The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Tasks before Alaafin Owoade

    Tasks before Alaafin Owoade

    Sir: After three years of waiting, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has finally announced the appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo kingdom, with the Staff of Office presented to him, and formal coronation ceremony scheduled for four weeks’ time after the king would have emerged from seclusion.

     Meanwhile, it’s pointless to dwell on how we arrived here particularly the challenges and travails the people of the ancient kingdom, Oyo Mesi, and other stakeholders went through in getting to this defining point.

    Valuable time have already been wasted in the past three years, so, the people must all rally round the king as soon as he concludes the traditional rites so that he could settle down to attend to numerous issues and challenges on the ground.   

    For decades, the ancient town has suffered infrastructural neglect. Besides the road that connects Owode to the palace and perhaps the Ibadan expressway that links Sabo and Oranyan Grammar School axis, no notable road exists in the entire kingdom that could be referred to as modern and of contemporary standard.

    Without infrastructural facilities, no worthy investor, be it local or foreign would invest in the kingdom.

    It is what it is. It’s no brainer!

    Topmost on the priority of the monarch must be the need to connect the relevant state and federal authorities, and even, wealthy private individuals to link the nooks and crannies of the ancient town together with good roads.  

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    Historically, the Afijios-Ilora, Awe, Fiditi and Akinmorin are integral part of the kingdom. If issues and challenges had reared their ugly heads to temporarily separate and dismember them from the kingdom, Alaafin Owoade must move swiftly as soon as his reign commences, with the aims and objectives of cultivating them and bringing them back into the fold. They are part of the kingdom. 

    Indeed, the Afijios needs to be part of the kingdom for developmental purposes and the new era would indeed be mutually beneficial.

    After all, Lagos would never have attained the greatness and lofty pedestal it is presently, without Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry, Lagos Island.

     I encourage the new monarch to be apolitical; deep involvement of the new king’s immediate predecessor in politics underdeveloped the kingdom. The ancient town became polarized and segmented into different groups for period that Alaafin Adeyemi’s reign lasted, with plethora of diversionary issues that sometimes grounded the cause of governance in the kingdom.  

    This significantly affected the development of the ancient town in all ramifications.

    Of course, it cannot be gainsaid that Oyo has fallen behind Ogbomoso and Iseyin in the pecking order of development. This is very unfortunate considering the historical and traditional status of the kingdom.

    I wish to alert Kabiyesi that the kingdom already has enough of schools. We have them aplenty. What the kingdom needs now are entrepreneurial initiatives, in form of small and medium scale enterprises/ventures that would accommodate and empower teeming Oyo youths that have graduated from these institutions.    

    With the help of infrastructures and educational committees which I expect him to set up amongst other committees that would come alive during his reign, Kabiyesi can reach out to development banks across the country and even, international agencies to partner with the ancient town in this respect to bring development to them.

    On a related note, the revival and restoration of Technical College, Awe should be paramount. The college, presently in extinction should be revived to accommodate youths with desire for vocational training in ICT, engineering, carpentry, tailoring, building & construction, etc.      

    Finally, as Alaafin Owoade would be settling down for business after his coronation, it’s essential for him to start giving priority to the organisation of Oyo Kingdom Day every year. This is an event that has the potential to draw Oyo indigenes home and abroad to the ancient town for a yearly get-together. The kingdom needs this to herald prosperity, growth and development, and more importantly to draw home many that have been hitherto alienated from the community.                    

    •Kola Amzat (FCA, FCIB)Lagos.

  • It’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day

    It’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day

    • By Nosimot Soneye

    Sir: The Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) is a solemn annual event held every January 15. It commemorates the valour and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces– both active service members and veterans- as well as those who paid the ultimate price. It also honours the veterans of World Wars and the Nigerian Civil War. These heroes gave their sweat, their blood, and, for many, their lives, all to secure a better future where peace and justice could thrive.

    AFRD is more than just a day to wear symbolic poppies or attend parades. It is an opportunity to recognize the profound sacrifices made for the nation’s betterment. These heroes, past and present, remind us of the price paid for our sovereignty and the freedom we often take for granted.

