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  • Of Shettima and 30 years of MacArthur Foundation in Nigeria

    Of Shettima and 30 years of MacArthur Foundation in Nigeria

    By Mohammed Kuta Yahaya

    As we commemorate the 30th  anniversary of the MacArthur Foundation’s impactful works in Nigeria, it is essential to reflect on the immense contributions made by Dr. Kole Ahmed Shettima, a towering figure whose work and leadership have had profound impacts on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape and the wider African continent.

    Dr. Shettima, a symbol of selfless service, embodies the values encapsulated in the quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “We need leaders not in love with money but in love with justice, not in love with publicity but in love with humanity.”

    This powerful sentiment perfectly captures the essence of Dr. Shettima’s life and career trajectory. He is a man dedicated not to personal glory, but to the advancement of justice, education, and human rights. It was a memorable day for all of us MacArthur grantees. I had the joy of dancing alongside the pioneer Country Director, Prof. Bolanle Awe, at 90 to the delight of the visiting Chicago team led by Prof. John Palfrey, President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation highlighting its remarkable impacts.

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    In attendance was celebrated Oncologist Prof. Funmi Olapade, from University of  Chicago, and Board member of the Foundation among other notable personalities like the Co-Chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who was one of the four Vice Chancellors of Nigerian universities that benefited from the institutional capacity-building grants and later benefited from grants that supported the unbundling of Mass Communication scholarship championed by Bayero University Kano under the eagle eyes of erudite Communication scholar Prof Umaru Pate. I was fortunate to be part of the inaugural group of Fund for Leadership Development (FLD) grantees in 1997. Interestingly, the Co-Chairman was a mentor to one of our colleagues who later became the ASUU National Chairman, Prof Abdullahi Sule-Kano. Interestingly, another member of our cohort, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi also rose to that position, while some of us have taken on roles in public service.

    I reminisce about your prophetic words and the inspiring aura you brought to our gatherings on September 17 and 18, 1999 in Government House, Minna and Lemu Township Play field respectively. Your words remain evergreen as you addressed the then Deputy Governor of Niger State, Dr Shem Zagbayi Nuhu during your inaugural assignment as the African Director, succeeding the legendary Professor Bolanle Awe. His words on that day were not merely encouraging, they were prophetic. He spoke of my future roles in Nigeria, words that resonated deeply, and have since shaped my career trajectory and commitment to national development. It was a profound personal experience which further propelled my quest for excellence as a Fund for Leadership Development (FLD) grantee of 1997 set that was inaugurated in 1998 at Arewa House in Kaduna, with the esteemed Prof. Olikoye Ransome Kuti as the keynote speaker at the event. All put together set the tone for what would be a lifetime of dedication to empowering youth across Nigeria.

    For those of us who are fortunate to know and work with Dr. Shettima, his influence has been nothing short of transformative. This is evident in his belief in my potential, encouragement of my work with young people in Niger State, and his tireless push for change, culminated in my invitation to the MacArthur Foundation’s headquarters in Chicago in 2008. There, I was offered the opportunity to inspire American youth, but I would rather respond to the urgency of focusing on the Nigerian youth whose aspirations were often shadowed by the desire to ‘japa’ – leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad. With Dr. Shettima’s steadfast guidance, I have dedicated my efforts to addressing this challenge, ensuring that Nigerian youth find inspiration and purpose within our borders.

    Dr. Shettima’s influence extends far beyond individual mentorship. As one of the principal architects in the establishment of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation, I benefitted from his global view that helped us in the design and structural formation of the organization into the formidable force it is today, championing development across Northern Nigeria. The foundation stands as a testament to his visionary leadership and commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.

    In the world of academia, civil society, and public service, Dr. Shettima’s impact has been widespread and enduring. As African Director of the MacArthur Foundation, his leadership has shaped the growth of key institutions, particularly in advancing human rights, education, and good governance across Africa. His work has also helped build the capacities of numerous Nigerian universities, particularly Bayero University Kano (BUK), University of Ibadan,  Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and University of Port- Harcourt with 268 PhDs, 222 Masters and influenced the support of training journalists, including groundbreaking reforms, such as the unbundling of Mass Communication as an academic discipline. In summary, in the last 30 years, MacArthur has positively impacted on Nigeria with over 800 grants worth $257m to 256 organisations and 135 individuals based in Nigeria and 170 grants totalling $57.4m to more than 100 organisations and individuals outside the country for work focussed on Nigeria.

    There is no doubt October 9, 2024, was a momentous day for all MacArthur grantees as we gathered to celebrate 30 years of the foundation’s impactful work in Nigeria. As we danced and celebrated with pioneers like Professor Bolanle Awe, it was clear that this was not just a celebration of institutional milestones, but a celebration of this unsung hero-Dr. Kole Shettima whose work has been pivotal in driving lasting changes in Nigeria. His 25 years at the helm as African Director has transformed the foundation into a beacon of hope and progress.

