Sir: Nigeria’s rich tapestry of cultures and religions has long been a source of strength and unity. However, recent debates surrounding the closure of schools during religious observances have highlighted the need for a more consistent and respectful approach to accommodating the diverse beliefs of our citizens.
In states like Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi, governments have announced the closure of schools for five weeks to allow Muslim students and staff to observe the holy month of Ramadan. This decision has been met with criticism from certain quarters, particularly from some Christian associations, who argue that such closures could negatively impact educational outcomes.
It’s essential to recognize that similar measures have been taken in Christian-majority states during significant Christian festivals. For instance, in December 2024, the governor of Benue State declared a two-week holiday for civil servants to celebrate Christmas and New Year. This move was widely accepted and appreciated by the predominantly Christian population of the state. Similarly, Cross River State has been declaring extended holidays for Christmas and the famous Calabar Carnival since 2004. These events are integral to the cultural and religious fabric of the region, and the state’s support underscores the importance of these celebrations to the local populace.
In a democratic nation like Nigeria, which prides itself on its secular constitution, it’s crucial to ensure that policies reflect the diverse religious practices of its citizens. If Christian-majority states can declare holidays to observe significant festivals without facing national criticism, then Muslim-majority states should be accorded the same respect and autonomy to cater to the religious needs of their communities. This equitable approach fosters mutual respect and understanding among different religious groups.
Concerns about the potential negative impact of these closures on education are valid and should be addressed. However, it’s worth noting that during such periods, alternative educational arrangements, such as condensed school hours or holiday assignments, can be implemented to ensure that students remain academically engaged. Moreover, the timing of these closures often coincides with periods when academic activities are traditionally minimal, thereby mitigating potential disruptions.
Nigeria’s strength lies in its unity amidst diversity. Respecting and accommodating the religious practices of all groups is not just a constitutional obligation but a moral imperative. As we navigate these discussions, let us be guided by the principles of fairness, equity, and mutual respect, ensuring that our policies reflect the rich tapestry of beliefs that make up our great nation.
Sir: What sounds like a dystopian movie plot is, unfortunately, a harsh reality unfolding in parts of Northern Nigeria.
The decision by some state governments to shut down schools for the entire Ramadan period is not only baffling but also deeply troubling. Even more concerning is the outright ban on extramural classes in one (?) of the states during this time.
One is forced to wonder what logic underpins this decision, and at what cost to the future of the affected children? Where else in the world is this sort of thing practiced?
At a time when Nigeria, especially northern Nigeria, is grappling with one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally, one would expect a more aggressive push towards improving education. Instead, some states are further worsening an already dire situation by wilfully disrupting learning. Should any serious government, aware of the long-term consequences of illiteracy, make such a choice?
For what it’s worth, the hypocrisy of this decision is glaring. How many of the enforcers of this directive have their children studying in Nigeria, let alone in these affected states? If education is so dispensable during Ramadan, why is it not dispensable for their children? Why must the children of the less privileged bear the brunt of policies that do not apply across board?
Religion is a deeply personal matter, and as former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola aptly puts it, it should leave the public space and return to where it truly belongs—the home and places of worship. There is no justification for forcing educational institutions to conform to religious observances at the expense of children’s academic progress. If families choose to prioritize religious devotion over formal education, that should be a personal choice, not government imposed.
How do we hope to compete in a world where knowledge is the new currency if we continuously stifle education for non-academic reasons? Will the future of these children not be compromised by such ill-advised interruptions?
This decision sets a dangerous precedent. If education can be suspended for Ramadan, what stops future administrations from closing schools for other religious, cultural, or even political reasons? Where does the line get drawn?
The government must urgently reverse this policy. We must resist any policy that sacrifices learning opportunities for our children on the altar of religious convenience.
The world is moving forward, and we must decide whether we wish to progress with it or be left behind.
Sir: One of the main grouses of the 1999 constitution was its unrepresentativeness. The military hurriedly cobbled it together on the eve of its departure from power. The anxious civilians hungry for power, bothered less what nature of constitution was handed over to them. In more than two decades since the exit of the military, no government has deemed it necessary to try to promulgate a new constitution that would be democratic, authoritative, true and people oriented.
