The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Canada’s dangerous redefinition of Nigeria’s democracy

    Canada’s dangerous redefinition of Nigeria’s democracy

    • By Olufemi Soneye

    Sir: When a Canadian federal court recently declared Nigeria’s two largest political parties, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as terrorist organizations under Canadian law, it wasn’t just an immigration decision. It was a political earthquake with consequences that could reverberate far beyond Canada’s borders.

    This decision, made during an asylum case involving Nigerian politician Douglas Egharevba, was based solely on his past membership in these parties. No evidence was presented to show his personal involvement in violence or terrorism. Yet, under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, affiliation alone with a designated terrorist group is enough to bar entry.

    The implications are deeply troubling. Legally, the ruling sets a precedent that political affiliation, no matter how commonplace or mainstream can be equated with terrorism. Diplomatically, it risks souring Canada-Nigeria relations by painting the country’s core democratic institutions with the same brush as extremist groups.

    For Nigerians abroad, especially those who have ever held a party membership card, it signals heightened scrutiny, denied visas, and rejected asylum claims not only in Canada but potentially in other Western democracies that may follow suit.

    Even more alarming is what this means for democracy. Labelling established political parties as terrorist organizations undermines their legitimacy at home and abroad. It blurs the vital line between dissent and danger, between governance and extremism. Once such a label is applied, it can be wielded, domestically or internationally as a tool to silence opposition, suppress political participation, and erode civil liberties.

    Terrorism is a grave charge. To weaponise it against political organizations that have governed a democracy for decades is to dilute the meaning of the term and cheapen the fight against genuine extremists. It also blurs the essential boundary between political disagreement and criminal threat, a boundary that safeguards democratic life.

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    Canada has long been a champion of democratic values abroad. This ruling contradicts that legacy. It must be revisited, challenged, and corrected, not just for Nigeria’s sake, but for the integrity of democratic politics everywhere. If this precedent stands, no political party, in any country, is safe from being redefined into illegitimacy by a foreign court.

    One immediate consequence of the Canadian ruling is that law-abiding Nigerian youths, both at home and across the diaspora could be branded “terrorist” solely for past or present affiliation with the APC or PDP. I know for a fact that the immigration laws of the US and Canada allow inadmissibility based on membership in a group deemed terrorist; this creates a real risk of collateral stigma for young people whose involvement was purely civic. The prospect of visa denials, asylum rejections, or routine travel scrutiny will chill legitimate political participation among youths who are the lifeblood of party renewal. Far from strengthening democracy, such deterrence erodes pluralism by pushing emerging voices out of mainstream politics.

    The world should take note: when courts begin deciding which foreign political parties are “terrorists,” the erosion of democracy is no longer theoretical, it has begun.

    This is not merely Canada’s internal immigration matter. It’s a global warning. If the definition of terrorism can be stretched to encompass mainstream political organizations in one of Africa’s largest democracies, then no political movement anywhere is safe from being redefined into illegitimacy.

    Canada’s decision is not just about Douglas Egharevba, it’s about the dangerous precedent it sets. And if democratic nations don’t push back on this kind of overreach, they may one day find their own politics on trial in a foreign court.

    •Olufemi Soneye,

    Abuja

  • Falcons, D’Tigress and rewards

    Falcons, D’Tigress and rewards

    Sir: Sports are no doubt a unifying factor whose influence on nation’s building can hardly be resisted or discarded. Sports are so powerful it does what politics and money cannot do in terms of uniting people of nations in all parts of the world.

    In Nigeria, it’s during sports seasons that people of the South, North, East and West forget their differences. Irrespective of the geographical location they come from, Nigerians often care less for their common and ultimate goal is the victory and glory that sport brings to the country. Perhaps the reason ethnicity and tribalism rarely flourish in the atmosphere of sports.

    Countries all over the world have benefited and are still benefiting considerably from sports. Apart from financial gains, sports have brought peace to countries. The qualification of Côte d’Ivoire – for the first time – for 2006 FIFA World Cup influenced the government of Laurent Gbàgbo and the rebel force to end the civil war in the southern coast of West Africa. Despite the differences of the two warring sides, they found common ground in sports. They sheathed their swords when the national team of the country, the Elephants, qualified for the 18th quadrennial international football world championship tournament in Germany.

