The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

Ogun Inland Dry Port turning to a leading industrial zone

By Femi Ogbonnikan

Penultimate Monday, further to his sustained effort to develop a transportation hub in Ogun State to facilitate cargo movement and boost industrial growth, the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun received the outlined “Certificate of Compliance” on the Inland Dry Port located in the Papalanto, Ewekoro area of the state. Among other benefits, the dry port will facilitate trade and promote economic development in inland regions. Dry ports, like normal seaports, handle cargo and provide storage facilities, warehousing, logistics services, customs clearance, and inspection services. The project was recently flagged off by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barrister Ukeyima Akutah, while making the presentation to the Governor at his Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta, along with a delegation of directors and other top officials, made an inspiring remark about the administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for economic growth. He said the emergence of Ogun State as the leading industrial economy in Nigeria was due to the Ease-of-Doing-Business Index achieved under the present administration of Governor Abiodun.

The remark lends credence to the Abiodun administration’s commitment to make Ogun State an investment destination of choice in the West African sub-region, leveraging on the combined advantages of its geographical location and oceanic plentitude of land. To realize the objective, the Governor has developed the plan, the strategy and the modality for the implementation, focusing on the creation of an enabling environment to attract local and foreign direct investments into the State.

Apart from the network of road infrastructure across the three senatorial districts, continuous improvement in the Ease-of-Doing-Business and land reform initiative provide a good attraction for investors. The administration has also created four economic zones in addition to the Agbara Industrial Zone, which includes the Ota (Ogun West) and Kajola (Ogun Central) axes.

Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, Egbetokun lay foundation for 2,200 police housing units

Currently, the Agbara Industrial Zone is arguably the largest industrial zone in Nigeria and probably one of the largest on the continent. It is the zone that makes Ogun State the industrial capital of Nigeria.

The decision by the present government to create additional zones is not only to expand economic opportunities that abound in the State but also make it investor-friendly. As of today, investors can conveniently choose any zone that suits them. The importance of economic zones cannot be over-emphasized. Among other benefits, a high-performing zone with strong foreign investment can create thousands of jobs while also building the capabilities of the local workforce as outside investors share expertise and know-how.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council boss, Akutah, noted that the initiatives aligned with the policy statement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at unleashing the country’s potential for industrial growth, prosperity, and job creation.

According to Akutah, the sustained effort of the Ogun State Government towards infrastructural development has enhanced industrial growth, thereby complementing the strides of the Federal Government to achieve sustainable transformation and industrialization.

He further commended the Governor for his determination to raise the bar of business activities in the state and develop critical infrastructure as a way of opening the state for an array of productive activities.

His words: “Your Excellency, we believe that the industrial revolution in Nigeria has already commenced in Ogun State under your watch, and we are very grateful for what you are doing.

“All the transport infrastructures you are developing, including the cargo airport which is at an advanced stage to commence operations, complement the efforts of Mr. President in terms of the industrial revolution in Nigeria, and this is quite commendable.

“We are also grateful to Your Excellency for the transit area which we are working together with our partners to develop in your State and also the land-a 20-hectare plot of land-which you graciously have provided to us to develop into a vehicle transit area.

“We commend you and your team for being consistent with infrastructural development in all sectors of the state’s economy. One of those infrastructures is the Gateway International Agro-cargo Airport, as well as the Inland Dry Port for which we are presenting its “Certificate of Compliance” to you today.

“Obviously, you have demonstrated capacity and quality leadership by all standards, and your state is piloting the ongoing industrial revolution in Nigeria as conceived by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Akutah noted that the provision of a good road network, the construction of an airport, and a conducive business environment had led to the influx of companies to the state, signaling the industrial revolution in the country.

In his response, the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, commended the delegation for the visit and for granting the “Certificate of Compliance” for the take-off of the Papalanto Inland Dry Port, saying it was a significant step in the quest for the establishment of the port.

The Governor described the Papalanto Inland Dry Port as a strategic port of operation aimed at decongesting the Lagos Ports and boosting industrial activities in Ogun State. He explained that through the concept of the Multi-modal Transportation System adopted by his administration upon assumption of office on May 29, 2019, the Inland Dry Port would be an efficient mechanism for the industrial revolution embarked upon by the Federal Government.