Successive governments since the return to democratic rule in 1999 merely engaged in the hocus-pocus of constitutional reviews which were mostly patching and surface abracadabra.
Four of such experimented reviews, namely 2005; 2014, 2020/2021 and the ongoing 2025 by the present National Assembly, observers have dismissed as merely palliative measures that will also go in the way of previous attempts. Because the 1999 constitution was the brainchild of the military in cahoots with few hired civilian experts, there is a whole gamut of constitutional deficiencies that hinder effective governance and which no amount of review can redress.
Given the history of stalled reforms, it will amount to sheer hypocrisy to expect a miracle from the current exercise, especially given the poverty of ideas that seem to characterize the deliberations of both chambers of the National Assembly.
When the late General Murtala Mohammed set up a constitution drafting committee comprising of 50 constitutional experts, whom he tagged “50 wise men”, he seemed to realize that constitution making is at the heart of good governance. Both the British and American constitutions have been on for millenniums, yet their governments have remained powerful and strong because they have constitutions that provide the leadership focus on how best to govern their countries.
No nation is governed appropriately by a trial and error constitution like the 1999 Nigerian constitution which nobody can say categorically whether it is a federal or unitary constitution.
The present government would probably have achieved better in just two years if there is a constitution that is really backing up all his reforms. Today, there is growing scepticism towards the president’s reforms because it appears he has outgrown the 1999 constitution and so is too much a hurry to transform the country.
There are no constitutional provisions in the 1999 constitution to really back up the idealistic impetus of an executive president operating a military hierarchically structured constitution.
Here then lies the debacles of the 1999 constitution and whatever gamut of reviews that are being patched here and there on the constitution. With two more years to go for the first term of President Tinubu, the onus lies on him to set up urgently a constitutional drafting committee to draft a new constitution for the country.
A new constitution that represents the aspirations and desires of the people is one of the ideas of restructuring of the country for easy and purposeful governance. With a new constitution, his second tenure 2027 – 2031 will likely be a walkover by way of achievements as there will already a constitution in place to show the way. In the words of the British jurist, Lord Denning, a constitution is a country’s stamp of authority and the very basic and fundamental of its existence as a nation with inalienable rights.
Financial exclusion remains one of the biggest economic challenges worldwide, with over 1.4 billion adults lacking access to formal banking services. The problem is particularly pronounced in emerging markets, where traditional banking infrastructure is either inaccessible or costly. However, the rise of open payment standards, particularly those built on the Interledger Protocol (ILP) and Open Payments Standards, is revolutionizing the way people interact with financial services. By offering seamless interoperability, reducing costs, and enabling cross-border transactions, open payment standards have the potential to bridge the financial divide and unlock economic opportunities for millions.
As a fintech professional and advocate for open financial ecosystems, I have actively contributed to the implementation of Open Payments through various initiatives focused on making financial transactions more accessible and inclusive for individuals, businesses, and nonprofits worldwide.
The Need for Open Payments
The current digital payment landscape is fragmented, with multiple proprietary systems creating barriers to seamless transactions. Financial institutions, fintech startups, and payment processors often operate in silos, requiring costly integrations for cross-platform transactions. This complexity leads to high fees, transaction delays, and limited accessibility for marginalized populations.
Open payment standards provide a solution by enabling seamless financial interactions between different financial institutions, digital wallets, and mobile money platforms. By standardizing how transactions are initiated, authorized, and settled, open payments ensure that individuals and businesses can send and receive funds without the need for multiple integrations.
How Open Payment Standards Work
Open payment protocols like Interledger and Open Payments function similarly to the internet, allowing different payment networks to interoperate using common standards. These standards facilitate:
Interoperability: Open Payments enable seamless transactions across banks, digital wallets, and mobile money providers, regardless of their underlying infrastructure.
Reduced Costs: By eliminating intermediaries and promoting direct transactions, open payment standards lower transaction fees, making payments more affordable.
Financial Inclusion: Individuals without traditional bank accounts can access financial services using mobile money platforms and digital wallets, helping bridge the financial divide.
Cross-Border Transactions: Open payments make it easier for businesses and individuals to transact globally without relying on costly remittance services.