    Dr. Kole Ahmed Shettima is more than a leader; he is a visionary mentor, and a patriot whose unwavering commitment to humanity has inspired a generation of Nigerians to think bigger, dream higher, and make a difference. As we mark 30 years of the MacArthur Foundation in Nigeria, we celebrate Dr. Shettima’s incredible contributions, and we pray that Allah continues to preserve him for the good of humanity, granting him the ultimate reward in Aljanna Fridausi.

    With deep admiration and respect, Dr. Kole Shettima, for all you have done and all that you continue to do as you serve as the cornerstone of the foundation’s successes, ultimately a beacon of hope, progress, and empowerment for numerous individuals, institutions and organisations throughout Nigeria for the past three decades. May your path always be bright with torch of justice for human progress and may your legacy continue to endure as you inspire many more generations to come.

    Prof. Mohammed Kuta Yahaya is a Professor of Agricultural Extension and Development Communication at the University of Ibadan & Secretary, Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

  • The cloud with a silver lining

    The cloud with a silver lining

    By Kunle Oyatomi

    You don’t worsen challenging situations such as we are passing through in Nigeria at the moment with more unhelpful pessimism. You darken the sky when you are pessimistic about your situation, which already is thick with darkness. So, instead, you move to the camp of far-looking compatriots like Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, AfDB. He does not believe it’s a bleak future for Nigeria under the Bola Tinubu government. ‘’It will be a new day and a new dawn for Nigeria’’, he says.

    Adesina should know as the topmost man at such a big international financial institution. He has studied the risk status of the economies of the nations of Africa. He has the statistics at his fingertips. And his verdict with regard to Nigeria his motherland is that there’s the proverbial silver lining in the cloud overhanging the Nigerian space.

    This highly respected international personality is convinced that Tinubu’s reforms will yield handsome dividends, eventually. Such is the faith of the AfDB he heads in Nigeria’s current policies that, he said the body has decided to key into the government’s youth development initiative. He declared at a highly celebrated function in Abuja on Friday, October 18, 2024, that the bank has approved $100m for the establishment of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank in Nigeria.

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    Hear Adesina:’l am  delighted to announce here today that just three days ago, the African Development Bank board of directors approved $100m for the establishment of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank for Nigeria.’’ He added that the new facility will support ‘’the youths’ businesses, using technical assistance, business incubation, quasi-equity and debt.’’ According to the AfDB boss, the bank will also deploy guarantee instruments to de-risk the lending to the businesses by financial institutions in Nigeria.

    Analysts have agreed that the ‘’initiative highlights AfDB’scommitment to supporting youths who… are critical to the development of the country.’’ They recall that on June 25, 2023, just weeks into the advent of the Tinubu Presidency, Adesina said AfDB was ready to set up a business investment bank in Nigeria.

    That the bank is fulfilling its pledge even in the midst of tough policy decisions by the All Progressives Congress, APC government of Tinubu speaks volumes. First, it attests to the confidence the international financial community has in the economic engineering drive being undertaken. Secondly, it strongly suggests hope of high yields in policy seeds, as it were. Thirdly, we learn that what we are witnessing is a government tackling our problems from the fundamentals; distortions disturbing the growth and development of the economic and social structures are being pulled down to give way for the emergence of new ones unimpeded by clogs and spanners in progress.

    The point is that if we don’t address these challenges now, we’d be running round in circles in so-called nation-building ad infinitum. We are rooted in stagnation all these decades after Independence because successive administrations, civilian and military, had refused to do the needful, namely tackling our problems from the roots. The excuse has always been that the accompanying pains might be unbearable. But, as President Jerry Rawlings of Ghana once told his compatriots in the course of undertaking the socioeconomic reforms that turned the country round, ‘’The pill is bitter, but it must be taken to restore sanity and good health to the polity.’’

    Eventually, Ghana, through these reforms, was moved from its knees to a full standing position. That was more than 40 years ago. But the principles are still potent for application in our time in Nigeria.

    In fact, Ghana’s case was worse because the country was like a pariah state. The international community dined with it with a long spoon. Its military authorities were deemed unworthy of trust, with nobody desiring to do business with undemocratic rulers. Rawlings’ had had bloody antecedents, extra-judicially executing his predecessors and top military officers. He was also accused of killing senior judges. Nigeria doesn’t have this negative baggage to scare away international cooperation. Rawlings had, but he still succeeded.

    This, to be sure, ought to give us hope that all we need do is have implicit and explicit faith in the current process of economic reforms of our government. If the outside world is believing in the government such that its institutions are coming in with investment and their hard-earned capital, why shouldn’t the citizens of the land themselves have faith in their own government’s policies.

    Let’s bear in mind that it takes two to tango. The government has its part to play, namely bringing up ideas about administering the country and implementing them. But no matter how sound the policies are or are acclaimed to be, they remain inactive and dormant until they receive a popular touch through the cooperation of the citizens in working with the government at the implementation state.

