The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Anambra’s haste to vote

    Anambra’s haste to vote

    Anambra State hasn’t held a local government election for 10 years, but now it is bullishly charging into staging one at 46-day notice. Talk of a smoking gun!

    Elections ideally are concerted sociological projects that take after the pattern of a steam locomotive. They start up with a sleepy rouse of planning, get into a sluggish hum of mobilisation, enter into a steady cruise of preparation, and crest with heady speed of deployment into election day. After an election is called, there is typically the reverse logistics of procedural demobilisation, down to the level of post-election review where lessons are drawn from the concluded exercise against future ones.

    But Anambra seems to have devised a unique momentum, such that its proposed council election is to be staged exactly 56 days from the inauguration of the body that will conduct the poll. Trust Hardball, it is a wonder in the making.

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    The state last held a local government poll in 2014 and under incumbent State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the 21 council areas have been run by transition caretaker committees that are appointed by the governor every three months. Soludo, however, swore in the board of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) on Tuesday, 6th August. And at less that a week in the saddle, its chairperson, Genevieve Osakwe, on Monday, 12th August, issued a circular in Awka scheduling the council poll for 28th September. The poll timetable, programme of activities and other details were not available to concerned stakeholders, notably political parties, until Wednesday, 14th August, though.

    Most political parties protested the poll’s tight schedule, and when ANSIEC recently called a stakeholder meeting in the state capital, the meet was attended by only the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) along with Action Alliance (AA) and Social Democratic Party (SDP). Other parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) boycotted. Still, the electoral body insisted the scheduled date remained sacrosanct. “This election must go on and will be in accordance with the law… Boycott will not be for the benefit of Anambra. Political parties should go and canvass for votes because this exercise will be free, fair and credible,” the chairperson declared inter alia.

    But the issue at stake is pre-election fairness. Parties have complained that they were not being allowed sufficient time to conduct thorough primaries by which candidates they would field for the poll would emerge. Meanwhile, APGA has its own line-up ready by simply transmuting currently serving chairmen and members of the transition caretaker committees into candidates. The playing field is badly skewed and ANSIEC should straighten it out if it wants a poll worth its name. Whatever is worth doing, as they say, is worth doing well.

  • Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Edo PHC agency, HealthPort to boost oxygen access

    Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Edo PHC agency, HealthPort to boost oxygen access

    Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, non-profit organisation transforming public service delivery in Africa and advancing access to quality primary healthcare, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) and HealthPort Limited.

    EDSPHCDA is responsible for primary healthcare services in Edo State, while HealthPort is a health-tech company committed to improving access to quality medical care through innovative digital solutions.

    This strategic collaboration seeks to improve access to oxygen therapy in primary healthcare centres and other key facilities in Edo State. The initiative: ‘Oxygen as a Service,’ will complement the foundation’s efforts to revitalise primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in the state under Adopt-A-Healthcare-Facility-Programme (ADHFP).

    “We are honoured to join forces with EDSPHCDA and HealthPort in this initiative,” said Bukky Akinsemoyin, foundation’s Director of Funding and Partnerships. “Our shared vision of enhancing access to quality primary healthcare forms the bedrock of this collaboration.

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    ‘‘Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is revitalising 18 PHCs under ADHFP to deliver affordable and reliable healthcare services to the vulnerable. The Oxygen initiative aligns with our goal of promoting innovative healthcare solutions by leveraging private sector resources. This collaboration marks a milestone in our efforts to elevate healthcare standards in the country.”

    The collaboration  aims to ensure patients access oxygen therapy, thereby eliminating need for long-distance travel to obtain such services. In addition, the foundation will collaborate with HealthPort to strengthen PHCs by providing specialised training for staff in administration, management, and maintenance of oxygen plants.

    Each partner will contribute their strengths: EDSPHCDA will facilitate access to PHCs for delivery of essential medical and non-medical services; HealthPort will oversee implementation and life cycle of the project; and the foundation will provide evidence-based technical expertise, advisory support, and guidance to ensure the project’s success.

