The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Now that National Theatre has been revamped

    Now that National Theatre has been revamped

    • By Olutayo Irantiola

    Sir: With the recent revamp of the National Theatre by a special purpose vehicle of the Bankers’ Committee and the Central Bank of Nigeria, the edifice is back in the spotlight making it a sight to behold.

    When the project began in April 2022, the estimated cost for the revamp was N21 billion. The Bankers’ Committee had explained that the revamping of the theatre was necessary considering that Nigeria has the potential to earn over $20 billion annually from the creative industry. It is projected that the National Theatre will be able to support skills acquisition and job creation for over one million Nigerians over the next five years.

    The images showing the completion of the national monument is a resounding revelation of Nigeria’s readiness host any global event within the creative industry.  The upgrade includes replacement of the entire Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, fire safety standards, power and the replacement of the water supply and sewage systems. The interior designs were not left out with the installation of Audio Video Lighting (AVL), world stage engineering system, 17 passenger lifts, solar power, new furniture for spaces and restoration of artworks including those on the internal wall panels and the building façade. At best, it could be described as a rebirth!

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    I believe that the journey of the creative sector should go beyond the National Theatre to cascade into the various states to orchestrate a national revival of the creative sector. In recent years, cultural centres that should showcase the arts of various states have gone moribund. Asides from the spaces in the tertiary institutions of learning and premium theatre locations run by deep pocket art connoisseurs, many people within the arts community are struggling to survive.

    For the creative sector to survive, we need investors that will enjoy some benefits akin to the federal government Roads Infrastructure Tax Credit policy and for the state government to also come up with modalities of engaging investors for the creative sector. Let the various regions in the state have art spaces, just like Lagos State did during the administration of Governor Akinwumi Ambode.

    The state governments need to task the tourism, arts and culture team on the number of performances and festivals that they must come up with annually. There are a lot of people and creative organisations seeking for partners to tell their stories and it is important for state governments to be involved in all these well-curated events. This will also challenge the civil servants and make them know that they must justify their earnings.

    To strengthen the creative economy of Nigeria, there is a need to return to our national and state monuments and facilities. If arts must thrive, it has to be Public-Private Partnership (PPP) driven and we must all patronize these venues.

     •Olutayo Irantiola,

    abolz2001@yahoo.com

  • ACF: Time for work, not distractions

    ACF: Time for work, not distractions

    • By Ismaila Mohammed

    Sir: The recent declaration by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to back a northern presidential candidate in the upcoming 2027 general elections due to dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies did not surprise many Nigerians.

    The ACF, once a respected voice for the North, has become a shadow of its former self,  mere mouthpiece for a select few, rather than representing the entire region. Its leadership is often criticized for being disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary northerners, prioritizing their own power and influence over addressing critical regional issues.

    Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El Rufai, previously criticized the ACF as a self-centred group lacking credibility and influence in elections, with members who have never experienced electoral success. Despite their lack of electoral influence, the ACF continues to push divisive agendas and promote parochial interests, rather than fostering unity and progress.

    ACF reminds one of the pangs of a dying behemoth. ACF does not speak for the North. While it is its right to decide who to vote for come 2027, it cannot take that decision on behalf of the northern people. Politically sophisticated and with a mind of their own, northerners must be respected to make their choice and not to be ambushed by a pseudo political association. 

    While the ACF has been vocal in its criticisms, it has failed to offer meaningful solutions to the North’s challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, insecurity, and unemployment. In contrast, President Bola Tinubu has initiated programmes and policies aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of Nigerians, including distributing palliatives, supporting small businesses, and empowering women.

    Recent government efforts in neutralizing notorious bandit leaders like Sububu, Alin Kasai and dozens of kingpins have shown progress in addressing security threats in the region.

    However, the ACF’s focus on political agendas has overshadowed its responsibilities in social and economic development. ACF should stop the habit of imputing ethnic bias into the administration’ policies. All Nigerians are making the sacrifices needed due to the ongoing reforms. 

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    ACF and its leadership should apply themselves to what is going on and the efforts and impact of Tinubu administration reform agenda on the people. For instance, N24.78bn has been disbursed and so far under the National Cash Transfer programme to 991,261 poor households as part of efforts to alleviate poverty. The cash transfer initiative is spearheaded by the National Social Investment Programme Agency with beneficiaries across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. There is a N200bn intervention funds – the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), which provides N50,000 grant to nano-business owners, especially women and young people, withN38.8 billion disbursed to 774,593 beneficiaries from all the local government areas (LGAs) across the country.