    What do I mean? The people must key into the government’s vision by shifting from their position on the fence. They must be located in the picture as inseparable participants in the whole transition to a new era. For instance the youth Adesina referred to must jettison their old ways of resorting to be pawns in the hands of unscrupulous politicians who use them for unpatriotic objectives and destabilizing enterprises. They must reject overtures to be used as spoilers during elections. They must see the forthcoming national youth conference being organized by the Tinubu Administration as the grand opportunity to start the journey of freedom from the stranglehold of an oppressive system that has sentenced them to inertia and dependence on selfish politicians and godfathers.

    Thankfully, an internationally celebrated financial organization has weighed in with a huge input, following a pledge it made last year. The implication is that the youths are being recognized as the catalysts of the envisaged change from home and abroad. It’s a lifetime opportunity they must not squander. If we look back into the history, we can hardly locate when the youngsters got this open platform for meaningful work for themselves, their careers and for their country.

    For me, and I believe for millions of other Nigerians, these are issues that represent a silver lining in the cloud. No wonder, Dr. Adesina says it’s the dawn of a new age for Nigeria.

    • Oyatomi Esq., is on the Board of Independent Media and Policy Initiative, IMPI, a think tank based in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

  • Beggars in the capital

    Beggars in the capital

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike is set to launch a war against beggars in Abuja, to save it from turning into a “beggars’ city.”

    “From next week,” he declared, “we will carry them; we will take them out of the city. It is embarrassing that people who come into Abuja, the first thing they see are just beggars on the road.” The operation is scheduled to begin on October 28.

    He also said the beggars constituted a threat to security and removing them was “for the well-being of the people.” “We are fighting insecurity, and people will carry plates begging, and might be informants,” he said.

    Wike unveiled his anti-beggar plan this week, during the official commencement of the construction of the access road from Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway by N16, to Judges Quarters, in Katampe District, Abuja.  

    This is not the first war against beggars by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).  It happened before Wike’s incumbency. In April 2023, the FCTA sent back 217 street beggars, street boys and vagabonds to their home states. At the time, the administration was reported saying they were to be returned “mostly to Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Jigawa, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states,” adding, “this time around we have some from Abia, Imo and Delta states,” which meant that the expulsions were not unprecedented.

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    Indeed, more than 150 beggars, said to be mainly women, children and aged men, were arrested at various locations in the city by the FCTA’s enforcement squad, a year before then. 

    So, Wike’s new approach is an old one. From the look of things, it didn’t work in the past. That explains why beggars are still a problem in the city. The approach is not an effective solution to the problem because expelled beggars can return to the capital and continue street begging. Also, new beggars can come to the city.   

    Beggars are drawn to the federal capital, believing it is “flowing with milk and honey” like the biblical Canaan, which reflects poor socio-economic conditions in their states.  Arresting beggars is not the same thing as arresting poverty, just as expelling beggars is not the same thing as expelling poverty.

    A holistic approach focused on improving socio-economic conditions in the country will better tackle street begging, which remains a big issue not only in Abuja but across the country. That’s something Wike and all levels of government in the country should recognise.

  • Strengthening good governance at subnational level in Nigeria

    Strengthening good governance at subnational level in Nigeria

    By Hameed Oyegbade

    Arguably, democracy remains the most suitable and probably the best form of government as seen around the world, particularly in many advanced countries. There are good examples of civilised countries practicing democracy globally, such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom (UK).

    The number of democratic countries in the world is estimated between 90 and 110 (out of 193 independent countries – member states of the United Nations). About 40% of the countries in the world are democratic republics.

    Canada is a representative democracy and a parliamentary monarchy. Its political system follows the British model. The head of government is the prime minister responsible to the parliament while the head of state is the monarch (the same as the British monarch). Canada shares the head of state with the UK.

    In all modern democracies, the government is divided into the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Depending on how power is organized between the branches, one can distinguish presidential, parliamentary, and semi-presidential democracies.

    The word ‘democracy’ comes from a Greek word, meaning ‘rule by the people.’ There are two forms of democracy: direct democracy and representative democracy. Direct democracy was practiced in ancient Greece, such as in the city-state of Athens. Under this system, a citizens’ assembly makes decisions directly, while executive officials are usually selected by lot. Direct democracy cannot be applied in large countries inhabited by millions of people. Hence, nowadays all democracies are representative democracies, meaning that they are ruled by representatives elected in free and fair elections under universal suffrage.

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    Nigeria is among countries practicing democracy and the nation has experienced 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. The quest to further enhance and strengthen democratic governance in the country warrants various interventions culminating into reforms.

    Over the past eight years, between 2016 and 2024, Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL) a UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) programme has been in the forefront, supporting efforts geared towards governance reforms in Nigeria.

