The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Renewed Hope targets for health through magnifying glass

    Renewed Hope targets for health through magnifying glass

    A healthy nation is a productive one. Health is existential and ranks extraordinarily on the pyramid of desiderata. Since 2023, the President Tinubu-led administration has foregrounded healthcare, making it a nucleus of its policy decisions and prescriptions.

    For instance, in the 2024 budget of Renewed Hope, the first in the life of the administration, health, and other contributing sectors to the human capital index received due attention. Also, in the yet-to-be passed 2025 budget estimates, N402 billion has been allocated for infrastructural investments in the health sector and another N282.65 billion for the Basic Health Care Fund, N188 billion for vaccines, and N40 billion for malaria vaccines. 

    A brief review of the past year

    The Tinubu administration prioritises Nigerians – their health, social welfare, and otherwise. 2024 was a significant year for the administration in the health sector with many tangible outcomes. Over 53,000 frontline health workers were trained in the past year to deliver integrated, high-quality services in keeping with the objective of training 120,000 health workers by December 2025.

    Also, the blanket of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) was expanded with over 2.4 million citizens enrolling in the national health insurance scheme in the year and with 10 million Nigerians under its sturdy cover.

    Nigeria also secured a EUR1 billion European Investment Bank financing mechanism and a $1 billion Afreximbank financing mechanism to support incoming manufacturers in the health and life science sectors.

    In addition, the health sector witnessed significant investment interest with over 70 new healthcare manufacturing companies with 22 large-scale projects in talks with international financiers, and more than 10 value-chain verticals already being established in the country.

    2025 targets for health 

    The year, 2025, comes with a dispensary of possibilities, considering the streak of outcomes in the previous years. It should ordinarily be a year of new quarries, fecundated grounds, and consolidation.

    According to projections by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, about 40 percent Level 1 primary health facilities will be enhanced and advanced to Level 2, widening the capacity and reach of facilities capable of delivering integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services across all states of the federation.

    Over 60,000 frontline health workers will also receive training in comprehensive SRH service delivery in 2025 — with the overarching aim of achieving feasible quality improments in family planning (FP) and post-abortion care (PAC).

    Also, there will be a fulsome activation of the free C-Section and VVF repair programme in 50 percent of the 172 priority local government areas, which account for the highest burden of maternal deaths in the country.

    In addition, the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), a mechanism for driving efficiency in healthcare service delivery, will ensure that performance and financial management officers are engaged in all 774 local government areas to supervise the construction of primary healthcare centres, as well as manage their operations with fidelity to transparency and efficiency.

    The Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) achieved some milestones in 2024, and it is expected that the initiative will consolidate the gains and execute more multiplier interventions and programmes.

    PVAC is a crucial all-wheel vehicle established by President Bola Tinubu to unleash the potential of the health sector and unlock the arteries in the healthcare value chain by increasing local manufacturing of pharmaceutical products to least 70 percent of total consumption by 2030; increasing the total direct full-time employees working in the life sciences manufacturing sub-sector to at least 50,000 (up from the current workforce estimated at approximately 20,000); establishing at least two commercial vaccine plants across the health sector; establishing at least five new medical supplies and diagnostics plants, and doubling Nigeria’s pharmaceutical market share in Africa to at least 15 percent.

    In 2025, PVAC says it will focus on the priority areas of market shaping, advance local manufacturing, regulation and policy advocacy, and execution of special projects.

    Read Also: We’ll stand together to defend democracy, UK assures Nigeria

    Some of its interventions will include expanding the range of health products and medical technologies manufactured domestically to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare value chain, further addressing regulatory hurdles, advocating policy changes required to advance healthcare businesses across the sector by providing support to manufacturers, as well as working with public sector bodies.

    Also, it will include implementing strategic, high-impact projects on behalf of the government to enhance local manufacturing capacity and improve health outcomes, addressing critical gaps in the healthcare sector.

     In addition, establishing three to five manufacturing plants for pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, diagnostics and LLINs; leveraging global knowledge hubs to improve technical capacity for local manufacturing; supporting new manufacturers in obtaining WHO pre­ qualification and implement enabling ecosystems interventions; accelerating implementation of Executive Order and engage EO Technical Working Group to implement import duty and VAT exemption for manufacturing equipment and materials.

    By the same token, it seeks to successfully deliver projects that support the establishment or expansion of local manufacturing facilities for essential health products and technologies and launch initiatives that improve healthcare access and outcomes for underserved populations, ensuring alignment with national health priorities.