  • Dalung, let’s see your score card

    Dalung, let’s see your score card

    By Jonathan Abang Ugbal

    Solomon Dalung, the former Minister of Youth and Sports who almost brought the high office he occupied to ridicule with his comical costumes has spared no effort to whitewash his unenviable legacy. It is a consuming passion that he is beholden to because he erroneously believes that painting his predecessors in office in a bad light will lead to his own redemption. His scathing attacks on Sunday Dare, his immediate predecessor, and most recently on the incumbent Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, are critical strategies from his infamous playbook.

    It is no surprise that Dalung is wielding with relish, the sledgehammer handed over to him by the shambolic performance of Team Nigeria at the just concluded Paris Olympic Games to swing at the current Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh who at any rate, has taken full responsibility for this poor outing and promised a thorough and comprehensive review of our dreadful performance at the Olympics to forestall future occurrence. Dalung is at his inglorious best spewing slander, insults, and aspersions on the Minister in the false hope that the disastrous performance of Team Nigeria will somehow mitigate his own failings as Sports Minister. In other words, rather than a fair comment from the standpoint of patriotism and as one who once occupied such an exalted office, the former Minister chooses recklessness and sees his redemption in what has become a national failure. But by drawing from his infamous playbook of bluster, insults, and vile propaganda in his attempt to take down the current Minister, the former has albeit invariably invited a closer interrogation of his own tenure in office. After all ,he who comes to equity must, as a necessity, come with clean hands.

    Dalung’s depiction of the current Minister as a misfit and a stranger to sports is most unfortunate but immediately calls attention to his own pedigree when he was appointed a Minister by Buhari in 2015. Before his appointment, he was a Legal Officer 11 with the Correctional Services with zero experience in both sports administration and, indeed, in anything else. As Minister, Dalung’s many gaffes were a source of constant embarrassment to the nation. At a news conference, he referred to Nigeria as the ” United States of Nigeria.” Not done yet. He followed up this Freudian slip with another banger. During his budget defence before the House of Representatives Committee in 2016, he told the committee that, “The funds spended was properly spended because we got them from intervention funds from Mr. President.” Dalung’s incoherence, unstructured and uncoordinated statements prompted a respected national daily to write that,” Dalung has become anti-Sports Minister.” The same newspaper went on to state that ” Dalung is not fit to be Sports Minister.” Lest we forget, it was during his tenure that Nigeria was subjected to international ridicule by failing successively to qualify for the Nations Cup, in both the 2016 and 2018 editions, Nigeria was absent. In the 2016 Olympics, Nigeria got a bronze in football, which he can’t even claim, with Mikel Obi coming out recently to state that he provided funding for the flight tickets of the team. But for Mikel Obi’s intervention, it’s not wrong to say the teams’ chances of playing at the Olympics would have been jeopardised. This is testimony to the kind of leadership Dalung provided. That’s not all, as minister he neither paid the camp and competition allowances nor the winning bonuses to the Dream Team IV (Under23), the team that won the nation its only Olympic medal (bronze).

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    At the moment, Senator John Owan Enoh, the Sports minister he has chosen to cast aspersions on, is currently treating and pushing for the payment of these bonuses . Records show that Senator Enoh has been transparent, detailed, and up to date in payments of allowances , bonuses & grants to athletes since he assumed office. Now, it is his responsibility to clear debts owed under Dalung’s watch as Minister of Youths and Sports.

    His often touted democratisation of sports federations under his watch was a ruse, an unmitigated disaster that unleashed crisis on the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). The raging inferno he ignited resulted in in-fighting, chaos, and endless power tussle. During his tenure, the National Stadium, Lagos, the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan became national monuments of decay and shame.

    By the time Dalung was leaving office after four years, his boast to reawaken ‘the dry bones in the sporting facilities owned by the federal government laid in ruins, a befitting epitaph for a man who promised so much and yet delivered so little. Under his watch, the International Athletics Associations Federation mistakenly transferred $135,000 to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). The ratification of this simple error became marred in recriminations as Dalung failed to deal with the issue decisively and instead resorted to the blame game. He reneged on his initial promise to pay 50 percent of the money in order to stop the world body, slamming a ban on the country, thereby fuelling the crisis even further.