    There is also the N75bn Presidential conditional grant and loan scheme targeting over 75,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises across the country. It is offering a maximum of N1 million per beneficiary at a nine percent interest rate. The initiative is also expected to provide over 75,000 direct jobs and 150,000 indirect jobs nationwide. Bank of Industry recently announced the opening of the portal for applications for this Presidential Grants and Loan Scheme for MSMEs nationwide.

    The Manufacturing Sector Fund – N75 billion Fund offers support to eligible manufacturing businesses, with each beneficiary receiving up to N1 billion at a comparable interest rate.  Other areas include tax reforms, investment in infrastructure, floating the naira to eliminate the need to deplete the foreign reserve for artificially shoring up the value of the currency.

    As younger generations seek new voices and platforms to express their aspirations, the ACF’s relevance and influence are diminishing. Without significant transformation, the organization risks becoming obsolete, marred by its failures and shortcomings.

    •Ismaila Mohammed,

    Kaduna.

  • Lakurawa terrorists’ and danger of mismanaging information

    Lakurawa terrorists’ and danger of mismanaging information

    • By Ya’u Mukhtar Madobi

    Sir: The emergence of the Lakurawa terrorist group in Northwest has added a new layer to the country’s complex security challenges, as these militants strengthen their foothold across communities in Kebbi and Sokoto states. That the defence and force headquarters, “formally” recognized Lakurawa as a terror organization, not only introduced the group to many Nigerians but also highlighted the potential dangers of mishandling information about such threats.

    The manner in which security agencies, media outlets, and social platforms have handled information on this new terror group highlights a significant issue that needs critical analysis. Sensationalized coverage is indeed giving the Lakurawa group visibility, emboldening them to further terrorize their host communities.

    Once considered mere herders, the Lakurawa group has escalated its activities, imposing taxes, preaching extremist ideologies, and assuming roles usually reserved for traditional rulers, such as mediation and arbitration. Surprisingly, within just days after the Nigerian military officially labelled them as terrorists, the Lakurawa sect initiated violent attacks in Kebbi State.

    On Friday, November 8, the group reportedly killed 15 people and rustled over 100 cows in Mera town, Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State. According to Bashir Isah Mera, a resident, “Initially, they didn’t kill; they only confiscated cows and asked owners to pay ‘Zakat’. This is their first attack in which they killed 15 people in our town.”

    Was it merely a coincidence that the group became more violent soon after achieving widespread media coverage? It is possible they are using this newfound visibility to instil fear in communities and signal their presence as players in Nigeria’s complex security challenges? As they gain recognition, their actions and influence appear to intensify.

    Reports reveal that their first significant attack was on a military base in Sokoto, where they killed three soldiers and set a patrol vehicle ablaze. Initially, their targets were government forces, vigilantes, and rival armed groups (i.e. bandits), but recent developments indicate that unarmed civilians are also now victims of their atrocities. It is hard to believe that the Lakurawa group once received invitations from local authorities, including the District Heads of Balle in Gudu LGA and Gongono in Tangaza LGA, both in Sokoto, to protect their communities against other bandits.

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    This connection suggests that some local leaders may have inadvertently enabled the group’s rise by legitimizing its presence. These complex dynamics underline the challenges in Nigeria’s security landscape, where communities, desperate for protection, sometimes turn to dangerous actors in the absence of adequate state intervention.

    In today’s interconnected world, fuelled by rapid information sharing, the way media reports on terror groups critically shapes the public’s perception and response. Sensationalized coverage of groups like Lakurawa inadvertently provides them with the visibility they seek, potentially encouraging further attacks. Publicizing details about the group’s activities can become an oxygen of publicity that these terrorists use to maintain a fearsome reputation.

    A paradigm shift is necessary. Security agencies must recognize the importance of handling sensitive information with discretion. Rather than publicly announcing the existence of groups like Lakurawa, there should be a careful, strategic approach to limit their exposure. If handled quietly and without fanfare, it may prevent these groups from gaining the visibility they currently enjoy.