    Also, the Renewed Hope Medical Relief Programme once approved by parliament as proposed by President Tinubu, to be implemented through the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), will see the federal government purchasing drugs, medical consumables, test kits directly from local manufacturers and distributing via technology-enabled public-private partnership, to 73 FTHIs, 37 general hospitals, and 8,800 PHCs receiving funds from BHCPF. This will subsidise the cost of medicines, channel activated real demand to Nigerian manufacturers, lower costs, and ensure quality.

    The National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), a special-purpose entity which serves as the foundation for organising and institutionalising emergency medical services across Nigeria, says some of its future aims include the procurement and equipping of tricycle and boat ambulances, which is in process with the plan of distributing over 700 tricycle and 30 boat ambulances to rural communities across Nigeria; advocacy and behavioural change communication: each state is expected to implement a robust community level advocacy exercise to drive demand and utilisation of RESMAT services; formal launch and commencement of RESMAT operations; monitoring and evaluation and plan for scale up to 37+1 states.

    Already, NEMSAS has supported some states to establish State Emergency Medical Service Governance and Operational Structures. Some of these states are Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Plateau, Taraba, Delta, Ogun, Osun, Rivers, Yobe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Adamawa, Borno, and FCT.

    NEMSAS says in regions and universities where it is fully operational, individuals facing emergencies—such as complicated pregnancies or deliveries—can dial the national emergency short code (112) or a designated 12-digit number from their institution or state. An ambulance will be dispatched to assess their situation, provide initial treatment, and transport them to the nearest hospital at no charge.

    To deepen access to critical emergency services and bridge EMS chasms in areas with limited NEMSAS coverage, NEMSAS seeks to launch the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport Programme.

    The World bank through the IMPACT project is supporting a pilot of this programme, 15 IMPACT Project states namely:  Bauchi, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba and Yobe.

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) itemises some of its key development benchmarks for 2025 to include public health legislation: passing of the Public Health Emergency Management and NCDC amendment bills, development of Public Health Emergency Management Standards and Structure for states in line with the SWAp Agenda and subnational EPR mentorship; health promotion and disease prevention for priority and epidemic prone diseases on all media platforms, improved national and subnational awareness, AMR/IPC implementation, surveillance and early warning systems (including SORMAS optimisation through a national digital transformation agenda); laboratory and diagnostic capacity optimisation (including genomic sequencing and a standard service menu for state (subnational) laboratories); expand laboratory network and capabilities; response, medical countermeasures, and event (outbreak) management actions (including risk profiling, simulation exercises, IPC, and stockpiling), and reduce outbreak mortalities.

    In addition, other targets include increasing national efforts in Public Health Emergency, Human Resource Capacity Development (including field epidemiology and laboratory training, integrated training for surveillance officers); public health emergency training, case management training core personnel and SURGE staff, and definition of the minimum human resource competencies for state EPR programmes), including leadership training and performance review of outbreaks of priority and endemic prone diseases (Lassa fever, Meningitis, Diphtheria, Measles, Cholera, Influenza-like illnesses, mpox and Yellow Fever).

    Looking through the magnifying glass, 2025 is shaping up to be another stellar year for Nigeria’s health sector under President Tinubu.

    Nwabufo is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement

  • NPA: Driving reforms, delivering results – A year of mentorship, service to the people 

    NPA: Driving reforms, delivering results – A year of mentorship, service to the people 

    By Olalekan AbdulRahman Badmus

    The process of procreation as explained scientifically and scripturally explains that the opportunity to make the cut of life is divine and a rare chance given to serve God and impact humanity. 

    Many a time when I look at humanity and existence in detail during my daily prayers, my assessment of every happening/occurrence around me draws back to the benevolence of my creator on his servants with myself inclusive, granting us the wherewithal to face life, excel in it in all ramifications, and still return to Him in the most worthy form to be a participant in His paradise. 

    For the fact that not all of His servants are granted the opportunity to make exploits in life, but being among the few He chooses to be recipients of His favours must forever heap His praises to the highest heavens. I say Allihamdulilah.

    On January 4, 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved and announced the appointment of some Executive Directors for agencies under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy – Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency. 

