The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • SOS to Mr President on Oyo–Ogbomoso – Ilorin Road

    SOS to Mr President on Oyo–Ogbomoso – Ilorin Road

    Sir, Since coming on board, President Bola Tinubu has taken the bull by the horn in tackling the hydra-headed socio-economic predicaments facing the nation.

    Ordinarily, his policies seem to be accompanied by hardship but the end will certainly justify the means. Asiwaju Tinubu is trekking where Angel fears and should be applauded for this.

    Meanwhile, I want to notify the president about the deplorable condition of the Ogbomoso township section of the old Ibadan – Oyo- Ogbomoso – Ilorin road. This road serves the southern and the northern part of the country and its contribution to economic development of the nation cannot be quantified. For months now, the road has become impassable or when it is passable, the trucks spend about two days just be able to leave the town. The traffic snarl inside Ogbomoso has disrupted economic wellbeing as well as the free movement of the people. The emission from the articulated vehicles, if care is taken, could lead to respiratory diseases among the residents of the town.

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    Aside these, frequent auto accidents on the road have led to loss of lives and property. The pressure on the road could have been reduced had the Oyo/Ogbomoso section of the new expressway been completed.

    I appeal to our president to please use his good offices to direct the Minister of Works to find lasting solution to the problem. FERMA handled the rehabilitation of the road about two years ago but it appears the work is beyond the agency.

    •Adewuyi Adegbite,ayekooto05@gmail.com

  • Bauchi’s neglect of education and health

    Bauchi’s neglect of education and health

    Sir: Bauchi State is facing a serious decline in both the education and health sectors. Having experienced three different administrations, it is clear that the current government is not prioritizing these essential areas for development.

    Under Malam Isa Yuguda’s leadership, the state made significant strides in healthcare by sponsoring 40 students to study medicine abroad, with the expectation that they would return to serve the state. One of the beneficiaries, Dr. Usman Musa Sulaiman, now works at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital. However, the current administration has failed to sponsor even a single student to study medicine, whether abroad or within Nigeria.

    Similarly, Barrister M.A. Abubakar’s administration also contributed to health education by sponsoring Bauchi indigenes to study at institutions such as Garu Institute College of Medical Technology, Malikiya College of Medical Technology, and College of Health Technology in Ningi. Yet again, the current administration has not provided such opportunities.

    Reports show that Bauchi State has fewer than 20 medical doctors, and no steps have been taken by the government to resolve this critical shortage. This is a major issue that requires immediate attention.

    The education sector has also been neglected. Before this administration came on board, Bauchi’s educational system was rated high, but that has now dropped. Schools across the state lack proper infrastructure, with many classrooms in poor condition, lacking benches; in all, the overall learning environment is unconducive. Previous governments supplied exercise books to school children in both primary and secondary schools, but this administration has not continued this practice.

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    Bauchi State has the highest number of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria, yet the government has done little to address this crisis. Instead, it has focused on projects like building flyovers, which many see as unnecessary.

    While infrastructure development is important, the priority should be on roads that are truly needed such as those in rural areas like Lush and surrounding villages.

    The current administration’s failure to address the pressing issues in the health and education sectors is a missed opportunity. These are the foundations of a prosperous future, and without serious intervention, Bauchi State’s development will remain stagnant.

    •Yasir Shehu Adam (Danliman),Bauchi.

  • Peter Fregene: How not to treat a hero

    Peter Fregene: How not to treat a hero

    Sir: Being patriotic or loyal to Nigeria is a commitment all unwavering and obedient Nigerians must abide by. Promoting and defending Nigeria’s name/integrity in whatever capacity – politics, education, sports, entertainment or any profession – is a task that must be done by all Nigerians.

    Prior to this present age, Nigerians complied with the rules and regulations scrupulously and thoroughly until now when today’s generation, widely known as Gen Z, care less about Nigeria or whatever associates with the country.