Real-World Applications of Open Payments
1. Empowering the Unbanked and Underbanked
In many African and Southeast Asian countries, millions rely on mobile money services for daily transactions. By integrating open payment standards, digital wallets can offer seamless cross-platform transactions, allowing users to send and receive money without friction.
One example is the adoption of Open Payments by financial service providers, enabling users to receive payments in multiple currencies and convert them into local options such as mobile money, airtime, or gift cards. This approach significantly expands financial access to those who lack traditional banking infrastructure. Some implementations of Open Payments have processed over 100,000 transactions across 130+ countries, reducing barriers to global financial participation.
2. Enabling Small Businesses and E-commerce
For micro and small businesses, accessing digital payments often means navigating multiple payment providers and high transaction fees. Open Payments enable merchants to accept payments from multiple financial service providers through a single integration. This reduces operational costs and enhances customer convenience, leading to increased financial participation.
One example is the integration of Open Payments in online marketplaces, where sellers have seen an increase in successful cross-border transactions by 40%, enabling micro-entrepreneurs to expand their reach without being burdened by excessive fees.
3. Cross-Border Remittances
Migrant workers sending money back home often encounter high remittance fees and delays. Open Payments allow remittances to flow seamlessly between digital wallets, mobile money providers, and banks without requiring expensive third-party processing. In regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where remittance fees can exceed 8% per transaction, Open Payments have demonstrated a 30% reduction in transfer costs.
4. Web Monetization and Digital Content Payments
Content creators and digital service providers often struggle with fragmented payment options. Open payments enable seamless micropayments, allowing consumers to pay for content on a pay-per-use basis without committing to subscriptions. This innovation is particularly useful for freelancers, artists, and independent media platforms.
Driving Impact with TryOpenGiving
During #Hacktoberfest2024, the open-source community launched TryOpenGiving, a global platform designed to empower nonprofits by enabling seamless donations from supporters worldwide. As an open-source initiative, TryOpenGiving aligns with the principles of open payments by integrating multiple donation channels, including:
Card/Bank Payments
Interledger Foundation Pointers
Stablecoins
Direct Nonprofit Donation Links
Since its launch, TryOpenGiving has facilitated donations across different nonprofits, providing crucial funding to organizations making a social impact.
I played a key role in driving the onboarding of various nonprofits onto the TryOpenGiving platform, ensuring that organizations focused on economic empowerment, education, and social impact could easily receive donations and expand their reach.
Among the nonprofits I onboarded to TryOpenGiving:
Renbi Women Empowerment Initiative – Focuses on the economic empowerment of women in vulnerable communities in Nigeria. Visit Renbi Women
Gamble Alert – An independent nonprofit organization advocating for responsible gambling. Visit Gamble Alert
Despite its potential, the adoption of open payment standards faces regulatory hurdles, technological limitations, and resistance from traditional financial institutions. Governments and regulators need to establish policies that encourage interoperability while ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations.
Additionally, awareness and education are crucial for fostering adoption among financial service providers and end users. Organizations like the Interledger Foundation and fintech innovators such as Chimoney, Fynbos are leading the charge in educating businesses and consumers about the benefits of open payments.
Conclusion
The future of financial inclusion lies in the widespread adoption of open payment standards. By breaking down barriers between financial service providers, reducing costs, and fostering interoperability, open payments have the power to create a truly inclusive global financial ecosystem. Governments, fintech companies, and financial institutions must collaborate to embrace these standards and drive the next wave of financial innovation.
As open payments continue to evolve, they will play a transformative role in reshaping how people access, use, and benefit from financial services, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital economy. Through initiatives like TryOpenGiving, we are not just theorizing but actively implementing real-world solutions that align with the vision of open payments and global financial accessibility.
Sir: When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023, he took a different approach to governance. Two major decisions that attracted significant criticism were the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira. These policies were widely seen as anti-people, as they led to significant economic hardship for many Nigerians. However, the government consistently acknowledged the difficulties faced by the populace and assured them that these measures were short-term sacrifices necessary to revive the Nigerian economy, which had been in comatose for years.