    Luckily, I was one of those privileged in the list, to later become the Executive Director (Marine and Operations) of the NPA, through the support and strong RECOMMENDATION of my mentor, leader and boss, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola – The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Precisely a year ago today, January 22, I resumed work and spent the first few weeks receiving guidance and tutelage from those I met on ground and the former MD of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr. Mohammed Bello Koko. I resumed work to drive the mandate of our leader, the Honourable Minister drawing from the huge inspiration of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Read Also: French investors eye Ogun’s transport sector, agro-cargo airport

    The last one year has been full of stories; from every regard – Politics, Governance, Societal Impact, Community Development, Personal Development and many more. I cannot forget in a hurry the wild jubilation and the gale of prayers and celebration galore that greeted my appointment and subsequent resumption. I was astonished when I saw the huge crowd that welcomed me back to Osogbo, on my first trip back to the state after my appointment. I cannot thank our people both in Osogbo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the good people of Osun State, enough for their gift and depth of prayers from last year till date. It has been love all the way. May Allah continue to bless and enrich our lives.

    With the guidance of our leader and mentor, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola who gave all of us performance bonds, we all swung to work and to the glory of God, we have been able to put in place strategies and policy ideas on how to reform and strengthen the Marine Industry in Nigeria for better and optimum performance. 

    Heartwarming the most is that almost all of our partners and clients at the level of NPA have complied with the Renewed Hope Agenda and are following suit which has increased in a great deal our annual turnover and will continue to get better.

    Since joining the services of the Nigerian Ports Authority, we have deployed experience and burning desire for the success of President Tinubu led administration’s renewed hope agenda by consolidating on sustained economic drivers in the following areas:

    1. Export Promotion: through efficient operations of Export Processing Terminals supervised by the Marine & Operations directorate wherein the Authority provided facilities for export consolidation, packaging, documentation and unhindered access to the ports once the cargo leave the export terminals. The progress recorded is supported by reports from data churned out by Nigerian Beureau of Statistics (NBS) in the last 2 quarters of year 2024 where the country recorded balance of trade supplies for the first time in many decades.

    2. Stevedoring Operations:  Through diligent intervention and consistent engagement with non-compliant companies, leading to a significant increase in revenue.

    3. Shipping and logistics: the turn around time of vessels is within acceptable international practice of 2 days for container ships. Also as could be seen we have intensified efforts at ensuring free flow of traffic in and out of the ports of lagos which has hugely contributed to increased productivity and contributions to the national economy from the Maritime sector.

    4. We have also in the last one year recorded growth in multimodalism through the increased uses of in land water ways for cargo redistribution through Barges as well as intensified use of rail for same purposes.

    5. Stakeholders engagement: we have engaged all stakeholders – the Port Managers, Trucking Companies, IOCs and all concerned individuals in maritime business to key into Mr. President’s agenda. 

    We have through our vast experience in private sector and business world strengthening the bond with our partners all over the world to adapt to the global best practices on maritime management, control, upgrade of facilities at our ports, and proffers means of ease of doing businesses in our sector.

    In the last 365 days, I have in the company of my amiable Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantosho, toured all our facilities across the country, assessed the situation of things, attended seminars and workshops in and outside the country to acquire more knowledge as well as contributed hugely to the policy direction of the NPA which is daily yielding fruits for the sector.

    These and many more strides we have attained under the leadership of the Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho and guidance of H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola’s transformative leadership and initiatives.  

    Since leadership and positions of authority are for solid imprints in the lives of many, this account of stewardship is one that draws inspiration from my mentor’s gospel of societal emancipation, development oriented governance and people centric vision for prosperity. 

    I cannot but thank everyone who has continued to share in this vision. By the grace of God and support of all Nigerians, President (Asiwaju) Bola Ahmed Tinubu will succeed.

    God Bless Nigeria!!!!

    – Olalekan AbdulRahman Badmus, a former Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties in Osun State is the Executive Director, Marine and Operations at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). 

  • Issues in 2025 agriculture budget

    Issues in 2025 agriculture budget

    Sir: Nigeria released a budget of N46 trillion (N46,019,639,175,313) for the year 2025 with the agricultural sector getting an appropriation of N636,076,022,121 which is about 1.4 percent of the total budget.

    That allocation is low and should be improved.  Recall that African Heads of State and ministers met in Maputo in 2003 to proclaim that they would commit 10 percent of their national budget to the agricultural sector to achieve six percent of annual agricultural growth. That was the birth of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). After 10 years, they went to Malabo to reiterate their commitment to the Maputo Declaration. This January , another declaration called the Kampala Declaration on CAADP reiterated commitments to the Maputo Declaration of 2003. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s agriculture budget share has not exceeded two percent in the last 10 years or more.