    In times past, patriotic Nigerians knew, without being told or commanded, that it was their obligation to stand at attention – irrespective of where they found themselves – whenever the national anthem was being sung. Public property and national monuments were guarded and protected by Nigerians against vandalism. War against indiscipline was jointly fought by almost all Nigerians years back. Majority of Nigerians, apart from the few, were sincere in paying taxes for the development of the country was their concern. But it’s unfortunate that the faithfulness to Nigeria is hardly found among the youths In this day and age.

    Why do this day’s youths think it unnecessary to put their lives on the line to defend their county unlike those in the past who did not only defend the country, but also stuck their neck out to lay their lives for Nigeria? The reason is not far-fetched. The inhuman treatments most of those who, in bygone days, had served Nigeria diligently get at their old age, during the time that their energies have already been exhausted, may be one of the reasons today’s youths place their personal interests above country’s agenda.

    In fairness to many Nigerians who have lost interest in upholding Nigeria’s honour and glory, it’s unlikely to have dedicated nationals in a society where merit is scarcely rewarded. It’s few and far between to have devoted countrymen in a society where reality show on television – the show scholars tag as a ‘display of immortality’ – is more rewarding than defending Nigeria’s unity. How do we expect to have dedicated Nigerians in a country where the winners – most of who could barely recite national anthem – of reality show were the ones rewarded with millions of naira and brand new SUV cars while those who had served the country with their sweat and blood were abandoned and live in abject poverty, most especially in their old age?

    The case of Peter Fregene, a former Green Eagles goalkeeper, who passed away few days ago, is a perfect example of the unkind and inhuman treatments some dedicated Nigerians get from the country of their birth after long years of service to the same country. Undoubtedly, nobody expected a man of Fregene’s calibre to be in the unfavourable condition the ex-Green Eagles star found himself at the last stage of his life but unluckily, this is what many experience almost every day.

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    Death is, of course, inevitable and it visits anyone anytime irrespective of one’s age. But one thing no one prays to happen to him is to go through pain before death knocks on the door. It’s disheartening to witness the way the ex-goalkeeper, Fregene, underwent agony while he was confined to bed before he gave up the ghost. Though help eventually came after many supplications, it was too late to rescue him. Had there been quick intervention, perhaps Fregene would have lived.

    Peter Fregene is gone and there is nothing anyone can do to bring him back to life. But I believe there are lots the government can do to guard against similar occurrences in the future if the country still expects patriotism and loyalty from Nigerians.

    Instead of waiting to seek financial assistance for our athletes, educationists, artistes and others, the government can set up a simple welfare scheme for active and retired shining examples to take good care of them during the time that they need the country most. With that, today’s youths will be encouraged to use their talents for the upliftment of Nigeria when they’re sure the country will not abandon them in their time of need.

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

  • Rivers: Who is afraid of the judicial commission?

    Rivers: Who is afraid of the judicial commission?

    Sir: “I have told our lawyers to set aside those rubbish, that is rubbish, complete rubbish, who takes that … enquiry what … it is a waste of resources”. That was Barrister Nyesom Wike, reacting on national television, to the setting up of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry by Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

    Nyesom Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, is current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    Governor Fubara had inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the arson, killings and destruction of property following the conduct of the last local government council elections in the state.

    The reason Nyesom Wike gave for publicly describing the Judicial Commission as “complete rubbish” was that Governor Fubara had publicly accused his (Fubara’s) political opponents of the shooting, killings and burning of the council offices.

    Nyesom Wike said “Having known them (the perpetrators), what are you setting up a panel of inquiry … all you need to tell police, arrest them, charge them for arson… what is the basis of Judicial Panel of Inquiry … it is a waste of resources”.

    It is on record that Nyesom Wike as governor of Rivers State (2015-2023) set up at least four judicial commissions:

    1. Panel of Inquiry to investigate alleged N36 billion spent by the Rotimi Amaechi’s administration on the manufacturing of auto-destruct syringes. (November 2018).