    For the sake of national interest and security, some information is best kept confidential to protect citizens and prevent unnecessary panic or sensationalism. Publicizing every detail can inadvertently play into the hands of criminals who capitalize on fear and citizens’ low morale to perpetrate further violence. Moving forward, Nigeria’s security agencies should develop robust crisis communication strategies. Such strategies should aim to balance transparency with responsibility, sharing information only when necessary and in ways that do not strengthen criminal elements. By avoiding public fanfare, security agencies can effectively carry out their constitutional duties without giving terrorists an undue advantage.

    Furthermore, Nigeria’s media, along with security forces, must adopt a more thoughtful and measured approach to crisis communication. This approach will prevent terrorist groups like the Lakurawas from gaining power and notoriety, ultimately fostering a safer environment for Nigerian citizens.

    The Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Police, and other security institutions must work collaboratively with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to address emerging threats to Nigeria’s security. The sooner this crisis is nipped in the bud, the better. As they say, a stitch in time saves nine!

    •Ya’u Mukhtar Madobi,

    Kano.

  • Stranded students in Cyprus

    Stranded students in Cyprus

    Zamfara State Government has 88 students stranded in Cyprus, and it needs to be more earnest with relieving their distress than it is at the moment. Affected students are those left of 93 students sent on scholarship to Cyprus International University since 2020, but whose welfare was neglected – exposing them to harsh living conditions and threat of deportation owing to expiration of their travel documents.

    The administration of former Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle, currently Minister of State for Defence, sent them to Cyprus and abandoned them there; but it is incumbent on the current administration of Governor Dauda Lawal to urgently succour them because government is a continuum. Blame game and finger pointing will have their place later. The present task is alleviating the students’ plight.

    Parents and civil society stakeholders recently bemoaned the fate of the students who are stranded over unpaid tuition, accommodation and feeding allowances, and improper documentation. They are reported to be facing severe hardships having been evicted from their hostels and denied access to classrooms, besides other essential services due to outstanding fees. The males among the students are said to have mostly resorted to sleeping out in mosques, with many taking to menial labor for basic sustenance. “The students are at risk of exploitation by employers due to lack of legal documentation,” the chairman of a civil society group known as Zamfara Circle Community Initiative, Dr. Aminu Lawal, was cited saying. According to him, their visas and passports have expired. “Living in a foreign country without legal documentation puts them at risk of imprisonment and deportation,” he explained, adding: “Already, one of the students has suffered this fate and was deported to Lagos in handcuffs. Another student remains in prison.”

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    The Dauda Lawal administration acknowledged the plight of the students and said it was working strenuously to redress their situation. But it seemed more keen on laying the blame on the former Matawalle government that sent the students on scholarship and left them in the lurch. Education, Science, and Technology Commissioner Wadatau Madawaki, at a press conference in Gusau, said the Matawalle administration reneged on its commitments regarding the sponsorship of the students, thereby exposing them to the hardships. “These students were simply left at the mercy of the university authorities by unpatriotic elements who cashed in on the poor arrangement to make fast money. Five of the 93 students left the university, remaining 88,” he added as he detailed measures the current administration had undertaken but which were yet to relieve the students.

    Hardball insists that more needs to be done, and more earnestly too. The Dauda Lawal administration must cut through all red tape to get needed funds to the students and salvage them from the deprivations they face. After the swooping hawk is beaten back, there will be enough time to rebuke carelessly wandering chicks.

  • Social media and youths

    Social media and youths

    Sir: In recent years, social media has become an integral part of the lives of Nigerian youths. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and WhatsApp offerconvenient means of communication, entertainment, and access to information. While these platforms can be powerful tools for education and self-development, they have also become significant sources of distraction.

    In a country like Nigeria, where access to technology is still considered a privilege, the misuse of social media is an issue of growing concern. It is essential for parents, educators, and youths to recognize both the benefits and the potential pitfalls of this digital age.

    Compared to earlier generations, today’s youths have access to a wealth of knowledge through the internet. Online resources such as educational videos, e-books, research articles, and virtual classrooms provide unprecedented opportunities for learning. For Nigerian youths, this technological revolution offers the chance to bridge gaps in education caused by limited resources or underfunded schools.

    In the past, students relied heavily on physical libraries, encyclopedias, and classroom instruction. Accessing information was time-consuming, and learning opportunities often limited to what was immediately available in their environment. Today, a student with a smartphone and an internet connection can access courses from prestigious institutions, learn new skills, and engage in global discussions from the comfort of their home.