    PERL supported the civil society organisations in Nigeria and government through its Engaged Citizen Pillar (ECO) with trainings to build their capacity towards service delivery to the people. For instance, the efforts of PERL to ensure effective and efficient Local Government system eventually led to the attainment of local government autonomy in Nigeria. PERL also supported the state legislators to achieve financial and administrative autonomy which State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria currently enjoy.

    Prominent Civil Society organisations in the country, citizen groups and other stakeholders including the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Local Government Health workers in Nigeria commended efforts of PERL on attainment of Local Government autonomy in the country.

    At a One-Day Reflection Session for Speakers and Clerks of State Houses of Assembly, organised by the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria with support from Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL), a UK, Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) programme, while affirming their commitment to ensuring good governance at the grassroots level across the country, the Speakers acknowledged the role of PERL in achieving reforms that enhanced their functionality and strengthened the legislature at the state level n Nigeria.

    The Chairman of Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin in his keynote address with the theme: ‘Legislative Reforms at the State Level: The Journey so far’ said contributions of Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL) towards ensuring good governance at the subnational level cannot be qualified. According to him, “We appreciate the efforts of PERL. We are thankful for the efforts of PERL for focusing on the subnational government, especially, the legislative arm.”

    Speaking in the same vein, the Speaker of Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Tukur Bala lauded PERL for its efforts so far in ensuring good governance and service delivery to the people.

     Similarly, the Nigeria Majority Leaders Forum noted the huge contributions of PERL to attainment of financial and administrative autonomy for the state Legislature. The Chairman of Nigeria Majority Leaders Forum and Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly, Honourable Emeka Nwaobi said this has enabled the lawmakers at the state level to function effectively and efficiently.

    The Majority Leaders of Kaduna and Plateau State Houses of Assembly, Munira Suleiman-Tanimu and Joseph Bukar on behalf not other state legislators expressed gratitude to PERL for supporting reforms aimed at enhancing good governance at the state level which has made positive impacts on the lives of their constituents. As a token of appreciation, the Nigeria Majority Leaders Forum presented the PERL Team Leader, Dr John Mutu with an Award of Excellence in recognition of his unquantifiable contributions to governance reforms in Nigeria.

    Meanwhile, as PERL closed out, stakeholders are expected to sustain the programme’s accomplishments by reflecting on previous engagements and lessons learnt, to inform future plans.

    •Oyegbade, a public affairs analyst writes from Osogbo, Osun State.

  • Ogun Dry Port and Abiodun’s continued quest for industrialisation

    Ogun Dry Port and Abiodun’s continued quest for industrialisation

    The Gateway Inland Dry Port Container Terminal, whose groundbreaking ceremony was performed on 11 October, represents a significant stride in the quest by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration to industrialize Ogun State. This initiative aims to enhance the logistical capabilities of the state, providing a crucial link between the maritime industry and the hinterland. Since his assumption of office in 2019, Governor Abiodun has made the industrialization of the Gateway State the cornerstone of his policy implementation. A key point of the governor’s leadership style is his desire to leave an unassailable imprint and a legacy unmatched. The governor has been methodically establishing key economic enablers that will put the state on the path to becoming an industrial giant. Already, Ogun has the highest industrial base in the country, with more than 6,000 industrial concerns scattered across the state.

    Four industrial clusters have been created in the state, further enhancing Ogun’s position as a key industrial hub in the country. These clusters include Agbara, Magboro, Ijebu Ode, and Remo. The Dry Port Project is a significant initiative aimed at boosting industrial growth and logistics in the state. It is part of a broader strategy to enhance trade facilitation and reduce congestion at seaports by establishing inland ports that can handle cargo efficiently, serve the industrial clusters, and complement the state-owned Gateway Agro Cargo Airport, located at Ilishan Remo. Governor Abiodun has been at the forefront of this innovative quest, recognizing the potential of the dry port to further transform Ogun State into a key industrial hub. The project aims to provide a seamless transportation network for goods, facilitating easier access to markets both domestically and internationally. This is particularly important given Ogun’s strategic location near the nation’s commercial capital and its connectivity to various transport routes.

    Governor Abiodun’s commitment to this project reflects his broader vision for Ogun State, which includes fostering an environment conducive to industrial growth, enhancing public-private partnerships, and leveraging technology to drive economic development. Speaking at the groundbreaking event in Shoderu village, Kajola in Ewekoro Local Government, Governor Abiodun said the dry port project was another demonstration of his administration’s commitment to the “Building Our Future Together” agenda, aimed at ensuring sustainable progress for Ogun State. “This project was part of our vision on assumption of office, and we had been working assiduously on it since then,” he said.