    After four uneventful years, Dalung’s unenviable legacy has already been settled. However, I am yet to understand how launching a withering attack on the current Minister of Sports will help his cause. The current minister is just a year in office, but his progressive imprint is already beginning to be felt. In addition to sustaining private sector-driven initiatives that he inherited, he has equally initiated a raft of progressive reforms of his own with grassroots sports development, infrastructure maintenance and upgrade, the welfare of retired and active sports men and women, and the rejuvenation of school sports as some of the highlights of his reforms.

    Under the current minister, the concessioning of the National Stadium, Lagos, which he inherited is almost completed with the memo to FEC for final approval already signed off. How well he implements his W.A.I.F.A R. Policy and the enduring impact it makes in ushering in the transformation of Nigeria’s sports sector.

    There is no doubt that Nigeria’s abysmal outing at the Olympics has cast a pall and overshadowed the ongoing silent revolution in the sports sector but the truth is that rather than dwell in perpetual agony over this disappointment, Nigerians should support the Minister’s plan to carry out a thorough and comprehensive review of our outing to forestall future occurrence.

    •Jonathan Abang Ugbal, is a sports enthusiast and journalist who writes from Mbube , Cross River State , Nigeria.

  • Catholic bishops urge FG to resolve rising food prices

    Catholic bishops urge FG to resolve rising food prices

    The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged the Federal Government to resolve the rising food prices and hardship in the country.

    According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), this was disclosed in a communique, issued at the end of a week-long second Plenary Meeting of the CBCN held in Auchi Diocese, Edo, the clerics urged the federal government to support farmers with subsidies, soft loans, modern technology and improved seedlings.

    The bishops said such measures should also involve supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

    They said Nigerians were currently groaning under the hardship fueled by high electricity tariffs, high cost of petroleum products, transportation, and medicare as well as poor lack of basic infrastructure.

    The conference also called for a radical change of heart from a political ideology that promotes arbitrary use of power for self-enrichment to politics as service and solidarity with the people.

    The bishops declared 2024 as the Year of Prayer, in preparation for the Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025.

    They emphasised that prayer must be accompanied by action and repentance of wrongdoings as individuals, communities, leaders, and as a nation.

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    The bishops expressed deep concern over the increasing aberrations during worship, such as unduly lengthy celebrations, excessive monetary collections, lack of silence and decorum, and alteration of sacramental words and elements.

    They called for intensified vigilance to ensure the liturgy is celebrated according to approved norms.

    The CBCN frowned at the use of violence by some protesters and the killing of citizens by security operatives while reaffirming the constitutional right to peaceful protest.

    The bishops called on governments to address the issues that engender protests and release all detained protesters.

    The bishops equally urged the government to reconsider its economic reform policies to lift the burden of hardship from citizens and promote people-oriented development.

    The body also appealed to governments to harmonize taxes and address multiple taxation to stem the tide of business collapse and encourage investors.

    The CBCN called on all Nigerians to observe the ongoing Year of Prayer, fast sincerely for the country, and commit the nation to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria.

  • TMC launches world-class cemetery

    TMC launches world-class cemetery

    The Muslim Congress (TMC) has inaugurated International Muslim Cemetery (IMC) at Iberekodo Village in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    Amir of TMC, Alhaji Abdulwasi’ Bangbala, said the event does not only represent a celebration of a physical space, but also a demonstration of TMC’s commitment to the society as a whole, and dedication to preserving human dignity beyond mortality.

    Bangbala said: “The establishment of this cemetery is a reflection of these values, providing a sacred space for the community to honour our departed. This cemetery stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of our responsibilities to one another. It is a place where families can find solace and where the faithful reflect and pay solemn respect to the departed as it is consistent with our spiritual values.”

    Bangbala noted that the story of IMC began at the Ikorodu local chapter of The Muslim Congress, and thereafter championed under the national leadership of the immediate past Amir, Dr. Lukman AbdurRaheem.

