The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Honouring Nigeria’s real heroes

    Honouring Nigeria’s real heroes

    Sir: In 2009, as the country surged to the end of the first decade of the new millennium, there was a mammoth shift in Nigeria’s security dynamics and apparatus. Suddenly, Nigeria found itself in places it was not ordinarily used to being; fighting enemies it was not used to. This seismic shift in Nigeria’s security considerations was in no little measure all thanks to the terrorist sect, Boko Haram.

    There are many theories about how the group evolved and resolved into arguably the most formidable enemy of the Nigerian state. Many Nigerians believe it was a carefully crafted invention of Nigeria’s hidden enemies who needed an offensive against the Nigerian state for their aims from a group malleable to them. If this was the plot initially, they soon lost the plot as Boko Haram veered out of control.

    The audacious attacks of the group which has been involved in some of the most atrocious assaults against the Nigerian state over the years has weakened Nigeria’s security architecture and enabled the proliferation of terrorist groups in a country where the main challengers used to be small-time criminals.

    What is clear from Boko Haram’s history is that the terrorist group which balks at Western civilization amply benefitted from the many loopholes in Nigeria’s security architecture, and the weak political will that has more often than not marked government in Nigeria.

     As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tried to lay a glove on Nigeria’s myriad problems, security is one aspect his government has thrived in. Since his inauguration in 2023, activities have ceased in many of Nigeria’s killing fields, with the government doing a considerable lot to guarantee security for citizens. However, the war is far from over.

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     On Friday, January 24, terrorists attacked the Nigerian Army base in Malam-Fatori, Borno State. While more than 70 terrorists were neutralized, about 22 soldiers paid the ultimate prize. To be a soldier is to die many times over on the job. It is to put one’s life on the line for others and die many times over, even if it happens that breath will cease just once.

    Despite the grim reality of being a soldier, especially in a full-fledged theatre of war that Nigeria is, young Nigerians brimming with promise and overflowing with potentials and patriotism continue to join the armed forces, putting themselves in the line of fire to defend Nigeria from ruthless non-state actors.

    These men and women are the true heroes of Nigeria. They are the ones who consistently put everything on the line to defend Nigeria.

     For many reasons, but especially to honour the sacrifices, they have made in defence of the country, Nigeria must commit more to the war against terror than it is currently doing. Most especially, it must commit to prosecute it to its logical conclusion.

     Unfortunately, the war against terrorism now appears like a war without end with many years and resources going into it with no end in sight.

    However, the fact that no country can develop with terrorists lurking in the corner is enough motivation to keep going.

    Nigeria must honour the sacrifices that soldiers, civilians, and entire communities have made in the war against terror. No honour will beat a comprehensive defeat of the terrorists in the shortest time possible.

    • Ike Willie-Nwobu,Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • As jittery junta leaders exit ECOWAS

    As jittery junta leaders exit ECOWAS

    Sir: Ahead of the January 29 deadline for their self-imposed exit from ECOWAS, the junta leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, the Alliance of Sahel States, AES, have become jittery, deploying every trick, including disinformation, misinformation and blackmail to deflect blame for the inevitable consequences and uncertainty of their military adventure.

    ECOWAS leaders at their last Abuja summit in December 2024 warned the three countries that having served notice of their withdrawal from the regional bloc in January 2024, the separation will become effective 12 months later, according to the regional bloc’s relevant protocol. This is despite the grace period of six months mentioned in the summit communique. After receiving official correspondence from the ECOWAS Commission on the summit’s decision, the juntas have gone into propaganda overdrive.

    Instead of addressing their domestic existential threats, coupled with criticism of human rights violations and intolerance of dissent, the junta leaders are blaming outsiders for the humanitarian crisis they brought on their people.

    ECOWAS at 50 this year cannot claim to be perfect. One of its major problems is leadership at the national and regional levels. But just as a chain is as strong as its weakest link, an organisation is only as good/effective as its weakest member.