Governor Abiodun stated that his administration conceived the Kajola Inland Dry Port project in alignment with the Federal Government’s initiative to strengthen rail lines across the country to take pressure off the Apapa and Tin Can ports, both in Lagos, and make the clearance of raw materials seamless.

Abiodun said: “Ogun State has a lot of federal roads that traverse the North, East, and other parts of the country, which explains why many manufacturers have found us a convenient location to set up their concerns.

“We have the advantage of proximity to Lagos, Nigeria’s busiest seaports and airport. We also have the advantage of extensive gas reticulation in terms of pipelines, which allows for energy and gas to power industries.

“These two factors have made us the industrial capital, and naturally, you will find that a lot of raw materials are coming in by sea, and once processed, they are coming in through Lagos to our State.

“This initiative is supported by the strong case that if we were able to establish an Inland Port here, it would align with the federal government’s initiative of strengthening the rail line since this line connects Lagos to Ogun, Oyo, Osun, and Ondo states.

“The volume of traffic at Tincan and Apapa seaports is overwhelming, and these ports have become extremely inefficient as containers remain there for upwards of 30-60 days, accruing demurrage. By the time they are cleared and brought down to our state, a lot of demurrage and added costs have been incurred.

“In a strong business case, we say if we set up the Inland Dry Port, when the containers arrive, they don’t need to be cleared in Lagos; they will be put onto trains, and all the processes will be done here. This means that containers destined for Oyo, Osun, and Ondo states will be cleared here.”

Governor Abiodun assured that his administration would cooperate and work with the Shippers’ Council for the benefit of all.

Akutah’s commendation confirms the ongoing effort by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun to make Ogun State an investment destination of choice. From all available indices, the administration has brought far more remarkable achievements than any other time in the recent past. None of his predecessors has achieved the level of success the present government has recorded within the five and a half years of its inception. For three consecutive sessions under his administration, the state has routinely maintained its competitive edge over the rest parts of the country.

Having created the pathway for sustainable economic growth, the challenge is to continue to strive to forge ahead in the drive to sustain the state’s leading position as the nation’s industrial capital.

However, because the desire for a higher goal of economic prosperity for all is forever a work in progress, all the stakeholders must come together as a collective group to join hands with the government and take ownership of the process.

Governor Abiodun has promised not to let the guard down. Already, there are plans in the pipeline to create more economic zones for further industrial development. These include the construction of a deep Seaport at Olokola, the Sea Port in the Ijebu Economic Zone, and the Remo Economic Zone.

All these Economic Zones are to ensure that cargos produced in the State are conveniently processed and exported through the Ogun International Cargo Airport as well as Sea Port.

The establishment of Kajola dry port, Akutah said, underscored the collective dedication to improving Nigeria’s trade and logistics infrastructure, expressing optimism that it would play a vital role in national transformation.

•Ogbonnikan writes from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital

December 20, 2024
Okpebholo’s coming and the change of narrative

By Fred Itua

As nations continue to compete in technological, scientific and academic breakthroughs through various incentives, stakeholders in Nigeria have been worried that the nation has not paid much attention to this area as many deserving graduates are often left uncelebrated.

The social media space had in recent times been flooded with reports of best graduating students of universities being rewarded with as low as N1,000 cash, while many of our first class graduates roam the streets in endless search for job opportunities.

This, which clearly contrasts the reality in other sectors like the entertainment world, were the winners of reality TV shows, beauty pageant and other events that add no quantifiable value to the society are rewarded with hundreds of millions of naira, had led to a culture where many young men have now popularized the saying, “school na scam”.

This discouraging paradox has seen a great relapse in the reading culture among the young ones. Students would rather spend time on social media, creating contents, pressing their laptops and engaging in other activities than devote time to their studies as those who had excelled in this line in time past have nothing or little to show for their academic rigor and excellence.

This story however is changing in the Heartbeat of the Nation, as Edo State under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is giving the much needed attention to not only celebrating students who have excelled in their academic pursuit, but also rewarding them handsomely, financially and giving them opportunities to excel and grow in their chosen academic career.

This move aimed at changing the narrative, “school na scam” and re-directing the attention of the younger ones to the joys of academic exploits, research rigor and raising the standard of education in Nigeria is yielding result already as many are now beginning to see, that excelling in academics could be a sure way of not only achieving financial freedom, but also nationwide recognition.