    He said: “The road to realization was fraught with many challenges, beginning with fundraising struggles which saw our dedicated members contributing their resources, alongside the generous support of well-meaning individuals who understood the significance of our mission. Yet, as we acquired the land that would become the home of the IMC, we faced unexpected hurdles.

    “The poor state of the access road became a formidable obstacle, causing significant delays and financial strain. Each attempt to transport materials was met with frustration, yet determination fuelled our perseverance. With a deep sense of purpose and collective effort, we navigated these trials, and today, we stand proudly on 11 acres of land—a proof of our resilience and commitment.

    “The IMC has finally come to fruition, a milestone which marks the realisation of our vision. We are proud to introduce the International Muslim Cemetery, a name chosen with great intention, as it signifies our aspiration to uphold universal standards of excellence in the services we provide.”

    The National Amir explained that the aspiration of TMC is to replicate the project in other parts of the country for Muslim communities to have access to dignified burial grounds.

    A prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Muhammad Jamiu Tirmidhi, described investment in the establishment of Maqbara (Muslim cemetery) as an act of worship, a flowing charity whose reward is perpetual.

    “For every faithful who invests in the Maqbara will be an unfailing reward because it is a transitive act of ibadah (sadaqatul jaariyah),” he said.

    Tirmidhi, an Islamic Inheritance jurisprudence expert, allayed the fears of residents of the community where the cemetery is sited, noting that unfounded tales and superstitious beliefs often ascribed to cemeteries hold no water.

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    “The Muslim Cemetery is an oasis and a blessed place that serves as the final abode on earth for the righteous Muslims. It is as well as visitation and recreation center for the living righteous. Thus, I want to allay the fears in residents concerning associated fretful and diabolical tales that surround living around the cemetery which make some people reject siting maqaabir (cemeteries) in their area. It is all ruse and fantasy. Once again, the Muslim Cemetery is summarily a place described as a sea never dry of Allah’s blessings. It is even a boost to the economy of the community, as the living righteous keep patronizing throughout the year. It draws traffic to the community, which is needed for economic growth,” Sheikh Tirmidhi said.

    He underlined the significance of being buried in a Muslim cemetery, saying the dead would enjoy prayers offered from time to time when the living visits.

    He urged Muslims to always be conscious of death, noting the wisest among humans are those who remember and prepare adequately for death – the end for every mortal.

    District Head of Dambam in Bauchi State, Alhaji Bappah Idris Musa, said he was happy to see TMC as a serious organisation giving back to the community and mankind as a whole.

    Alhaji Musa said cemeteries are for the general wellbeing of the public, calling on government to support organisations investing in such project.

    “Well, we will always call on the government to intervene since the cemetery is a public facility. Cemeteries are for the general wellbeing of the public. So, government should come in. And now that the local government is getting autonomy, more funds will come in and they should be able to support,” he said.

  • ‘Take advantage of scholarship scheme’

    ‘Take advantage of scholarship scheme’

    • By Mistura Oseni

    The Lagos State Scholarship Board has renewed appeal on residents especially the indigenes to take full advantage of the scheme towards providing quality education and better future for their wards.

    Executive Secretary of the Board Abdulrahman Lekki made this call during the Valedictory and Haflah Programme by the At-Tanzeel Schools held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja. Lekki who was represented at the event by Abdulganiyu Coker said that the board had provided succour for many indigent students in the state’s tertiary institutions.

    He said the students have right to the scholarships so long their parents are indigenes, perform their civic duty to the state adding those who are not from Lagos could benefit from the Spelling Bee competition that produced One Day Governor, through Sports and persons with Special needs.

    Lekki spoke on Opportunities, Prospects and Benefits of Scholarship and Bursaries.

    According to him, the scholarship though provided for students based on high grades, are also available at the federal and local government levels.

    He reminded parents and the graduands to also take advantage of NELFUND initiated by the federal government in which he noted that the highest applicants for now are from the Northern parts of the country.

    He said that education goes beyond going to school but positioning the minds for greater opportunities.

    Engagement Manager, Mckinsey & Company, Hajia Zainab Dosunmu urged the graduands to be proud of their identity.

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    She enjoined them to role models for the upcoming young ones since they have been well grounded through their academic pursuit.