    While social media can be an excellent platform for learning, networking, and staying updated on current events, it has also become a significant source of distraction for many. Instead of using these platforms for educational purposes, students often prioritize entertainment, such as scrolling through memes, watching viral videos, or engaging in endless chat.

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    Excessive time on social media reduces the time and attention available for studying, leading to poor academic results. Constantly consuming content on social media can lead to mental exhaustion, leaving little energy for meaningful activities.

    Parents should model responsible use of social media by setting an example in their own behavior.

    For students, learning to use social media wisely is critical for academic success. Social media is a powerful tool, but it must be used responsibly. Nigerian youths have the privilege of living in an age where technology can revolutionize education, but this potential can only be realized if they prioritize their studies over unnecessary distractions. Parents, too, have a role to play in guiding their children toward balanced and responsible use of social media. Together, we can ensure that technology becomes an enabler of progress rather than a barrier to success.

    •Muktar Garba,Borno State University, Maiduguri.

  • Still on Obasanjo’s vainglory

    Still on Obasanjo’s vainglory

    Sir: Was it not ridiculous to see ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo, from whom Prof Chinua Achebe rejected a national honour mount the podium designed to honour Achebe who wouldn’t have been where Obasanjo’s shadow reflects, to offer a treatise on leadership?

    What would have been Achebe’s reaction, assuming he was alive, to the organisers’ decision to invite Obasanjo to speak at a Leadership Forum in his honour? Can we confidently say that Obasanjo was qualified to speak about leadership at such august and dignified occasion when taking into consideration the way he handled the issue of leadership during his tenures, most especially between 1999 and 2007?

    Recall that Achebe had rejected the national honour under Obasanjo’s administration because he was disappointed that under Obasanjo’s watch, his homeland in Anambra State had been turned into a “bankrupt and lawless fiefdom by a small clique of renegades,” allegedly with the complicity of the presidency.

    In his speech at the Achebe Forum, Obasanjo had called for the dismissal of the chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahood Yakubu and officials of the commission at all levels as part of the needed reform of the electoral process. In Obasanjo’s opinion, the electoral body did not live up to people’s expectations in the elections that had been conducted so far under the INEC chairman’s watch.

    Did Obasanjo mean that Prof. Yakubu should be sacked for allowing free and fair elections, one of which gave Peter Obi, Obasanjo’s candidate, victory in Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s home-base, Lagos – a feat no candidate of any opposition party had ever achieved since 1999?

    It is necessary to remind Obasanjo that Nigerians have not forgotten the situation during his time when he ruled the country, not as a democrat but like a dictator?  Recall also that the late president, Umaru Yar’Adua had acknowledged that the presidential election that was conducted under Obasanjo’s watch that gave him (Yar’Adua’) the victory was not only rigged but was full of malpractices that had never been witnessed in the history of Nigeria.

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    What of Anambra State where Chris Ngige, a serving governor during Obasanjo’s tenure was abducted by some non-state actors at the behest of some powerful people in the presidency?

    Oyo State also was not left out in the reign of the brigands who terrorised the state and its residents. Former governor of Oyo State, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, also during the Obasanjo administration, was removed illegally from office.  Ayodele Fayose and Joshua Dariye of Ekiti and Plateau states respectively will never forget what they went through under Obasanjo’s government. Even Peter Obi, currently Obasanjo’s adopted son, has an adverse story to tell about the former president’s regime.

    In another of his self-praise, Obasanjo, mentioned that it was appropriate that he was invited to deliver the keynote address in honour of the late Prof. Achebe not just because he had been Head of State and President on two different periods but because he had known Achebe, his works and his value for as long as Nigeria had been in existence. What a self-aggrandizement! If truly the former president, Obasanjo, had known Achebe’s values like he submitted, I believe his administration wouldn’t have supported the illegal removal of five governors, Chris Ngige, Rashidi Ladoja, Ayo Fayose and Joshua Dariye and Peter Obi from their seats.

    What about his unconstitutional push for a third-term? Isn’t it also appropriate to inform the former president that if the $60 billion his administration allegedly spent to revive the electricity sector had been judiciously expended, the present administration wouldn’t have so much trouble with the sector?

    Undoubtedly, Nigerians would have forgiven Obasanjo for his transgressions had he realized his mistakes of the past and apologized and joined the current president and his team in their efforts to fix the country. As an elder statesman, what Nigeria and Nigerians need from Obasanjo isn’t the quality of blackmail the ex-president is capable of dishing out to the public; all that Nigerians care about is Obasanjo’s cooperation with President Tinubu to make Nigeria great again.