    A careful perusal of some of the budget line items of the MDAs under the Ministry of Agriculture shows a high level of repetition of projects proposed in previous years and poor planning. For example, it is unfortunate to observe that the capital budget of the six universities of agriculture under the agriculture ministry is scanty and lacks novelty. For instance, the capital budget of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta has just four line items revolving around the construction of structures that are not connected to academics, research, and innovations. Similarly, the activities of many of the research institutions are just basic and hardly innovative.

    The budget for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture headquarters is a compendium of some new and ongoing projects that have been repeating themselves in the last five years. Number one on the list of capital items is N2 billion for the installation of solar streetlights in six geopolitical zones. It is important to note that different amounts are being allotted to this particular activity each year, however, it is difficult to track if this activity is being implemented or not because the locations of these solar installations are unknown! The same scenario goes for the N3.5 billion for construction of feeder roads and the N1 billion for  construction of toilets in rural areas. I would like to recommend that going forward, budget line items should be clear, specific, measurable, and traceable.

    Read Also: Take responsibility for your lives – Yul Edochie urges Nigerians

    There are a few items that are not very clear. For instance, when we propose say ‘mainstreaming gender in agribusiness’ it would need to be demystified. Also, being more specific with locations helps the oversight functions of the legislature for effective budget implementation and resource utilization.

    What matters for us now is for the National Assembly to expedite action and ensure effective implementation of the budget.

    •Godswill Aguiyi,Programme Officer,Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

  • Between Kperogi and Muhammadu Sanusi II

    Between Kperogi and Muhammadu Sanusi II

    Sir: I read Professor Farooq A. Kperogi’s article titled “Emir Sanusi’s Quid Pro Quo for His Friends Turned Fiends” with keen interest. Although well-written and rich in rhetorical flair, I believe it unfairly misrepresents the character and contributions of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, as well as the broader context of his remarks.

    Sanusi’s commentary on economic reforms is not new, nor is it driven by self-interest as implied in the article. His economic positions, controversial as they may be, have always been rooted in his commitment to transparency, accountability, and fiscal prudence.

    During his tenure as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi spearheaded reforms that stabilized the financial sector and exposed corruption, notably the mismanagement of funds in the petroleum industry. His leadership saved the Nigerian banking system during the 2009 global financial crisis. These efforts reflect a consistent commitment to economic pragmatism, not the “self-loving sadism” Kperogi ascribed to him.

    At the Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Lecture, Emir Sanusi addressed Nigeria’s economic challenges within a historical framework, highlighting how years of poor management led to today’s difficulties. His statement about not defending the current government’s policies was not a quid pro quo demand but an expression of discontent over the failure of political leaders to reciprocate loyalty or act decisively for national progress.

    Sanusi’s critique of governance has often transcended personal affiliations. For instance, he openly criticized the Jonathan administration despite being part of the government apparatus, risking his career in the process. His comments at the lecture reflect this same principle: his loyalty is to ideas, not individuals.

    Read Also: Tinubunomics and Nigeria’s emerging economic fundamentals: a note for domestic and foreign investors

    The article unfairly caricatures Sanusi as an unrepentant neoliberal apologist indifferent to the suffering of the masses. While he has supported subsidy removal and exchange rate harmonization, his positions are informed by Nigeria’s fiscal realities. Subsidy regimes, historically marred by corruption and inefficiency, drained trillions of naira from public coffers without addressing systemic energy sector challenges.

    Critics often overlook the fact that subsidies disproportionately benefit the elite rather than the poor. Studies by organizations like the World Bank and Nigeria’s Budget Office have shown that wealthier Nigerians consume more fuel and thus benefit more from subsidies. Sanusi’s advocacy for subsidy removal is aimed at redirecting these funds toward targeted interventions, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, which directly benefit the masses.

    Contrary to the claim that Sanusi derives “delight from the misery of the masses,” he has consistently called for equitable resource allocation and the empowerment of marginalized communities. As emir, he launched initiatives to promote girl-child education, gender equity, and poverty alleviation in Kano State. His reforms in the Kano Emirate Council prioritized addressing social injustices that have long plagued Northern Nigeria.

    For instance, his campaign against child marriage and his emphasis on the importance of education for girls drew both applause and backlash. These efforts single out his commitment to social progress and human dignity.