    Board Chairman of At-Tanzeel Schools, Alhaji Saheed Bashir, lamented the dangers inherent in unregulated access to the internet and gadgets by students. He said the school placed high premium on academics and teaching of Islam along with extracurricular activities.

    Saheed Bashir noted that At-Tanzeel is now certified by the Cambridge International Education which allows them to offer curriculum in that line and prepare the students for exchange programme. According to him, the school has invested in the state of the art equipment to enhance logistics and the sanctity of examinations noting that 94 per cent of their students scored over 300 in the last JAMB exams.

    Chairman on the occassion, Kamaldeen Shonibare urged parents to strive to give their children both formal and Islamic education.

    He said he was proud of the achievement of the school in moulding young talented students ready to contribute to the growth of the nation.

    38 students graduated in the 2024 session from the At-Tanzeel School, Igbogbo-Ikorodu established in 2010 in which six among them have memorised the Holy Quran.

  • Document Mosques’ titles or forfeit it, expert warns

    Document Mosques’ titles or forfeit it, expert warns

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    A Land Administration expert, Olawale Ojikutu, has urged mosques in Lagos to obtain necessary documents or risk future forfeiture through unresolved family issues or if it falls into government’s right of way.

    He made the call during a “One Day Sensitization Programme on Mosque Documentation in Conjunction with Market of Convenience” organised by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Mosque.

    Ojikutu while discussing “the benefits of the 90 days amnesty extension to Muslims,” urged mosques and other property owners in Lagos to make use of the opportunity to get survey plan, titles, and permits for their building as that can only guarantee their rightful ownership of the land and make them eligible for compensation if it falls into right of way.

    “If the government wants to expand a road and some buildings are affected, only those with building approval would be eligible for compensation. All mosques (and properties) must have title, building approval and survey plan,” he said.

    Ojikutu while advocating that mosques should be owned by trustees also urged those donating land for mosques to remove it from their properties to prevent conflict with their children.

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    “If we want to avoid a situation where the children of the owners of mosques would sell it (in future), we need to get title for our mosques and cede the ownership to committees instead of an individual. Help us spread the advocacy that our mosques must be owned by trustees or committees, not by an individual.”

    Ojikutu while stressing the importance of “land title,” said it guarantees true ownership of the land.

    “Generally, whether for mosque or residential, It is important that you have title on your land. Without title, it is as if you own nothing. With the Land Use Act, what you own is interest and not the land per se. So, your interest must be registered and perfected so that it’ll show that you own the land. It must be registered so that when you get to the land registry, anybody can check and say Mr A owns the land.”

    The Chief Host, Musodiqq Sanni, lamented that money that ought to be used for mosque development is being used for litigation.

    Agricultural expert, Ibrahim Olayeni, while discussing “food sustainability amongst Muslims” urged the congregation to embrace urban farming with available spaces in the homes and as well make use of plastics and sacks.

    He also added that good soil, seeds and fertilizers are crucial to getting good harvest which would lead to increased food production

  • Jigawa@33: Creating possibilities

    Jigawa@33: Creating possibilities

     August 27, 1991, former President Ibrahim Babangida’s military junta carved out Jigawa State from Kano State. This milestone ushered in the dawn of a new era for the infant child.

    Jigawa’s journey to statehood triggered mixed feelings of fears and hopes. Jigawa’s present geographical setting passed through gross negligence and stagnation under the old Kano dispensation. The politics of ‘development monopoly’ culminated in the exclusive industrialisation of Kano. It also cornered the lion share of tertiary education and farming activities culled from the public funds. Recall that industrial network favoured Kano metropolis and its outskirts. At birth, Jigawa narrowly survived with the College of Education Gumel as its only tertiary institution. Kano metropolis, Rano and Dambatta were having the highest concentration of advanced learning centres.

     The inquisitive mind interrogates: what are we celebrating after 33 years? Jigawa is real and occupying a developmental space. It is an emerging new world for cross fertilisation of innovations and creativities, metamorphosis of ideas into best practices. The youths are industrious, extremely ambitious for the installation of a new state order. Collaborative efforts by the leaders and the rest of us have yielded painstaking operations, defining and re-defining our common goals, deploying and redeploying both human and natural resources for transformation.

