The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • NITDA/NYSC model for youth empowerment

    NITDA/NYSC model for youth empowerment

    Sir: Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis is one of the most pressing issues facing the nation today. More than half of the youth population is unemployed or underemployed. This high unemployment rate is not only a waste of human potential but also a significant barrier to the country’s development. The lack of job opportunities for young people has far-reaching consequences, including increased poverty, social unrest, and economic stagnation.

    It is against this background that the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) chose to collaborate to provide digital training for 30 million young people aimed at tackling the pressing issue of youth unemployment and mitigate potential challenges that might arise from it.

    The partnership between NITDA and NYSC is centred on addressing the digital skills gap by training Nigerians in various digital competencies. This ambitious initiative is designed to equip youth with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy and reduce the high rate of youth unemployment. By leveraging the nationwide reach of NYSC and the technical expertise of NITDA, this program has the potential to make a significant impact on the job market and the economy.

    The primary goal of the NITDA-NYSC partnership is to provide comprehensive digital skills training to young Nigerians. This includes not only basic digital literacy but also advanced skills such as coding, data analysis, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. The program aims to reach young people across the country, including those in rural and underserved areas, to ensure that no one is left behind. By providing training that is relevant to the current job market, the program hopes to enhance the employability of Nigerian youth.

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    This grand move by NITDA can be aptly described as a “checkmate move” for three key reasons:

    Given that participation in the NYSC program is mandatory for all graduates in Nigeria, and since acquiring digital skills has become a key component of the NYSC training, it implies that all graduates will possess digital competencies before entering the job market. This integration ensures that every young Nigerian entering the workforce is equipped with essential digital skills, significantly enhancing their employability and readiness to meet the demands of the modern economy.

    Secondly, in a country that produces approximately 600,000 graduates annually, it is imperative to equip them with skills that are not only in demand locally but also sought after on a global scale. Digital skills provide the solution because they encompass a wide range of competencies, including coding, digital marketing, data analysis, graphic design, cybersecurity, and more.

    These skills are increasingly in demand across various sectors, from technology and finance to healthcare and creative industries. As businesses and organizations continue to digitize their operations, the need for employees that possess digital skills will continue to grow exponentially. By acquiring these skills, youth can significantly enhance their employability and career prospects both locally and globally.

    Lastly, digital skills are instrumental in fostering entrepreneurship, providing youth with the tools and knowledge needed to start and grow their businesses. With the right training, they can leverage digital platforms and technologies to launch ventures that span a wide range of industries, from e-commerce to tech start-ups.

    Since a large portion of corps members are usually posted to rural areas, access to technology and internet connectivity is crucial, without that many will find it difficult to participate in the transformative training programs. This digital divide must be addressed to ensure that the program reaches all segments of the population.

    It should also, be noted that the digital landscape is constantly evolving. Training programs must be agile and adaptable, incorporating new technologies and methodologies as they emerge. Continuous professional development for trainers and curriculum updates are essential. Together, we can create a robust support system that empowers Nigeria’s youth, reduces unemployment, and fosters sustainable economic growth.

    •Shuaib S. Agaka, Kano.

  • Avoiding the pitfall of multiple budgets

    Avoiding the pitfall of multiple budgets

    SIR: A country’s budget is simply a projection of revenue and expenditure for a period. When expenditures exceed projected revenue, additional funding sources—such as borrowings are indicated; resulting in a deficit budget. Budget estimates should be realistic and achievable within the budget year. A country’s budget reflects the policies and priorities of the government. It is an essential planning tool and should align with the long-term goals and aspirations of the country.
    Supplementary budgets are meant to fund expenditure items that may have been omitted from the main budget or spin-off from unforeseen circumstances like war or pandemics, such as COVID-19. The budgeting process should be thorough to avoid omissions that might necessitate requests for supplementary budgets or the need to vire funds from one expenditure category to another. Wars and pandemics are however often unpredictable.
    It is public knowledge that the federal government has often extended the capital component of its annual budget into subsequent fiscal years, typically until March or May. However, the National Assembly’s approval to extend the capital portion of the 2023 Annual and Supplementary Budgets until December 2024 has raised eyebrows, as it seems somewhat unusual. Complicating matters further, the federal government is likely to submit 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly for approval soon. This implies that, at some point, the country may have four budgets running concurrently. This situation could have been avoided with better budget preparation and implementation. Running multiple budgets simultaneously complicates monitoring and execution.
    Only the amount of expenditure likely to be expended within the year should be included in the budget. For example, if constructing a road costs N400 million and takes 18 months to complete, it would be incorrect to allocate the entire amount to the budget as the project would extend into the next year. Only the portion that can be completed within the current budget period should be budgeted.
    Additionally, when preparing the budget for the subsequent year, the portion of capital projects unlikely to be completed in the current year should be rolled over to the next budget. For instance, if N1 billion is allocated for a project in a year and it appears only N700 million will be spent by year-end, the remaining N300 million should be included in the subsequent year’s budget.