    If sports are capable of uniting people of diverse culture/background and propelling two warring sides to lay down their arms, then sports cannot be said of costing the earth.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saw the need to reward the Super Falcons and the D’Tigress, both whose performances earned Nigeria unparalleled victories in the world of sports. The Super Falcons won their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) while the D’Tigress won their 5th consecutive Women’s Afrobasket title, making seven titles overall. Without a doubt, both teams’ unprecedented performances called for commendation and were worthy of celebration.

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    This, of course, was the reason the president, Tinubu, rewarded the players of both teams and their technical crew with national honour, three-bedroom flat each and the sum of $100,000 each for players and $50,000 each for their handlers. But why did the rewards generate so much controversy despite the influence and impact of sports on Nigeria and Nigerians?

    Some believe it’s inappropriate to shower so much goodies on the women athletes, especially in this period of economic downturn. Their argument is based on the state of the nation – particularly the economy. On the contrary, many Nigerians see nothing wrong in what Mr President did for the sports women. They argue that nothing is too expensive to do for any dedicated and patriotic Nigerian whose gesture promotes the image and portrays the country in good light. They believe that this will serve as an encouragement to others.

    In my view, the government can do better by waking the consciousness of the multinational companies that operate in Nigeria. One of their corporate responsibilities is the promotion of sports and encouragement of sports participants. These companies can be persuaded to handle the financial aspect of the rewards while the government handles the honorary premium.

    Inasmuch as sport is a short-lived career with a long tale of consequence, there are schemes the government can initiate to cater for the welfare of the Nigerian sports professionals after retirement. We have witnessed situations where the past sports men/women who were darling of sports lovers during their heydays later battled deteriorating health with little or no support

    Programmes like National Sports Pension Scheme, Mandatory Insurance Coverage, Athletes Welfare Trust Fund and others can be established to cater for the Nigerian athletes after they have exceeded their prime time, when the cheers of the crowd and flashes of cameras eventually cease. These structured pension and welfare system will ensure dignity, security and a future for our sportsmen and women and their lives after hanging up their boots will be guaranteed.

    •Ademola ‘Bablow’ Babalola, babalolaademola39@gmail.com

  • Ending PVC disenfranchisement

    Ending PVC disenfranchisement

    Sir: Despite all the catchy jingles and social media buzz by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, during election seasons urging citizens to “go out and vote,” the ugly truth is that millions of citizens who tried to heed that call were actively locked out; not by apathy, but by design. Their PVCs, the golden tickets to democratic participation were trapped in bureaucratic limbo, never printed or simply made impossible to collect. Mine could not be accounted for. I had requested for a transfer and it has taken three election cycles and now going on the fourth and nobody can tell me where exactly where my card is! 

    This experience is far from unique. Across Nigeria, millions of citizens have their votes trapped in storage, locked away in gloomy and drab rooms in INEC offices spread across the country; some stuffed in ‘Ghana Must Go’ bags. The logistical and bureaucratic inertia that defines PVC distribution and collection has become a silent, insidious form of institutional disenfranchisement.

    While millions of voters are at risk of this disempowerment, certain groups face disproportionate barriers viz:

    Persons with disabilities (PWDs) who more often than not struggle to make long-distance trips to INEC offices, only to be turned away or told to return later. Women, particularly those in caregiving roles or informal trade, are forced to choose between securing a means of survival for their families or embarking on such long and uncertain journeys certain queues. For subsistence / petty traders, and small to medium small business operators, a day away from the market or business is could mean a day without income. Hawkers, laborers, casual workers – simply cannot afford the luxury of repeated trips, unpredictable delays, or bureaucratic hostility.

    Young and first-time voters: often the most disillusioned, are quick to withdraw when faced with such administrative barriers. Many may never return.

    People in high-intensity and very demanding jobs with little or no wiggle room for bureaucratic uncertainties.

    This exclusion is not merely procedural. It is structural and systemic; and it undermines the very essence of our democracy. And this is speaking to the challenges in the urban centres. It is then left to the imagination of the reader the challenges to be surmounted in the rural areas and Internally Displaced Settlements. This crisis is not without solutions. INEC can fix this, and it doesn’t require a constitutional amendment or electoral overhaul. It simply requires empathy, innovation, and political will.

    What exactly does INEC do all year round? Why does it wait until a few months before elections to activate the typical Nigerian Fire Brigade–style voter registration and PVC distribution system which it tags “Continuous Voter Registration” with millions forced into a chaotic rush for access to what should be their fundamental democratic right?