    Kperogi’s critique of Sanusi’s remarks is passionate but offers no clear alternative solutions to Nigeria’s economic woes. If we agree that Nigeria’s economy has suffered from decades of mismanagement, what is the path forward? Should we continue subsidizing consumption at the expense of critical investments? Sanusi’s prescriptions, while debatable, are at least anchored in economic logic and long-term sustainability.

    Nigeria’s challenges require a balanced, solutions-driven discourse. It is unproductive to reduce complex issues to personal attacks or to dismiss individuals who have contributed significantly to national development. Emir Sanusi’s positions are not beyond critique, but such critiques should engage with the substance of his arguments rather than resorting to ad hominem attacks or speculative interpretations of his motives.

    Nigeria is at a crossroads and leadership—whether in government, traditional institutions, or civil society—must rise to the occasion. While Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is not infallible, his track record of service, advocacy, and reform deserves a more balanced appraisal. Let us focus on building a Nigeria where ideas are debated with civility and respect, rather than turning important national conversations into platforms for derision.

    •Usman Abdullahi Koli,mernoukoli@gmail.com

  • Of America’s presidential lecture and its symbolism

    Of America’s presidential lecture and its symbolism

    Sir: In America, it seems the presidential seal is neither treated as a priceless gold artefact nor as a cherished diamond. Americans and their president appear to attach little significant value to it hence they care less about who uses it. Their president can use it, just as any American citizen can.

    At both the Capitol One Arena and Capitol Hill, I saw it, observed it too. Tesla boss and the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, along with the officiating minister and a lady who introduced Donald Trump as the United States’ 45th and 47th President, used it. I am talking about the lectern emblazoned with the U.S. presidential seal.

    Such an “aberration” can never happen in Nigeria. Our presidential seal is the exclusive property of the president. No one dares use it for public speeches. You cannot even come close to it. Stern-looking operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) would never allow you to attempt such proximity.

    One cannot help but admire the friendly and laid-back approach of American politicians and public officials, even at grand events like a presidential inauguration. At such gatherings, there is an air of openness and accessibility.

    This stands in stark contrast to the rigid and oftentimes intimidating demeanour of many Nigerian leaders, their protocol officers, and overzealous security details. Public events in Nigeria are often marred by a sense of exclusivity, with leaders exuding an aura of untouchability.

    A telling example of this contrast was seen during President Trump’s inaugural address. As he stood confidently behind the lectern, there was no Aide-de-Camp (ADC) lurking like a sculptured idol behind him. He spoke directly to the American people, unencumbered by the presence of a uniformed officer standing guard.

    This simple yet profound act highlights a leadership style that prioritizes accessibility over grandeur. In Nigeria, the image is vastly different. Our presidents and governors are frequently flanked by ADCs, projecting an image of power and control rather than humility and service.

    Read Also: Onuigbo urges global investors to leverage Nigeria’s potential

    The lessons for Nigeria’s political class are clear: leadership should be about service, not spectacle. The obsession with elaborate protocols, excessive security measures, and ostentatious displays of power creates a disconnect between leaders and the people they are meant to serve.

    American politicians have shown that humility and relatability are not weaknesses; they are strengths that endear leaders to their citizens. Moreover, the approachability of American public figures at events reflects a culture of trust and mutual respect. In Nigeria, the excessive focus on security and protocol often makes public officials seem aloof and unapproachable.

    This is a stark reminder that governance should be about building bridges, not walls, between leaders and the populace. Another point of reflection is the symbolism of the U.S. presidential seal. Its accessibility to other speakers during public events signifies a leadership philosophy that embraces inclusivity rather than exclusivity.

    This practice could inspire Nigerian leaders to de-emphasize the symbols of power and focus more on meaningful governance and citizen engagement. Ultimately, America’s relaxed and inclusive approach to leadership protocols serves as a blueprint for a more people-centred governance model.

    It is high time Nigerian leaders realized that true power lies in the trust and admiration of the people, not in the intimidating presence of security personnel or the exclusivity of presidential symbols. America’s presidential seal is truly for everybody—an emblem of accessibility, humility, and democracy.

    Nigerian leaders would do well to embrace these ideals, shedding the layers of pomp and circumstance that alienate them from the people. A government truly of the people, by the people, and for the people must make itself approachable, relatable, and inclusive. The sooner we learn this lesson, the better.

    •Abdulsalam Mahmud,Abuja.