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    A better approach to deal with the current scenario would be to consolidate the uncompleted portion of the capital component of the 2023 Annual and Supplementary Budgets into the 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill. This would prevent having four or potentially five budgets running simultaneously. We are only halfway through the year, yet a supplementary budget request will soon be made. What is the likelihood that another request will not be made before year-end?
    The national budget, as a planning and control tool, should be prepared with utmost diligence. The practice of extending budgets into subsequent years should not be encouraged. While requests for supplementary budgets are often unavoidable, they should be minimized. They should primarily be to take care of unforeseen circumstances rather than omissions. Achieving these goals requires better budget preparation and implementation. Running multiple budgets complicates monitoring and execution even future.

    • Kenechukwu Aguolu FcA Abuja.
  • Wike’s leadership model

    Wike’s leadership model

    SIR: Sometimes, we Africans because of selfishness and ego find it difficult to give honour to whom it is due. What further contributes to this mind-set is the erroneous thinking that leaders should always be criticized and not eulogized. It is only when they are dead that people begin to notice their positive qualities and then start organizing memorial lectures in their honour or award them with posthumous honours.
    Whether we are ready to say the truth or not, it is clear that in Abuja there is a new sheriff in town. Even from casual observation, one can easily notice positive leadership trait in the incumbent minister of FCT Abuja, Barrister Nyesom Wike. Since his assumption into office, Wike has continued to disappoint his detractors. Those who before thought he is a local champion who cannot replicate his Rivers magic in Abuja are now shifting ground.
    How I wish all Tinubu’s ministers will be like Wike! This is because Wike is conscious of time constraint and he is doing everything possible to leverage the little time he has to make maximum impact.
    Nigeria needs a leader who possesses sense of urgency, who understands that time flies. Procrastination is dangerous and any leader who wants to succeed must avoid this plague.
    Another good quality of Wike is he can work amidst distractions. Not many people can focus when they have to operate in the face of distractions and enormous pressures from all quarters. Imagine a former governor who faces betrayal from his protégés back home. While living in Abuja, people he groomed have become his bitter enemies, and doing everything possible to destroy him.
    Plus here in Abuja, many people who cannot get any personal favour from him have joined his traducers. Yet with all these distractions, Wike has not lost his head.
    Looking at the projects he either executed or completed in one year and the ongoing ones show that this is a great man.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Wike concludes plans to relocate Abuja mechanic village


    Leadership requires a courageous not a fearless person. Wike is both fearless and courageous. He has taken many actions that a lily-livered person cannot take. In fact, without this quality, he could not have issued stern warning to some untouchable contractors who had to return to sites to complete their projects. Many dishonest contractors that took Nigerians for granted in the previous administrations cannot dare approach Wike today because he has made it clear that he would not condone any shady deals. Wike is a micro-manager; Nigeria needs a leader who can micromanage because majority of Nigerians are looking for fast money and are therefore more comfortable with leaders who do not supervise and cross-check.
    Wike understands the concept of communication in the leadership context and thus he is always in the spotlight making sure that Nigerians know what he is doing as minister. He carries the media along. Those ministers who are relegating the media are now paying the price. Nobody knows what they are up to.
    Abuja under the last minister, Muhammad Bello deteriorated: Street lamps were inactive this provided cover for all sort of criminals to operate; manholes were stolen many people lost their lives by falling into pits; scavengers were erecting shanties even in the central districts with uncompleted buildings taken over by drug peddlers and other loiterers. Contractors collected mobilization fees and vanished. The city was rapidly becoming a typical capital of an underdeveloped country. It is this trend minister Nyesom Wike is trying to reverse.