    However, remembrance should not end with ceremony and speeches. Behind every fallen soldier is a family left to grapple with their absence. These families, often thrust into hardship, bear the weight of their loved one’s sacrifice. For some, the breadwinner is gone, leaving children unable to continue schooling or families unable to make ends meet.

    While the government has made efforts to support these families, it is clear that no government can do it alone. Private organizations and individuals must rise to the occasion. Empowerment programs, educational scholarships, and reserved employment opportunities for the families of fallen heroes can make a world of difference.

    Widows of fallen soldiers, for instance, deserve tailored programs that enable them to provide for their children and sustain their households. Similarly, the children of these heroes should be guaranteed access to quality education and meaningful employment, ensuring their future is secure.

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    Research has revealed countless untold stories of hardship among these families-stories of resilience despite dire circumstances. It is our collective responsibility to ensure these stories become ones of hope and support.

    As citizens, we must ask ourselves: What role can we play in ensuring our heroes’ labour is not in vain? Beyond government initiatives, individual acts of kindness, donations, and advocacy can go a long way in cushioning the effects of their loss. Let us extend a helping hand wherever possible, be it through mentorship, financial assistance, or emotional support.

    This occasion challenges us to uphold the ideals for which these heroes fought – peace, justice, and unity. It reminds us that the true tribute to their sacrifices is striving for a world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and understanding rather than violence and war.

    By honouring the sacrifices of our service members and supporting their families, we ensure their legacies live on. Let us commit to being a part of this effort, creating a society where their labour is not in vain.

    • Nosimot Soneye,

     Abeokuta, Ogun State. 

  • EU deforestation: Why the government must act now

    EU deforestation: Why the government must act now

    By Omotayo Mampouya

      The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), initially set to take effect in December 2024, has been deferred for another year and will take effect from December 31, 2025.

      This crucial regulation is driven by growing global concern on issues such as the environmental impact of deforestation. The EUDR covers a range of key agricultural commodities, including cocoa, coffee, soya, palm oil, cattle, wood, rubber, and their derived products.

      When the regulation goes into effect, it will no longer be permitted to place applicable products on the EU market or export them from the EU unless they meet the following conditions:

      • They are “deforestation-free.”

      • Their production complies with the applicable laws of the country of origin.

      • They are accompanied by a due diligence statement confirming that the risk of non-compliance is negligible.

      While this regulation applies in the EU, it is important to note that it has implications for countries like Nigeria, an exporter of many of these commodities to the EU.

      Using the cocoa sector as a reference, Nigeria operates a free market unlike in countries like Ghana where the market is regulated. The implication of this is that the responsibility of EUDR compliance primarily falls on individual cocoa exporting companies in Nigeria.

      Meeting EUDR standards requires compliance efforts such as setting up comprehensive traceability systems with tasks such as polygon mapping – tasks that are both expensive and complex. Without a centralized database for cocoa and other relevant commodities, exporters struggle to manage this alone. This decentralized approach creates an uneven playing field and risks hindering the competitiveness of Nigerian exports.

      Yet, there are several other significant challenges in complying with EUDR which includes fragmented supply chains, limited data digitization, and limited technology adoption among farmers which hinder the effective tracking of commodities from farm to export.

      Land tenure issues, limited access to technology also pose significant obstacles. All these challenges, if not addressed effectively, could severely impact Nigeria’s ability to maintain its export market share to the EU and could potentially lead to significant economic losses for the agricultural sector.

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      The government has allocated ₦826.5 billion (about $85.6 million) for agriculture in the 2025 budget. Considering that cocoa and other EUDR-covered commodities are among Nigeria’s top exports, generating significant revenue and foreign exchange, it is imperative that the government prioritize their long-term sustainability.

      It is therefore very essential that a good percentage of this is earmarked for EUDR compliance. This strategic investment will not only safeguard Nigeria’s access to the lucrative European market but also bolster the overall competitiveness and resilience of the agricultural sector.