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    PVC collection and Continuous Voter Registration in Nigeria should not be seasonal. It should be routine. Just as banks now print ATM cards instantly and update them on-site, INEC should modernize its systems. INEC in collaboration with NIPOST achieve remarkable things if they explore institutional partnership, cooperation and collaboration.

    According to INEC’s own data, over 6.7 million PVCs were uncollected as of the 2023 general elections. That is equivalent to the voting population of several West African countries lying dormant in INEC’s storerooms. In Lagos alone, over 900,000 cards were uncollected. These are not just plastic cards. These are potential votes. These are voices in storage.

    It’s time we stopped normalizing this. Access to the Permanent Voter Card should be just as routine as applying for a national ID, a driver’s license or a passport. Democracy should not hinge on narrow registration windows or limited collection centers with sluggish staff and outdated systems.

    When institutions make it hard to participate, they enable distrust. And when they consistently under deliver on the most basic functions of democratic inclusion, we risk fostering a generation of disillusioned citizens; not by rhetoric, but by lived experience.

    The road to full democratic participation must be wide, smooth, and inclusive; not riddled with institutional potholes. As 2025 beckons, will INEC dare to do things differently? Will it heed this call to begin to place the people’s PVCs in their hands now?

    If democracy means anything, it must begin with ensuring that every eligible and willing citizen can hold their PVC; and use it. INEC must act. The time to unlock these votes and deliver them to the people is now.

    •Aliyu Bala Aliyu, Abuja

  • As Nigeria’s food culture finds new strength

    As Nigeria’s food culture finds new strength

    Sir: As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence this year, cultural advocates are turning their attention to one of the country’s richest, yet underappreciated, assets: its diverse and dynamic food culture.

    “Our food is who we are. Every spice, every ingredient tells a story of where we come from,”

    Nigeria, with its over 250 ethnic groups, boasts a culinary landscape as vast as its linguistic diversity. Each region has its own dishes, flavours, and cooking techniques, shaped by climate, tradition, and history.

    From the jollof rice wars of the southwest to the tuwo and miyan kuka of the north, food is not just eaten — it’s celebrated. The Niger Delta’s banga soup, the east’s ofe nsala, and the Middle Belt’s yam pottage are all culinary emblems of Nigeria’s pluralism.

    In many Nigerian households, food plays a central role in social rituals — from naming ceremonies and weddings to festivals and funerals. For instance, kolanut presentation in Igbo culture or the sharing of dates during Ramadan in the north are practices tied closely to food and tradition.

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    In recent years, Nigerian food has begun gaining global recognition, with chefs and influencers pushing dishes onto international menus and screens. Restaurants in London, New York, and Dubai now feature jollof rice, moi moi, and nkwobi.

    Social media has also helped, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram introducing the world to Nigerian recipes and street food culture. Young Nigerians in the diaspora are reviving native recipes with modern flair — a phenomenon some call “Afrofusion cuisine.”

    Despite its vibrancy, Nigerian food culture faces challenges. Urbanization, fast food habits, and global homogenization are pushing traditional meals out of everyday life. In many urban households, imported foods are slowly replacing staples like millet, yam, and plantain.

    In addition, younger generations are losing touch with traditional cooking methods.“It’s easier to microwave noodles than to pound yam,” said a Nigerian youth — we’re losing tradition.”

    To combat this, some schools and cultural groups are introducing culinary heritage education, where students learn to prepare native dishes as part of the curriculum.

    Efforts are ongoing to document and digitize traditional Nigerian recipes, with NGOs and researchers collaborating to archive native ingredients and methods. With influencers like Opeyemi Famakin, Nigeria’s biggest food and wine critic still educating and bringing back knowledge of meals known and forgotten alike. Or Omoyecooks, an award content creator and chef who specializes in Afrofusion cuisine by keeping the everyday meal interesting and fun to make.

    As Nigeria continues to define itself on the world stage, food remains a central part of that conversation — not just as sustenance, but as cultural identity on a plate.

    “Our food is our history, our strength, our story,”. “To preserve it is to preserve Nigeria.”

    •Fatima Abubakar, Bayero University, Kano

  • The case for Anioma State

    The case for Anioma State

    Sir: And among all the states proposed for creation, the proposed Anioma State ticks all the boxes regarding their requirements. In other words, it satisfies all the conditions or requirements. 