    There is a strong anti-French sentiment in Francophone African countries linked to controversial colonial agreements including defence/military pacts, which the AES leaders are capitalising on for their populist dispositions. The agreements have nothing to do with ECOWAS, so it begs the question that the AES leaders are blaming the organisation for them.

    Read Also: Tinubu to Nigerians: Rivers Niger, Benue symbolise power of unity for strength

    To come clean of accusations of foreign influence/interference, ECOWAS must assert its independence and put its house in order but not succumb to blackmail. The organisation should innovate and reinvent itself to withstand emerging threats from the geopolitical and geostrategic shifts in international relations ecosystem.

    ECOWAS leaders should be pulling together, including reaching an agreement on the term limit for the president/prime minister in member states, to stop the tenure elongation syndrome haemorrhaging the organisation. They should deliver good governance and muster the political will to end political or constitutional coups and other causes/enablers of military coups.

    Ghana’s new President John Mahama has named a Special Envoy to the AES countries. The Ghanaian leader should be encouraged to work within the ECOWAS system to prevent a further weakening of the organisation.

    Also, Nigeria as the “big brother, regional power” and the current ECOWAS chair, should step up to the plate and work with other leaders to champion the rescue and repositioning of ECOWAS.

    A united ECOWAS provides unlimited opportunities for regional cooperation and development. ECOWAS/AES’ separation will unleash potential negative consequences on the population of the AES countries, including massive loss of jobs from the closure of community institutions and humanitarian food reserve facilities. Also, there will be an end to the benefits of regional free trade scheme and the immediate recovery of more than US$273 million at the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) loans and liabilities.

    A sudden exit from the ECOWAS Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering (GIABA), will also make the AES countries vulnerable to the global Finance Action Task-force (FATF) sanctions, plus an end to regional security cooperation, shared intelligence and coordinated joint military operations, which will make the countries easy targets for more deadly attacks by terrorist and armed insurgency groups.

    Addressing the media in Abuja on Monday January 27, the Head of EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot urged ECOWAS to reconsider its decision on the AES group.

    “It is a decision that we regret because we strongly support West African integration. Splitting does not seem to us a good idea,” said the envoy, who cited the EU’s experience with Brexit, based on negotiation and dialogue.

    The junta leaders should also take a cue from the EU official’s counsel, bearing in mind that they will be held accountable for the consequences of dragging millions of their compatriots into socio-economic catastrophe and political uncertainty.

    ECOWAS is only demanding that they respect regional protocols and honour their countries’ obligations and commitment to democratic principles instead of sticking to endless opportunistic political transition programmes designed for their self-perpetuation in power.

    It is within the rights of AES nations to associate or pursue common goals, but not necessarily by quitting ECOWAS. Organisations such as the Mano River Union; Lake Chad Basin Commission/Authority, the Zone of Prosperity and UEMOA, are all members of ECOWAS.

    •Paul Ejime,paulejime@outlook.com>

  • The hike in telecoms tariffs

    The hike in telecoms tariffs

    Sir: As if it is not enough that the prices of rice, garri, maggi, vegetables, meat, bread, transport and others have shot up in the market, telecommunications companies have served notice that they will hike up their tariffs by 50 percent. At a time when Nigerians are weighed down by excruciating burdens coming from a thousand places all at once, what would these hikes mean for everyday Nigerians as they navigate what are already very difficult living conditions?

    While the government and the service providers feel that the hike in telecommunications tariffs is necessary to balance rising operational expenses with the provision of quality services and broader economic considerations for both consumers and the telecoms industry, every day Nigerians feel otherwise. They are feeling the pinch of being Nigerians, and the punch to their guts is considerable indeed.

    A hike in tariffs means increased costs of all telecommunications including phone calls, text messages and data with the resulting ripple effects on businesses and daily life.

    There is no doubt that life is about to get even harder for Nigerians, who have borne the difficulties of this transition period with remarkable equanimity and fortitude.

    It was in the early 2000s that Nigerians first witnessed a massive explosion of telecommunications technologies. Since then, many Nigerians have become mobile phone users. For service providers, Nigeria has remained an excellent market, with many new users streaming into the market every day.