    Speaking on the reason behind the conceptualization of the project, Prince Abiodun said: “Upon assuming office, we decided that we must sustain this position by turning the push factor from Lagos into a pull factor from Ogun. We therefore articulated our vision as one that would provide focused and qualitative governance while delivering the required infrastructure and an enabling environment for public-private sector partnership, which is fundamental to economic growth and the individual prosperity of our people. We called our mantra ‘building our future together’ and sought to implement this vision through our ISEYA development pillars. We established a Ministry of Transportation in recognition of the enabling significance of this sector. We commissioned a State Transport Master Plan to help us define our priorities and how our transport sector will connect. This birthed our Multimodal Transport Master Plan, which identified the need for an airport and its location—we are at the pre-commissioning stages of that airport that will be the best-built and best-equipped airport in Nigeria. It identified the need to build a seaport and a dry port, invest in rail transportation, and strengthen our mass transport, among other initiatives.

    “As Dr. Edward Glaeser, a renowned urban economist, once said, ‘infrastructure is the backbone of the economy; it fuels growth, fosters development, and paves the way for prosperity.’ Having identified the ideal location convenient to our manufacturers, contiguous to a rail line and access to two major roads, and the availability of a natural gas pipeline, the business case for this project was established. We went ahead and acquired this site, which is 600 hectares for phase 1. This facility is a key enabler of industrial activity and manufacturing in Ogun State. Upon completion, it will increase our state’s ranking on the ease of doing business index.”

    The governor noted that when completed, the dry port will help decongest the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos, while also enhancing the movement of raw materials to industrial concerns in Ogun and facilitating the movement of finished goods for export. “Because of the rail line right here, containers destined for Ogun can be ferried to Kajola and, on arrival, loaded onto the train and transported to Shoderu Kajola. Our manufacturers will be able to bring in their raw materials without having to go through the hassle of going to Lagos’ Tin Can or Apapa Ports to clear and transport while dealing with the attendant demurrage costs that add to their overall production costs. The same goes for their exports as well. Finished goods can be stuffed into containers and exported from here. This initiative will definitely not only reduce congestion at both Lagos’ Tin Can and Apapa ports but will also make both ports more efficient. Furthermore, this will reduce vehicular trailer traffic on our roads, thus reducing wear and tear and the need for early maintenance on roads leading in and out of Lagos,” Prince Abiodun said.

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    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, who performed the groundbreaking ceremony, was effusive in praising Governor Abiodun for what he described as his visionary leadership and commitment to the dry port initiative, which, the minister added, promises to be a game-changer for Nigeria’s economic and industrial landscape. He said that the dry port will facilitate the movement of goods across Nigeria, creating over 5,000 direct jobs, 15,000 indirect jobs, and stimulating local businesses. “Moreover, it will attract investments that will spur regional development, benefiting Ogun State and beyond,” he said.

    Oyetola said the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that “this initiative will undoubtedly help Ogun State become a more attractive destination for businesses and investors, reinforcing our collective aspiration for a prosperous Nigeria.”

    The minister acknowledged the challenges being faced by businesses due to the rampant congestion at the nation’s seaports, resulting in longer transport times and increased costs. “This experience highlights the urgent need for developing inland ports like the Gateway Inland Dry Port. Inland Dry Ports provide faster and more efficient alternatives for moving goods, ultimately benefiting our economy and reducing the burden on our coastal seaports. The development of inland dry ports, like this one, is a critical component of our broader strategy to position Nigeria as a leading player in the Blue Economy. As we continue to diversify our economy, it is essential to create infrastructure that serves as key nodes in our supply chain, reducing our reliance on traditional seaports. This Inland Dry Port will enhance the efficiency of our logistics network, contributing to the decongestion of Apapa and Tin Can Ports and improving Nigeria’s trade competitiveness on the global stage. To ensure the success of this project and to avoid repeating the congestion challenges we face in Lagos, I am issuing a clear directive to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to ensure that the Inland Dry Port is developed as a state-of-the-art facility, integrating advanced technology, leveraging ICT for seamless operations, and developing robust infrastructure that supports modern port processes.

    “Let me, therefore, reiterate here that our resolve to make this Inland Dry Port a model for other inland dry ports in Nigeria, built on international standards and capable of handling the demands of modern trade, is non-negotiable. We must ensure that this port is equipped with the latest digital systems for tracking, clearance, and cargo movement, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness,” he said.

    Alhaji Oyetola promised that he would liaise with the Federal Ministry of Transportation to provide rail connectivity to link the Inland Dry Port with key industrial hubs, including the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway.

    By enhancing logistics and infrastructure, this initiative not only aims to elevate Ogun’s economic standing but also to position it as a key player in Nigeria’s industrial landscape. Through strategic planning and collaboration, the project holds the promise of transforming Ogun into an industrial powerhouse.

    •Adeniran is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun

  • National Youth Conference as empowerment tool

    National Youth Conference as empowerment tool

    Ilufoye Samson

    The proposed 30-day National Youth Conference by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his October 1 national broadcast is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering Nigerian youths, addressing pressing issues and fostering unity among young people from diverse backgrounds .