    • Comrade Bishir Dauda Sabuwar, Unguwa Katsina.
  • Flooding season

    Flooding season

    In the middle of the rainy season, there are serious questions regarding how much of the severe flooding experienced in many parts of the country is due to natural causes or human factors, and how much attention the authorities are paying to flood prevention or flood management.
    For instance, following severe flooding in Lagos, on July 3, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources in the state, Tokunbo Wahab, offered an unconvincing explanation. He said: “It’s not for failure to plan that we had what happened yesterday. No, it was nature taking its full course. And we are sorry for those whose lives were disrupted: they could not go to work, they could not go to their marketplaces, they couldn’t go to school.”
    He argued that “Nature will take its course,” adding, “What we have to do is to mitigate the impact of nature on the environment. And that was what we did yesterday.”
    The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had on July 2 predicted heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms in many states from July 3 to July 5, including Lagos, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, and the Federal Capital Territory.
    The rains come and go. So, the federal, state, and local governments were expected to have worked towards preventing severe flooding in the country before the rains came this year.

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    Predictably, the authorities, as usual, will say defensive things suggesting that the main factors that cause severe flooding are beyond human control. They will play down the human factors, including arbitrary construction on natural flood plains and storm water paths, and poor drainage systems, which are compounded by weak enforcement of environmental regulations.
    Preventing severe flooding calls for proactive action not only from the relevant governmental structures at all levels but also the people in the various communities across the country. Ultimately, all levels of government in the country and the various communities within the national boundaries have a responsibility to take action to prevent severe flooding, or greatly mitigate its consequences.
    The disastrous floods of 2022 remain fresh in the minds of many Nigerians. Apart from the major issue of failure to prevent severe flooding, lack of preparation for flood control was an issue as floods described as the worst since 2012 devastated many parts of the country.
    The authorities should know that prevention is better than cure. This underscores the need for preventive action. But there should also be adequate preparation for flood management. Perennial excuses do not mitigate perennial severe flooding.

  • On Nigerian Civil Service as the ‘Best In The World’ debate

    On Nigerian Civil Service as the ‘Best In The World’ debate

    On 22nd June, 2024, at a sporting event organized for civil servants as part of activities to mark the 2024 Civil Service Week, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, made a fundamental claim about the status of the Nigerian Civil Service. At that event, the HCSF commended the hardworking and intelligent civil and public servants, and noted that Nigeria has the best civil service in the world. That was a most fundamental statement coming from such a significant personality in the civil service hierarchy. That statement has sufficient weight and implications as to defy the gravity of silence. And it was only just to be expected that this would not just be brought to my notice, but that I would be asked by many, including a few revered global scholars that I cannot ignore, to make a statement about it. The HCSF and I occupy positions that are key in the chain of structural and institutional integrity of the civil service system in Nigeria. We are both aware of the internal working and potential of the civil service system. But more than this, we both are sensitive to the public service value of esprit de corps, that unwritten rule about our collective responsibility and loyalty to the institutional well-being of this great institution that is responsible for transforming the lives of Nigerians as the engine room and brain box of government.

    But there is no doubt that such a statement would generate some forms of reactions from Nigerians. There would be some that would simply wave it aside as a mere statement that does not deserve a response. But, as Simon Kolawole has exemplified, there are those who take the statement with deep umbrage given that it does not represent their felt perception of the efficiency level and the image that the civil service has earned for itself within the context of Nigeria’s democratic governance. But I will go beyond these two kinds of reaction to the statement of the HCSF to articulate a more nuanced understanding of how the statement should be interrogated but without the benefits of a rebuttal or a critique, the reason that this essay is deliberately made somewhat academic. Like the HCSF, I am an insider who have a sense of the struggles and laudable visions of the HCSF and could spin her sense of the heights the civil service system needs to attain. 

    So, I think I understand where the HCSF is coming from when she made the statement. My first instinct on reading the submission of the HCSF is to imagine that a similar statement had been made in a conference of public administration experts, scholars and professionals. One methodological approach of a response to this statement—suggested by my research and comparative inclinations—would be to situate the HCSF’s confidence within the historical trajectory of the civil service in Nigeria.

    There are two significant administrative moments in the evolution of the civil service history in Nigeria that foretell its immense possibilities. The first is the immense administrative achievements of the old western region civil service, one regional administrative success story that I have studied and published on. Within the context of the Awolowo-Adebo governance collaborative paradigm therefore, the civil service in Nigeria in the ’60s became renowned as one of the best in the Commonwealth community of practice.