  • The coming of Adamawa’s Fufore Emirate

    The coming of Adamawa’s Fufore Emirate

    • By Zayyad I. Muhammad

    Sir: The creation of the two new emirates and five chiefdoms by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri was guided by two principles: first, the community’s request and demand, and second, the provisions of the Adamawa State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law 2024, which has been formally gazetted and is now part of the state’s statutes. Without this law, the governor would lack the power and legal authority to fulfil the community’s requests.

    The Fufore Emirate was established based on the demands of the 12 districts and their people. For those suggesting that Gurin, Malabu, and Ribadu or any other districts were coerced into joining the Fufore Emirate, consider the example of Zumo and Song. They chose not to join the new Yungur Chiefdom and remained with the Adamawa Emirate, while Gurin, Malabu, and Ribadu opted to be with Fufore. It’s straightforward: in a democracy, you get what you ask for.

    Governor Fintiri didn’t simply wake up one morning and declare, “Let there be Fufore Emirate,” and it came into existence. It was the product of requests, demands, negotiations, mutual understanding, and the backing of law and authority.

    Up to this moment, most of the noise about the creation of the Fufore Emirate is coming from people outside the 12 districts.

    Read Also: We’re tackling unemployment headlong – FG

    None of the 12 districts—Ribadu, Daware, Bengo, Verre, Nyibango, Kofsopah, Malabu, Malabu Kofa, Mayoine, Gurin, Beti, and Wuro Sham—has filed a petition or challenged the creation of the Fufore Emirate or their inclusion in it. In fact, the heads of all 12 districts were the first to pledge their allegiance and pay homage to the new Lamido of Fufore, His Royal Highness Sani Ahmadu Ribadu.

    On behalf of the 12 district heads, the District Head of Malabu was both emphatic and unwavering in his expression of loyalty and support for the new Emirate during the reception of the new Emir in Fufore.

    The Fufore Emirate, like any other emirate in Nigeria, is a product of law—established by the Adamawa State House of Assembly and gazetted in Adamawa. The emergence of the new Fufore Emirate, its Emir, and the allegiance and support of all 12 district heads and their subjects are outcomes of law, clear legal provisions, government authority, negotiation, and the people’s requests and demands. These are the fundamentals of tradition, custom, and democracy.

    Let us allow the citizens, friends, and neighbours of the Fufore Emirate to celebrate, as this expansion of horizons will foster development and strengthen unity, prosperity, and peace.

    •Zayyad I. Muhammad,

    Abuja.

  • Ohanaeze and the order for disorder

    Ohanaeze and the order for disorder

    • By Kene Obiezu

    Sir: In two different cities, Enugu and Port Harcourt, Ohaneze Ndigbo, the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization supposedly held the same election and produced two presidents. Clearly, one of them is a meddlesome interloper. But who? And in whose interest is it that the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization in the country is sundered?

    In an age of division, especially with the Igbo again politically marginalized in the country, it is the worst time possible for a division, any kind of division.

    To its eternal credit, Ohanaeze has been a beacon of consistency for so long now. When there have been issues that have affected the Igbo, and there have been many over the years, in the wider context of the chaos Nigeria sometimes characteristically churns out daily, Ohanaeze has not exactly been  confrontational. Skillfully, it has always traded the fleeting rush of confrontation for discretion and prudence which would always serve it best, employing the deft mental dexterity inherent in every Igbo entrepreneur who has had to trade to survive.

    With two factions emerging band clearly determined to go head-to-head as indicated by the two factional presidents in separate interviews, each claiming legitimacy, feigning ignorance of the other, and indicating they will be no push over, is the group which is so strategic to the Igbo and which until now has resisted the forces of destabilization and division about to fracture? If that happens, it will be catastrophic.

    Read Also: FG assures Nigerians of economic recovery, growth

    As things stand in Nigeria, the Igbo are only managing to cling on by their fingernails. While it is true, that economically, they have managed to keep the wolves out of the door thanks to their unmatched business finesse, politically, they have remained very much on the fringes with their defiant independence over the years making it very difficult to enter into the kind of compromise politics thrives on.

    Given this atmosphere of barely concealed and congealed hostility, can the Igbo afford to be divided? Can they afford to have their ranks decimated by division?

    Finally, the forces of division have succeeded in fatally fracturing the pan-Igbo organization. The most immediate consequence will be the loss of clarity and credibility. Further down the line, a loss of hope will be an even more serious consequence.

    For the Igbo in Nigeria, it is time to pull closer. Considered vanquished after the civil war, they have always had to fight for all they have with space on the table increasingly denied them. Through these fights many of them dirty and bloody, Ohanaeze has been a consistent voice and a constant thorn in the flesh of those who threaten the interest of the Igbo in Nigeria.