    This proactive engagement is a significant step towards rebuilding and empowering the nation’s future leaders. It is an exercise that is long overdue and it is commendable in all ramifications.

    Key objectives of the conference as has been proposed by the president include promoting national cohesion and unity among youths; tackling critical issues affecting youths, such as unemployment, education and healthcare; developing policies aimed at enhancing a sustainyouth development and empowerment; and helping the youths rediscover their strengths and talents.

    In my capacity as the Chairman of Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) Kwara state chapter, I believe that the strength of any nation lies in its youth. Therefore, this conference will provide a platform for meaningful dialogue that would ultimately unlock the potential of the Nigerian youths.

    President Tinubu’s youth-friendly initiative in this regard deserves commendation, especially as he has assured that the federal government would consider and implement recommendations from the conference, further demonstrating his commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous and united Nigeria.

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    It is, therefore, my view that the conference marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards youth empowerment and national development. Also, with Tinubu’s proven leadership and the active participation of youths in the conference as envisaged, Nigeria is poised for a brighter future.

    It is heartwarming that In addition to the conference, the Tinubu administration is implementing several youth-centric programmes that include 3 Million Technical Talents Programme (3MTT) which targets building Nigeria’s technical workforce; Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) which offers affordable loans for tertiary education; Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) which creates 2.5 million jobs annually while ensuring the welfare and safety of workers.

    Based on the foregoing, the Kwara state chapter of the NYO specially commend Mr. President for this bold, timely and responsive conference.

    I pray that God bless the initiator and the dynamic, enterprising and creative youths of Nigeria who constitute more than 60 per cent of the population of our dear country.

     •Samson is Chairman, Nigeria Youth Organisation, Kwara state chapter

  • The Commonwealth is more relevant today than it has been in decades

    The Commonwealth is more relevant today than it has been in decades

    Commonwealth leaders are meeting this week on the island of Samoa for our bi-annual summit. Intense discussion over free and fair trade, security, and climate action are occupying us 56 members – all friends and allies.

    If an alliance of primarily English-speaking nations rooted in common law and shared commitment to global rules didn’t exist, one would need to be created. Like-minded countries would naturally come together to amplify their values while also providing a mechanism to lend collective heft to the individual economic and geopolitical interests of each member.

    The world already has such an organisation, and its bi-annual leadership forum – the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) – is it. Yet, every two years like clockwork, the usual, ill-informed questions about the purpose and future of this oldest international organisation of partner nations appear: How can it survive its members becoming republics? What is the purpose of an institution that is neither a single market nor a regional political union?

    The organisation’s demise has been predicted for decades, mostly because of the misunderstanding that becoming a republic means Commonwealth exit. Quite the opposite: it is in fact a path most members have trod.

    When Nigeria became independent in 1960, the Commonwealth comprised ten member nations, three of which were republics. Nigeria became a member upon independence and then the fourth republic in 1963 – transitioning from retaining the late Queen as head of state to an elected presidency. Today, the Commonwealth boasts fifty-six members, of which two-thirds are republics. A few more would hardly rock the boat.

    History aside, today the Commonwealth is more relevant than it has been in decades. The world is moving beyond regional trade and governance blocs, shifting towards global networks of nations with shared interests across regions and hemispheres.

    The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) – spanning the Americas and Asia, and with the accession of the UK, Europe and binding 12 countries in a trade-based pact – is one example; the Alliance for Small Island States (AOSIS), an intergovernmental organisation of low-lying coastal and small island countries, comprising 39 nations stretching across all corners of the globe is another. Though one is for trade, the other for political salience, both are based not on geography but on a common interest – the convening principle for which the Commonwealth is the original item. 

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    While multi-continental, global networks are back in favour, that doesn’t mean the Commonwealth could not benefit from a rethink. As President of the Commonwealth’s second most populous state, I believe more can and should be done together on economic cooperation and mutual political support.

    Nigeria would like to see more significant intra-Commonwealth trade, an opportunity in we have collectively underachieved as an alliance. Take Africa. Twenty-one of the continent’s countries are also Commonwealth member nations. All are members of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), a 54-country continent-wide free trade zone.

    Bi-lateral agreements between AfCFTA and leading Commonwealth economies such as the UK, India, and Australia would create a web of interlinked trade agreements among Commonwealth nations, driving closer cooperation and deeper integration across the Commonwealth. Britain has proposed a UK-AfCFTA trade agreement. Others should follow.

    Nigeria urges larger Commonwealth economies to prioritise importing materials and foodstuffs from African Commonwealth nations. Supported by bilateral trade agreements, there’s no reason why African coffee or fresh produce couldn’t be offered to Western Commonwealth members at preferential rates in exchange for investment in local processing industries. This would not only integrate our economies but also provide nations like Britain with affordable products they can’t grow while creating jobs in Africa – reducing the need for migration by offering better opportunities at home.