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    The economics of telecommunications has rewarded both providers and users beyond their wildest dreams. With new channels of communication opened, businesses have thrived, and unprecedented advancement recorded across multiple fields. But at what cost?

    Over the years, the relationship between consumers of telecommunications services and service providers has been far from friendly. Almost everyone who has had course to use telecommunications services, and there are many, have complained of irregular network, inconsistent and frankly ridiculous charges, and arbitrary hikes. This has irritated many of their customers to no end.

    The telecommunications service providers may just be going with the tide in raising tariffs to cover operational expenses but are they ready to improve services? Given that they are professional profiteers, are they ready to engage in the delicate balancing act between costs, profits and excellent service delivery?

    What a time it is to add this burden to Nigerians already crushed by rising costs of living. What a time to be a Nigerian.

    • Kene Obiezu,keneobiezu@gmail.com

  • Vocational skills curriculum and citizen wellbeing

    Vocational skills curriculum and citizen wellbeing

     Sir: The federal government through the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has announced the addition of vocational skills such as hairstyling, plumbing, mobile phone repair, makeup artistry and 12 others covering the home improvement, technology, agriculture and lifestyle industries, to the Basic Education curriculum.  Basic Education is pre-primary education, primary education and lower secondary education, ideally covering the individual from the ages four to 15.

    For over four decades, Nigerian Basic Education has trained its recipients how to get an office job.  This strategy has led to mass unemployment and underemployment during this time because there are significantly more secondary school and tertiary education graduates than office jobs.  Basic Education looks down on vocational skills as something you turn to if you don’t pass your exams.  Nigerians, who were taught Basic Education over the last 40 years, were raised to believe vocational skills were for never-do-wells.  Because of that, many Nigerians in this category refused to engage in vocational skills training even in the face of prolonged unemployment or ongoing underemployment but have no problem working these vocational jobs in more economically stable countries, particularly in Europe and the United States.

    However, with the advent of social media, particularly Instagram in 2010, the tide shifted, as Nigerians saw they didn’t need to pay an advertising agency to create advertisements for their goods and services.  They saw they could reach customers and clients more directly.  I believe this is what the federal government through the NOA has tapped into to establish this welcome initiative.

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    Prior to now, Basic Education has never taught Nigerians how to make money: for the most part, it socializes, teaches how to read and write, teach cleanliness and how to organize oneself.  While these are essential for life, the dependence on a limited mind-set and education that no longer serves the present reality of Nigeria has kept most of our citizens in poverty for too long, stopping them from reaching their full potentials.  The most economically stable countries in the world have long promoted the idea that office jobs are not for everyone, and that all professions are essential.

    These newly introduced vocational skills will make Generation Beta (those born from 2025) wealthier because they will be entrepreneurial from their teenage years.  The ripple effects of that wealth are numerous: Nigeria’s GDP will be higher leading to increased employment, higher disposable income, improved standard of living and overall economic stability.  Currently we have the fourth highest GDP in Africa, with South Africa holding the top spot.  While Nigeria has no divine right to have the continent’s highest GDP, our status as the most populous Black nation on Earth behoves us to deliver Africa’s best results politically, economically, socially, technologically, legally and environmentally.

    Nigeria is currently celebrated globally for our Afrobeats music and culture. 

    I believe the introduction of these vocational skills will make Nigeria celebrated globally for delivering the world’s best vocational services.  The evidence is in other areas we have conquered such as giving the world celebrated footballers, doctors, nurses, carers, and engineers, just to name a few professions.  Why can’t we give the world celebrated beekeepers, rabbit rearers, POP installers and plumbers?

    Making a decent living from being paid for delivering a service that has been learned gives the service provider extreme confidence: there is, indeed, dignity in labour.  Crimes will reduce, Nigeria will be safer because there will be more people working, and idleness will gradually be frowned upon. 

    •Obinna Inogbo,obinna.inogbo@yahoo.co.uk

  • Consider Oke-Ogun for 2027 Oyo Guber ticket

    Consider Oke-Ogun for 2027 Oyo Guber ticket

    Sir: The Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State is recognized as a vital zone in terms of agricultural production and food chain systems. Many people refer to Oke-Ogun as the food basket of Oyo State, while others see it as an agricultural hub.