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    2. Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances that led to the collapse of a seven-storey building at Woji Road in New GRA, Port Harcourt. (December 2018).

    3. Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the brutality and human rights abuses perpetrated by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Rivers. (October 2020).

    4. Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe the financial dealings of the immediate past administration of Governor Rotimi Amaechi. (October 2015).

    In all these cases, Nyesom Wike knew the alleged culprits, yet he did not ask the police to arrest them, he set up judicial commissions to investigate them.

    It was not until June 2022 that Governor Wike attempted to arrest Rotimi Amaechi and Co. That was after the Commission of Inquiry had submitted its report and after Amaechi had failed at the Supreme Court to stop the panel from investigating him.

     As a lawyer and life bencher, Nyesom Wike needs no schooling on the difference between a court of law and a judicial commission.  The Supreme Court held in Rotimi Amaechi’s Appeal that: “A Commission of Inquiry under the Commission of Inquiry Law is a fact-finding body set up by the executive arm of government, to investigate the state of affairs in the state generally or in particular areas … issue of urgent public importance for the public welfare, peace and security.

    “The purpose of the investigation is to find out the facts or gather facts on the subject matter of inquiry. In so doing, it is not trying any person for the commission of any misconduct or crime”.

    Governor Fubara’s interest, therefore, goes beyond the arrest and trial of the perpetrators in a trial court. He wants the Judicial Panel to determine the underlying causes of the violence; evaluate the extent of damage to property, human lives and financial losses; examine the motive; assess the effectiveness of security agencies; investigate the roles of individuals and groups; advise on adequate compensation for victims and measures to prevent future occurrences.

    This is beyond the scope of a trial court.

    Why has it become for Wike a “complete rubbish” and “a waste of resources”?

    Why does Wike want the perpetrators to be arrested and taken to court directly?

    Wike is known to have instituted more Judicial panels than any of his predecessors. The threat to ask his lawyers to ‘set aside’ Governor Fubara’s judiciary panel is yet another of his classic displays of contradictions, deceits and paradoxes.

    Nyesom Wike’s notoriety for self-contradictions and capitulation has made him into a national caricature and the butt of the jokes in many online comical skits. His unashamed somersaults are unprecedented.

    The Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by Governor Siminalayi Fubara must go on. It must get to the root causes of the violence that attended the last local government council elections.

    •Sotonye Ijuye-Dagogo,Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

  • Suicide and pesticide misuse in Nigeria

    Suicide and pesticide misuse in Nigeria

    SIR: Suicide is a highly complex phenomenon with dire consequences for families, communities, and countries. Every year, approximately 726,000 people take their own lives globally, making it one of the leading causes of death, particularly among young people. It is the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15–29. Disturbingly, around 73% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. The reasons for suicide are multifaceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present throughout life.

    Nigeria with a population of over 200 million is one of the epicentres of suicide in the world with a suicide estimate of 17.3 per 100 000, which is higher than the global (10.5 per 100 000) and Africa (12.0 per 100 000) estimates. According to global statistics, since 2012 there has been an increase in suicide in the country. Moreover, Nigeria, currently, has been reporting the highest number of depression cases in Africa, according to WHO.

    The alarming rise in suicide rates in Nigeria has drawn attention to a troubling factor: the easy access to lethal pesticides. As these chemicals are readily available in local markets, their misuse as a means of self-harm has become a public health crisis that demands urgent regulatory intervention. Pesticides are designed to kill pests but pose significant risks to human health. Acute exposure leads to immediate symptoms such as nausea and dizziness and can even result in death. Chronic exposure has been linked to severe health issues, including cancers, reproductive challenges, endocrine disruptions and neurological disorders. Many Nigerians are unwittingly exposing themselves and their families to these dangers through improper use and storage of pesticides.

    The misuse of pesticides has become increasingly common; many individuals facing mental health crises turn to these chemicals as a means of escape, unaware of the irreversible consequences they entail. Moreover, recovery from pesticide poisoning is notoriously difficult. Studies show that individuals who attempt suicide-using pesticides often have lower survival rates compared to those who use less toxic means.