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

  • Tackling the persistent issue of begging in Borno State

    Tackling the persistent issue of begging in Borno State

    Sir: The Borno State government has taken commendable steps to address the persistent issue of street begging. By providing jobs and paying stipends to some beggars, the administration aims to empower the less privileged and curb the culture of dependency. However, despite these well-meaning efforts, begging remains a visible and growing challenge in various parts of the state, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the current approach.

    In Maiduguri, the state capital, beggars of all demographics which include men, women, children and the elderly can be seen congregating in areas like the Post Office, Baga Road, Circular Road and other bustling parts of the city. While the government’s financial support is intended to uplift the vulnerable, it appears to have inadvertently encouraged more people to turn to begging in hopes of accessing this assistance. This unintended consequence has made it clear that a reassessment of the strategy is necessary.

    Providing money to beggars may seem like a humane approach, but in reality, it risks fostering dependency and entrenching the problem further. Instead of discouraging begging, financial incentives often boost morale among those involved and attract others to the streets. This not only undermines the government’s efforts but also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and vulnerability.

    Young women and children are among the most affected, with alarming reports of exploitation linked to begging. Some young girls fall prey to street predators, resulting in cases of sexual abuse and rape. Similarly, young boys face the risk of being drawn into criminal activities such as theft, under the guise of begging. These incidents highlight the urgent need for a more robust and sustainable solution.

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    Rather than relying on financial handouts, the government should adopt a multi-pronged approach to address the root causes of begging. Job creation should remain a priority, but it must be complemented by vocational training programs tailored to equip individuals with marketable skills. Empowering the youth, particularly young women, with sustainable livelihoods can help reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.

    Moreover, there should be strict enforcement of anti-begging laws to discourage the practice in urban areas. Simultaneously, rehabilitation centres should be established to provide support and guidance to those transitioning away from begging. These centres can offer counselling, skill development, and connections to employment opportunities, ensuring that individuals are not left stranded when removed from the streets.

    Public awareness campaigns can also play a crucial role in changing societal attitudes towards begging. Educating citizens on the harms of giving money to beggars and encouraging alternative forms of support such as donating to credible charities can help reduce the allure of street begging.

    The government must also prioritize the protection of women and children who are at risk of abuse and exploitation. Strengthening community policing and introducing safe spaces for vulnerable populations can go a long way in curbing predatory behaviour. Additionally, collaboration with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can help provide targeted interventions for those most in need.

    Addressing the issue of begging in Borno State requires a shift from short-term fixes to sustainable, long-term solutions. While the government’s efforts are commendable, a more strategic approach is essential to eliminate the practice and tackle the socio-economic challenges that fuel it. By investing in skills development, enforcing anti-begging laws, and safeguarding the vulnerable, Borno State can take significant strides towards eradicating begging and building a more equitable society.

    •Babagana M Hassan,Maiduguri, Borno State.

  • Deflating inflation

    Deflating inflation

    Yet again, figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicate that the cost-of-living crisis in the country is unrelenting. According to the agency, the inflation rate rose to 33.8 percent in October from 32.70 percent recorded in September.

    The Statistician General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, provided further information in a statement. He said:” The rise in food inflation was caused by an increase in the average prices of palm oil, vegetable oil, etc. (oil & fats class), mudfish, croaker (apo), fresh fish (obokun), etc. (Fish Class), Dried Beef, Goat Meat, Mutton, Skin meat, etc. (Meat Class), and Bread, Guinea Corn flour, Plantain flour, Rice, etc. (Bread and Cereals Class).

    He also said: “The highest increases were recorded in 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).

    The narrative has not changed. The prices of staples keep increasing. The same thing is true regarding housing rentals, transport, and medical services. 

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    Notably, the Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, observed that the identified main factors driving inflation, “the depreciating exchange rate and surging fuel price,” were “yet to be effectively subdued.”

    However, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, recently declared that “The two critical reforms on market-based pricing of Premium Motor Spirit and foreign exchange are now at the stage of results delivery.”

    At an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance, he was reported saying, “These two pillars of the economic reforms… have taken positive shape,” adding, “I think we need to commend Nigerians for staying the course to this stage of getting benefits.”