      Thus, the government must prioritize the establishment of a centralized, accessible database to document and monitor all commodity farms. Such a system will form the cornerstone of effective traceability and comprehensive risk assessment.

      While some exporting companies have independently initiated similar systems, it is imperative for the government, through relevant agencies, to develop a robust framework that consolidates and enhances these efforts. By leveraging existing initiatives, this unified and standardized platform will ensure consistency, reduce duplication and reduce the financial burden on these companies.

      The EUDR presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

      By proactively addressing these challenges through strategic government investment that fosters robust public-private partnerships, and embracing innovative technological solutions, Nigeria will not only ensure its continued access to the European market but also drive sustainable agricultural development and enhance the livelihoods of its farming communities.

      • Omotayo Mampouya – <blandine0327@yahoo.com>

    • Nkwelle Ezunaka – Anambra government must intervene

      Nkwelle Ezunaka – Anambra government must intervene

      • By Chukwuemeka S. Ifemekwe

      Sir: Although Anambra state is unsafe because of general insecurity of lives and property, more than a decade has seen lots of kidnappings and road-robberies at Nkwelle-Ezunaka. Is Nkwelle Ezunaka a town to be avoided by people, feared or dreaded, given the strings of kidnappings, and robberies that have bedevilled that part of the state for some time now?

      Indeed, this is a question that the entire community – starting from the Igwe in Council, the town’s President General (PG) to the last person in the town – should be able to answer or at least ponder. This perilous situation, if left unaddressed, could equal what has been going on at Ihiala, Okija, Azia, Orsumoghu and environs in recent times.

      Have there been kidnappings and killings at Nkwelle Ezunaka in the past and of recent? Who are the culprits and perpetrators? Who are their enablers? Who are their victims?

      It is unsurprising that many residents and visitors have been leaving Nkwelle-Ezunaka to other safer towns and neighbouring states over the past few months and even now. Most of the people leave to save their lives and those of their family members. Also, some others do so partly under the impression and allegation that a few devious indigenes who sell their lands to unsuspecting investors, connive with criminals or secretly collude with kidnappers to molest, kidnap and perhaps get their money doubly back from their innocent clients. Unfortunately, it is difficult to know whether this allegation, claim or impression is true or false, especially, when kidnappings, killings and robberies have continued unabated or insufficiently checked by the entire town, and particularly by the vigilantes. The only solution is for the town’s union to declare a zero tolerance on kidnappings and robberies at Nkwelle-Ezunaka. The same should apply to every town in Anambra State.

      The natives and indigenes of this otherwise good town should figure out how best to address this searing problem expeditiously to abate and dowse people’s fears and worries.

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      I make bold to stress that Nkwelle-Ezunaka natives must do something without delay to clean up their undeserving and ill-attained notoriety as potential captains of kidnapping and killing in that part of Anambra State. Everything must be done rapidly by the natives to show the public that Nkwelle-Ezunaka is a good town that is welcoming to visitors and people of goodwill who intend to live, invest, promote or help the indigenes further its development as an emerging and promising business city in Anambra State. They must show that Nkwelle-Ezunaka is safe and secure for motorists, travellers and passers-by. They must do something quickly to correct this trending and viral impression as only a mistaken identity.

      One wonders if the local vigilantes, conferred with the responsibility of protecting lives and property, have any good news or message to share with the public to regain public trust, if there is still any. They must show that none of them has a hand in kidnapping, robbery or car-snatching. These heinous crimes and nefarious practices, especially kidnappings, have since affected motorists who ply key Nkwelle-Ezunaka roads for business, personal, professional function or pleasure. If these crimes are left immediately unchecked, it may soon become almost impossible to travel from Onitsha to Awka or Enugu through Nkwelle-Ezunaka without running into kidnappers, armed robbers or car-snatchers, who prowl and roam in vehicles looking for their preys and victims.