    Politically, this zone is crucial for any candidate who aims to win the governorship election in the state. A political party that secures a strong showing in Oke-Ogun is likely to emerge victorious in the overall election. As such, the Oke-Ogun area is a significant focus for political contenders during election periods.

    Oke-Ogun comprises 10 Local Government Areas and is located in the northwest part of Oyo State, bordered by the River Ogun. The zone typically boasts nearly 40% of active electorates in any given election.

    In comparison, the Ibadan zone has 11 Local Governments. Given the high calibre of professionals in Oke-Ogun—including scholars, educators, business moguls, and traders—who possess the qualifications to drive positive change, this zone should be considered for governorship slots by major political parties in 2027.

    Analysing the outcomes of gubernatorial elections from 1991 to the present reveals that Ibadan and Ogbomoso have historically produced governors, with Ibadan contributing more from various political parties.

    In 1991, Chief Kolapo Ishola won under the Social Democratic Party, representing Ibadan. In the 1999 gubernatorial election held on January 9, the Alliance for Democracy nominated Lam Adesina, who defeated the PDP candidate, gaining 454,680 votes compared to the PDP’s 219,200 votes. Lam Adesina became the first governor in this current democratic era to represent the Ibadan zone.

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    In the April 19, 2003 election, Lam Adesina of the Alliance for Democracy was defeated by PDP’s Chief Rashidi Ladoja. The PDP garnered 636,212 votes, while the AD received 381,310 votes among candidates from five registered political parties. The winner of the election represents Ibadan as well.

    A significant shift occurred in the 2007 gubernatorial election, held on April 14, when the PDP nominated Chief Christopher Alao-Akala from Ogbomoso, who won against Abiola Ajimobi of the All Nigeria People’s Party, receiving 357,972 votes to Ajimobi’s 239,189 votes. This election was marked by the political challenges and impeachment of Senator Rashidi Ladoja, which allowed Alao-Akala to secure the candidacy and subsequently win.

    In the 2011 gubernatorial election on April 26, the Action Congress of Nigeria nominated Senator Abiola Ajimobi, while the PDP presented Christopher Alao-Akala. Senator Ajimobi emerged victorious, securing 420,852 votes against Alao-Akala’s 387,132 votes, marking the return of power to Ibadan.

    In 2015, following a merger of political parties, Senator Ajimobi was re-elected under the All Progressives Congress, receiving 327,310 votes to defeat Rashid Ladoja of the Accord Party, who garnered 254,520 votes, and Otunba Alao-Akala, who received 184,111 votes. Senator Teslim Folarin of the PDP received 79,019 votes, while Seyi Makinde of the Social Democratic Party obtained 54,740 votes. This victory made Senator Ajimobi the first Oyo State governor to be re-elected for a second term, also representing Ibadan.

    The 2019 Oyo State gubernatorial election was held on March 9, with PDP candidate Seyi Makinde declared the winner, defeating APC candidate Adebayo Adelabu. Among the 42 candidates, Seyi Makinde, from Ibadan, secured 515,621 votes compared to Adelabu’s 357,982 votes. He also represents the Ibadan zone.

    In the most recent 2023 Oyo State gubernatorial election, held on March 18, incumbent PDP Governor Seyi Makinde was re-elected, defeating APC candidate Senator Teslim Folarin. Makinde achieved 563,756 votes.

    Based on the analysis above, it is time for the Ogbomoso zone, with its five Local Governments, and the Oyo zone, consisting of four Local Governments, to support the Oke-Ogun zone in producing candidates for the governorship in 2027. This is especially important for the ruling parties, such as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The indigenes of Oke-Ogun and its surrounding areas would greatly appreciate it if these political parties considered zoning the governorship ticket to Oke-Ogun. This move would promote equity, justice, and fairness, encouraging the community to rally behind one of their own in the quest to govern the state.