    To effectively tackle the issue of pesticide-related suicides in Nigeria, a multifaceted approach is essential. First, there should be stricter regulation on pesticide sales – as at today, anyone – adult or child, sane or insane, trained or unskilled, as well as friends or foes have access to pesticides. This includes implementing licensing requirements for harmful industrial and farm chemicals and enhancing monitoring and regulation of pesticide sales to prevent misuse.

    The strict enforcement of NAFDAC’s pesticide regulations is essential. Authorities in governments must ensure that agrochemical dealers and markets comply with listing and permit requirements, and the open sale of dangerous chemicals in markets and communities must be stopped. Promoting safer pest control alternatives such as use of neem leaves, neem oil, diatomaceous earth, chili-pepper barriers and airtight containers, drying of grains and seeds, using hermetic storage can help reduce reliance on toxic pesticides, offering both farmers and households safer ways to manage pests, and storing seeds/grains should be encouraged. Public awareness campaigns are also crucial in educating the population about the risks of pesticide misuse and providing information on available mental health resources. 

    Public awareness campaigns are also crucial. These campaigns should aim to educate communities about mental health issues and provide information on where to seek help. Additionally, raising awareness about the dangers of pesticide misuse and promoting safer alternatives can significantly contribute to prevention efforts.

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    Integrating mental health services into primary healthcare systems is another key recommendation. This integration will ensure easier access to mental health care for those in need. Furthermore, training healthcare workers to recognize warning signs and provide appropriate support is essential for effective intervention.

    Community support programs should be established to foster open discussions about mental health. Creating support networks for individuals facing economic hardships or mental health challenges can provide much-needed assistance and reduce feelings of isolation.

    Improving research and data collection on suicide rates and methods used in Nigeria is critical for developing effective intervention strategies. Conducting studies on the effectiveness of various prevention strategies will help inform future actions and policies.

    Finally, while pesticides may have been considered to play a role in modern large-scale industrial agriculture, a country like Nigeria where over 60% of food produced are done by a large number of small-scale farmers, their reliance on toxic chemicals should be discouraged (as more safer organic preservatives exist.  The open sale of these toxic pesticides must be stopped as they poses significant dangers. By prioritizing regulation and promoting safer alternatives alongside robust mental health strategies, we can protect vulnerable populations from unnecessary harm and address the rising tide of suicide in our communities.

    • Donald Ikenna Ofoegbu, <ikennadonald@gmail.com>
  • PDP’s faltering front

    PDP’s faltering front

    SIR: The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) must be licking its lips at the incipient crisis festering within the opposition People’s Democratic Party(PDP). Since the PDP lost the 2015 general election, the party has generally struggled to contain the roiling discontent within its ranks, with only the greedy self-service of politicians and daydreams of power keeping the party together. But just as a running stomach inevitably sends one to the outhouse, it is only a matter of time before it all comes apart for the self-proclaimed largest party in Africa, one which once held Nigeria to ransom for 16 years, even prophesying a 60-year stay in power.

    Though one can never discount the machinations of the APC, the afflictions of the PDP appear to be home-cooked, baked in the oven that the Wadata Plaza has become since the crown slipped from its head eight years ago, taking with it the soul of the party.

    A few days ago, the party’s National Working Committee suspended its National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, from the party for alleged disloyalty to the party. This was shortly after another faction within the party purportedly suspended the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, and National Publicity Secretary,Debo Ologunagba.

    While the uninitiated may think 2027 is three years away, those who make their  trade in Nigeria’s political trenches would explain with intense urgency that 2027 is close, and breathing down the necks of political parties in Nigeria, especially the PDP.