    For one, when created, Anioma State will be economically viable as it has many markets and industries from which it will generate revenue. And beneath its soil are abundant natural resources. In addition to its possession of natural resources, it has knowledgeable and skilled manpower that can drive its developmental initiatives. Is it not the homeland of Senator Ned Nwoko, Ifeanyi Okowa, Pat Utomi, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and others?

    Another reason why it should be created is that it has huge population and large landmass. The proposed Anioma State will be composed of nine local government areas in the Delta North and towns in Anambra and Rivers states. The people from the areas, which will make up Anioma State, are united by their possession of common ancestry, cultural affinities, and shared historical ties.

    It is an established fact that the people of Anioma are separated from their kith and kin by arbitrary state creations executed by military hegemons, who were insensitive to the ethnic, cultural, and linguistic sensibilities of the Anioma people. That the people of Anioma share kinship and cultural cum linguistic ties with Igbo people from the hinterland is beyond question. For example, oral history has it that during the Obosi kingdom’s heady days, the people of Umuru village in Obosi, Anambra State dispersed, with many of the dispersed people settling in Ibuzo, Delta State.

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    Creating new states in Nigeria is a constitutional matter, however. The approvals of the National Assembly and state assemblies will have to be secured, added to the proposed states’ fulfilment of certain requirements needed for their creation. This is why creating new states under civilian dispensation seems to be a herculean and arduous task.

    But the injustice of the past years hinged on the separation of a people from their kith and kin should be addressed, redressed and, urgently, reversed. Creating a sixth Igbo state (Anioma State) that straddles two areas separated by River Niger is a desideratum that will serve the cause of political equity, fairness, and justice. And it will deepen our national unity and reassure the Igbo people that they are not the unwanted people in Nigeria.

    That is the course that leads to national unity, which is central to our rapid national development.

    •Chiedu Uche Okoye, Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra State

  • Mortgage critical to housing delivery

    Mortgage critical to housing delivery

    • By ESV Adewale Michael Adedeji

    Sir: Housing sector plays a very key role in a country’s system. As a matter of fact, housing affects directly the performance of other sectors of the economy, and impact directly and positively on productivity. Housing is a basic need of man, and more than any other item, housing impacts the well-being of the citizenry. For this reason, adequate housing provision have always engaged the attention governments, either in the developed or developing climes.

    The health of the workers, his well-being, and growth are tied to decent housing. Not only that; housing is one of the indices for measuring the standard of living of people. That is why governments in the developed nations designed programmes of assistance to enhance housing provision and delivery.

    Prominent in the list of the programmes includes provision of infrastructure and finance. More emphasis is put on finance, because housing provision requires huge capital outlay, which is often beyond the capacity of the medium income/low-income groups.

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    Mortgage plays a pivotal role in the development of housing markets. It is critical to providing affordable and decent accommodation.  Governments in the countries of Europe and America have since addressed this issue, and have put in place structures which ensure efficient and sustainable credit delivery to the housing sector. There are concerns that provision of affordable housing might be a mirage in Nigeria if the mortgage industry is not strengthened to finance home ownership.

    As a matter of fact, one of the major challenges to housing provision in Nigeria is the absence of well-established and effective mortgage administration, and until this challenge is resolved, the question of housing would remain begging for answer.

    Going forward, there is the overall need to maintain the macro-economic variables via disciplined fiscal and monetary policies for stable growth and low inflation to support low interest rates. Direct interventionist policy, to promote liquidity of the mortgage industry at single digit interest rates via the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Corporation (NMRC) and Family Home Fund (FHF) is the way to go.

    Key to that is that the private sector via mortgage banks retain the role of underwriting mortgages directly and will boost effective demand for homes, which I think is far lower than the often-touted 28 million housing shortfalls. It is important to state again that the core focus of government should be on how to control inflation in the long run, to allow for single digit interest rates, rather than just intervention policies.

    Above all, government and the private sector should jointly drive the mortgage system. 

    •ESV Adewale Michael Adedeji,

    Lagos 

  • Today is International Youth Day

    Today is International Youth Day

    • By Timilehin Olotu

    Sir: International Youth Day, observed annually on 12 August 12, celebrates the significance and potential of young people worldwide. Established by the United Nations in 1999, the day brings attention to youth-related issues and highlights their role as catalysts for global change.