    Far from being an Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze has always defended the unity of Nigeria, defying again and again the parochial expectations of those who reduce the work of cultural organizations to the bare-bones of provincialism. It is noteworthy that during the end bad governance protests of August 2024, while traditional pro-Nigerian centers went up in flames, the Southeast, restrained by Ohanaeze, refused to jump on the back of the infant government.

    Those who seek to fracture Ohanaeze and silence it are enemies of not just the Igbo but the country as a whole. They must be stopped.

    •Kene Obiezu,

    keneobiezu@gmail.com

  • Governor Uba Sani, please save primary education

    Governor Uba Sani, please save primary education

    • By Ibrahim Mustapha

    Sir: Primary education, being the first stage of formal education lays the foundation for future learning and plays a critical role in shaping a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development. A strong foundation in primary education sets the stage for future academic achievements. A well-educated population contributes to a country’s economic growth and competitiveness.

    It is however sad to note that primary education in Kaduna State is facing serious challenges ranging from shortage of manpower, lack of motivation to infrastructural deficit. What crippled the development of primary education in the state is the consequences of former governor, Nasir El-Rufai’s irrational decisions to axe over 25,000 primary school teachers in 2017. Nigerians will recall that the administration of El-Rufai, in a bid to reform education sector and flush what it described as unqualified teachers, conducted examination leading to disqualification of thousands of teachers. El-Rufai decision came after education experts had advised him to consider training and retraining of those teachers.

    The sacking of thousands teachers created a huge manpower gap and negatively affected primary school education in the state. Unfortunately, subsequent recruitment exercises by the state government failed to address the personnel shortage. Many schools that had enough teaching staff prior to El-Rufai’s destructive policy were forced to manage inadequate teachers. For instance, there were hundreds of school with high enrolment that could hardly parade five staff in the aftermath. Even some of the recruited teachers had to abandon their duty posts citing poor conditions of service by the last administration.

    With the new Sheriff in town, one had expected Governor Uba Sani to have reviewed some of the El-Rufai’s policy seen to hamper the development of primary education and formulate new ones.

    Read Also: We’re tackling unemployment headlong – FG

    No doubt, primary schools in Kaduna State are gasping and need urgent oxygen to survive. The schools are baffling with shortage of teaching staff. A visit to rural schools will reveal the dire condition of primary education which demands an expedited action. While some NGOs like BESDA and AGILE have come to the aid of our nearly collapsing primary education through building of modern classes to bridge infrastructural facilities and give primary education a facelift, it is high time state government did its own part. During 2025 budget presentation, Governor Uba Sani, stated that his government has set aside 26.14% of the budget to education sector. This is cheering news.

    We passionately appeal to the governor to fix the multi-faceted problems that bedevil primary education in the state. This can be achieved through the scale up of recruitment. There is the need for government to recruit more teachers as many schools are without the needed teachers. Government should also pay serious attention to the training of teachers. This will help them to acquire new teaching methods and innovation. It will also go a long way towards assisting them to excel in their profession.

    Moreover, primary school teachers hardly receive their salaries on time. With high cost of living in the country, starving teachers will translate to teachers not paying full attention to their teaching jobs let alone passing knowledge to the younger ones. Besides timely payment of their salary, government should consider approving rural allowance to teachers posted to rural areas. This will spur them to give their best.

     The development of other stages of education depends largely on primary education. It is the foundation upon which other stages are built. By addressing the challenges and leveraging innovation, Governor Uba Sani can improve the quality and accessibility of primary education which will ultimately empower future generations to succeed in the state.

    • Ibrahim Mustapha,

     Pambegua, Kaduna State.

  • Reality reminder

    Reality reminder

    According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), last year ended with Nigeria’s inflation rate at 34.80 percent in December, from 34.60 percent in November. Though described as a marginal increase, it was an increase; and there were difficult implications for many Nigerians. 

    The figures highlighted continued rise in consumer prices, fuelled by currency depreciation, high energy costs, and persistent supply chain disruptions.  The NBS report showed that the average inflation rate for the 12 months ending December 2024 stood at 33.24 percent, up from 24.66 percent recorded during the same period in 2023.

    Food inflation was relentless, reaching 39.84 percent on a year-on-year basis in December 2024, from 33.93 percent in December 2023. The rise was attributed to increases in the prices of staples such as yams, rice, maize, and dried fish. The NBS also noted significant price increases in transport fares, meals at local restaurants, and personal grooming services.