    Since it was unceremoniously shunted into the arena of opposition politics, the PDP has struggled badly on all levels. Apart from failing to offer Nigerians serious alternatives since losing power in 2015, the party has been largely incoherent in espousing the ideals of a virile opposition party. This has come as no surprise though because once the unthinkable happened to it in 2015, it was predicted that a party that had so misused and abused power would struggle to know what to do with itself once removed from power.

    The PDP’s disastrous courtship of self-destruction has been hastened by the presence in the party of many political cowbirds who are content to lay their eggs in any available nest, leaving others to feed the dangers they leave behind.

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    The most prominent of these political cowbirds would be Nyesom Wike, former Rivers State governor, and the current minister of the Federal Capital Territory. As the days when he ruled Rivers State with an iron fist hurtled to a close, he openly defied the PDP by working with and supporting President Bola Tinubu as he sought to become Nigeria’s president under the APC.

    His open defiance of the PDP and its failure to discipline him has portrayed the party as weak. In a country where the ruling party always manages to somehow fail, a weak opposition is the last thing Nigerians need.

    Shame should swell the plates of the PDP that is if it has any left in stock at the Wadata Plaza. Its failure to do anything of note for Nigerians was what opened the door to the pack of wolves. It has since managed to fail to test the APC sufficiently as an opposition.

    Nigerians will always remember their betrayers and those who betrayed them to their betrayers.

    • Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com
  • As Nigeria reels under epileptic national grid

    As Nigeria reels under epileptic national grid

    SIR: Not a few Nigerians are gratified by the improvement in the power supply across the country in the recent times.

    However, what is left to conjecture is whether the improvements have come to stay or a providence of nature.

    Whilst nature controlled events and occurrences are dictated by the interplay of seasons, technologically nuanced events are subject to scientific imperatives with experimental precision.

    The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently said that more than 40 percent of Nigerians now enjoy 20 hours of power supply daily across the country. Basking on this euphoria, he further said the feat was achieved through revolutionary measures taken by the Ministry of Power, with the support of President Bola Tinubu, as part of his renewed hope agenda to galvanise economy.

    Discerning consumers of power may not  be too excited about the surge in power supply without a verifiable proof that those revolutionary measures he said his ministry took are anything novel and not the hackneyed spikes always recorded during rainy seasons when dams including the popular Kanji Dam are retaining water at their peaks.

    These nature-induced spikes would aggravate a sharp drop in power supply during the dry seasons when the water at the dams begins to recede.

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    One would have expected the minister to speak on the efforts made on renewable energy sources in areas of solar and wind powered generation.

    The power transition is not a rocket science; new data has shown that renewable sources accounted for 51.6 percent of the U.K’s electricity generation between April and June 2023.

    Unless and until Minister Adelabu could anchor his enthusiasm on specific technological innovations towards renewable energy transition, celebrating the 20 hours of hydropower power supply is a fleeting carousal that will keep the nation in a chokehold of epileptic power supply, incessant collapse of National Grid and other dysfunctional outcomes that have bedevilled electricity production and distribution in Nigeria since independence.

    The grid collapse at the height of rainfall as we have it now is a telling sign of a difficult supply in the next quarter except the government begin to ramp up investments that can mitigate technological obsolescence in various power platforms.

    • ESV Bukola Ajisola, bukymany@yahoo.com
  • Integrate optometrists into Primary Eye Health Care

    Integrate optometrists into Primary Eye Health Care

    Sir: In a country as populous and diverse as Nigeria, healthcare challenges are a familiar reality. Yet, often overlooked in the broader healthcare conversation is the crucial role of eye care. Vision impairment and blindness affect millions of Nigerians, yet primary eye care remains underdeveloped and under-appreciated. This situation calls for re-evaluating the role of optometrists, whose indispensable presence in primary eye health care can be the difference between sight and blindness for many Nigerians.

    Globally, it is estimated that over 2.2 billion people suffer from some form of vision impairment, and Nigeria is no exception. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), at least one billion of these cases are preventable or have yet to be addressed. In Nigeria, the burden of visual impairment is staggering, with millions affected by conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, refractive errors etc. What makes this even more concerning is that many cases could be prevented if treated on time and if there were adequate primary eye care services.