    This year’s theme is “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation through Technology and Partnerships”.

    Nigerian youths have shown increasing interest in democratic processes, actively participating in elections and advocating for transparency and inclusive participation. Their use of digital platforms has been vital in enhancing civic engagement. Collaborations with tech giants like Google and Meta, such as Facebook’s Nigeria Election Integrity Hub and Google’s promotion of credible election content, exemplify efforts to curb electoral misinformation and strengthen democratic participation.

    Furthermore, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP’s) Democratic Governance and Development Programme, in collaboration with the Nigerian government and INEC, have promoted youth inclusion in governance through digital voter education and leadership training. These initiatives underscore the pivotal role technology plays in empowering Nigerian youth to engage in global conversations around democracy, human rights, and civic freedom.

    Technology continues to empower young Nigerians to develop innovative solutions to local challenges while contributing to global development. Young entrepreneurs have made notable strides in sectors like fintech, healthtech, agrotech, and edtech. Start-ups such as Flutterwave, Paystack, PiggyVest and Moniepoint are transforming financial access and inclusion across Africa.

    These innovations not only solve domestic problems but also promote international partnerships. Access to global grants, incubators, and fellowships further enables Nigerian youth to contribute to pressing global issues such as climate change, digital governance, and public health.

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    To fully harness this potential, Nigeria must invest in digital infrastructure and education to equip its youth with the tools needed to compete and collaborate globally. Empowering young Nigerians in this way positions them as key players in the international development landscape.

    Nigeria’s youth population is an asset, not a burden. With strategic investment, young Nigerians can be powerful diplomatic resources and soft power ambassadors. Their participation in global youth platforms like the UN Youth Delegates Program, ECOWAS Youth Council, and the AU Youth Envoys helps amplify Nigeria’s voice in international discussions.

    Additionally, Nigerian youths have made significant contributions to the global perception through sports and creative industries. For example, the performances of the Super Eagles and Nigerian players in foreign leagues, and in particular, the wonderful performance of the Super Falcons in the recently concluded WAFCON 2025 are all testaments to the youth exploits. Afrobeats artists such as Davido, Burna Boy, Tems, and Wizkid, alongside online content creators have also projected Nigerian culture worldwide, reshaping global narratives about the country.

    To sustain this momentum, investment in education, digital literacy, and innovation is critical. Empowering youth to generate and export local solutions ensures they are not just consumers of global trends, but contributors to the digital economy and global knowledge systems. By fostering home-grown innovation, Nigeria strengthens its ability to lead and influence multilateral platforms such as the African Union and the United Nations.

    Nigerian youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change agents of today. Their creativity, innovation, resilience, and global consciousness position them as key drivers of Nigeria’s foreign policy agenda. From shaping democratic discourse to exporting technological solutions and cultural products, they represent Nigeria’s most valuable global asset.

    As Nigeria navigates its place in the world, it must recognize that its greatest strength lies in its youth. By empowering them, Nigeria not only strengthens its domestic fabric but also asserts itself as a force for progress and cooperation on the global stage.

    •Timilehin Olotu

    Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Abuja

  • Increase budgetary allocation to the housing sector

    Increase budgetary allocation to the housing sector

    • By ESV Olude Moshood

    Sir: Housing is key to human existence. It is an essential part of life, with several benefits to individuals, families, and the community in that it provides comfort and healthy living, privacy and security. Housing also enhances social stability and cohesion, education and job opportunities. People with a guaranteed place to live would most likely not engage in violence and crime. That is to say, housing is required to promote both physical and psychological well-being.

    Housing is essential for economic growth, development and prosperity of a country, contributing significantly to economic growth and development, through its impact on major macroeconomic indicators such as: employment, savings, investment and productivity. People with access to secure and decent housing would most probably invest in their communities, thereby creating jobs and stimulating economic activities. Its importance to economic growth and development cannot be overstated.

    The important role of housing is further underscored by its inclusion as one of the indicators of the computation of cost-of-living index. Consequently, the cost-of-living index is a major factor or consideration for prospective domestic and foreign investors in taking decisions. The robust contribution of housing to economic growth and increased social well-being of the people, among other factors compels governments all over the world over, to give ample attention to the lingering problem of housing challenges. That is the right thing to do, in as much as housing is one of the major necessities of life.