    Read Also: FG assures Nigerians of economic recovery, growth

    Responding to the cost-of-living crisis in the country, 15 states adjusted the newly fixed N70,000 national minimum wage upward.  They include Lagos and Rivers (N85,000); Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom (N80,000).  Others are: Delta and Ogun (N77,000), Ebonyi and Kebbi (N75,000), Ondo (N73,000), Kogi and Kaduna (N72,000), Gombe and Kano (N71,000). But the reality is that the new national minimum wage is not a living wage in the country’s current circumstances. Nigerian workers in the public and private sectors deserve what some describe as a ‘living minimum wage.’

    For instance, at the Distinguished Personality Lecture organised by the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) in Abuja, in October 2024, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State, argued that Nigerian workers were poorer now, despite the increased minimum wage.  “Inflation severely impacts purchasing power, making it difficult for workers to maintain a decent standard of living,” he observed.

    When President Bola Tinubu presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, he optimistically declared that the government would reduce inflation to 15 percent this year. Also, in his first media chat last month, he explained how his administration would bring down inflation.  Nigerians can’t wait to see this happen.

    Importantly, the monthly reports by the NBS showing continuing inflation should make the authorities responsive to the reality that too many Nigerians are struggling to cope with the pain of inflation.

  • Moonlight tales from OOPL

    Moonlight tales from OOPL

    The ever-irreverent Fela, were he to read “Obasanjo: I landed in jail because I couldn’t keep my mouth shut” (The Nation Saturday, January 11), would have louden his popular number, ‘Tisa, no teach me nonsense’ to the highest decibel possible!

    Fifteen “young male and female future African leaders” had visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) lair, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.  Obasanjo regaled them with his jail story.

    The only truths about Obasanjo’s jail misadventure were just the basics: Sani Abacha jailed him.  He couldn’t stand Obasanjo’s white hypocrisy.  True too: Obasanjo couldn’t keep his mouth shut because of his endless, empty, selfish posturing. 

    Any other thing is what the Yoruba would call “ajasa”: seasonings — Obasanjo’s self-serving fibs to impress these so-called “future African leaders”, because he damn well knows they are not grounded in Africa’s past — not even its contemporary history.  Yet, they bid to control its future.

    For starters, Obasanjo didn’t seek election in 1999 to save Nigeria.  That was a lie from the pit of hell.  Rather, he was rushed through the power mill by a panicky military who had two purposes.

    One: to instal one of their own, after annulling the best-ever election in Nigerian history.  The late Basorun Moshood Abiola won that election.  Two: to sustain that criminal annulment, even after MKO’s sudden and suspect death, after he had spent his entire presidential term in military detention, put there by Abacha, who in 1998, would suddenly die in office too.

    Of course, Obasanjo bought into that toady agenda.  He not only tried to sustain the annulment, he ruthlessly tried to erase MKO’s legacy as a democracy martyr. 

    Both, Hardball can happily recall, blew up in his face.  All through the PDP years, he sustained May 29 — the date he took power by the “Army Arrangement” (God bless Fela again, for that inimitable coinage!) — as phoney Democracy Day. 

    Read Also: Nigerians in U.S urge Interior Minister to address passport printer shortage

    But former President Muhammadu Buhari replaced that lie with June 12 — the day MKO won that great pan-Nigeria mandate; and which annulment triggered a chain of events that marked the beginning of the end for Nigeria’s political military. 

    Nigeria is today the better for it.  The military are back to their noble role, not moonlighting in government, for which they are least competent.

    But the most piquant irony of that visit was Obasanjo glibly talking about corruption!  Which corruption is more transparent, than the provenance of OOPL?  Obasanjo, as president, bullied the cream of Nigeria’s business to “donate” to his presidential library, a crude corruption of a noble American concept!  Isn’t that a living proof of transparent corruption?

    The Owu chief keeps docking and damning himself, on public morality, by receiving guests in this corrupt personal nest, but pointing fingers at corruption!  Unfortunately, OOPL is about the only post-power project Obasanjo can show off — and it’s ode to self-service, the diametric opposite of public service!

    Even if that horrible irony is lost on the messianic Baba Iyabo, it ought not have been lost on the minders of the so-called “future African leaders”.  But Fela again: “Tisa, no teach me nonsense”! 

    You don’t decry corruption of the past by trucking African leaders of the future to corruption’s very living and grand cathedral, OOPL!