    The second was the critical and outstanding performance of the General Yakubu Gowon’s super-permanent secretaries before, during and after the Nigerian civil war. But then, despite having the credentials to lay claims to being one of the best civil service systems at those moments, such a statement was never made. The nuance in the story is to know why. To say a civil service system is the best in the world demands that certain administrative minimum and maximum be already in place. Indeed, such a statement would have already found the country backstopped by civil service system on top of many human development indices and ISO certification to boot.

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    Even though the grammatical form of what the HCSF said does not support my next claim, one could think that the statement was actually meant to be taken in aspirational terms. In other words, given the dedication, intelligence, patriotism and credentials of the crop of civil and public servants Nigeria is blessed with (who are unarguably a minority), as well as the quantum of reform efforts that have been sowed, the civil service has the real potential to become one of the best administrative systems in the world. It would be unfair to the HCSF to imagine that those who are grinding within the civil service system do not have a sense of how crippling the dysfunction of the system is. And yet, they keep toiling to keep afloat a system that was once one of the best and that keeps standing staunchly as the engine room for making Nigeria’s democratic governance work. And I can make a parallel claim that Nigerian civil servants are among the best I have met anywhere in the world, as I have observed for decades how they keep toiling in an impossible administrative system, and finding it hard to understand why they are being derided by everyone in spite of their best effort.

    But who has the responsibility to fix that system but the civil service profession itself?

  • Rishi Sunak: For whom everything that could go wrong, went wrong

    Rishi Sunak: For whom everything that could go wrong, went wrong

    By Andrew Whitehead

    To the country, I would like to say first and foremost, I am sorry”. Those were Rishi Sunak’s words as he left Downing Street for the last time. “I have heard your anger, your disappointment”, he declared, “and I take responsibility for this loss.”

    Sunak was addressing the nation outside Ten Downing Street, with his wife, Akshata Murty, at his side, before heading to the palace to resign as Britain’s Prime Minister. It was a brief and dignified address, tinged with humility and regret. The scale of the election defeat suffered by Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives is truly remarkable. The party has lost two-thirds of its seats in Parliament; there will be just over 120 Conservative MPs among the 650 members of the newly elected House of Commons. It’s the Conservatives’ worst-ever general election result.

    Verdict: Failure

    The final verdict on Rishi Sunak’s 20 months in office has to be: failure. He failed to achieve several of the political goals he had publicly set himself; he didn’t cut waiting times for hospital treatment or stem illegal immigration. He failed to unite his own party which, after 14 unbroken years in power, was increasingly quarrelsome and faction-ridden. And he failed to persuade the voters that he had a vision for Britain’s future.

    There were some successes too. Rishi Sunak, a decent man, restored integrity to the post of Prime Minister after the damage inflicted by Boris Johnson’s clowning and deceit; he presided over a gradual improvement in the country’s economy; and he sorted out some of the lingering mess in the wake of Britain’s departure from the European Union.

    But he proved to have poor political instincts. He never gave the impression of being fully in charge, and was battered and buffeted by the rivalries within his own party. His election campaign was spectacularly inept. And his own reputation was tarnished by a bizarre decision to pull out early from global commemorations of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a proud moment in Britain’s history that marked the turning of the tide against Nazi Germany in the Second World War.

    At times, Rishi Sunak has faced political vitriol that some would see as racist. The right-winger Nigel Farage – leader of an anti-immigration party, Reform UK, which took millions of votes from the Conservatives – said during the campaign that Sunak’s D-Day misjudgement was because “he doesn’t understand our history and culture”. But Sunak’s lasting place in history is that he has been the first person of colour to head Britain’s government, and he has demonstrated beyond doubt that race is no longer a barrier to getting to the very top.

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    What Changes Under Starmer?

    The Labour Party has achieved a landslide victory with the slogan ‘time for change’. Its leader, Keir Starmer – who has now succeeded Sunak as prime minister – will have a huge Parliamentary majority.

    But in fact, there is likely to be little immediate change. Starmer has made clear that a Labour government will not increase taxes and there will be no alteration in foreign policy. The only immediate policy reversal is likely to be the abandoning of Sunak’s controversial and ill-considered plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda in central Africa.

    Rishi Sunak has made clear that he will stand down as leader of the Conservative party, but not straight away. He will remain in the post until a successor is chosen. And he emphasised that Conservatives needed to provide a ‘professional and effective’ opposition to the new Labour government – which will be seen as a warning against the Conservatives lurching to the right in the aftermath of their stinging defeat.