Given the failures of previous administrations, many Nigerians were sceptical about the sincerity and effectiveness of the current government’s economic reforms. Indeed, 2024 proved to be a tough year for many, with rising costs making it harder for citizens to meet their basic needs. Yet, the government showed sensitivity to the challenges, providing palliative measures such as foodstuffs, CNG buses, and conversion kits, as well as increasing the national minimum wage from N18,000 to N70,000 with state governments following suit with varying rates.
Needless to state that the economic reforms implemented by the government are grounded in proven economic theories that promote market efficiency and the optimal use of resources. The government deserves commendation for not backing down despite public outcry. These reforms have freed up resources that the government can now invest in critical sectors, which in turn fosters economic growth and national development and the country’s ability to address security challenges.
Last year, I projected that Nigeria would experience significant economic improvement in 2025, with the Naira gaining value and the price of PMS (Premium Motor Spirit, or fuel) dropping, leading to a ripple effect on the prices of goods and services. Although it is only March, early signs indicate my projection is becoming a reality. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, headline inflation dropped to 24.48% in January from 34.8% in December 2024. It is important to note that the January inflation rate was calculated using the rebased Consumer Price Index (CPI). Beyond the numbers, the Naira now exchanges for about N1,500 to the US dollar, and PMS sells for under N1,000. More importantly, food prices—the primary driver of Nigeria’s headline inflation—are beginning to drop, bringing hope and excitement to citizens.
Critics of the economic reforms are gradually being proven wrong, and some have even reversed their stance to support government policies. Therefore, Nigerians should continue to be patient, as things are expected to improve further. The Naira is anticipated to appreciate even more, and inflation to decrease. The government should remain committed to its reforms and continue engaging with Nigerians to ensure they understand government policies and their benefits.
Sir: Nigeria is undergoing a digital revolution, with businesses, government agencies, and individuals generating vast amounts of data daily. However, much of this data is stored in foreign servers managed by global tech giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. While offshore data hosting offers scalability and efficiency, it comes with significant hidden costs that could hinder Nigeria’s economic growth, digital sovereignty, and national security.
In today’s digital economy, data is often referred to as “the new oil” because of its value in driving innovation, decision-making, and economic growth. Companies and governments use data for various purposes, such as improving services, predicting trends, enhancing security, and personalizing user experiences. However, where data is stored and how it is managed has significant implications for privacy, security, and national sovereignty, making local data hosting a crucial consideration for countries envisioning growth.
Nigeria’s reliance on foreign data hosting services has significant economic drawbacks, particularly in the areas of capital flight, job creation, and local tech industry growth. The dependence on cloud service providers such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure results in billions of naira flowing out of the country each year. Instead of reinvesting in local infrastructure, businesses and government agencies continue to pay substantial fees to international companies, weakening Nigeria’s digital economy.
According to Statista, Nigeria is projected to spend around $1.11 billion on public cloud services in 2025, with this figure expected to grow significantly over the next few years due to increasing digital transformation initiatives in the country. This rising expenditure underscores the urgent need to develop a strong local cloud infrastructure to retain wealth and stimulate economic growth.
The lack of local data hosting infrastructure also limits job creation, particularly in the IT sector. Skilled professionals such as cloud engineers, cybersecurity experts, and data analysts often seek opportunities abroad or settle for jobs that do not fully utilize their expertise. Furthermore, Nigeria’s dependence on foreign data centres stunts the growth of its local tech ecosystem. Home-grown cloud service providers struggle to compete against well-established global corporations, leading to a lack of investment in domestic data solutions. Without a competitive local ecosystem, Nigerian start-ups and enterprises remain reliant on external infrastructure, which not only increases operational costs but also limits their ability to scale.
Nigeria’s reliance on foreign data hosting services extends beyond economic implications to critical security and sovereignty risks. Storing vast amounts of sensitive data outside the country exposes Nigeria to external regulations, potential surveillance, and service disruptions that could have far-reaching consequences.
One major concern is data privacy. When Nigerian user data is stored on foreign servers, it becomes subject to the laws of the host country. For instance, the U.S. CLOUD Act allows American authorities to access data stored by U.S.-based companies, regardless of where the data is physically located. This raises concerns about the confidentiality of personal, corporate, and government information, as Nigeria has limited control over how its data is accessed and used by foreign entities. Without robust local data hosting policies, citizens’ privacy remains vulnerable to external interference.
