The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • How to grow Nigeria’s budget pie

    How to grow Nigeria’s budget pie

    Sir: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently presented a budget of N49.7 trillion (approximately $28 billion) to the National Assembly. This figure underscores a stark paradox: A country both “rich” and “poor”—abundant in crude oil and natural resources, yet struggling to translate this wealth into meaningful development.

    With an estimated population of 234.9 million— the sixth most populous country in the world—a $28 billion budget is insufficient to address critical needs like food security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Notably, N4.91 trillion is allocated to defence and security, while N4.06 trillion, N2.48 trillion, and N3.52 trillion are earmarked for infrastructure, healthcare, and education, respectively.

    Despite its large and predominantly youthful population, coupled with vast untapped natural resources, Nigeria must urgently improve its earnings to remain competitive in today’s challenging global economy. The Tinubu administration has made strides by removing petroleum subsidies and floating the Naira. While these measures have increased revenue for both the federal government and subnational entities, they have also had severe repercussions: reduced purchasing power for citizens, continued depreciation of the Naira, rising commodity prices due to the country’s import dependency, and spiralling inflation.

    The key question remains: How can Nigeria build the resources needed to cater to its large population and effectively compete with major African economies?

    On paper, Nigeria holds the title of Africa’s largest economy, yet in practice, it faces serious challenges. For instance, South Africa, Africa’s most industrialized economy, boasts a GDP of approximately $373 billion, followed closely by Egypt with $347 billion. By contrast, Nigeria’s GDP has fallen to $199.7 billion, ranking it fourth among African economies.

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    To reverse this trend, policymakers must prioritize agriculture and human capital development. These two sectors alone hold the potential to generate billions of dollars and provide long-term, sustainable growth. While subsidy removal and currency floating may produce immediate gains, agriculture and human capital can continually fuel economic prosperity.

    A collaborative and benchmarking approach is essential. Nigeria should study and adopt the models of successful agricultural economies such as China, Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, the United States, Russia, Australia, Denmark, India, Canada, and France—all of which generate billions annually from agriculture. Take Indonesia, for example: it is one of the world’s leading producers of palm oil, rice, rubber, cocoa, and coffee. Agriculture plays a central role in Indonesia’s economy, and Nigeria has the potential to elevate its own agricultural sector to even greater heights.

    Moreover, Nigeria’s human capital is one of the fastest-growing in the world. By harnessing its dynamic workforce both domestically and internationally, Nigeria can unlock significant economic value. For instance, in 2022 alone, Nigeria accounted for $21.9 billion in diaspora remittances, representing 64% of all remittances in West Africa.

    The truth is that a budget of N49.7 trillion (approximately $28 billion) is merely a drop in the ocean for a nation of nearly 250 million people, spanning a landmass of approximately 923,768 square kilometres.

    Nigeria must take bold and innovative steps to leverage its resources effectively. Strategic investments in agriculture and human capital development will not only boost national revenue but also secure Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.

    •Zayyad I. Muhammad,Abuja.

  • Addressing non-communicable diseases in underserved communities

    Addressing non-communicable diseases in underserved communities

    Sir: A recent engagement with communities in Kano and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) revealed the heavy economic burden faced by individuals living with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes. Without proper management, these conditions can escalate into more severe health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Despite their profound impact on public health and the growing prevalence of NCDs, one cannot help but question why these diseases receive far less attention and resources compared to others like HIV/AIDS. This stark disparity underscores the urgent need for a more focused and proactive approach to addressing the NCD crisis before it spirals further out of control.

    While global efforts focus on high-profile public health emergencies, chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to silently ravage rural communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It’s no surprise that NCDs now account for 71% of global deaths, with 29% of those occurring in Nigeria alone.

    In Nigeria, approximately 30% of adults suffer from hypertension, and 7% live with diabetes, making these two conditions among the most prevalent NCDs in the country. Beyond the statistics, this translates to lives lost, families torn apart, and communities becoming less productive and more vulnerable. Shockingly, the majority of people living with NCDs are unaware of their conditions, largely due to a lack of awareness about risk factors, leading to late diagnoses and inadequate treatment. This underscores the critical need for timely interventions in the detection and management of these diseases.