It is in line with this initiative of the Governor, that the member representing Akoko-Edo 2 Constituency in Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Donald Okogbe recently presented a generous donation of N1.5 million to James Ojo Allen, UNIBEN’s best graduating student in the 2023/2024 academic session.

With an outstanding CGPA of 4.98, Mr Allen Ojo sets a new record of the highest ever recorded academic feat in the University’s 54 years history.

Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, Egbetokun lay foundation for 2,200 police housing units

Earlier in the week, the Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Pally Iyamu gifted the young academic genius, N1 million Naira and decorated him as an Ambassador of SUBEB.

These recognitions and financial rewards are instrumental and vital in changing the mindset of the average Nigerian youth towards education and its relevance in the 21st century world. By giving priority to educational excellence, the administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo has shown that he is poised to make Edo, an educational vibrant State and regaining its long history of producing the brightest minds in the country.

In the wake of this significant boost, and the massive investment being planned for the educational sector by Governor Monday Okpebholo as evident in his recent disbursement of N500 million subvention to Ambrose Alli University, AAU, and the significant percentage earmarked for education in Edo 2025 budget, it is clear that Edo State is set to experience a healthy competition among young scholars, as they jostle to outshine one another in academic feat and scholarly excellence; a move that could spiral innovation, inventions, among others.

This has awaken the hope in many observers, that many more privileged individuals, corporate organizations, political actors and NGOs would be inspired and encouraged to embark on similar actions in support of education and youth development. The ripple effect of such initiatives can inspire a culture of excellence and aspiration among young people, enabling them to dream big and achieve their goals

As our own young scholar and record setter, James Ojo Allen embarks on the next phase of his academic career, he carries with him the hope of his community, the support of his benefactor and the Edo State Government and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, and the immerse impact of government and political leader’s support in igniting a fire of determination, will and doggedness in youths, reminding us that with the right support, the average Nigerian youth not only have the sky as his limit, but as the starting point to the endless possibilities of the “can do” fire that burns in the veins of every Edo son and daughter.

In an era where education remains a crucial pillar for advancement, stories like that of Allen, Okogbe, Iyamu and Okpebholo’s investment in education blend to inspire generations, reaffirming that together, we can create a formidable future.

•Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor.

December 20, 2024
We need to rethink the judicial system

Sir: A young boy, Segun Olowookere, was sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl and eggs in Osun State, Nigeria. For 14 years, he languished in prison until the Governor of Osun State intervened on December 17 to grant him a pardon. He was sentenced alongside Morakinyo Sunday, an accomplice, with whom he allegedly committed the crime using weapons.

I have read thoughts justifying that crimes of armed robbery are punishable by death and how the case above ended is very worrisome. However, this tragic case shows the dysfunction and moral failings of the Nigerian judicial system, where those entrusted with upholding justice often become its greatest threats. It is unthinkable that judges, lawyers, and court officials are the greatest threats to the justice system in Nigeria.

This piece does not suggest that the judge, in the case above, was induced to jail the young Nigerians. It only points to the systemic abnormalities in our judiciary. The pattern is distressing, with an alarming number of judicial officers indicted for misconduct over the years. Even in 2024, judges continue to face sacking, warnings or forced retirement for unethical practices. These are facts that are public knowledge but often ignored.

In Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ)’S report, “a 2023 observation by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) found that judges were Nigeria’s biggest bribe recipients, collecting N721 billion in cash bribes.”

Read Also: Sanwo-Olu urges unity, love at Christmas Carol of nine lessons

Returning to the case of Segun Olowookere, the question remains: how does the nation compensate for the 14 years stolen from his life? How does it repair the damage done to his family, his future, and his dignity? This is not just about Segun. It is an indictment of a system that fails its citizens, especially the most vulnerable. Without systemic reforms and accountability, similar injustices will persist, leaving more lives irreparably damaged. How many more individuals like Segun Olowookere are languishing in prisons, forgotten by society and trapped in a system that prioritises punishment over justice? How many innocent lives are wasting away due to the negligence, corruption, and inefficiency of the judicial system? And how many judicial officers continue to enrich themselves at the expense of the innocent, feeding fat on the blood of vulnerable Nigerians? How can we claim to uphold the rule of law when the very custodians of justice betray its principles?

It is high time the Nigerian legal system dropped that colonial wig and other antiquated symbolic remnants; let us think for ourselves, a justice system that truly serves the people, rooted in fairness and equity.