    •Taoreed Abdullahi, taoheedolajideabdulahi@yahoo.com

  • Lessons from maltreatment of pupil by class teacher

    Lessons from maltreatment of pupil by class teacher

    • By Ganiu Bamgbose

    Sir: Now that the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has taken up the case of the primary school teacher who slapped a three-year-old boy repeatedly, it is pertinent we return to the issues connected to this awful experience which perhaps account for the teacher’s action.

    The first factor responsible for the abuse of students by many teachers is the fact that many of those who teach, especially in Nigerian private schools, are not teachers in the first place. These people who lack professional training do not embody the empathy, patience, and other soft skills required to impart information to people. Sadly, anyone who possesses content knowledge is erroneously assumed to be good enough to be a teacher. It is important that schools employ certified teachers and organise trainings and seminars for them regularly.

    Another factor contributing to the obnoxious act of students’ abuse is the poor remuneration of teachers in many private schools. While I do not dispute that there are many private schools that pay teachers well, there are much more with ridiculous remuneration. Teaching is indeed a taxing job that requires teachers’ motivation. A teacher must be sensitive to individual differences in their students and only a properly motivated teacher would be at their best with such onerous task.

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    The government factor is also a significant and multifaceted one. First, the government has to establish more schools to ensure and guarantee free basic education. This will reduce the conversion of every small apartment to a school with its attendant problems of unqualified administrators and teachers. The government also has to set and maintain the standard for the establishment and operations of private schools. The government has to improve its vigilance in ensuring adherence to the set standards in terms of staff qualification, manpower and facilities. Generally speaking, education at every level deserves a continuous and improved supervision and funding from the government.

    Crucially, the role of the media, especially social media, is deserving of discussion. While the advent of social media and blogs has made it easy to track and trace happenings, it appears like the bloggers are more interested in having news to post for economic gains than for social change. This writer urges the government and established media houses to regulate the activities of bloggers and enlighten them on the fourth estate role of the media and its sanctity.

    I appeal to the Lagos State government to pardon Stella Nwadigo. We can help people become better by being good to them. Man is not made for law; law is made for man. The not-so-young teacher can be taught empathy by being pardoned.

    •Ganiu Bamgbose,

     Lagos State University, Lagos.

  • What to do about tanker explosions

    What to do about tanker explosions

    • By Kasim Isa Muhammad

    Sir: In recent months, Nigeria has been plagued by overwhelming tanker explosions, leading to the tragic loss of lives and destruction of properties. On October 15, 2024, a petrol-laden tanker overturned near Majiya village, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, spilling its contents into a drainage. The resulting explosion claimed the lives of 181 people, affected 210 families, and left 80 individuals hospitalized. The incident ranks among the deadliest tanker-related disasters in the country’s history, yet the lessons it should have taught seem to be largely ignored. 

    Barely three months later, on January 18, another horrific tanker explosion occurred in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. A 60,000-litre petrol tanker detached from its head and exploded, killing at least 86 people and causing untold suffering. Despite repeated occurrences, these tragic events seem to elicit little change in behaviour or safety measures, raising the question: When will we, as a nation, begin to prioritize lives over carelessness? 

    Meanwhile, On January 22, yet another tanker explosion was reported in Ibadan, where a tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) exploded. This, however, claimed the life of the driver and injured one other person.

    The magnitude of these losses is gargantuan. In just three months, over 300 lives have been lost to tanker explosions. To put this into perspective, the California wildfires, which ravaged large areas over two weeks, claimed only 27 lives. The difference emphasizes glaring gap in safety practices and public awareness between Nigeria and other nations. 

    It is high time that relevant authorities, particularly the National Orientation Agency (NOA), rise to the occasion. Public sensitization campaigns are urgently needed to educate citizens about the dangers of recklessness in handling fuel tankers and the importance of adhering to safety protocols. Awareness drives should extend to drivers, transport companies, and residents in high-risk areas to minimize the chances of such tragedies recurring. 

    The government must also enforce stricter regulations on tanker operations. This includes mandatory inspections to ensure that tankers are roadworthy and equipped with modern safety features. The use of outdated or poorly maintained tankers should be banned outright, with heavy penalties imposed on violators. 