    Unfortunately, access to quality, affordable care for NCDs remains a significant challenge, particularly in rural areas and primary healthcare settings. This is largely due to a combination of limited resources and socio-economic factors, which have contributed to an environment where NCDs continue to thrive unchecked. Effective management of these diseases requires innovative and unconventional strategies, particularly in community engagement, education, and accessible healthcare.

    Countries like Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh are taking intentional steps to integrate the WHO’s Package of Essential Non-Communicable Diseases (PEN) interventions into their primary health systems. This comprehensive, cost-effective approach aims to improve healthcare delivery, enhance health outcomes, and reduce the burden of NCDs, especially in underserved populations.

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    In Nigeria, eHealth Africa and the EHA REACH Clinic have also piloted the PEN intervention to improve rural access and address hypertension and diabetes in the Federal Capital Territory and Kano State. This approach emphasizes community engagement, cross-sector collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and access to essential medicines. With training on effective hypertension and diabetes management, Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) are now supporting over 200 patients in managing their conditions. This model has proven effective in improving health outcomes, especially in rural communities. In fact, CHEWs have become trusted figures who lead health education efforts on NCD prevention, conduct screenings, and help patients access healthcare services while educating them about lifestyle changes that reduce NCD risks.

    While community engagement through CHEWs is essential, innovative digital health tools also play a critical role in improving NCD management. Mobile health tracking apps can motivate individuals to take control of their health and monitor their progress. These apps make educational content more engaging and accessible, helping to foster a more proactive approach to managing chronic diseases.

    Prevention is key in addressing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Community-based fitness and nutrition programs can support healthier lifestyles. Advocating for policies that improve health infrastructure in rural communities will complement these efforts. This includes better funding for primary healthcare facilities, transportation services for medical visits, and initiatives that promote healthier environments.

    Most importantly, it is high time we prioritize NCDs and provide free medical support for conditions like hypertension and diabetes, just as we have for HIV/AIDS and other vaccine-preventable diseases. As HIV/AIDS has garnered global support for free treatment, we must now recognize the urgent need for equitable, accessible care for hypertension and diabetes. This will ensure that those affected are not left behind in the pursuit of better health outcomes. Given the long-term nature of these conditions, which often require ongoing medication, offering free treatment will significantly reduce the burden on individuals and healthcare systems alike.

    In conclusion, prevention, early detection, and the integration of innovative approaches within primary healthcare systems are essential to tackling NCDs. These strategies will not only improve individual well-being but also strengthen the overall resilience of communities.

    •Moshood Isah,eHealth Africa, Abuja.

  • Cash crunch and crunchers

    Cash crunch and crunchers

    In the heady days of the infernal policy of currency redesigning by former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, the hardship experienced by Nigerians was in a large part the handiwork of bankers who hoarded cash. Now, we are back with the hoarders even there’s apparently no cause to withhold cash from circulation.

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently had occasion to impose a N150million fine on a commercial bank for failing to dispense cash through its Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). A report by this newspaper, The Nation, cited sources saying the big stick was wielded following an unannounced inspection by the apex bank that exposed cash hoarding and ATM manipulation by the erring money deposit institution. The CBN sources revealed that the sanctioned commercial bank was caught disabling its ATMs, thereby denying customers access to their funds while prioritising cash disbursements to select high-heeled clients.

    An official of the CBN was cited stressing that the regulatory bank would not tolerate such practices. “The (CBN) will not spare any deposit money bank caught in the act of hoarding cash or found favoring VIP customers over other customers,” the official stated. Consequently, the apex bank was said to have intensified spot checks on banks nationwide, uncovering various illicit cash-handling practices by unscrupulous financial institutions.

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    It was reported that the CBN was for now imposing fines on defaulting banks, but would consider upscaling the sanction in the next phase of enforcement to include naming and shaming offending banks and prosecuting implicated bank officials. “This fine is just the beginning. The CBN is determined to hold banks accountable for any action that undermines public trust and the integrity of the banking system,” the official added. Another senior official was reported saying the apex bank nevertheless remained committed to promoting cashless banking in the country by intensifying efforts to encourage use of electronic channels for transactions.