      Because of the serious nature of kidnappings going on in this part of the state, it is high time the federal and state governments intervened urgently. It is imperative that they heavily engage the presence of the military, the mobile or secret police who can effectively do their job both in official and civilian uniforms to save lives and property not only at Nkwelle-Ezunaka but also in the entire Anambra State. While it is long overdue for relevant security agents to raid every bush, forest and jungle in Nkwelle-Ezunaka and other dangerous areas in the state, vigilantes of every town in the state should also be more organized, well-coordinated and sincerely committed to do a better job without frauds.

      While every town knows how best to put an end to kidnappings, robberies and killings in their lands, vigilantes in Anambra State should work as a team, gather and share intelligence together but free of sabotage. Above all, they should be sufficiently equipped, mandated and compelled as soon as possible by the government to openly and frequently range corners, rove the roads and patrol the streets. This measure will particularly help them reassure Nkwelle-Ezunaka indigenes, visitors and travellers of security and safety. Most importantly, the same approach will also help rid towns in Anambra State of unscrupulous and villainous elements. 

       •Chukwuemeka S. Ifemekwe,

      Lagos 

    • Whose interest is Ohanaeze Ndigbo serving?

      Whose interest is Ohanaeze Ndigbo serving?

      Sir: Ethnic socio-cultural groups protect the interests of ethnic groups in multifarious ethnic settings. In some instances, the people entrust some privileged individuals with the mandate to protect their interests and serve as their voice in the political scheming in the country.

      The case of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is a clear departure from what socio- cultural movements should be in agitating for a fair share in a country peopled by diverse ethnic interests. The group is a clear and perfect blend of plutocracy and aristocracy- a dangerous fusion feeding seriously and capitalising on the weakness of the rest of the Igbo nation to negotiate for a fair share in the power and other distributions in the Nigerian polity to feather nest of privileged members and equally line their pockets.

      It’s a clear interpretation of John Pepper Clark’s “Casualties”, whereby those sent on emissary missions in a dire situation such as war decided to satisfy their comfort at the expense of hunger- ravaged citizenry at home. What a total show of shame?

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      Ohanaeze Ndigbo is an apt interpretation of the paradox “divided we stand”. It’s also an obvious demonstration that the actors in the set up can never agree to collapse their selfish interests for the good of the Igbo nation. That is a clear reason why this structure has never for once in its history vehemently and successfully attacked and protested any injustice meted against the Igbo nation.

      Elections upon elections, parallel governments, diverse interests; at whose peril? The peril of the Igbo nation. Threats of contesting election outcomes in the law court at whose peril? All at the peril of the Igbo nation. Allegations of astronomical nomination processes and short-changing of candidates in the process at whose peril? At the peril of the Igbo nation!

      For me Ohanaeze Ndigbo has outlived its usefulness and it is high time Igbo nation tries the proverbial next door.

      •Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu,<keshiafrica@gmail.com>

    • Why legal aid matters

      Why legal aid matters

      Sir: Legal aid is the foundation of any society that seeks to promote justice, equality, and sustainable development. In Nigeria, where socio-economic inequality remains a critical challenge, with 63% of Nigeria’s population and roughly 133 million people who are multi-dimensionally poor, the provision of legal aid is not just a social necessity but a moral and constitutional obligation. Ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of financial status, has access to legal representation is essential to achieving our long-term developmental aspirations, harmony, peace, and happiness.

      In 1959, the International Commission of Jurists at its conference on the Rule of Law in a Free Society, in Delhi resolved that “equal access to law for the rich and poor alike is essential to the maintenance of the rule of law. It is therefore, essential to provide adequate legal advice and representation to all those threatened as to their life, liberty, property or reputation who are not able to pay for it”.

      The need for legal aid in Nigeria is profound, with staggering data from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, which indicates that over 60% of Nigerians require legal assistance but cannot afford it. These individuals are often among the most vulnerable in society, low-income earners, women, children, and people living with disabilities – who face legal challenges ranging from wrongful eviction and domestic violence to labour disputes and criminal accusations. Without access to proper legal representation, these citizens are left without a voice in the justice system, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, disenfranchisement, and social exclusion.