    Sunak, The ex-Politician?

    Sunak has said he will remain an MP and he has denied suggestions that he’s planning to move to California, where the family has a home. But his time at the highest echelons of British politics is almost over. There is rarely any way back for a vanquished prime minister, and Sunak has been so bruised by his time in office that it’s unlikely he wants to return to top level politics. At 44, he’s young for a former prime minister, he is formidably clever, and he will not find life as a backbench MP very satisfying. So sooner or later, he’s likely to depart the political landscape altogether and carve out a new career.

    ·               This article was first published in www.ndtv.com

  • Powerless: Nigeria’s unending struggle with electricity

    Powerless: Nigeria’s unending struggle with electricity

    Available records show that the first public electricity generation took place at Pearl Street Station in New York in 1882 and that electricity generation in Nigeria began in Lagos in 1886. Therefore, one can safely say that this year marks the 142nd anniversary of commercial electricity globally. It also means that all this talk about artificial intelligence as if the world wants to come to an end is the same way the world looked at electricity as a game changer almost a century and a half years ago. Put simply, railways were the game changers of an era before electricity happened to our world! It also means that artificial intelligence is similar to how we once had steam and internal combustion engines, which were revolutionary in their time.

    In all frankness, Nigeria’s electricity crisis is a stark reminder of her chronic inability to address critical infrastructure needs. That we are not taking the issue seriously is just another Nigerian debacle which, if not resolved, may catalyse unintended consequences. The botched privatization of the power sector, marred by a lack of technical expertise and plagued by cronyism, has failed to deliver on its promises. Instead of ushering in a new era of reliable power supply, Nigerians are still grappling with the same old ‘padi-padi’ problems that have held us back for decades. Of course, that’s why we keep seeing the same Egyptians we had left many decades ago! To avoid exacerbating this fleeting illusion, we must rethink our approach and prioritize competence over connections.

    Nigeria’s electricity generation is grossly insufficient, woefully hindering economic growth and global competitiveness. Despite 142 years of global electricity generation, Nigeria’s output remains abysmally low, struggling to reach 10,000 megawatts for its large population. For perspective, a city like Lagos requires significantly more energy to power its districts, with estimates suggesting over 40,000 megawatts to rival global hubs like New York, Singapore, or Johannesburg. Addressing this energy gap is crucial for the country’s development.

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    If we had been as serious, Nigeria ought to have prioritized alternative energy sources, like solar power. While previous governments’ efforts were commendable, the country could have done more. With abundant raw materials and a large market, Nigeria could have become a significant producer and exporter of solar panels, generating billions in foreign exchange and reducing electricity costs. This would have created sustainable jobs and stimulated economic growth. With the creation of the credit corporations by President Bola Tinubu, access to credit would have made it easier for individuals to invest in solar panels. By developing our renewable energy sector, we can unlock economic benefits and create a more sustainable future.

    The Gujarat Hybrid Renewable Energy Park in India is five times the size of Paris. Do we know how much energy that is? But again, how did we get here? In Nigeria, there are places in the North that are so hot that we could have had solar farms that can generate electricity. However, the country’s energy development is hindered by a constitution that prioritizes internal consumption over export-oriented production. This has led to a system characterized by state-funded privileges, parasitic elitism and patronage politics. Clientelism, corruption and lack of political will are also part of the party. Regrettably too, organized labor has limited influence in this context. Since it was not involved in the privatization process, its input to resolve “this deeper crisis of values” is zero!

    Gone were the days of the 1950s and 1960s when Nigeria was a productive powerhouse. According to the 1961 UN Yearbook, the Nigerian Ports Authority ranked 7th globally in efficiency. Then, Nigeria was a significant exporter of commodities like cocoa, rubber, palm oil, and groundnuts. If the country had maintained this momentum, what Nigeria would have been is that, by now, she would have diversified her economy and developed a robust rubber industry. This could have led to significant exports of tyres to major car manufacturers in South Africa, Japan, and the UK, potentially generating billions of dollars in revenue annually.

    Thirty years ago, China was not considered a major player in global electricity production. However, through vision and seriousness of intent, China has become a leader in this field. Similarly, Iran, Qatar, Russia and Vietnam have achieved notable success in providing affordable electricity even as Nigeria still struggles to provide basic necessities like education and electricity to her teeming population. So, do we have to do a degree in Statistics before coming to terms with the fact that a large population without education and other basic necessities of life is not an achievement?