    Nigeria has been battling with housing challenges, with housing deficit which is currently estimated at about 28 million units. Though frightening, it presents a significant opportunity for investment and transformative change. It calls for increased funding as housing provision is expensive. The real estate sector has not witnessed too much patronage from the federal government in terms of release of funds.

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    I would suggest that government take a more active part in housing by increasing budgetary allocation to the sector. Housing sector has the potential to create jobs because a large number of youths will get employed if more funds are injected into this sector.  The present administration has taken a commendable step in that direction, from N119 billion for housing in the 2024 fiscal year to N728.94 billion in 2025. Under the renewed hope agenda, N50 billion was also earmarked for construction of 40,000 housing units. This underscores the commitment of the government to addressing the challenges of housing.

    But looking at the critical needs of housing, while also ensuring the maintenance of the structures in place, I would still make a case for increased allocation to the housing sector. Nigeria’s rapidly growing urban population and the expected enormous demand for affordable housing require that more housing units be made available. Government should ensure that enabling environment, via infrastructure development to encourage investors (local and international) to consider the nation’s growing housing sector as an avenue for profitable investment.

    Another pertinent issue towards resolving housing challenge is full restoration of land ownership to the people through the provision of title documents. This would provide an opportunity for the people to raise loans for entrepreneurship purposes. Total reform of the land tenure and titling system in Nigeria is imperative to making them development friendly.

    The federal government should also collaborate with estate surveyors and valuers to enhance growth in the real estate sector of the economy through formulation of policies that would help to develop the real estate sector of the economy.

    •ESV Olude Moshood,

    Lagos

  • Revisiting the GMO debate

    Revisiting the GMO debate

    Sir: A growing public outcry is brewing over the quiet spread of genetically modified (GM) food crops in Nigeria, especially the widely consumed beans, locally known as cowpea.

    The concern was reignited recently by a video shared on X by Chinonso Egemba, a medical doctor and social media influencer popularly known as Aproko Doctor. In the now-viral clip, he advocated for the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) like Bt cowpea as a convenient solution to pest problems, citing benefits such as reduced pesticide use and higher productivity.

    Egemba’s stance, however, sparked renewed scrutiny, particularly from scientists and activists who caution against hasty acceptance of GM foods. Prominent among them is Ify Rhodes Vivour, a molecular geneticist who has consistently warned about the long-term effects of GMOs in Nigeria. She reposted the video thread, challenging the science behind Bt cowpea and questioning the government’s motives.

    “The cowpea GM trait has been banned in Burkina Faso,” she wrote. “So why is Nigeria now promoting it heavily here? Our people are eating what other African countries rejected.”

    She also cautioned that the use of GM traits in everyday foods like beans could expose Nigerians to harmful chemicals such as glyphosate, an herbicide linked to serious health concerns in global studies.

    Her warning ignited a wave of reactions online. “We now have farmers spraying beans with herbicides because the seeds are engineered to tolerate them. It ends up in our food. Nobody is talking,” one user replied.

    Among the strongest voices in the conversation was politician and architect, Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour (Ify Rhodes Vivour’shusband), who stressed that the introduction of patented GM seeds threatens local farming autonomy.

    “Once you allow patented GM seeds into your farming system, you lose control. Farmers are forced to buy seeds every season, can’t reuse seeds, and get locked into cycles of debt,” he said.

    He also accused Nigeria’s biosafety agencies of lacking transparency, alleging that approvals are issued without public awareness, proper environmental risk assessments, or long-term studies.

    Indeed, Nigeria’s National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has in recent years approved several GM crops, including Bt cowpea, GM maize, and GM cotton, claiming these innovations will boost yields, cut pesticide use, and enhance food security.

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    Critics, however, argue that these moves are often made behind closed doors, without adequate consultation with local farmers, scientists, or the public.

    Weighing in on the viral video, journalist and media scholar Akin Olaniyan published an analytical article titled, ‘Aproko Doctor and the Genetically Modified Gospel of Convenience.’ While noting that Egemba’s presentation was informative and accessible, Olaniyan also highlighted its one-sidedness. He pointed out that the video omitted critical safety, legal, and socio-economic implications of GM adoption in Nigeria.

    “While it is important to make scientific information digestible to a broad audience,” Olaniyan wrote, “it is equally vital not to water down complexities in the name of convenience.”