    Hardball thinks the CBN’s financial penalty is rather light for the damage defaulting commercial institutions do to the financial system and the misery caused ordinary Nigerians who deposit their hard earned money in those banks and can’t now access the money because banks are hoarding cash. In the Emefiele days, people died in the struggle to get cash while some banks were discovered to have stockpiled same commodity without giving it out to  customers in desperate need. Some banks loaded their ATM machines with notes whose wrappers were not peeled off, just so the machines would be blocked from dispensing what was available. Now, mint notes are available with street hawkers when these are a scarce commodity at the banks.

    The CBN needs to be more heavy handed in dealing retribution to unscrupulous bankers and complicit institutions and, if possible, flush them out of the system.

  • Niger Republic’s reckless allegation

    Niger Republic’s reckless allegation

    • By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    Sir: The illegal military junta in Niger Republic recently came up with outrageous allegation that Nigeria and a handful of other West African countries are marching in lockstep with France to sponsor terrorism in the country to destabilize it.

    In 2023, Niger Republic joined West Africa’s ring of coup republics which already included Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea. The coup plotters took over the government and imprisoned Mohammed Bazoum, the democratically elected president of the country.

     The coup in Niger which is Nigeria’s closest geographical neighbour was a devastating blow to the incipient presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu who had just become Nigeria’s president and chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). A democrat in his heart of hearts, the president was never going to be silent or passive about the illegal change of government.

    Read Also: No disagreement with Govs over local government administration — Tinubu

    This allegation smacks of shameless ingratitude to say the least. It provides more evidence of how reckless military regimes are. It is understandable that Niger Republic resents its former colonial masters for the indescribable depredations that colonialism visited on the country. But why drag Nigeria which has been its greatest benefactor into its historical resentments just because the military wants to clap back at the country for its forceful denunciation of the military coup?

    While Nigeria cannot actually ignore what is happening in Niger Republic as a destabilization of the country would put Nigeria and the entire West African sub-region in a lot of difficulty, it must now reassess its relationship with the landlocked and apparently ungrateful country. It is a matter of national pride for Nigeria to refuse to make sacrifices for the country or any other country that will mock her sensibilities especially through the leprous lever of an illegitimate government.

    In Africa and especially in the West African sub-region, Africa’s most populous democracy and economy has continued to play key roles as a stabilizing force. Were it not for Nigeria’s vital contributions to the economy and security of the sub region, there is no doubt that the sub region would be in far greater peril.

     The outrageous allegations by the military junta in Niger which by all indications has failed, though not unexpectedly, to improve the lives of Nigeriens, again point to the grave folly of military intervention in government.

     Military coups have never saved any country but have often succeeded to water the ground for long-term destabilization.

    More than ever, it has become imperative that democracy be restored in Guinea, Burkina Faso, and especially in Niger Republic.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,

    Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • On the expulsion of French troops in West Africa

    On the expulsion of French troops in West Africa

    • By Folawiyo Kareem Olajoku

    Sir: The recent expulsions of French troops from West African countries of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Ivory Coast, mark a significant shift in the regional dynamics. This development presents an opportunity for West Africa to redefine its relationship with France and other external partners, prioritizing regional security, economic development, and political stability.

    The presence of French troops in West Africa has been a subject of debate for many years. On one hand, French troops have been instrumental in combating terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Boko Haram in the Sahel region. Their military expertise and resources have helped to weaken these organizations and prevent the spread of extremism. Additionally, French forces have contributed to maintaining stability in regions plagued by conflict, such as Mali and the Central African Republic. Their presence has helped to prevent the escalation of violence and protect civilian populations.

    Furthermore, French military cooperation with West African countries has enabled the transfer of skills, knowledge, and technology to local security forces. This capacity building has enhanced the ability of West African countries to address their own security challenges. French businesses also have significant economic interests in West Africa, particularly in the energy and natural resources sectors. The presence of French troops helps to secure these interests and protect French investments.