Many Nigerian government agencies and financial institutions rely on offshore data storage, creating significant vulnerabilities. Dependence on foreign cloud providers means critical information is subject to external control, leaving the country exposed to potential disruptions. In the event of cyberattacks, diplomatic disputes, or sanctions, access to essential data could be restricted, affecting governance, financial stability, and public services.
Regulatory enforcement also becomes more challenging when data is stored outside the country. Nigerian laws on data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital transactions are difficult to impose on foreign-hosted platforms, as compliance is subject to the legal frameworks of other nations. This weakens the government’s ability to protect citizens’ data, monitor cyber threats, and ensure digital sovereignty.
These challenges highlight the urgency of local data hosting as a crucial step toward Nigeria’s digital growth. To secure the country’s digital future, Nigeria must prioritize local data hosting by investing in domestic cloud infrastructure and enacting policies that encourage data localization. The government should provide incentives for private sector investments in data centres, including tax breaks and funding support for local cloud providers. Strengthening Nigeria’s data infrastructure will not only reduce reliance on foreign platforms but also create a competitive digital ecosystem that attracts global technology firms. Implementing strict data protection laws that mandate local storage for sensitive government, financial, and corporate data will enhance security and sovereignty.
Sir: Globally, the healthcare Artificial Intelligence (AI) market is exploding, projected to hit a staggering $102.7 billion by 2028, according to Fortune Business Insights. Medical diagnostics alone is expected to take a big bite out of that, with AI-driven tools transforming how diseases are detected and treated.
How much of this booming future does Nigeria realistically want to capture? Will we sit back and keep importing expensive diagnostic services or will we build home-grown AI-powered systems that work for us?
In leading countries, AI is no longer some futuristic dream — it’s real, present, and working right now inside hospitals and labs. Nigeria needs to wake up and catch this train before it leaves us behind.
In Imaging and Radiology, tools like Google’s DeepMind, PathAI, and Arterys are analyzing X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs faster and more accurately than human radiologists. These systems detect cancers, fractures, and other abnormalities with precision that leaves even the best radiologists wide-eyed.
In Predictive Diagnostics, AI now predicts diseases before symptoms even show up. By combining genetic data, lifestyle habits, and lab results, AI can flag individuals at risk for diabetes, heart disease, or even certain cancers — giving doctors a rare chance to intervene early.
In Histopathology, AI tools are analysing tissue and blood samples to detect cell abnormalities. What used to take hours of manual labour can now be done in minutes, with higher accuracy.
And then there’s Point-of-Care AI Diagnostics — a true game-changer for Nigeria. Picture this: a handheld AI-powered device that can run advanced tests right beside a patient’s hospital bed or even in a remote village where there’s no lab in sight. That’s the future already unfolding globally!
According to PwC, AI could contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with healthcare being one of the biggest beneficiaries. This is not just a medical trend — it’s a massive business wave, and Nigeria must either ride it or get swept aside.
Let’s talk hard truth: Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure isn’t ready for this AI explosion. Our diagnostic centres still suffer from erratic power supply, poor internet connectivity, and outdated equipment. Add to that, our medical professionals are under-trained in AI usage, meaning even if you dropped advanced AI tools into their laps today, many wouldn’t know how to use them effectively.
But here’s the flip side — this is also a massive opportunity for Nigeria to leapfrog decades of slow progress. Instead of building step-by-step, we can jump straight into AI-powered diagnostics if we move smartly. If we sit back, we risk being left behind, importing expensive diagnostic services from abroad, and widening the already dangerous health gap in our country. To fully harness the potential of AI in medical diagnostics, three urgent steps must be taken.
The government and private sector must invest in modern healthcare infrastructure, including internet connectivity, electricity, and modern data management systems, which are prerequisites for AI adoption.
We must prioritize training healthcare professionals to work with AI technologies. AI is not coming to replace lab scientists, radiologists, or doctors – it’s coming to assist them. Therefore, they must be AI-literate. For that to work, our healthcare curricula in medical schools must be upgraded to now include AI literacy, data science, and digital health courses.