    Many Nigerians who are still struggling with the cost-of-living crisis will not agree with the minister that the country is at the stage of benefitting from the economic reforms. The minister’s assertion is not supported by the increasing prices of goods and services reported by the NBS. 

    When inflation is deflated, the authorities will not need words to communicate that better times have arrived.

  • The universities and the farmers

    The universities and the farmers

    Text of Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Ibadan, Chief Bisi Akande at the institution’s 76th Foundation Day anniversary and 2024 Convocation

    Protocols:

    Naturally, Man is a most purposeful producer of his needs. Water and food are the most basic needs of man and his essential wants are food, shelter and clothing. Following scavenging, man discovered agriculture or farming as his first major occupation for the production of his needs. That is to say, man’s first main occupation has been farming specifically for the production of the foods he eats. Also, byproducts of agriculture provide the materials for the construction of his house, for the making of his clothing and the herbs for the treatments of his health challenges. Hence, man meets his basic needs from his efforts in farming.

    The regularity of man’s productivity in farming depends on the robustness of his health which, in turn, determines his strength and his energy to carry out his tasks as a farmer. The quality and the level of the working of man’s mind determines the type and the quantum of the yields of his products. The degree of the level of the development of man’s mind also determines the fashion and the sophistication of the tools he would fabricate for his farming. Here comes the impact of the standards and the quality of the types of his education.

    Primarily, for man, the object of production is consumption. Therefore, man is first and foremost the producer and the consumer. It is only when there are surpluses over and above his immediate needs that he keeps something apart for his secondary objective, which is to assist him in building the capital necessary for his future productions. In other words, it is after having enough for himself that man’s economic interests begin. It has been a well recognized fact, therefore, that man, as an economic activist, is supposed to be the initiator, the innovator, the accelerator, the investor, the producer, the consumer, the exchanger, the distributor and the creator of his own needs and wants and, also, of the tools he uses to achieve them.

    Nigerian peasant, representing some 80% of the population, still uses the farming tools consisting of the hoes and cutlasses which were fashioned in the shapes now variably prevalent in our different cultures since the global spread of iron roughly between the eighth and the fifth centuries before Christ. Any wonder, then, that the Nigerian Youths are not enthusiastic in undertaking the drudgery of using such archaic farm implements? And any wonder, therefore, that our people are now hungry and starving? And where are the impacts of the Nigerian educational systems, up to the University level, in all these deficits in the types of Nigerian farmers’ affordable tools and in the production innovations in agriculture that now make the farmers poverty ridden and the citizenry hungry?

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    But are we saying that there are so much disconnects between the Nigerian Universities and the Nigerian agriculture that our farmers are so incapable of feeding our nation? Just as the government collaborates with the investors to found computer villages in some cities, may I suggest that our educational institutions together with the investors should collaborate with every state to found farming-villages in every local government with a view to attracting our young graduates into agriculture? The multiplier effects would result in the innovative fabrication of modern farming implements, in the illustration of practical demonstrations of the essence of academic institutions in using sciences, technologies and management techniques for the promotion of plenteous nutritional agricultural yields and in the attractiveness of business investments in profitable agro-allied industries among the generality of our society.

    Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for being part of our University’s 76th Foundation Day Anniversary and of the 2024 Convocation Ceremonies; and, thank you for listening.

  • FAAN and Tinubu’s aviation reforms

    FAAN and Tinubu’s aviation reforms

    By Yakubu Dati

    Since she shattered the glass ceiling to emerge the first female Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku has taken bold steps to mainstream the economic reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration in the aviation sector.

    She introduced a number of initiatives that are bound to improve passenger traffic in the sector with accompanying increase in revenue; non-aeronautical revenue and overall positive performance that will  contribute a significant chunk to the the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figure of N2.43 trillion internal revenue generated by the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2023.

    This she has done through re-engineering productivity in all the departments, enhancing efficiency of personnel through adequate training and deploying the right tools for service delivery in a critical sector like aviation.

    The Bola Tinubu administration has left no one in doubt that it is no longer going to be business as usual but that all sectors must rise to contribute their quota to the overall economy.

    It is in achieving this that Mrs Kuku has proven her capacity and competence to deliver and deep appreciation of the need to make Nigeria work by seamlessly keying into the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by mainstreaming safety in airports beyond just compliance to encompass financial, reputational, and operational advantages.

    As the helmsman of FAAN, she realized early enough that the onerous task of applying revenue from just two viable airports to service and operate 26 others across the length and breadth of the country was not sustainable.