    However, the presence of the troops has also been perceived as a form of neo-colonialism, where France seeks to maintain its influence and control over the region. This perception fuels resentment and mistrust towards French involvement. Many West Africans view the French military presence as an affront to national sovereignty, particularly when French forces operate with relative impunity and without sufficient coordination with local authorities.

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    The reliance on French military assistance has also created a culture of dependence, undermining the ability of the West African countries to develop their own security capabilities and address their unique challenges. Moreover, French military operations in West Africa have been criticized for human rights abuses, including civilian casualties, displacement, and mistreatment of detainees.

    The expulsion of French troops from Ivory Coast, in particular, highlights the growing desire for regional sovereignty. In their statement, the Ivorian government cited the need to “reorganize” its defence and security architecture, emphasizing the importance of national sovereignty and independence. This move is seen as a significant blow to France’s influence in the region, as Ivory Coast has historically been one of France’s closest allies in West Africa.

    As France re-evaluates its military presence in West Africa, it is essential to acknowledge the complexities of this relationship. While French troops have contributed to regional stability, their presence has also been perceived as undermining West African sovereignty and creating dependence on foreign military aid.

    Ultimately, a new era of regional sovereignty in West Africa must be built on mutual respect, trust, and a commitment to African-led solutions. France must adapt to the changing landscape of West African politics and security, prioritizing cooperation, capacity building, and the empowerment of regional security forces. By doing so, France can help foster a more stable, prosperous, and sovereign West Africa, one that is capable of addressing its own challenges and realizing its full potential.

    •Folawiyo Kareem Olajoku, PhD

    Abuja.

  • Cost of funerals and obnoxious mourning traditions

    Cost of funerals and obnoxious mourning traditions

    • By Leo Igwe

    Sir: A recent Facebook post by a Danish woman, Anja Ringgren Loven, was a brutal reminder of the debauched mourning traditions in some parts of Nigeria. In the post, Anja noted how she and her team saw a “lot of children living alone in a house with the corpse of their mother”. According to her, it is common for many families in Akwa Ibom to keep the corpses of their relatives in a room because “they don´t have money to pay for a funeral”. This is deeply embarrassing.

    She further pointed out the troubling trend of abandonment of loved ones whose bodies remain in morgues, “driven by rising costs and societal expectations surrounding extravagant funerals”. Yes, extravagant funerals. I mean, why should funerals be wasteful? Why should bereaved families go through or be made to suffer this additional pain and loss?

    Anja’s observation is apt and applies not only to communities in Akwa Ibom but also to other places in South-south and South-eastern Nigeria. When someone dies, people are twice as bereaved. They grieve not only because of the person who passed but also because of the cost of the funeral. This is shameful and needs to be addressed.

    I am from Imo state and moved to the Southwest in 1994. For over two decades, I had limited contact with relatives and seldom participated in their traditional rites and ceremonies. I heard people complain about the costs of funerals but I thought it was all self-inflicted and something that one could easily avoid or do away with. But it was in 2021 when my father passed away that I realized how profligate these funeral traditions are and could be. I came face to face with the lunacy and viciousness of self-styled custodians of ‘traditions’. It has been difficult to get over the pain and disappointment over the decadent funeral culture in my community.

    Soon after the death was announced, relatives from different sides of the family started sending me lists of things to do and buy including goats, chicken, cartons of beer, tubers of yam, coolers of rice, fufu, and assorted soup, etc. I noticed that funeral traditions were only devices to extort money from the bereaved. Funeral traditions were not really about mourning and grieving. The funeral was about eating, drinking, and merry-making at the expense of people who are grieving. I found this way of ‘mourning the dead’ disgusting and outrageous.

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    Fast forward to the funeral day, my father’s maternal relatives arrived and demanded a cow because they saw some cows in the compound. There was no cow in the list that they gave us. I told them that a cow would not be given to them because there was no cow on the list that they gave and they angrily left. Two days after the funeral, they messaged that my family should go ahead and fulfil the tradition as contained in the original list. And we reluctantly did.