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    Moreover, emergency response systems need significant improvement. In many cases, the high death toll is exacerbated by the delayed arrival of first responders and inadequate medical facilities. Local governments should invest in equipping fire stations and hospitals to handle emergencies effectively. 

    Communities must also play their part by staying vigilant and cooperating with authorities. Residents should avoid crowding around accident scenes involving tankers, as this increases the risk of casualties in the event of an explosion. The culture of bystanders rushing to scoop fuel from leaking tankers is a dangerous practice that needs to be eradicated through sustained education. 

    The root causes of these explosions must be tackled comprehensively. Overloading, poor road conditions and negligent driving practices all contribute to these disasters. Addressing these issues requires a multi-pronged approach involving government agencies, transport unions, and civil society organizations. 

    While immediate measures are fundamental, long-term solutions must also be considered. Transitioning to alternative methods of fuel transportation, such as pipelines, would significantly reduce the reliance on road tankers. This requires comprehensive investment and political will, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. 

    Comparing Nigeria’s frequent tanker explosions to incidents in other countries reveals the urgency of reform. In advanced nations, strict safety regulations and effective emergency response systems have minimized such occurrences. Nigeria can and must adopt similar measures to safeguard its citizens. 

    The pain of losing loved ones to preventable disasters cannot be overstated. For the families of the victims, the wounds left by these tragedies may never fully heal. As a society, we owe it to them to ensure that their losses are not in vain by taking decisive steps to prevent future occurrences.  The time to act is now. Government agencies, private organizations, and individuals must come together to address this recurring menace. 

    In a nutshell, tanker explosions have become a national crisis that requires urgent attention. If we fail to learn from these incidents, the cycle of death and destruction will only continue. It is time to take decisive measures.

    •Kasim Isa Muhammad,

    Potiskum, Yobe State.

  • Yorubaland and the bogey of Obaship

    Yorubaland and the bogey of Obaship

    • By Sunday Olagunju

    Sir: The spate of chaos, confusions, litigations and undue delays which have characterized Obaship selection in Yorubaland in recent times, seem to have thrown the once revered and sacrosanct institution into serious tumult and near possible disgrace.

    Today, there are many stools in Yorubaland that have remained vacant for years due to differences among the contestants. In recent times, three major Yoruba big towns, namely, Ogbomoso, Ilesha and Oyo had their stools filled after some years of vacancies.

    No sooner winners emerged that some losers to the throne raised dusts and took the Oba-elects to court. These were rare occurrences in the past. In the past it was a taboo to take an Oba-elect to court, but nowadays it is the vogue, signaling rising degeneration of the values and relevance of the institution of Obaship.

    The importance of Obaship, especially in Yorubaland cannot be overemphasized, but given the high degree of degradation that has hobbled the institution in recent times, a lot of well-meaning citizens are beginning to lose interest in its likely impetus as a viable organ of maintenance of traditional law and order.

    Today, Obaship in Yorubaland suffer from five fundamental problems which must be tackled headlong or completely dealt with in order to restore the institution back to its past glory. The first is political interference as occasioned by the involvement of state governors who now compete with kingmakers for Obaship selection.

    Second is the corrupt tendencies by kingmakers who see the installation of a king as a life time opportunity. They jostle among various contestants, brow-beating them into parting with homogous sum of money as gifts or palm greasing before finally settling for the most unpopular or the least qualified of the contestants.

    Thirdly is unwieldly number of ruling houses who could hardly reach compromise to present one of their best for the position. Fourth is lack of accountability of how much a contestant for Obaship can spend to be regarded as reasonable within the limit of the law. Obaship selection too should be controlled in terms of expenses so that probable winners do not spend years after installation paying back debts and bastardizing tradition when unable to pay creditors.

    Finally, the waning popularity of traditional institution as a result of the poverty of most Obas who come to the throne without personal legacies and soon discover that their salaries are mere stipends that do not satisfy or confer on them the perceived dignity and financial freedom required of a traditional ruler.