    Being a financial wizkid with a Bsc in Finance and MBA in International Finance & Strategic Management from the University of Illinois and DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, respectively, she rolled her sleeves and applied her over two decades of remarkable career marked by strategic insight and innovative thinking into handling the situation.

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    Rather than allow things to drag, Kuku set out to diversify FAAN’s revenue streams by aiming to increase non-aeronautical income through the building of strategic partnerships and incentives to boost airport revenue generation.

    She quickly connected the dots between revenue and safety standards and thereafter embarked on massive manpower training to build safety standards.

    During her first week in office, she signed the reviewed FAAN Corporate Safety Policy that spelt out her commitment to accountability and responsibility to safety.

    In barely 11 months after assumption of duty as the Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Kuku walked the talk by clocking in about 2,000 man hours in training an unprecedented 3,219 number of staff and critical stakeholders across six safety-critical courses.

    The experienced technocrat prioritized airport safety as a multifaceted springboard to significantly contribute to passenger confidence, operational efficiency, compliance with regulations, economic growth, and the overall well-being of both travelers and staff.

     Kuku is creating the necessary foundation to reposition FAAN to ultimately contribute to a safer and more reliable flying experience in tandem with Minister Festus Keyamo’s master plan to standardise aviation infrastructure.

    As a team player, she has earned the respect and admiration of her management team who keyed into her policy of empowering staff and stakeholders with prerequisite training in adhering to procedures and technology in line with regulatory bodies like NCAA, ICAO, ACI and other sister agencies to enhance world class protocols based on the latest industry advancement and best practices.

    That wise, staff have benefitted from a curriculum of courses in comprehensive strategies and practices through  continuous training and safety education through ICAO mandatory programs including safety, security personnel, operations, and aerodrome fire-fighting.

    These trainings majorly focus on Airside Operations and Safety Compliance Training (AOSCT), Global Reporting Format (GRF), Aerodrome General Safety Awareness (AGSA) Course, emergency protocols, crisis management, and safety procedures.

    With the Airport being a hub for activities that facilitates global connections, courses were introduced in Runway Maintenance, Safety Management Systems (SMS), Safety Drills, Upgraded Infrastructure and Technology.

    To further boost its commitment to protecting human lives, securing infrastructure, and fostering confidence among travelers and employees alike, trainings were conducted in Reporting Systems, Foster a Safety Culture, Employee Engagement, Coordination and Communication, Public Information/Messaging, Regular Safety Audits and Assessments amongst others.

    Maintaining a safe Airport environment is a dynamic process that requires constant vigilance and a culture that encourages everyone, from frontline employees to senior leaders, to take ownership of safety standards, therefore Intensive training was conducted in Improving Runway and Taxiway Design, Implementation of Comprehensive Safety Management Systems.

    Aviation stakeholders have applauded Kuku’s dogged pursuit beyond compliance with standards, to boosting confidence of travelers and the airport community. The massive renovation of Terminal 1, popularly known as GAT from her lean resources has brought relief and comfort to passengers.

    She has also embarked on the reconstruction of the International Airport road; roads leading to the airside; as well as drainages.

    Surveillance systems are also being installed to boost safety and passenger confidence and comfort.

    Her recent initiative to think out of the box and successfully engage the Lagos State Government to partner in the construction and rehabilitation of roads within the airport vicinity to ease the stress of passengers has received high applause.

    She explained, “We understand that travelers trust us with their well-being, and this is the reason why every investment we make, every policy we put in place, is about ensuring safe and reliable travel for all.”

    Compliance with safety regulations reassures airlines, government bodies, and investors, fostering better relationships and support.

    It also encourages more travelers, which stimulates growth in tourism and related industries, ultimately improving its Internally Generated Revenue and contributing to the national purse!

    Kuku’s giant strides has not only received recognition in Nigeria with several awards in her kitty including FAAN being ranked among the Top 5 Most Improved Agencies in Nigeria by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the global aviation industry is shifting its focus to Nigeria.

    The prestigious global body, Airport Council International (ACI ) honored the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria with two prestigious safety awards during her Africa Conference held in South Africa.

    Her eventual appointment into the Board of ACI, is a further affirmation of her standing as a global ambassador.

    These are no mean achievements awards in less than just one year in office.

    • Dati, a former General Manager, Corporate Affairs of FAAN writes from Abuja