    Indeed social expectation and pressure drive mourners into debt and bankruptcy. Many people borrow money or sell family property such as land to bury a family member. There have been instances where people in the community lend money or buy some property of bereaved families at giveaway prices. Now the bereaved families spend the money fulfilling funeral traditions in the same community. I mean, people are so callous and insensitive.

    We need to change this wretched funeral culture and tradition. It is disgraceful and destructive. This funeral orientation hurts and harms people. We need to end a practice that continues to impoverish those who mourn. Funerals should be conducted in ways that allow people to grieve and come to terms with the loss of their loved ones. They should not be opportunities to rub shoulders, oppress, extort or exploit others. Funerals should not be avenue to display wealth and affluence. Funerals should be what funerals supposed to be: ceremonies to honour and bury the dead. So a funeral should be a private affair and should take place at little or no cost to the relatives of the dead. There should be no need for families to sleep with corpses of relatives at home or abandon them in morgues for weeks, months, and years due to the costs of funerals and social expectations.

    This cultural show of shame must stop. Let us end this costly and extravagant funeral tradition now!

    •Leo Igwe,

    Ibadan.

  • NAFDAC’s burden

    NAFDAC’s burden

    Notably, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, gave an insight into the troubling scale of production and sale of fake drugs and unwholesome foods in Nigeria when she highlighted the agency’s recent enforcement actions across the country in her New Year message to Nigerians.

    She said the agency, on December 11, 2024 “destroyed expired, unregistered drugs worth N11 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State.” Also, in November 2024, the agency “seized N300m worth of fake medicines during a raid of Tyre Village, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos State,” and “bust counterfeit alcohol packaging centres and seized items worth N2 billion in Lagos.”  She added that the agency had received reports of “illegal revalidation of expired alcoholic beverages at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos.”

    Details of the agency’s enforcement actions in Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja demonstrated the widespread activities of makers and sellers of fake medicines and unwholesome foods in the country. In Nasarawa State, on December 19, 2024 the agency “sealed a factory and eight shops for packaging and distributing counterfeit rice, valued at approximately N5 billion,” she said.  The operation had targeted a facility named Ninjur Ventures on Abacha Road, Karu.  Also, at Wuse and Garki markets in Abuja, the agency “confiscated over 1,600 bags of counterfeit rice worth about N5 billion where counterfeit rice was being repackaged in branded bags.”

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     The “mop-up operation” in the FCT and Nasarawa State coincided with a two-day operation in Aba on December 16 and 17, 2024.  A total of 150 shops at Eziukwu Market in Aba, Abia State, were shut down following an operation during which the agency “uncovered large-scale production and distribution of fake and expired goods including beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, vegetable oils, and revalidated food items such as noodles, powdered milk, and yoghurt with a market value of N5bn.”

     According to the NAFDAC boss, “In total, over N120bn worth of seized products were destroyed by the agency in six months (July-December) in the six geo-political zones and FCT.”

    Clearly, the destroyed products posed a serious threat to public health. However, the agency must go beyond destroying such products. Those involved in producing them and those who knowingly sell them to the public must be arrested and prosecuted for a deterrent effect.  The high scale of their dangerous activities suggests that the agency is not doing enough to deter them.  

  • Baying at the mighty

    Baying at the mighty

    Nigerians must be worried at the disturbing trend of partisanship and mob justice that have crept into our discourse on issues. Nigerians are quick to take sides, often based on sentiment rather than substance, particularly when the mighty and powerful are involved.

    Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in her book, “Fighting Corruption Is Dangerous” at Page 69-70 recounted thus: “By January 2016, the allegations of (her) involvement had been picked up by a politically connected lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, who without any facts, included my name in a list of names of “indicted” people he sent to the International Criminal Court in the Hague demanding their prosecution for crime against humanity “.

    Summary: the learned senior advocate came to a conclusion that injured the reputation of Ngozi Iweala but which many Nigerians had applauded in the typical tradition of vilifying the mighty.