•Matthew Alugbin, PhD,Edo State University, Uzairue

December 20, 2024
Tax bills and the common man

By Olabode Lucas

Growing up at Ilesa in the late 50s, I witnessed with horror how hefty tax collectors employed by the defunct Ilesa Urban District Council harassed and traumatized ordinary citizens especially farmers on the streets for not paying their income taxes. These petty traders and farmers eked out their existence from their paltry holdings and in order to avoid these marauding tax collectors, the farmers usually left their houses for their farms very early in the morning only to return at dusk. Those who were not farmers tried to avoid the dehumanization from these merciless tax collectors through all sorts of devices such as pretending to be old women.

I do not remember big men in the town being subjected to this type of horrendous treatment by the tax collectors. I was told then that this type of dehumanization of people for tax payment was common in the whole of the former Western Region where in the 60s, tax collection was also used as a weapon of political victimization. Judging by the political trends in the First Republic, I do not think this situation was peculiar to the old Western Region alone; it must have had its replications in the other regions of the country also.

Read Also: Sanwo-Olu urges unity, love at Christmas Carol of nine lessons

There is no doubt that collection and payment of taxes had been in existence since the inception of mankind. We read in the Holy Writ that Jesus paid tax according to Matthew 17;24-27. From this information, one wonders why our modern day religious organisations stoutly oppose payment of taxes. From the Bible, one can also deduce from the confession of Zacchaeus in Matthew 19:1-10, that collection of taxes had also been riddled with extortion and corruption. From the above instances, it is crystal clear that ordinary people in this country and elsewhere had always been holding the wrong end of the stick when it came to payment of income taxes. It is therefore pertinent now, to ask what the common man would gain in the proposed Tax Reforms Bills sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October.

According to the Tax Reforms Bills, there is promotion of uniform procedures for a consistent and efficient administration of tax compliance by tax players in line with the current realities. The Bills comprise of Nigerian Tax Bill, Nigerian Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, Nigerian Tax Administration Bill and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill. The Bills will lead to repeal of many taxes such as Company Income Tax Act, Personal Income Act, Capital Gains tax Act and other taxes.

Since the Tax Reforms Bills were sent to the National Assembly by the president, the bills have generated a lot of acrimonious discussions in the country not only among members of the National Assembly but also among Nigerians in different strata. There is rumbling too from the academics on the fate of Education Tax Fund (ETF) which had being useful in carrying out a lot of infrastructure on the campuses. The debate on the bills had generated more heat than light and from my observations; it seems the discussions on the bills are having ethnic and regional colourations. Most of the critics of the bills are from the northern part of the country. In the senate, the bills were vehemently opposed by senators led by Ali Ndume who disrupted the proceedings in the senate when the bills were being debated. In his opposition to the bills, he flaunted his academic credentials in the senate so that members could be convinced that he was not opposing the bills out of ignorance. Most northern governors too, are opposed to the bills and one of them, Babagana Zulum raised an alarm that with the bills in place, most states would not be able to pay salaries.

However, it has to pointed out that some political heavyweights from the same part of the country like Yakubu Dogara, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Sheu Sani from Kaduna State and even the fiery religious leader, Sheik Gumi, supported the bills as they all felt that in the long run, the North would benefit from the bills. The supporters of the bills and the presidency felt that those opposed to the bills had not taken time off to study the bills carefully.

In order to allay the fears of members of the National Assembly on the bills, President Tinubu has directed the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN to meet with the leadership of the National Assembly. Earlier the National Assembly had been briefed on the bills by chairman of Presidential Task Force on Taxation, Taiwo Oyedele and the articulate Zach Adedeji, the chairman pf Federal Inland Revenue Service. From the look of things, it seems President Tinubu would leave no stone unturned in order to get these bills passed by the National Assembly.

One of the most contentious aspects of the tax reform is the proposed VAT revenue sharing formula. Under the proposed dispensation, 60% of the VAT revenue will be allocated to the states where goods and services were consumed, 20% distributed on the basis of population and the remaining 20% distributed equally among the states. This proposed amendment ensures that no longer will ‘monkey dey work, baboon dey chop.’ The proposed amendment also implies that taxpayers will pay lower taxes at lower income. This is a welcome development because only people with low pay paid disproportional amount from their salaries as income tax. In some countries, low pay workers pay only 1% of their salaries as income tax, while highly paid workers and rich people in the society pay above 50% of their incomes. In South Africa, I paid 40% of my salary as income tax as a professor. A people-oriented government should always protect the poor and the vulnerable in the society, unfortunately this is not the case in the recent past in our country, where people do not derive much benefit from the taxes they pay as these taxes end up in the pockets of gluttonous and pampered politicians.