AI relies heavily on data, and managing patient data comes with privacy concerns, and so the government must establish clear data protection laws and ethical guidelines for AI use in healthcare.
AI is not optional anymore. AI will touch every field and every career, whether one likes it or not. Healthcare, education, media, manufacturing — none will be spared.
For Nigerian healthcare, AI in diagnostics isn’t just a tech upgrade; it’s a lifesaving necessity. It’s how we’ll cut diagnostic errors, shorten diagnosis times, and make healthcare affordable for millions.
This revolution must start now — or we’ll pay for our delay with both our purses and our lives.
Sir: The political landscape in Nigeria is often a theatre of high drama, where personal interests frequently overshadow the public good. The ongoing feud between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a stark reminder of how the “house of cards” that is Nigerian politics thrives on personal vendettas, power struggles, and allegations that often scuttle the overall public interest causing a broader implications for governance and public trust.
The feud is not just about allegations of misconduct; it is also a reflection of the power dynamics within the Nigerian political system. Akpabio, as Senate President, wields significant influence, and his position makes him a target for both legitimate scrutiny and political manoeuvring. Akpoti-Uduaghan, on the other hand, is a relatively new entrant into the senate, and her allegations could be seen as an attempt to challenge the status quo and assert her presence in a male-dominated arena.
However, the timing and nature of these allegations raise questions about the motivations behind them. Are they driven by a genuine desire for justice and accountability, or are they part of a broader political strategy to undermine Akpabio’s authority and position?
That similar allegations have been made against Akpabio in the past adds weight to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, but it also highlights the need for a thorough and impartial investigation.
In fact, it is also important to consider the context in which they are being made. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to go public with her allegations, rather than pursuing them through official channels at the time it occurred raises questions about her motives. Is she seeking justice, or is she using the allegations as a tool to gain political leverage?
Given the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact on public trust in the senate, it is imperative that a thorough and independent investigation be conducted into the matter. This investigation should be conducted by an impartial body with the authority to subpoena witnesses, gather evidence, and make recommendations based on the findings.
That would not only ensure that the investigation is conducted without interference but also send a strong message that no one is above the law. It would demonstrate a commitment to accountability and transparency, and help restore public confidence in the senate and the broader political system.
If the investigation finds that the allegations against Akpabio are true, he should face the full consequences of his actions. Similarly, if Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations are found to be baseless or politically motivated, she should also face consequences for making false accusations.
However, regardless of the outcome of the investigation, this feud highlights the need for systemic reforms within the Nigerian political system. The culture of impunity, where personal interests often take precedence over the public good, must be addressed. This requires not only stronger institutions and stricter enforcement of the law but also a shift in the political culture, where accountability and transparency are valued over power and personal gain.
The feud is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing Nigerian politics. It underscores the need for accountability, transparency, and a commitment to the public good over personal interests. By conducting a thorough and independent investigation, the senate can take a significant step towards restoring public trust and ensuring that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions. Only then can Nigeria move towards a political system that truly serves the interests of its people.
Sir: Skepticism is a commonplace in Ekiti State. At its creation in 1996, one of its egregious sons and then governor of Ondo State, Bamidele Olumilua, virulently castigated Ekiti State agitators as potential losers. In his mind-set, a proposed Ekiti State lacked resourcefulness for its survival. But Chief Afe Babalola took up the gauntlet and in cahoots with un-daunting individuals trudged on in the struggle and eventually got the state created.
Twenty six years (1996 – 2025) Ekiti State is standing firm on its feet among its compatriot states and the antagonist of yore, Olumilua, has since benefited with a university named after him. The same scepticism seems to be trailing the current airport project as some doubters have dubbed Ekiti State as a landlocked state with no worthwhile stake for an airport.
Many Ekiti State scholars have at several fora dismissed as a ruse the insinuation that Ekiti State is a landlocked state lacking the potential for optimal development. The debacle of Ekiti State arose from the poor mind-set and limited vision of the first set of military rulers who as non-indigenes merely parried their stay and failed to take the development of the state at its jugular and earnessed its real potentials.
Statistically, Ekiti State has one of the highest population of professors and academic experts who are scattered in and around Nigeria, and even globally. What have been the contributions of these highly educated individuals to the development of the state?