      More broadly, legal aid is intrinsically tied to Nigeria’s subscription to the sustainable development agenda. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 16 calls for the promotion of peace, justice, and strong institutions. Nigeria cannot achieve this goal without strengthening our legal aid framework and institutional capacity to deliver on equal access to justice. Access to legal services enables citizens to resolve disputes peacefully, hold government officials accountable, and protect their fundamental rights.

      According to the Nigerian Correctional Service, as at October 2024, 56,973 inmates were awaiting trial, which is the majority of the prison population. 40% of inmates in Nigerian prisons are indigent citizens who cannot afford legal representation. A strong legal aid system will help reduce prison overcrowding, reduce the violation of inmates’ constitutional rights and also help minimize n unnecessary burden placed on the country’s correctional facilities and resources. Expanding access to legal aid would help decongest prisons, ensure fair trials, and reduce the strain on the criminal justice system. Beyond the correctional and detention centres, in rural areas across Nigeria, where there is little or no presence of government services, the police, schools, health centres and legal aid services are essential to safeguarding public order, safety and advancement of communities.

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      Strong leadership is crucial in implementing the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria’s institutional mandates. It requires visionary leaders at all levels and structures of the system, who are committed to aligning legal aid services with national and subnational policies, including President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve the welfare of Nigerians and promote inclusive development. Legal aid is central to achieving the agenda’s goals of reducing poverty, promoting equality, and fostering social cohesion.

      Nigeria must invest in strengthening the Legal Aid Council’s capacity to deliver services across the country. This involves creating innovative initiatives that invites more legal practitioners to volunteer, providing adequate funding, building valuable collaborations, and leveraging technology to expand access to legal aid services in rural and underserved areas. Public-private partnerships can also play a significant role in bridging the gap, with law firms, non-governmental organizations, and corporate bodies collaborating to provide pro bono legal services to those in need, and creating a national recognition and honour system for pro bono lawyers and organizations who are truly committed to legal aid in underserved communities in Nigeria.

      We must all recognize that legal aid is not just a legal service, it is a social contract that binds the government and its citizens in the pursuit of justice and equality. It is a critical tool for empowering marginalized groups, promoting the rule of law, and ensuring that no one is left behind in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development. As Nigeria moves forward, prioritizing access to justice through legal aid will not only strengthen our democratic foundations but also secure our future as a just, fair, and inclusive society for everyone.

      •Ekpa Stanley Ekpa,ekpastanleyekpa@gmail.com

    • Understanding Nigeria’s foreign policy under Tuggar

      Understanding Nigeria’s foreign policy under Tuggar

      Sir: Nothing tested the resilience of the 67 year old Nigeria’s foreign policy and the competence, foresight and understanding of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives by the minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar than the unconstitutional change of government in Niger Republic, the formation of Alliance of Sahel States, AES, and the accompanying provocative attitude of the military junta towards Nigeria.

      It is not by chance Nigeria was able to navigate, and manage the diplomatic squabble with Niger military junta, Burkina Faso and Mali as well. The pertinent question to ask is: what is the secret, and the magic, Nigeria used to tackle the blackmail, the threats and the insidious propaganda of the AES?

      This answer could be found in the article by Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar titled “Foreign Policy and the Path to Peace in a Dangerous Neighbourhood”. That article is an eye opener to anyone who is interested in understanding Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

      One of objective is – “Promotion of international law and treaty obligations “. Thus the role Nigeria played in sanctioning the military junta of Niger Republic for instance, falls under this objective. 

      The minister was careful to remind us: “The constitution (also) makes clear why any responsible Nigerian government should be concerned when neighbours are governed without a constitution or codified rules”. The implication of this is that constitutionally, it is incumbent upon Nigeria as a member of ECOWAS to respect and promote ECOWAS’ treaties and protocols and other international laws.