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    What are the solutions to the incessant battles for Obaship selection in Yorubaland and what can be done to lift the morale of ragning Obas, many of whom are fast becoming disillusioned because of the perceived dead end of the Obaship position?

    One, the constitutional amendments before they become laws should accord responsibilities to Obas, especially the notable first class Obas who are well educated and experienced. Many of them are retirees from great positions in the society.

    In the past Obas were elected as governors, like Sir Adesoji Aderemi, Ooni of Ife, Sir Fadahunsi, Sir Francis Ibiam, Kazeem Ibrahim etc. They should be given responsibilities to keep them busy. Two, there should be pruning of ruling houses to ensure that only children born on the throne are eligible to contest after the demise of a king.

    Three, princes who are in diaspora should not be overrated above those at home who are not close to the traditional rites or who have to begin to learn the role for lack of home stay.

    Four kingmakers should be notable people who have personal means and not depending on crumbs from contesting princes for Obaship.

    Five today’s kingmakers should not foreclose completely traditional rites or rituals of the past, since it is a traditional issue. It must be a combination of the tradition and modern methods of prayer and supplications to God for the right choice of candidate.

    Finally, Obaship selection should be saved from the imbroglio of politics, especially by politicians who see politics in everything and will do all they can to either tilt or pervert the whole exercise to favour their nefarious decisions.

    •Sunday Olagunju

    Ibadan, Oyo State.

  • Transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas upstream operations through advanced declaration solution platform

    Transforming Nigeria’s oil and gas upstream operations through advanced declaration solution platform

    By Mogaji Wole Arisekola

    If you know Engineer Olugbenga Komolafe, the CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), you won’t be surprised by the groundbreaking transformation currently underway in his commission. 

    A man of integrity and vision, Komolafe is a patriotic Nigerian who genuinely desires the best for his country.

    I have always maintained—and will reiterate—that it takes just one patriotic individual to make a significant impact in reducing the corruption that plagues our nation. While many Nigerians know the right path to take, far too many prioritize selfish interests over collective progress.

    The administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking bold steps to close the loopholes that have long enabled unscrupulous individuals to siphon public funds. 

    For years, government resources have been treated as personal treasure chests by those with little more than a secondary school certificate, who somehow amass unimaginable wealth overnight. Many of these so-called leaders disguise themselves as devout Christians or Muslims, yet operate as “fantastic criminals.”

    Against this backdrop, the NUPRC’s Advanced Declaration Solution (ADS) Platform emerges as a beacon of change. 

    This revolutionary innovation is designed to tackle decades of corruption and inefficiencies in Nigeria’s crude oil production and sales. 

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    By redefining how Nigeria manages its oil resources, the ADS platform is setting a new standard in transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

    The platform seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology with stakeholder collaboration to transform the oil and gas sector. It symbolizes Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that the wealth derived from its natural resources benefits every citizen.

    For years, systemic corruption and inefficiencies have plagued the sector. Practices such as crude oil theft, underreporting of production volumes, and opaque sales agreements have drained billions from Nigeria’s economy. 

    The ADS platform directly addresses these issues, using advanced digital tools to enable real-time tracking, accurate reporting, and robust accountability.

    Real-time tracking and blockchain integration

    One of the platform’s most remarkable features is its ability to track crude oil from extraction to export. By leveraging blockchain technology and advanced analytics, it ensures that every barrel of oil is accounted for. 

    This transparency not only reduces theft and unauthorized sales but also builds trust among international investors and trading partners.

    Stakeholder collaboration

    The ADS platform fosters a collaborative ecosystem by integrating government agencies, oil companies, and regulators. This seamless data-sharing environment promotes trust, improves operational efficiency, and enhances decision-making, ultimately leading to increased revenue.

    Enhanced security

    Real-time monitoring capabilities allow the ADS platform to detect anomalies and potential breaches quickly, enabling swift intervention. 

    This proactive approach safeguards critical infrastructure and ensures uninterrupted operations—essential for Nigeria’s economic growth.