    Nigeria’s healthcare system faces numerous challenges but access to eye care shouldn’t be one of them. In seeking to resolve this challenge, we must make eye healthcare accessible to all, especially in primary healthcare centres everywhere. Optometrists are an essential part of this solution because they offer critical services that can prevent minor eye conditions from becoming major health crises.

    Optometrists are primary eye care professionals trained to examine, diagnose, and treat visual disorders, manage eye diseases, prescribe lenses and also help in early detection and management of visual problems. They are vital to preventive eye health services, offering screenings that can catch issues early on, often before symptoms even appear. Yet, their services remain underutilized, particularly at the primary healthcare level, where they could make the most significant impact.

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    The importance of preventive eye care cannot be overstated. Many of the leading causes of blindness, such as cataracts and glaucoma, can be treated if diagnosed early. Optometrists are trained to detect these conditions in their early stages, providing timely interventions that can save sight. By including optometrists in primary care, Nigeria can shift its focus from reactive to proactive eye care, preventing many cases of vision impairment before they become debilitating.

    Take refractive errors, for example. These are some of the most common vision problems globally, affecting millions of people. A simple prescription for corrective lenses can drastically improve the quality of life for those affected. Yet, without regular eye exams, many Nigerians remain unaware that they need glasses, living with impaired vision unnecessarily. Optometrists can address this gap by providing routine eye exams in primary care settings, ensuring that those who need corrective lenses receive them.

    The recent World Sight Day commemorative event provided an important platform to emphasize the significance of protecting our eyes and vision, raise awareness about vision impairment and blindness, and promote eye and vision care. This year’s theme, “Children, Love Your Eyes,” focused on child eye health. The WHO stressed the need for accessible, available, and affordable eye health services, particularly for children.

     For optometrists to have the greatest impact, it is also essential to raise public awareness of the importance of eye health. Many Nigerians do not seek eye care until their vision is severely impaired, often because they are unaware of the signs of eye disease or the availability of treatment. Public health campaigns promoting regular eye exams and the role of optometrists in primary care can help change this mindset, encouraging people to seek preventive care.

    The indispensable need for optometrists in primary eye health care is clear. By expanding the role of optometrists within the Nigerian health care system, the country can improve access to eye care, prevent vision impairment, and ultimately reduce the burden on more specialized services. Optometrists have the potential to transform primary eye care in Nigeria, offering affordable and accessible services to millions of people who would otherwise go without. For Nigeria to achieve universal eye health, the government must take deliberate steps to incorporate optometrists into its primary health care strategy.

    •Dr Iroghama Davina Edobor-Osula,Lagos.

  • A call for reforms in governance

    A call for reforms in governance

     Sir: In recent years, Nigeria has stood at a pivotal juncture in its democratic evolution. Our country, rich in both natural and human resources, has grappled with challenges that threaten to undermine its democratic institutions. While there have been successes, particularly in the peaceful transfer of power and the continuation of democratic processes, there remains systemic issues that call for reflection and reform.

    At the heart of these challenges is the question of participation. Democracy, in its ideal form, seeks to empower every citizen, granting them a voice and ensuring that the structures of governance are responsive to the needs of all.

    One of the core pillars of democracy is the ability of its citizens to participate meaningfully in governance or at least that what the famous scholar Plato believes. While voting and elections form the bedrock of this participation, they alone are insufficient to ensure that the broader goals of justice, equity, and empowerment are achieved.

    Nigeria’s political landscape, shaped by decades of military rule and the influence of elite-driven politics, often falls short in translating electoral victories into genuine empowerment for its citizens.

    The current administration, like many before it, has embarked on a series of reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and addressing issues of security. Yet, these efforts, while commendable in intent, highlight the complexities of governance in a diverse and multifaceted society. The rising cost of living, coupled with increasing insecurity, suggests that reforms must be more attuned to the lived realities of the people.