Politicians and big men avoid paying income taxes in our country and we saw this embarrassing situation when many big politicians were being screened for elections in 1979 by NADECO headed by Michael Ani. Many of them were found not have paid income taxes for years and they were given reprieve by the military government of the day for political reasons. If the proposed tax reforms would lessen the tax burden on the poor and vulnerable in our society, then the bills before the National Assembly deserve speedy passage. The present torrid economic situation in our country demands that everything should be done to alleviate the sufferings of the people. The concern of the university people on the Education Task Fund (ETF) should be looked into because of the salutary effects of the Fund on the universities in Nigeria.

•Professor Lucas writes from Old Bodija, Ibadan

December 20, 2024
The Fly Nigeria Bill good but…

Sir: A new bill which among others compels government officials and contractors to fly Nigeria airlines is a commendable move but there are some issues that need to be addressed effectively before the bill can be justified to become an Act.

Firstly, why did Nigerians prefer to fly with foreign airlines? It is an established fact that wires and cables produced in Nigeria are of higher quality and durability than the imported ones despite the high preference of Nigerians for imported goods.

Every human being wants the mode and means of transportation that can guarantee safety and security. This is the reason why many travellers now prefer to travel by air instead of roads because of the high rate of insecurity on the roads.

In the 90s, there were frequent cases of air crashes but this has been virtually eliminated now due to improved monitoring of standards and consequence management. Air crashes were rare occurrences with the foreign airlines.

Despite the low rate of crashes involving Nigerian airlines, a lot still needs to be done to match the confidence people have in the foreign airlines with Nigeria airlines.

Few years ago, I boarded an aircraft from Abuja to Uyo but what I observed was not pleasant. The interior of the aircraft was no better than the very old buses shuttling Abuja and Onitsha markets. The leg room was not better than that of the Lagos Molue buses.

Read Also: President Tinubu committed to Nigeria’s growth – aide

Recently, I also had another experience in the aircraft of a very reputable airline in Nigeria. The interior leather was not as good as those in the buses of some transport companies in Nigeria. It was also obvious that the air-conditioners in the plane had a challenge.

By comparison, foreign airlines are more standard outside and inside. They are also better maintained with the comfort and safety of the passengers as priority. Nobody wants to fly an aircraft where his or her welfare and safety cannot be assured.

Before the Fly Nigeria Bill can be justified to become a law in Nigeria, there is a need to effectively address the following issues:

The purchase of aircrafts by Nigeria airlines must be monitored to ensure they are not refurbished unsafe aircrafts. They must conform to global standards. The process of certification must be rigorous and professional. The airworthiness of the aircraft must be monitored and ascertained, not only daily but before each flight.

Their routine maintenance must be regular, monitored and assured. The services offered right from booking, to boarding and arrival must be monitored for compliance to global standards.

All the aircraft currently flying in Nigeria must be inspected by a team of local and foreign professionals for quality assurance. Those that fail the test must be withdrawn from the Nigeria airspace.

Because of the high cost of aircraft acquisition despite the leasing facilities made available globally, there is a need for government to support local airlines with low interest loans to ease new aircraft acquisition.

Government should be supporting the local refineries to significantly reduce the price of Jet A1 for aircraft just as also expected for the petroleum products being used for road transportation in Nigeria.

With the above done and seen to be well done, the level of confidence of Nigerians in the safety of the aircraft will increase greatly thereby boosting the patronage of the local airlines. Then, the Fly Nigeria Bill will be justified to become a law in Nigeria.

•Jide Owatunmise, Lagos

December 20, 2024
The burden of blood and boundaries

Sir: Olukemi Badenoch, the Nigerian-born leader of Britain’s main opposition, the Conservative Party has been copping a lot of criticism from Nigerian authorities since she was elected to the post. First was the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission which criticized her for snubbing it when it reached out to her. Recently, Vice President Kashim Shettima, weighed in with the strongest criticism of the MP yet when he accused her of constantly denigrating Nigeria, ending his criticism by suggesting she could change her first name.