      The core message of the minister is that Nigeria’s foreign policy is anchored on constitution, rule of law and democracy. While Nigeria respects ECOWAS’s protocol of free movement of persons, Niger Republic, in 2015, for example, went ahead to promulgate a law on migration which violates the same protocol. Is it not a sufficient evidence to show who is a respecter of law, and who is not?

       On the use of diplomacy and other democratic approaches, the minister highlighted in his write-up, what the government has done to address issues with Niger junta and other members of AES.

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      Yet some critics have continued to justify the obstinacy and uncooperative attitude from the junta on the premise of sanctions earlier imposed on the power usurpers. At the same time, these rabble-rousers have refused to acknowledge gestures and olive branch extended to the junta.

      Another key point of the minister’s article is the “Strategic Autonomy” as the cornerstone of Tinubu administration’s foreign policy. Nigeria has the right, and is entitled to engage with any nation without being told, guided or instructed by anyone. Nigeria has to work with the east and the west, and all major powers. Nigeria doesn’t discriminate in its foreign policy. Neither Niger Republic, nor any country should decide for us the countries we should associate with.

      Promotion of African integration and support for African unity has been a permanent feature of Nigeria’s foreign policy as rightly noted by the minister. Nigeria is a member of ECOWAS and AU both of which work round the clock towards integration, using gradualist approach.

      More importantly, the minister has reminded those who are peddling baseless allegations against Nigeria that “Nigeria presently has troops on peace keeping operations in Guinea Bissau and Gambia. Nigeria is also leading the actualisation of the ECOWAS standby force, all in an effort to fight terrorism and instability within our region under the rule of law”.

      •Comrade Bishir Dauda Sabuwar,Unguwa Katsina,

    • Beyond the maltreatment of a pupil by the class teacher

      Beyond the maltreatment of a pupil by the class teacher

      Sir: Like the Yorùbá would say – Let’s come together to pursue the fox first before reverting to the hen. 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. Some of us were pained but apathetic by the hullabaloo, since such noises (people’s displeasure) are usually the start and the end of such matters. Maybe that pupil only has a “strong head”, like Nigerians would say, which would not make his maltreatment go unnoticed, but frankly that was just one of at least three similar cases in the last quarter of 2024 only.

      Should we then just continue to lament every time there is a new case or address the root causes of the reoccurrence?

      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. A banker is trained at the point of employment. A graduate in the medical field will be a houseman for a period of time under the tutelage of a senior person. A law graduate will work with a chamber before setting up theirs.

      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 in Nigeria 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 many more with ridiculous remuneration. This is not even to talk about the delay in the payment of the meagre salary. 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 to the discussion. 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. While I know that there are such regulations for the operation of privately owned 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. Notwithstanding the axiom that bad news is good news for the media, individuals and media houses, especially blog owners, should stretch their interest beyond just reporting bad news to being genuinely concerned about improving situations. One would wonder for instance how the individual making that video could himself or herself withstand that young pupil being repeatedly hit without intervening just to have something to post on the media or to prove to some persons. 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. One 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 conclude this piece by appealing 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.

    • Almajiri: Definition, denial and disaster

      Almajiri: Definition, denial and disaster

      Sir: As Nigeria has danced its way towards disrepair and decrepitude, children have become pitiful pawns in a devilishly perverse game of politics and pedagogies. Whenever UNICEF, the global body which advocates for the interests of children has cause to turn its attention towards Nigeria which is very frequently, what is highlighted is a space critically unsafe for children.

      These days, it is an open secret that Nigeria is one of the hardest places to be a child. For many children, childhood is extinguished even before it begins, casting them firmly as the castoffs of a life milked of the wild wonders of enjoyment which only childhood adventures can bring.

      It is decidedly unremarkable that Nigeria, which is a veritable hellhole for children, has an enormous number of out-of-school children. What is remarkable is the desperately laughable attempts Nigerian leaders make from time to time to fondle and consequently foster the out-of-school children disaster.

      According to Professor Suwaiba Ahmad who has the honour of serving as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, almajiris, should not be classified as out-of-school children because it is in itself a form of education.