    Nigeria serves as a poignant example of the disconnect between democratic theory and practice within the country’s political landscape. As noted by BBC reporter Simi Jolaoso in a publication on Wikipedia, Nigeria is experiencing “the worst economic crisis in a generation,” marked by soaring inflation and skyrocketing food prices. This crisis has been exacerbated by economic reforms introduced under the current administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of Naira. While these measures were ostensibly aimed at liberalizing the economy and attracting foreign investment, they have instead intensified the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.

    Protests erupted on July 29, with demonstrators taking to the streets, brandishing placards proclaiming messages like “Enough is Enough” Such sentiments highlight the erosion of social justice and the exclusion of the masses from meaningful political participation, reflecting the theories posited by Dewey and others that underscore democracy’s essence as a system of values rather than merely a political framework.

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    Reforms must also extend to the institutions that safeguard democracy. A robust judiciary, a free press, and an active civil society are essential components of a functioning democracy. Strengthening these institutions will not only protect the rights of citizens but also ensure that the government remains accountable to the people it serves.

    Furthermore, the concept of democracy as merely a political system, defined by elections and power transfers, must evolve. Democracy, at its core, is about fostering a system of values—justice, equity, and social progress. A democracy that fails to address the socio-economic disparities in society, or that marginalizes large sections of its populace, cannot fully claim the mantle of democratic legitimacy.

    As Nigeria looks to the future, the question that must be asked is whether the current reforms are truly working for the greater good of all Nigerians. While the challenges are many, they also present an opportunity—a chance to redefine governance in a way that is more responsive, more inclusive, and more attuned to the aspirations of its people.

    The strength of Nigeria’s democracy will ultimately depend on its ability to adapt and reform in ways that bridge the gaps between policy and practice, between the elite and the grassroots, and between political ambition and the needs of everyday Nigerians.

    The decisions made today will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow. It is a call to action—not just for those in government, but for every Nigerian who believes in the promise of democracy.

    •Alamin Musa Muhammad,<alaminmusamuhammad@gmail.com>

  • Housing: Overcoming the finance challenge

    Housing: Overcoming the finance challenge

    Sir: With a population of over 200 million people, Nigeria has been rightly identified as the largest market for real estate in Africa, yet housing shortage is one of the most serious developmental challenges presently confronting the country. There is a shortage of housing for low-income earners and constantly growing housing demands that are not met. Over the years, successive administrations in the country had tinkered with policies in a bid to deliver mass housing, but due to lack of reasonable commitment to it, achieving the goal has remained elusive.

    The major issue is funding, getting appropriate funding for housing projects remained the biggest problem in the sector. The right type of money needed for long term project like housing is not available. Something that can really work for affordable housing can be akin to what the Federal Mortgage Bank offers which cannot go round.

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    We must be able to raise so much of insurance money in this country, though we have at least tried to raise a reasonable amount of pension fund. These are monies that are put into the kind of uses, such as housing anywhere in the world. We should find a way. It’s not enough to just be putting these monies in paper transactions and stock markets,we should find a way by which it can find its way into the real sector. The on-going private sector housing projects are progressing slowly owing to non-availability of funds.

    The problem has remained intractable because our government is not taking housing as an important matter. There is no serious step or programme by the federal government to jump-start activities in the sector.

    Stakeholders and industry operatives have unanimously concluded that the home-ownership regime needs a change of strategy. Innovative thinking would bring about better outcomes that will enhance housing delivery in the country. We just need to take a cue from other countries where the cost of mortgage for first time home buyers are low, with small down payments and easy terms especially, a single digit interest rate.

    Housing policy instrument in the form of legislative changes of laws to reduce the country’s housing deficit must be embraced immediately. There is need for speedy review of the present regulatory and legal framework for delivering cost effective and quality social housing programme.

    •ESV Idehen Edith Judith,Benin.