It is time for the Ekiti State government to start to compel these groups of highly qualified indigenes to make contributions in cash and kind for the development of the state. At its apogee, the Iree clay industry ran in collaboration with Odu’a Investments Company was the pride of the state. But due to political interference coupled with mismanagement, the project collapsed.
The government must revive the Iree clay bricks industry which at its zenith had customers scattered throughout the state of the federation. The time for the investment to prosper is now when people from all and around Nigeria can reach Ekiti State at their beck and call. Ekiti State is home to several tourist centres and monuments but many are not yet developed into international standards.
The Ikogosi Waterfall and Erin Water Spring are wonderful natural occurrences which people from all walks of life will marvel to see and watch. The state government must boost all the socio-cultural centres to act as sources income and of yearly attractions to the state.
Ekiti State should be ready to partner with the states that are contiguous to it like Ondo, Osun, Kwara, Kogi based on the principle of law of comparative advantages among them. From the fellers from the Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo that the airport compares favourably with those globally, for a fuller operation of their airport, more states in the Southwest must be encouraged to patronize the Ekiti Airport to make it more profitable and sustainable.
As a linear State, Ekiti State has network of roads that traverse the nook and crannies of the state, but most of these roads are not maintained and with the advent of the rain, the roads will become impassable for motorists. The old Ilesha – Efon – Aramoko – Igede-Ado roads have been abandoned for lack of maintenance for a long time. Travelers from Lagos and Ibadan now have to pass through the Akure-Igbara Oke road to link Ilawe and Ado Ekiti, a route almost twice longer than the Aramoko – Ado Ekiti road.
In the past couple of years the economic life of the towns along these bad and abandoned road axis have become paralyzed. With the airport, these roads the government must repair and re-activate to add perks and values to the operations of the airport.
Finally, the Ekiti Airport at its completion will put the state on the radar of global watch and it is important for both the government and the indigenes of the state to be prepared for the upsurge and the luminous advantages the completion of the airport will confer on Ekiti State and its indigenes.
With the successful accomplishment of the airport project, Ekiti State is on the threshold of global development and this will further keep at bay all would-be presumptuous sceptics.
Sir: One of last week’s significant developments in Nigerian law enforcement was the commissioning of barracks for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Yola, Adamawa State. This federal government initiative to strengthen drug law enforcement could not have come at a more crucial time.
The recent mob killing of an NDLEA officer in Kaduna shocked the nation, alongside reports of officers being tracked to their homes and murdered by members of drug cartels. If the government is serious about tackling the country’s escalating illicit drug problem, it must ensure the safety of those on the frontline. Providing NDLEA officers with secure barracks, similar to those available to other security personnel, is a necessary step in this direction.
For over 35 years, NDLEA officers have lacked dedicated housing, often living in unsafe and challenging conditions. Secure accommodation is essential for morale and operational effectiveness, fostering greater commitment and focus in the execution of their duties. Given the high-risk nature of their work, access to safe living conditions is not a luxury but a necessity.
Addressing this long-standing issue reinforces the government’s commitment to combating drug abuse. The Yola barracks, featuring 80 one-bedroom terrace flats, 120 two-bedroom semi-detached flats, and 60 three-bedroom semi-detached flats, marks the beginning of a broader national initiative.
This initiative also highlights the leadership acumen of Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), chairman and chief executive of the NDLEA. Since his appointment in 2021, Marwa has spearheaded reforms that have significantly enhanced the agency’s operations, leading to increased arrests and drug seizures. His dual focus on supply reduction and demand prevention has fostered a more coordinated and effective approach to tackling drug-related issues.
The construction of barracks further demonstrates his ability to drive meaningful change and his commitment to strengthening the agency while prioritising officers’ welfare.
While this investment is commendable, it should form part of a broader strategy. Additional barracks should be constructed in strategic locations nationwide, alongside sustained investments in training, modern equipment, and technology to counter the evolving drug trade.
This initiative is a welcome development, but it must be accompanied by comprehensive reforms and sustained efforts to create a drug-free society. Strengthening the NDLEA, prioritising officers’ welfare, and enhancing community engagement are crucial to overcoming this national challenge.