Unlike citizenship which flows in the blood, patriotism is often an intangible product of power – personal power in this case – the kind of power that comes from debt, when one feels indebted to another, in this case, a country. Genuine patriotism can never be forced. It freely builds up when citizens of a country recognize how much they owe their country which must have in turn given them quality of life.

When there is no patriotism, people have been known to take the extraordinary step of renouncing their citizenship. That appears to be what Badenoch has done.

While the VP thinks Nigeria is one of the greatest countries on earth probably because he sees the country from the vantage point of Aso Rock with all its lavish perks, Badenoch has spoken of the “hell” she lived in Lagos with rampant insecurity and without constant running water.

Because there is a clear riot of perspectives, the VP cannot expect more than she is willing to give. His experience as a privileged Nigerian who has been governor and vice president with all the security that comes with it contrasts sharply with her experience as one who practically had to flee the country.

It is a mistake to think that anyone in Nigeria is more ‘Nigerian’ than others. It is also dangerous to conflate palatable patriotism when the going is good with genuine patriotism that shapes the kind of withering criticism that can reset a country. Perhaps, the VP should listen to Nigerians on the streets of Nigeria.

In a country of more than 200 million people, and hundreds of thousands of others in the diaspora who identify as Nigerians, it cannot be that the majority hate the country or are deliberately going out of their way to denigrate it.

Read Also: Shettima prays for Nigeria’s peace, stability during Umrah in Makkah

Many Nigerians are not dual citizens like Badenoch. Nigeria is all they have. What will they gain by denigrating the country? Yet, they paint a far bleaker picture of the country than Badenoch can ever do. Why? Because that is the reality they live daily.

Badenoch has spoken of ‘hearing neighbours in Lagos burgled and beaten’ while she was still in Nigeria. What has changed? Rather than vilifying her or force some pseudo patriotism down her throat, the VP should concentrate on utilizing his exalted office to make Nigeria better. Nigerians would appreciate that far more than attacks on someone whose criticism they not only agree with but are willing to adopt.

With the rate of young Nigerians fleeing the country never to return, Badenoch’s snub is just the tip for a country that continues to lurch from disaster to disaster while those charged with its affairs prefer to go cap in hand to other countries rather than on equal footing.

It must become impossible for anyone to snub the world’s most populous Black democracy and economy. But this cannot be achieved by weightless reactionary salvos fired because one is reeling from being snubbed. This self-respect must be earned at the grindstone of international development which hands countries the keys to international prestige.

•Kene Obiezu,keneobiezu@gmail.com

December 20, 2024
Kano schools sans teachers

There is a crisis of teacher staffing in some schools in Kano State and it is amazing the authorities could live with it. We’ve read before about schools in some states where pupils sit on the bare floor to receive lessons, but the staffing crisis in the identified Kano schools is of such gargantuan proportion that you would wonder what lessons could be passed down to pupils under such condition anyway.

Ungogo Special Primary School in Ungogo council area of the state has only 15 teachers for its 2,943 pupil population. And that is official. Headteacher Haladu Tanko lately outed with the crisis to the media and pleaded for urgent remediation. Tanko said the huge disparity between the number of pupils and available teaching staff had affected the quality of education, lamenting that the overwhelming student population made it difficult for teachers to give individual attention to each pupil – an obvious reality that goes without saying.

The headteacher appealed to relevant authorities in the state government to address the staffing crisis, arguing that an increase in the number of teachers would significantly improve learning outcomes and ease the burden of the existing staff. “The situation is becoming unbearable for both teachers and pupils. The current number of teachers is insufficient to handle the large number of students, and it is negatively impacting academic performance,” he said.

Read Also: Afenifere Youths hail Dangote Group for festive fuel price reduction

Ungogo Special Primary School isn’t an isolated case. Operating in similar circumstance is Yelwa Primary School in Dala council area where there are just 31 teachers for the 1,164 pupil population. Headmaster Umar Aliyu was reported lamenting the staffing crisis and urging the state government to employ more teachers and train the existing ones. He also solicited infrastructural interventions like provision of more toilets and enhanced security in the school to curb rampant thefts and vandalism.