    Nigeria and all African nations seek Commonwealth support for a bid for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council. Africa remains the only continent without a permanent seat on this crucial global decision-making body, even though it has been the subject of 70 per cent of its resolutions since the end of the Cold War. Africa remains a constant focus of the Security Council yet lacks a constant say.

    The Commonwealth has finally begun caucusing as a group at the United Nations, a development that surprisingly only became official a few years ago. While not every vote is or should be taken as a bloc, one thing is clear: securing an African seat on the UN Security Council with Commonwealth backing would supercharge the relevance of our 56-country family. This move would decisively prove the Commonwealth’s importance and silence doubts about its future.

    Far from done, the Commonwealth’s time has come.

  • Uniting for the final push to end polio

    Uniting for the final push to end polio

    Sir: October 24 each year commemorates World Polio Day. This commemoration isn’t just an opportunity to reflect on the journey towards the eradication of the disease but also to remind all stakeholders of the seemingly unending battle to eliminate what has been described as a crippling and life-threatening illness.

    The European Region was declared polio-free in 2002 and has maintained this status every year since. While the African region was declared polio-free in 2020, the emergence of circulating Variant Poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) continues to be an important area of focus. This means other low- and medium-income countries, including Nigeria, continue to play catch-up.

    With over 70 cases reported across 46 local government areas (LGAs) in 14 states, Nigeria is currently witnessing intense transmission of cVPV2. This is largely due to issues surrounding vaccine hesitancy, which has led to low vaccination coverage. Similarly, misinformation and distrust about the potency and intentions of vaccination have significantly contributed to the low rate of herd immunity against the disease.

    Another major barrier that developing and underdeveloped nations face is political instability and ongoing conflicts. This severely restricts access to vaccination campaigns, making it difficult to reach underserved communities and leaving them vulnerable. The challenges posed by health supply chains, sometimes exacerbated by insecurity and logistics gaps, have also consistently impacted the availability of polio vaccines for effective distribution, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

    Given the potential devastating effects of polio—such as paralysis and psychosocial impact—along with the speed at which this disease can spread, the urgency needed to end this scourge remains critical. While the progress made is impressive, nearly eradicating polio is not good enough. Locations with incomplete vaccination coverage may experience outbreaks that can rapidly escalate into fresh public health emergencies.

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    The coordination of efforts by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) over the years has been critical to the global effort to eradicate polio, involving significant investments of financial and human resources. This further underscores the importance of strengthening existing collaborations at all levels to accelerate the end of polio in the African region.

    For instance, eHealth Africa is working with key partners, such as the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development, to engage traditional and religious institutions in leading the polio vaccination drive. The intervention led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has built trust within communities across northern Nigeria to increase vaccine uptake. To a significant extent, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and village heads have been flagging off vaccination campaigns from their palaces and chambers, which has undoubtedly improved acceptance of vaccines, especially in rural communities.

    The urgency of reaching rural communities has also prompted the deployment of digital innovations like Geospatial Tracking Systems (GTS) to track and identify missed settlements. These systems have helped increase vaccination coverage while providing data-driven insights for decision-making. This has improved the quality and accountability of campaign implementation by validating the reports generated by vaccination teams.

    Similarly, digital innovations like Planfeld, recently piloted by eHealth Africa, have been instrumental in enhancing the accuracy of planning vaccination campaigns and reaching every settlement. The application provides information on the exact number of settlements being targeted, the number of children in those areas, and the amount of vaccine required for the activity.

    Aside from the deployment of technology, social behavioural change interventions at all levels have been another key approach in the journey to end polio. Irrespective of their roles, every step taken toward alleviating this disease is crucial. From international public health leaders to caregivers in the most remote locations, the influence of every stakeholder remains vital to the final push to end polio in Nigeria and the African continent.

    Importantly, the emergence of other potential public health crises—such as cholera, monkey pox, hypertension, and diabetes—increases the urgency of ending the long-standing battle against polio. This will ensure that more global health funding is directed toward addressing other health issues, averting potential public health emergencies.

    As we unite to push for a future without polio, this will be a testament to our collective resolve and humanity’s ability to unite for a common cause. We are indeed on the brink of history as we deliver the final blow to this disease once and for all.

    •Moshood Isah,eHealth Africa, Abuja.

  • Obasanjo’s sanctimony

    Obasanjo’s sanctimony

    Sir: Listening to former president, Olusegun Obasanjo on nation-building boils the skin. He should be reminded that he is not this saviour Nigeria needs. Rather, he is a major contributor to our current situation. An Obasanjo whose administration was marked by corruption, blatant abuse of power and the manipulation of electoral processes giving advice on nation-building; such irony.

    During his tenure, federal roads were death traps, and basic amenities were a luxury for the common man. There was no major infrastructural project to point to, not even in the region he hailed from. The disrepair of roads was a symbol of a government that had forsaken its duty to its people. Despite the country enjoying massive oil revenues during his tenure, there was literally nothing much to show for it other than looted funds.