    Ekiti, Enugu, and Imo States deserve recognition for their efforts to establish independent electricity generation frameworks. However, it’s concerning that only a few states are taking proactive steps towards energy self-sufficiency. Osun is a special case and the reasons are obvious! In the current situation, even the blind can see that a dynasty owns Osun State in the way Obafemi Awolowo could not have thought of owning the now-rested Western Region. But who do we blame? After all, he who controls the government controls the resources of the state! Coincidentally, the template has already been institutionalized and there’s nothing anyone can do about it! Anyway, that’s an issue for another day!

    Energy ‘is indeed the lifeblood of modern society’, as former US Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz once said. To get out of the woods therefore, Tinubu as an affirmed Federalist has a historic opportunity to make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s energy landscape. To achieve this, the president must listen to reason and act decisively. He must recognize the fact that, by fostering collective progress, regional cooperation, shared expertise and a cohesive strategy can accelerate electricity development. The proposed Southwest Electricity Development Board offers a promising model, and similar initiatives in other regions could replicate its success.

    The paradox of Nigeria’s power sector reforms is that they reveal the fragility of human control and that, despite our vaunted technological advancements, the flickering lights and darkness that pervade our lives bear witness to the limits of our mastery. It is sad to note that electricity – that transient force we daily seek to harness – remains an elusive will-o’-the-wisp, always promising but never fully delivering! Bearing these in mind, Tinubu must recognize that the complexity of agreements and arrangements in the energy sector stifles meaningful reform, discourages new investment and hinders progress and that the sector must be liberalized to achieve economies of scale and reduce prices. However, the dominant players’ reluctance to adopt metering and end estimated billing raises questions about these monopolists’ commitment to a competitive market. Unlike telecommunication companies, which have embraced transparent billing practices, the energy sector’s resistance to reform is striking.

    The introduction of foreign concepts like band grading has been misguided from the start, undermining the effectiveness of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Yes, the focus on increasing power availability hours is crucial, as it directly translates to increased revenue for generation and distribution companies. Nonetheless, the excuses for rate hikes become unjustifiable, especially when their destinies are tied to the temperatures of the dollar.

    In the final analysis, the president must hold his appointees accountable for their performance. If they fail to deliver, he should not hesitate to replace them. The sweet truth is that Nigeria cannot afford to repeat past mistakes, which have hindered progress for generations. To move forward, we need diligence and integrity. International examples like Germany’s Energiewende program and Australia’s willingness to reassess her privatization approach offer valuable lessons. By learning from these success stories and leveraging economies of scale, we can drive Nigeria’s progress and achieve meaningful reform.

    May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

  • Terrorist attack at a military check-point in Abia

    Terrorist attack at a military check-point in Abia

    Sir: The terrorist attack in Obikabia junction, (a suburb of Aba), Obingwa LGA, Abia State was a well-planned and coordinated terror attack by the pro-Biafran IPOB terrorists on the military check-point. They must have taken time to mobilise men and weapons for the operation. They, according to reports, came in three Toyota Prado SUVs with dark tinted glasses, and opened fire in coordination with their other members who were already hidden in the buildings surrounding the check-point.

    The soldiers stoutly resisted but were overwhelmed by the terrorists’ numbers and sustained fire-power. Five soldiers were killed (one managed to escape), and about six civilians were killed by the cross-fire stray bullets.

    Of course the terrorists must have taken their own casualties too. There is enough clues to track them.

    I think sometimes, deliberately crafted evil may reach a tipping-point and incur a backlash that may result in an unanticipated positive development, in terms of decisive resolve to fight and end a long-festering evil.

    The violent pro-Biafran brigandage in the Southeast is of course a creation of some leaders and elders of the zone in misleading the youths with false, twisted and one-sided narratives that promoted provocative rascality, hate propaganda and armed brigandage. And we are all now trapped in a situation of self-inflicted injury, caught in a net we weaved, and to which we have no solution to offer, other than talking from two different sides of the mouth in unclear equivocation, often interlaced with contrived victimhood narratives.

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    For so long, the situation has been treated with kids gloves of “minimum necessary force” concept, but the current incident has provoked the need for decisive military action to check the situation, otherwise things will get completely out of control and result in state of emergency. Any nation’s military force that is unable to take decisive and resolute action under this kind of situation is not worth its salt. There is no better time to act than now.