In Sabon Layi Primary School, there are 39 teachers for the 1,764 pupil population and Headteacher Auwal Abubakar called for employment of more teachers. So also is the case of Hotoro South Special Primary School where there are only 30 teachers for the 1,432 pupil population. “We need more qualified teachers to handle the large number of pupils,” Headteacher Habibu Sani said.

These are only schools that came into media attention. Only the heavens know how many more there are in similar or worse situation, but stewing in the dark. The amazing thing is the availability of pupils to learn, only there are no teachers to teach. The trend actually gives the lie to a historical narrative that children in a particular region of this country aren’t disposed to getting formal education. The huge pupil populations, even when there are no teachers to teach them, tell a different story.

The Kano government, and indeed governments of every other state where there are similar cases, must rise to tackle the challenge. It is a scandal that mustn’t linger.

December 20, 2024
Rising and rising

Rising inflation in the country continued in the last three months. Many Nigerians struggled to cope with this reality. Sadly, there seems to be no end in sight.

Figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that the cost-of-living crisis in the country is unrelenting. Month-on-month food inflation rate, for instance, increased in September, notably affecting prices of staples such as rice, maize, beans, and yams. There were also significant price increases in housing rentals, transport, and medical services.

Again, according to the agency, the inflation rate rose to 33.8 percent in October from 32.70 percent recorded in September. At the time, the Statistician General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, said in a statement that the highest increases were recorded in the prices of “Bus Journey within the city, Journey by motorcycle, Bus journey intercity, etc. (under Passenger Transport by Road Class), Rents (Actual and Imputed Rentals for Housing Class), Meal at a local Restaurant (Accommodation Service Class), and hair cut service, woman hairbrush, women’s hairdressing, etc. (Hairdressing salons & personal grooming establishments Class).”

Read Also: Customs announces VAT removal from LPG, CNG

The narrative has not changed. The prices of staples keep increasing. The same thing is true regarding housing rentals, transport, and medical services. Yet again, a report by the bureau said inflation increased in November. The food inflation rate in November 2024, for instance, was higher than the rate recorded in October 2024, the agency said, attributing the rise to “the rate of increase in the average prices of Mudfish, Catfish Dried, Dried Fish Sardine, etc. (Fish Class), Rice, Yam Flour, Millet Whole grain, Corn flour, etc. (Bread and Cereals Class), Agric Egg, Powdered Milk, Fresh Milk, etc. (Milk, cheese and eggs Class) and Dried Beef, Goat Meat, Frozen Chicken, etc. (Meat Class).”

The alarmingly deteriorating cost-of-living crisis in the country is a bad advertisement for the Federal Government’s reforms. All levels of government are expected to urgently find solutions to the cost-of-living issues in the spaces they govern.

The Federal Government’s repetitive argument that the reforms negatively impacting Nigerians are a necessary means to a positive end can’t make sense to people who are unable to breathe because of the cost of living.

The increasing prices of goods and services reported by the NBS continue to suggest that the reforms may well be counter-productive. The people want falling prices, not prices that are rising and rising.

December 19, 2024
Of Assad’s fall and its aftermath
- By Shola Adebowale
Sir: The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government has sparked concerns about the potential hazards of power vacuum in the region, with various countries, including Israel, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, making moves to expand their influence in Syria.

So, why did Assad’s regime fall at this time? The answer lies in a perfect storm of internal and external pressures that have been building for years.

Internally, Assad’s regime had become increasingly isolated and weakened by the civil war. The Syrian economy was in shambles, with widespread poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure destruction. The regime’s brutal suppression of opposition and dissent had also alienated many Syrians, who had lost faith in Assad’s ability to provide stability and security.

Externally, the regime faced mounting pressure from regional and international powers. The United States, in particular, had been seeking to isolate and weaken Assad’s government, imposing economic sanctions and providing military support to opposition groups.

Read Also: FG earmarks N250bn for Lagos-Abuja rail project in 2025 budget

Turkey, which had long been a key backer of the Syrian opposition, had also been increasing its military presence in northern Syria, putting pressure on Assad’s forces. Saudi Arabia, another key opponent of Assad, had been providing financial and military support to opposition groups.

The final straw came when Russia, Assad’s main international backer, began to withdraw its military support from Syria. Without Russian airpower and military advisers, Assad’s forces were unable to withstand the pressure from opposition groups and external powers.