    Nigeria became deep rooted in the claws of corruption during his tenure. I recall how governors were coerced into donating N10 million each to fund his personal library project. How could a president, entrusted with the public good, extort such a huge sum from state coffers for a private venture? It was not only a betrayal of public trust but also an outright abuse of presidential power.

    Remember the 2003 and 2007 elections? Where violence and intimidation dictated the result of voters; stories of guns at polling units were commonplace. It wasn’t just something we heard about on the news—it was happening right here, in our communities. Parties were robbed of their wins, daylight election robbery where people were denied their legitimate right. This happened right under the government of the man who brought democracy back to Nigeria.

    Rauf Aregbesola won the Osun State governorship, but the people’s will was denied. In Ondo, Olusegun Mimiko faced the same fate. These were not isolated incidents; across Oyo, Bayelsa, and Sokoto, rigging was the norm, not the exception.

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    Obasanjo now positions himself as a moral authority, often criticizing the current administration and lecturing young people on good governance. But where was his moral compass when governors were being kidnapped and impeached on wrong grounds? Where was his respect for democratic institutions when he packed the National Assembly with loyalists and minions who bent to his every whim?

    These issues Nigerians face today, which Obasanjo claims to speak against were born and bred under his leadership. It is difficult to take his words on transparency, anti-corruption, or electoral integrity seriously, knowing the deep scars his administration left on our political landscape. He had the chance to shape Nigeria’s democracy for the better, but instead, exploited it for personal gain and political dominance.

    So, when Obasanjo takes the stage today to lecture us on how to conduct elections or build a progressive government, I can’t help but see the hypocrisy. He may have helped us return us to civilian rule, but he also corrupted the very fabric of our democracy. The guns, the rigged elections, the bribery, the abuse of power, these are all part of his legacy. And as Nigerians who lived through his reign, we must remember how he failed us and our generation. Some sins can be forgiven but never forgotten. This is the same reaction Nigerians should have with former president, Olusegun Obasanjo.

    Obasanjo may try to rewrite history, but for those of us who lived through it, the truth will always remain clear. His administration was not a beacon of democracy but a reminder of how power intoxicates and can destroy the very foundations of a nation’s progress. Nigeria could have been better, if only he had practiced the morals he now preaches.

    •Maxwell Adeyemi Adeleye,United Kingdom

  • One-party state: Bala Mohammed crying wolf

    One-party state: Bala Mohammed crying wolf

    Sir: Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed has turned himself to megaphone of his party, PDP, firing from all cylinders.

    Nigerians vividly recall that he had a less than salutary rein as FCT minister under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, with his tenure recording plethora of abandoned projects unfortunately paid for by the government.

    The inaction of the anti-graft agencies might have emboldened the governor to assume the self-imposed role of vanguard for PDP causes, releasing provocative pronouncements, meddling and intruding into political affairs absolutely beyond his jurisdiction.

    His recent foray in this instance was the spurious alarm he raised that PDP would not allow a one-party state in the country as if oblivious of the fact that his party’s problem was largely self-imposed, rather than externally induced. 

    Where are the founding fathers of PDP? Which side of divide are they? The IBB, Abdulsalam Abubakar, Aliyu Gusau, the northern aristocrats!

    Or Olusegun Obasanjo who openly tore his membership card, declaring that he would never have anything to do with the party again?

    Ex-president, Goodluck Jonathan has been largely evasive whenever the PDP issues are listed for discussion. Namadi Sambo, his deputy has remained anonymous on the matters of PDP.

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    Even the illustrious former senate president David Mark treats PDP case with contempt. Of course, the unstable Bukola Saraki has been on his own, opting to disconnect from the state hierarchy and even the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

    Where are Pius Anyim, Ken Nnamani, Adolphous Wabara, Evans Nwerem, all senate presidents in the glorious era of PDP?

    Virtually all the illustrious members of the party have ported. Presently, things have almost fallen apart, as the center could no longer hold.

    Meanwhile, while governors of Oyo, Osun, Taraba, and even, Adamawa, home state of PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar are firmly and religiously in Wike camp, and Enugu and Zamfara remain neutral, other PDP governors reluctantly opt to weather the storm with the party.

    Other governors who still have modicum of sympathy and support for the party are perhaps waiting for their opportunity to move on. This is the present state of affairs in the party.

    It’s therefore embarrassing that Bala Mohammed has lost sight of the facts chronicled above, opting instead to raise false alarm about the attempt by the APC, the ruling party, to make Nigeria a one-party state.

    PDP is supposed to be a credible, functional and vibrant opposition group. It’s clear they’ve lost that status. Of course, Nigerians hold their breath and watch with keen interest to observe the survival of the party even, before 2027 general elections.     

    •Kola Amzat (FCA, FCIB) Lagos