    Every such decisive military operation in history, ancient and modern, must have room for collateral damages; it can only be kept to the barest minimum, in consonance with the situation. The alternative is to allow a full-fledged armed conflict with overwhelming collateral damages and wide-ranging destructions.

    •Azubike Nass,Enugu.

  • A different perspective on food insecurity

    A different perspective on food insecurity

    By Abiodun Ladepo

    In our quest to get into farming, my wife and I did a lot of spadework. We talked to farmers in our intended particular areas of focus – cattle and fish. We read up. We studied. We visited farms. We heard from experienced farmers.

    We heard about all sorts of problems. In our own heads, we re-processed those problems and made plans to mitigate them. We also knew that some of the issues were self-inflicted or specific to specific farmers and not industry-wide, so to speak.

    I was delighted to see many farmers encourage us – still encouraging; happy that we were entering the field and doing everything to ensure that we succeed and remain motivated.

    I was also sad to see some farmers doing everything to frustrate and dissuade us from getting into farming. They don’t want serious competition.

    But the biggest disappointment I encountered last week was learning that fish farmers (and possibly other crop farmers) have unions that set the “lowest limit” prices below which a farmer may not sell his fishes.

    You probably never heard this before, so I will repeat:

    Fish farmers have unions – trade unions like the NLC and TUC. They use the unions to agitate for government assistance and all that – which is not a bad thing. But they also, quietly, set the per kg prices of fishes in their areas. And they enforce it!

    So, even if you manage to lower your cost of production and choose to sell at a lower price, you can’t.

    They do not set a “highest limit”. So, you can sell higher if you get a gullible customer.

    Think about this: In every market, there are unions for each major commodity – pepper, yam, tomatoes, meat, eggs, chickens etc. They all set “lowest limit” prices, mostly because they share the same major supplier who is member of a bigger union that has set “lowest limit” prices too.

    This is not new. Bricklayers have unions. They set fees. Labourers have unions. They set fees. Sand/gravel/granite suppliers have unions. They set prices. Commercial vehicles and Okadas have unions. They set costs. etc.

    None of these unions set “highest limits”. They set “lowest limits”.

    Who is killing whom?

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    It was just so distressing hearing a major fish farmer talk about how they enforce “lowest limit” prices.

    When has food not been expensive in this country? You can argue that the rate of inflation has been drastically higher since about a year ago, but when have we not complained of “drastic cost of food” in this country?

    I have been hearing about the flight of farmers from the rural areas to the cities since I was old enough to understand what it means.

    If low food production and the attendant high costs are new phenomena caused by the Tinubu administration, why did the military government of Obasanjo (1976 – 1979), have the “Operation Feed the Nation” (OFN) nationwide program and propaganda?

    Why did the civilian government of Shagari (1979 – 1983) have the “Green Revolution” – another national agro-centred massive program to boost agriculture?

    Who, 30 years and older, has never heard that nobody wants to remain in the farm anymore; that everybody now wants to move to the cities and wear a tie?

    Did insecurity on the farms begin 30 years ago? Did it begin 20 years ago? Did it begin 10 years ago? Or did it begin 60 years ago?

    Aren’t we just looking for excuses?

    Since when did insecurity on Okada stop us from riding Okada? Or don’t more people die or get seriously injured on Okada daily than on the farms yearly?

    Since when did insecurity on our roads stop us from travelling by car or bus – commercial or private? Don’t more people die on the roads daily than are killed on the farms yearly?

    I read a Facebook post where the writer, supposedly a farmer, wrote that “Tinubu should just solve insecurity problems and we will return to the farms.”

    Really? What does he mean by “solve”? Completely removing the threat of kidnapping on the farm? Don’t people get kidnapped going to work at the bank? What about police officers killed in line of duty? What about soldiers killed in line of duty? What about electricity workers killed in line of duty? What about journalists killed in line of duty? What about traders killed in line of duty? All in Nigeria. All in every country of this world. Should they also quit working because they don’t want to die?

    Or are we just looking for excuses?

    How exactly will the federal government produce cheaper crops when the petrol they produce has steadily risen in price since we discovered oil?

    What business has the federal government (or state government, or local government) run and made profit on other than taxation?

    Do we also want federal government to be feeding us for free? How? Where is the money?

    In America, from where we copied our brand of democracy, and indeed in most of the Western world, the governments – federal, state/region, local/county – DO NOT directly get involved in farming.

    Private entities farm. Individuals and corporations – all private – farm.