With the collapse of Assad’s regime, the consequences are already being felt. Israel has taken advantage of the situation, with its ground forces crossing into Syrian territory for the first time since the 1973 October War. This move is likely aimed at countering Iranian influence in the region and securing Israel’s northern border.

Turkey, on the other hand, is seeking to repatriate millions of Syrian refugees living in Turkey, and has urged a peaceful transition of power in Syria. Saudi Arabia is also watching the situation closely, having been involved in efforts to shape the transition period in Syria.

The fall of Assad’s regime has also raised concerns about the potential for extremism and terrorism. The Syrian opposition, which includes various factions and extremist groups, is still largely in control of much of the country.

The international community is calling for a peaceful transition of power and an end to the violence that has ravaged Syria for over a decade. However, with various countries jostling for influence in the region, the situation remains highly volatile and uncertain.

•Shola Adebowale,

Lagos.
December 19, 2024
Freedom is not free
- By Ezinwanne Onwuka
Sir: On December 10, the world marked Human Rights Day, celebrating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” is a powerful reminder of humanity’s collective commitment to the inalienable rights of human persons and the need to safeguard these rights. This is in line with Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

Recent events involving Dele Farotimi and Speed Darlington are notable cases that tell us that freedom is subject to limitations and restrictions. Dele Farotimi, a lawyer and human rights activist, was arrested and detained for making statements deemed defamatory about Afe Babalola and some other prominent legal minds as captured in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System. Similarly, musician Speed Darlington’s detention over inverfied accusations againts Burna Boy, one of Nigeria’s top artistes, in his bid to win 2021 Grammy award illustrates the consequences of misusing the freedom of speech. While Farotimi’s and Darlington’s claims sparked public gossip, they also bordered on defamation and libel as Afe Babalola and Burna Boy risked damage to their hard-earned reputation and career over unverified accusations.

Freedom of speech empowers people to express opinions without fear, but it does not permit unverified or harmful statements that damage reputations. Like other rights, freedom of speech comes with responsibilities. It allows individuals to speak truth to power and demand accountability but this freedom is not without limits. Laws regulating libel, slander, and hate speech are examples of restrictions on freedom of expression.

Read Also: 2027 elections: Ganduje tasks APC members to secure Tinubu’s re-election

Beyond speech, other rights operate within similar boundaries. Take press freedom as an example. The media is at liberty to report and shape public opinion, but this right is regulated to prevent sensationalism and misinformation. Likewise, freedom of religion guarantees the right to worship, yet this freedom is not a ticket to impose one’s faith on others, violate laws or harm others under the guise of religious expression. Even freedom of movement is curtailed when necessary for public safety or national security.

Freedom is therefore, a double-edged sword. On one hand, it amplifies voices and on the other hand, it amplifies harm. Notably, the boundary between exercising one’s rights and violating others’ rights is thin. What starts as “freedom of expression” can quickly morph into character assassination, which is why to every right or freedom, there is a corresponding duty. As the popular saying goes, “The rights of one person end where the rights of another begin.” This often thrown-about statement implies that freedom is not absolute.

There is no doubt that the universality of fundamental human rights is undeniable, but so is their regulated nature. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Nigeria has ratified, recognises the right to freedom of expression but also acknowledges that this right can be limited. Article 19(3) of the ICCPR states that freedom of expression can be limited to respect the rights or reputations of others or to protect national security, public order, public health, or morals.

In Nigeria, the constitution guarantees freedom of expression, but this right is also subject to limitations. Section 39(1) and (2) of the 1999 constitution (as amended) gives citizens the right to freedom of expression, including to hold opinions and to impart ideas and information without interference, as well as to own, establish, and operate any medium for the dissemination of information, ideas, and opinions. However, Section 39(3) restricts this freedom by a law reasonably justifiable in a democratic society, for the purpose of preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for the purpose of maintaining the authority and independence of the courts.

So, as we continue to reflect on this year’s Human Rights Day, let us remember that rights are both personal and collective. While we celebrate the strides made in protecting human rights and advocate for the safeguarding of fundamental rights, let us not lose sight of the responsibilities tied to them. Dele Farotimi and Speed Darlington’s experiences are cautionary tales, reminding us to exercise rights responsibly.

Ultimately, nothing is free, and with great freedom comes great responsibility.

• Ezinwanne Onwuka,

Abuja.
December 19, 2024