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    In 33 years, Jigawa is blessed with a new beautiful face. We have every cause to wear a broad smile. We have every reason to tell all Nigerians that Jigawa has come of age and fits the purpose for which it was created. We are in a mood of jocundity for the evolution of numerous urban and semi- urban centres. It is the rightful process of averting a lopsided development in favour of a particular place(s). Our development cycles are renowned and evidence based. Social amenities are ubiquitous and evenly distributed across the state. The road networking is one of the best in the country for socio-economic inclusiveness of the people. A balanced development has now greatly contributed to the boosting of small scale industries and artisans.

    Amidst crisis of marginalisation bedevilling many states, Jigawa is a working template for unity in diversity. What kind of diversity, one may retort? After all, is it not all about Hausa Fulani? The state is fragmented into five distinctive emirates: Dutse, Hadejia, Kazaure, Gumel and Ringim emirates. With the exception Gumel, the other emirates have produced governors, including the incumbent Malam Umar Namadi. It is just a matter of time for the Gumel emirate to produce a governor and we will have a political equilibrium.

    •Abdu Abdullahi,aaringim68@gmail.com

  • Taming the kidnapping scourge

    Taming the kidnapping scourge

    Sir: Nigeria’s kidnapping problem has surged in both scale and intensity, particularly in the Northeast and Northwest. What was once the work of isolated criminals has now become a lucrative business for extremist groups and organized bandits alike.

    The numbers are staggering: between February and March of this year, over 500 people were abducted in a series of coordinated attacks. From the mass abduction of 200 women and children in Borno to the brazen kidnapping of nearly 300 schoolchildren in Kaduna, the scale of these crimes is reminiscent of the 2014 Chibok tragedy that shocked the world.

    But what fuels this surge in kidnappings? The answer lies in the economic incentives that have turned human lives into commodities. For extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, kidnapping is not just a tool of terror but a crucial source of revenue.

    Ransoms are demanded, lives are traded, and the profits fund further violence. In the Northwest, the situation is equally dire. Here, bandit groups have shifted from cattle rustling, their former lifeblood, to kidnapping, which offers higher returns with fewer risks.

    This shift has made the region the epicentre of Nigeria’s kidnapping, with over 660 kidnapping-related incidents recorded between 2019 and 2024.

    The implications of this kidnapping epidemic extend far beyond the immediate victims. The profits from these crimes fuel other forms of criminality, including human trafficking and the illegal trade in human organs.

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    Some victims, whose families cannot afford the ransom, face an even grimmer fate—being sold to ritualists for their organs. This horrifying practice underscores the depths of depravity that the kidnapping industry has reached.

    Moreover, the kidnapping crisis is intricately linked to broader security concerns, such as the control of resource-rich areas. Armed groups use kidnappings to displace local populations, gaining control over mining areas and other valuable resources.

    This tactic has created a vicious cycle of violence, where the profits from kidnappings fund further criminal activities, deepening the instability in affected regions.

    The government’s response to this crisis has been largely reactive, with security forces stretched thin across multiple conflict zones. This limited state presence in rural and remote areas makes these populations particularly vulnerable to bandit attacks.

    The government’s reluctance to publicly pay ransoms, despite reports of state actors making such payments in the past, further complicates the situation.

    So, what can be done to address this crisis? A multi-faceted approach is essential, combining technology, accountability, and socio-economic development. Investing in advanced surveillance systems and integrating tech solutions into the national security framework could enhance intelligence gathering and help pre-empt kidnappings.

    Holding District Police Officers and Police Commissioners accountable for kidnappings in their jurisdictions could incentivize proactive measures to prevent such incidents.

    However, addressing the kidnapping crisis requires more than just a security-focused approach. It also demands a concerted effort to tackle the underlying socio-economic factors that drive individuals towards criminality.

    Implementing economic empowerment programs in vulnerable communities, improving access to education and healthcare, and creating job opportunities could help reduce the appeal of criminal activities.