    Recently, the table would turn against the learned senior advocate: Martins Ortse (popularly known as VDM) alleged that Femi Falana took money from Bobrisky to help him get a presidential pardon. Without a fair assessment of his human rights and public records, some Nigerians actually took him to the cleaners, chanting VDM as their new found hero.

    I watched with dismay how some Nigerians on social media judged the situation and made very unfair comments aimed at tarnishing the image and the person of Falana who to my knowledge has contributed so much to the protection of the welfare of Nigerians through his legal practice.

    For this category of Nigerians, it is always a case of championing the cause of the perceived underdog while vilifying the mighty.

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    Today, the social media is abuzz with the name of Chief Afe Babalola, accompanied by a chorus of scorn and bitter condemnation. It’s alarming to see how hastily Nigerians have passed judgment on this esteemed elder-statesman without the benefit of hearing from him.

    In our haste to condemn, we often overlook the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.  How many Nigerians have cared to read the facts of the case and the circumstances in which those allegations were made? Does it mean that whoever has the guts to defame the mighty and lower his esteem is a fearless speaker of truth?

    It seems that in our eagerness to applaud those who dare to speak truth to power, we often forget to scrutinize the veracity of their claims. Not everyone who defames the mighty is a fearless truth sayer. Some may be driven by malice, personal agendas, or a desire for attention.

    •David Bassey Antia,Topfaith University, Mkpatak,Akwa Ibom State.

  • Toyin Falola at 72: Scholar without limits

    Toyin Falola at 72: Scholar without limits

    Sir: As Toyin Falola turns 72 today, January 1, we celebrate this towering figure and prolific academic in African scholarship. It is not merely his academic contributions that define him; it is his boundless energy and selfless support of others that set him apart. He has transcended individuality to become an institution. It is not enough to study his works and thoughts on various subjects he has written on. It is important to also study his lifestyle. How does he manage to be so productive?

    How does he manage to defy the constraints of time, producing an astonishing volume of work while maintaining an active presence on the global lecture circuit? What secrets lie behind his incredible productivity, as he responds to every email and engages with various requests from numerous people?

    In 2019, Lead City University, Ibadan, hosted a public conference where scholars engaged in a thought-provoking discussion about Toyin Falola’s latest publication, “In Praise of Greatness: The Poetics of African Adulation.” During the event, a professor posed a poignant question: Should the title of “professor” be reserved exclusively for individuals of Toyin Falola’s calibre, or can it be shared with others who bear the same academic distinction? With Toyin Falola’s productivity, the professor wondered if the title should still be used for all.

    If you ask me, there exists a threshold of greatness beyond which titles become superfluous. I have heard so very many people mention the name Toyin Falola without accompanying the honorific of a “professor.” To me, he has outgrown the need for titular validation. The title of professor, once a badge of distinction, now seems insufficient to capture the full magnitude of his stature, influence, and achievements, which all speak louder than the title.

    During my latest check, in 2024, Toyin Falola produced works including Understanding Colonial Nigeria: British Rule and Its Impact, Transformations in History: African Societies and Economies in the Works of Paul Lovejoy, Decolonising African History, Writing the History of the African Diaspora, Global Yorùbá: Regional and Diasporic Networks, Daily Life in Colonial Africa, Milestones in African Literature, and Chinua Achebe: Narrating Africa in Fictions and History. This impressive list is definitely not exhaustive.

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    He is never tired as he travels all over the world—today in Lagos, tomorrow in Accra, and then you hear from him in Greece. Toyin Falola is a transformative presence, much like a catalyst that sparks profound change. Whether you encounter him through a chance meeting or a deliberate pursuit, his impact is undeniable. He leaves an indelible mark on those he meets, inspiring growth, challenging perspectives, and igniting new passions. Whether he meets you or you meet him, you cannot remain the same again. Like a stone that creates ripples in a pond, Toyin Falola’s influence radiates outward.