    He added that scientific influencers should avoid “cherry-picking” evidence, especially in matters affecting public health and national food systems.

    To provide balance, the Alliance for Science at Cornell University published a report supporting Bt cowpea, saying it followed over 10 years of trials that demonstrated a 20–80 percent reduction in pesticide use and higher yields. Supporters argue that these outcomes can ease the burden on smallholder farmers, if introduced transparently and with adequate training.

    This debate holds particular weight because cowpea is a dietary staple in Nigeria, used in popular dishes like moimoi, akara, and gbegiri. Changes to its natural form affect virtually every household.

    If the concerns raised by scientists and citizens prove valid, then what’s at stake isn’t just agricultural innovation, but also the safety of the food on Nigerian tables.

    Policymakers must demand comprehensive, independent studies on the environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts of GM crops before approving them. Agencies like NBMA and National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) must be transparent with risk assessments, facilitate public consultations, and enforce labelling so consumers can make informed choices.

    Farmers must be properly trained and given the freedom to choose between GM and non-GM seeds. Inspection systems must be strengthened to ensure all food, modified or not, is safe.

    Rhodes Vivour’s message is worth repeating: “The science exists, but so do the risks. Nigerians deserve to eat food that’s safe, nutritious, and clean—not experimental crops rejected elsewhere.”

    •Remi Ladigbolu,  Lagos

  • Garlands for our women

    Garlands for our women

    Sir: First, it was the Super Falcons who defeated host nation Morocco to win the African Women’s Cup of Nations for a record tenth time this year. And they did so by demonstrating the resilient spirit of Nigeria, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. Mr. President did not hold back in rewarding them for bringing glory to the nation. Each player received a cash gift of $100,000, a three-bedroom apartment, and a well-deserved national honour. The coaching crew were not left behind, as each member got $50,000, houses, and national honours.

    We were still basking in the euphoria of the Super Falcons’ heroics when the female basketball team known as D’Tigress beat Mali 78–64 in the Afrobasketball final in Côte d’Ivoire to secure their seventh continental title. As expected, Mr. President replicated the same gestures for them.

    We were still rejoicing over D’Tigress’ victory when 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullahi beat 69 countries to win the Global English Championship in the UK. Not only her, but also her colleagues Rukayya Muhammad Fema and Hadiza Kashim Kalli emerged as champions in English Language Communication Skills and Debate, respectively.

    It is ironic to note that our women are putting the country on the global map for the right reasons at a time when one of them has turned Nigeria into her personal punching bag. I’m referring to no other person than Kemi Badenoch. In her desperate bid to become UK Prime Minister, she has not held back in denigrating Nigeria at every turn.

    Surely, our women have done so much for the image of this country. From Chioma Ajunwa, who won Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medal; to Blessing Okagbare, a track and field powerhouse; to Asisat Oshoala, who continues to make us proud in global football; to Tobi Amusan, who broke the world record in the 100m hurdles, Nigerian women have continued to defy odds and blaze trails.

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    Add to that the brilliance of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose literary voice resonates across continents; the eloquence of Maryam Bukar Hassan, Nigeria’s spoken word sensation recently appointed as the United Nations’ first-ever global advocate for peace; and now young Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukayya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli, who have stunned the world with their intellects.

    These women, and many others, represent the true Nigerian spirit, resilient, talented, and worthy of all the garlands we can offer. And not even a horde of Kemi Badenochs can take the shine off us.

    Of course, like any other society, we are not without our flaws. These flaws often surface through the unflattering actions of a few bad apples that do not represent the truest essence of the Nigerian spirit. I have always maintained that the Nigerian spirit is a strong force, and it can be used for good. How can our children benefit from it? For one, by tirelessly projecting those values which best define us, especially when displayed by the exceptional efforts of individuals or groups. These values can be our penchant for excellence, perseverance, smartness, diligence, authenticity, friendliness, spirituality, and zeal.

    These values, when projected into our national consciousness, can help our youths fully embrace their identity, shoot for the stars in their pursuits, and strive to positively represent Nigeria in every space they venture into. This will prove to others that we are a nation of dreamers and doers with much to offer humanity. While others try to paint us in bad lights, we can proudly trumpet our triumphs and constantly retain the special mentality of doggedness and excellence that is the Nigerian spirit.

    •Zayd Ibn Isah,lawcadet1@gmail.com