    Ultimately, the government must recognize the kidnapping epidemic as a national emergency that demands urgent and sustained action. Without a coordinated response involving federal, state, and local governments, as well as international support, the crisis will continue to spiral out of control, with devastating consequences for the country as a whole.

    Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The choices made today will determine whether the nation can reclaim its security and provide a safe and stable future for its citizens or whether it will continue to be haunted by the spectre of kidnapping and its associated horrors. The time for action is now, before more lives are shattered and more communities are torn apart.

    •Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu, (NYSC) abdulhamidabdullahiali@gmail.com

  • Breaking the Abeokuta-Ifo-Ota-Lagos Expressway jinx

    Breaking the Abeokuta-Ifo-Ota-Lagos Expressway jinx

    Sir: Road infrastructure is one of the catalysts that drive the development of a nation. Without a good road network, development cannot be all-encompassing, as it links hamlets, villages, towns, and cities.

    Over the years, Nigerians have complained about the non-availability of a good road network across the country. From Lagos to Maiduguri, and Calabar to Sokoto, the story is the same: bad road network.

    With a land mass of 932,768 square kilometres and a population of about 216 million, Nigeria is said to boast just about 200,000 kilometres of road network. Out of this, about 63 percent are in bad condition. This implies that the number and length of roads in the country are far too small to cope with the transportation sector of the nation’s economy.

    A critical look at roads in Nigeria shows that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway remains the best motorable road in Nigeria today, while others are in one form of disrepair or another.

    Talking about roads that are critical to the socio-economic development of Nigeria but are in complete deplorable condition, the Abeokuta-Ota-Lagos Expressway, regarded as the second busiest road in the country, is one such road.

     For a very long time, this all-important road has been in bad shape despite the fact that it provides a thoroughfare for people commuting between Ogun, Lagos, and Oyo states, and even the neighbouring Benin Republic. The road also provides an alternative route for industries, particularly in the Ota and Agbara axis, to move their finished goods to other parts of the country using the Papalanto-Sagamu interchange or the Abeokuta-Siun road.

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    The poor condition of the road has led to complaints by motorists, pedestrians, and even members of the communities living along the road about the need for the owner (the federal government) to fix it, to no avail.

    For Governor Dapo Abiodun who constantly uses the road and also experience the same hardship as other Nigerians, there was an urgent need to salvage the situation, leading to the turning of sod and the official flag-off on Friday, August 23. Performing the flag-off at Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area, Abiodun noted that the road is significant not only to Ogun State but also to Lagos State and the nation, as it provides a thoroughfare for people going to the neighbouring country.

    Abiodun’s attempt to reconstruct the road was first conceived in 2019, but all efforts to convince the federal government to release the road to the Ogun State Government proved abortive. A few months ago, while inspecting the ongoing construction of the Atan-Lusada-Agbara road in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Abiodun informed about the efforts by the Ogun and Lagos State governments to take over and reconstruct the expressway. Abiodun said he and his Lagos State counterpart were frustrated by delays from the federal government.

    With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the federal government was approached again for the transfer of the road to the state, a request that was granted. The president, through the Minister for Works Dave Umahi, graciously handed over the reconstruction of the road to Ogun State.

    One is happy that five reconstruction teams will be involved to fast-track the reconstruction of the road and each team is expected to handle Ota/Ifo, Papalanto, Ewekoro/Itori, Abeokuta, and the team allocated for palliative works to ensure smooth traffic along the project alignment during the construction duration.

    Each zone is required to cover a distance of approximately 15 km. The project is expected to be completed in 18 months. For Governor Abiodun, the bureaucratic bottleneck, discouragement from top government officials at the centre, and even incessant trips to Abuja, along with all other inconveniences, did not deter him from ensuring that the needful is done.

    Now that Governor Abiodun has finally broken the jinx and the reconstruction of the Abeokuta-Ifo-Ota-Lagos Expressway has started in earnest, it is hoped that the hardship experienced on the road and the low economic activities experienced by communities along the road will return to normal.

    •Elijah Udofia,Laderin, Abeokuta, Ogun State.