    He has impacted the lives and professional paths of countless individuals throughout Africa. His selfless support has transformed the lives of many across Africa and inspired thousands more. He is a voice to be reckoned with in humanities and social sciences with hundreds of books to his credit. In an era where age-related divisions seem insurmountable, Toyin Falola bridges the gap with ease. At 72, he defies generational boundaries to connect his own era with that of the vibrant world of Gen Z. Baba’s connection with the younger generation is nothing short of remarkable. His ability to transcend age-related differences reflects his genuine interest in the lives and perspectives of those born decades after him.

    This is to wish Baba a happy birthday. We are grateful for your contributions to Africa and the world at large. Happy birthday to the Number One Humanities scholar in Africa, an eminent professor of history, a distinguished university teaching professor, and the Jacob and Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin.

    •Matthew Alugbin, PhD,Ibadan, Oyo State.

  • Kwara: Out of the shadows of stagnation

    Kwara: Out of the shadows of stagnation

    Sir: For decades, Kwara State was synonymous with the Saraki political dynasty—a hegemonic force that shaped the state’s political and economic landscape through a system often referred to as Ile-loke politics. This term, rooted in the political structures of Kwara’s past, reflects the centralization of decision-making and resources within a privileged elite, to the detriment of grassroots development.

    While the Saraki era remains a significant chapter in the state’s history, it also left a legacy of stagnation, stifling progress and innovation.

    At its core, Ile-loke politics perpetuated a patronage system that prioritized loyalty to the dynasty over merit and competence.

    During this era, Kwara became synonymous with politics over progress. For instance, critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure suffered neglect. Schools remained dilapidated, hospitals were underfunded, and basic infrastructure failed to meet the needs of a growing population.  The consequences of this political arrangement were stark. Kwara lagged behind other states in the North-Central region in terms of industrialization and human capital development.

    Neighbouring states such as Niger and Kogi began to outpace Kwara in attracting investments and fostering inclusive growth.

    Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s emergence in 2019 marked a decisive break from the Saraki-dominated past. His administration has symbolized a shift from Ile-loke politics to a governance model centred on transparency, accountability, and grassroots engagement. By prioritizing the needs of the people over political patronage, the AbdulRazaq-led government has embarked on transformative projects that are directly impacting lives.

    The ongoing urban renewal in Ilorin, the rehabilitation of over 600 schools, and investments in rural road construction are emblematic of this new direction. Moreover, the governor’s administration has dismantled structures that enabled the concentration of power in the hands of a few.

    By decentralizing governance and actively engaging with communities across the state, the government is fostering a sense of ownership and participation among ordinary Kwarans. This approach is in sharp contrast to the Ile-Loke era, where decisions were made in the interest of a select elite.

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    The strides made over the past years underscore the importance of entrusting Kwara’s future to leaders who prioritize progress, transparency, and the welfare of the people. One of the most visible aspects of Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership is his commitment to urban renewal and infrastructure development.  In Ilorin, the state capital, his administration has embarked on ambitious urban renewal projects that have modernized the metropolis, improving its aesthetics and functionality.

    While some have raised concerns about the displacement of small businesses in the process, the overall reception has been positive, with residents lauding the enhanced infrastructure and strategic urban planning. Education, a sector that had been neglected for years, has also undergone a remarkable transformation. The renovation of over 600 schools stands as a testament to the administration’s focus on human capital development.

    These efforts have not only provided conducive learning environments but have also restored hope among students and educators alike. This investment in education is setting the foundation for a more informed and skilled generation that will drive the state’s future prosperity.

    In agriculture, the administration’s 10-year Agriculture Transformation Plan has provided a lifeline for farmers and agrarian communities.

    This initiative aims to promote food security and resolve long-standing conflicts between farmers and herders, ensuring sustainable development in rural areas. Additionally, the government’s decision to flag off the construction of 209.77km of rural roads is a strategic move to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity across the state.

    Yet, the journey from stagnation to progress is far from over. To secure a brighter future for Kwara, its people must rally behind leaders who have proven their capacity to deliver results. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has shown what is possible when leadership is driven by vision and a genuine commitment to the people. The stakes are high, and the choice is clear: the future of Kwara must remain in capable hands to sustain the gains of today and unlock the potential of tomorrow.

    •Babajide Fadoju,Ilorin, Kwara State.