      The almajiri conundrum breaks the heart over and over again. That unkempt, unwashed, malnourished children, covered in ringworm, and clothed in near-rags have to brave harmattan or scorching heat whichever is having a field day, and the withering scrutiny of disgusted strangers, to throng motor parks and other public spaces begging for a living when they should be in school deserves no form of justification whatsoever.

      Nigeria’s mess has been further muddled up in the last decade because children often touted as the backbone of the country who should be in school, and be moulded in preparation for a future of prosperity and peace are instead increasingly lost to the brutal whirlwinds of dysfunction. In a country where a considerable chunk of the population consists of children and young people, it is simply crazy the glaring lack of any sort of planning for these age groups.

      The defenders of almajiri education have argued that It is a form of Islamic religious education, and children enrolled into it cannot be considered as out-of-school children. But for all its worth, if any, it should be seen to work wonders for the welfare of the children enrolled in it, which is not even remotely the case at the moment. This is what the law here must now frown at.

      Children deserve protection from harmful people and harmful practices, no matter what form they take. As a result of their heightened vulnerability due to childhood, children deserve to experience and expect the full and forceful protection of the law.

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       As things stand in Nigeria today, almajiri education is exposing children to the full compliments of society’s dangers, and for what? To satisfy the whims and caprices of some religious obligations and their enforcers? This simply cannot be allowed to continue.

      Nigeria is a secular country and inasmuch as the constitution trumpets freedom of religion, it also empowers other laws that protect the rights of children.

      To this end, the rights of children must be considered as imbued with some kind of supremacy, to which every other duty should bend.

      In acting in the best interests of Nigerian children, denial has never helped anyone. It is not about to do so now.

      • Ike Willie-Nwobu,Ikewilly9@gmail.com

    • Prioritise investment in primary education

      Prioritise investment in primary education

      Sir: I am writing on behalf of approximately 25 million Nigerian children of primary school age, to respectfully urge the Bola Tinubu administration to prioritize increased investment in primary education. As Nelson Mandela aptly stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” These children, typically between the ages of 6 and 11, are at a critical stage of cognitive development, where they begin to think logically about concrete events and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Research from the National Institute of Health underscores that this period is pivotal for acquiring cognitive control, processing stimuli, and building foundational understanding.

      It is during these formative years that we must introduce them to essential disciplines such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By laying this foundation early, we equip them to become the future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers our nation needs. Whatever we envision for them to become, the journey must begin now—at the primary school level.

      If we are to aspire for Nigeria to become an engineering powerhouse like Japan in the next few decades, then we must “catch them young,” introducing children to foundational disciplines and instilling in them the values of responsibility, respect for the rule of law, and the understanding that actions have consequences.

      In addition, a strong primary and secondary education system could even reduce the need for tertiary education in many cases. In 2021, 91.1% of American adults held elementary and high school diplomas, while 54.3% had college degrees, a significant leap from 38.1% in 2009 (Forbes, 2021). Despite a lower college enrolment, the United States continues to produce a high number of entrepreneurs, inventors, and billionaires.

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      Indeed, this is an investment we owe to the future of our dear nation. Unlike many investments that carry uncertainty, except for low-risk options like T-bills, we can rarely predict their outcomes. However, when it comes to investing in the primary education of our children, we can be almost certain of the positive results.

      I understand that many political leaders prioritize initiatives that promise immediate, visible results to satisfy the demands of the electorate. The electorate, too, often seeks quick fixes. However, just as China’s economic breakthrough is often attributed to Deng Xiaoping’s forward-thinking policies, the Tinubu administration has a unique opportunity to steer Nigeria’s future through policies that prioritize long-term growth and sustainable development.

      Investing in primary education may not yield instant transformations, but in another decade or two, Nigeria will be unrecognizable. With the right investment, we will cultivate a generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators who can break free from the cycle of poverty and elevate our nation to its rightful place among the global leaders.

      •Jeremiah Tella, University of Alabama at Birmingham,United States.