    The platform aligns with global best practices in the oil and gas industry. Many resource-rich nations have adopted similar digital solutions to boost transparency and efficiency. 

    By implementing this cutting-edge technology, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in the global energy market while advancing its commitment to sustainable development.

    Beyond its immediate impact, the ADS platform holds enormous potential for Nigeria’s economy and governance. By curbing corruption and increasing revenue, it can fund critical infrastructure, improve social services, and reduce the nation’s reliance on external borrowing. 

    Furthermore, the emphasis on transparency and accountability sets a precedent for other sectors, encouraging a culture of integrity across the board.

    The success of the ADS platform will depend on collective effort. Adequate training, robust infrastructure, and consistent monitoring are critical for its effectiveness. The government must also remain resolute in enforcing compliance and addressing resistance from vested interests.

    The ADS platform is more than just a technological innovation—it is a symbol of hope for Nigeria. It represents a bold step toward reclaiming the nation’s oil wealth and ensuring that it benefits every Nigerian. By addressing long-standing challenges with modern solutions, Nigeria is paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future in its oil and gas sector.

    This groundbreaking initiative promises to transform Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas operations by enhancing transparency, efficiency, and security. It is a testament to the nation’s resilience, ingenuity, and determination to achieve sustainable development.

    As Nigeria embarks on this transformative journey, it is up to all citizens to support the government’s efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Together, we can build a nation free from corruption, where resources are used for the collective good.

    Now that I have seen and witnessed the digital revolution by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in their office today, which will change the old ways of doing business in the oil and gas sector, it is now up to us, the people who love Nigeria, to pray for the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We pray for more wisdom to lead our country to the promised land.

    My slogan is: NUPRC is coming—goodbye to all crude oil thieves and their godfathers, both civilians and criminals in security uniforms.

    – Wole Arisekola is the Publisher of StreetJournal Newspaper and National Chairman of the Association of Online Media Practitioners in Nigeria AMPCON

  • Of slow-motion service and audacity of tariffs hike

    Of slow-motion service and audacity of tariffs hike

    • By Bright Okuta

    Sir: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a hike in call, SMS, and data tariffs by up to 50% for telecommunications services. I patiently read through to find out the reason for the hike. But I didn’t find what I thought was the reason, or what should ordinarily be the major reason. The telecom companies are not increasing prices because of excellent service delivery to be expected. They are not increasing it to improve their communication infrastructure to boost network service.

    I was left wondering when we would get the network services we desperately need in Nigeria to make communications easy. Why have the NCC and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy allowed these conditions to persist, year after year, with no improvement in service quality?

    In Abuja, where one would expect some semblance of technological advancement as the nation’s capital, 5G networks are either unavailable or barely functional. 4G networks flicker like a naked candle. Download speeds barely manage 50 kbps during the day and 125 kbps at night, and these are days when the connection does not drop completely. Even in the heart of the city, where such networks are supposed to shine, the reality is different. We cannot have an excellent network service, but we are expected to pay high tariffs.

    The NCC and Communications Ministry have done nothing to address the issue of network stability. No one seems to care about the poor service that always leaves millions of Nigerians in a perpetual state of connectivity limbo.

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    The NCC gave the telecom operators the go-ahead to raise these charges without pushing for meaningful improvements in network infrastructure. If the service quality cannot support these new tariffs, then what exactly are Nigerians paying for?

    How do people whose jobs rely steadily on online communications cope? How many other Nigerians are experiencing the same frustration daily? How many have lost vital work opportunities, or worse, the ability to simply communicate with family and friends due to these perpetually unpredictable network conditions?

    As usual, the burden of these increases would be borne by ordinary Nigerians, who are already struggling with the repercussions of a faltering economy.

    Nigerians are now left with the option of complaining again and again, expending emotional energy, and ultimately resigning to the status quo—adjusting to another layer of systemic frustration. We will silently accommodate the new harsh reality of these increased tariffs and unchanged network quality. It is one of the features of an average Nigerian. The system has trained us like that.

    •Bright Okuta,

    brightokuta@gmail.com