judgment of the court even if it initially promised to do so.

     A raft of early appointments initially promised to meet the 35% requirement for women until follow-up appointments put paid to those hopes. There is no doubt that the trend has to be reversed soonest if Nigeria is to drop out of the list of the worst countries for women completely.

    Women are nation builders, peacemakers and crucial components in the wheel of any nation that aspires to development.

    Read Also: Fubara: Rivers NASS caucus declares support for Wike

    The benefits of creating an inclusive society for women are well documented. It includes significant gains for children and the economy.

    It also includes great strides in all the indices that decorate a prosperous society.

    What Nigeria must do is clear- build a society that prominently features women in every sphere.

    In politics, education, the economy and just everywhere, women should be granted the visibility they need to contribute what they have in abundance. It is Nigeria that will be better for it.

    It has to begin from allowing women to participate in the highest levels of government.

    When women are allowed to play their part in taking the decisions which affect them, they are able to better shape policies that would benefit them and their children the most.

    There is a lot more that women can contribute than they are doing at the moment. Allowing them to contribute only makes sense.

    Promoting and enforcing legislation that promotes the rights of women is vital as is bringing to account all those who make the country unsafe for women.

    To do otherwise is to ignore a crucial part of it, much to its own peril.

    For as long as women remain where they are in the country, Nigeria can expect to continue its painful slug to national development.

    •Kene Obiezu,

    keneobiezu@gmail.com