    Governments just assist: facilitate with low- or no-interest loans which farmers use in buying farm machinery; sponsor research to improve seedlings; subsidize herbicides; guarantee purchase of crops if farmers are unable to sell by themselves; help (through Agriculture, Trade and Commerce sections at their embassies) to find buyers for their farm products, etc.

    Yet, food prices have NEVER gone down in those countries. Fact check me: the price of bread in America today is at least three times what it was in 2019. Same for everything you find in the grocery stores. Fact check this too: Overall cost of living in virtually every country in Africa is higher than in Nigeria. Overall, I said.

    Just like we have been abandoning farming since forever for life in the cities, folks in America too (let’s stick to one Western country for the sake of brevity) have been abandoning farming. Ninety percent of farm workers in America are foreigners – undocumented immigrants (euphemism for illegal immigrants) from Mexico and South American countries.

    And they too are wisening up. Once they get more comfortable in America, they quit farming.

    Folks that blame Tinubu (and indeed all the presidents before him) cite China as an example of countries that’s modernized agriculture and feed their huge population easily.

    Well, China is NOT a democracy. Let’s remember that.

    China is a communist, unitarian, one-party state – meaning there is only one political party (the Chinese Communist Party); one legislature  – the National People’s Congress (NPC), no state or local governments; everyone works for the state and produces for the state.

    Is that what we want?

    Maybe we need a society where there is no dissent; where corrupt officials are executed; where secession agitators are permanently silenced; where billionaires are fewer per capita.

    China can be world leader in freshwater fishing and aquaculture, pigs, chickens, and eggs, in part because of its system of government.

    Should we change from presidential democracy to unitarian communism?

    •Ladepo writes from Ibadan, Oyo State

  • Celebrating 161 years of the Nigerian Army

    Celebrating 161 years of the Nigerian Army

    By Sani Kukasheka Usman

    As the Nigerian Army prepares to commemorate its 161st anniversary tomorrow July 6, in Jos, Plateau State, with the theme “Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges within a Joint Environment”, it is important to spare a moment to reflect on this symbol of national power and its profound contributions to our national development, peace and security and above all the enduring legacy of one of the greatest armies in the world for over a century and a half. This year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024 is not just an attestation of the Army’s rich history, but also a recognition of its role in the nation’s security, development, and peace.

    The Nigerian Army, established in 1863 with a strength of 18 men, known as the “Glover Hausas”, has grown from a modest force to a formidable institution known for its professionalism, resilience, dedication and immense contribution to national development, peace and security in our country, West Africa and beyond. Over the years, the Nigerian Army has demonstrated exceptional bravery and commitment in various national and international engagements. From peacekeeping missions in conflict-ridden regions across the world to defending the sovereignty of Nigeria during the civil war and against insurgencies and other security threats, the Nigerian Army has consistently showcased its capability and resolve as a professional army.

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    Beyond its military engagements in peacekeeping and peace enforcement especially in some West African states, the Nigerian Army has significantly contributed to national development. Through various civil-military cooperation initiatives, the army has been playing an important role in infrastructure development, disaster response, and community services. Projects such as the construction of roads, schools, and medical facilities in underserved areas through initiatives such as the Chief of Army Staff’s Special Projects, medical outreaches and Quick Impact Projects for host communities, highlight the army’s dedication to the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

    In the face of internal security challenges, including insurgencies, banditry, and communal conflicts, the Nigerian Army has remained a bulwark of peace and security in Nigeria. The ongoing counterinsurgency operations against Boko Haram in the Northeast, efforts to curb kidnappings and banditry in the Northwest, and other Internal Security Operations (ISOs) in aid of civil authorities in various parts of the country point to the Nigerian Army’s critical role in maintaining peace and security in Nigeria.

    Interestingly, the army’s counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategies have evolved over the years, adapting to the changing dynamics of the security challenges. This adaptability, combined with rigorous training and advanced military technologies, ensures that the Nigerian Army remains a formidable force capable of addressing contemporary security threats in the country in conjunction with other services and security agencies, hence the vision of a joint environment.

    In recent years, the Nigerian Army has also made significant strides towards gender mainstreaming. The establishment of a Women’s Corps shows the service’s commitment to gender inclusivity and equality. Women in the Nigerian Army have increasingly taken on roles that were traditionally dominated by men, participating in combat, leadership, and technical positions. This inclusion not only enhances the operational effectiveness of the army but also promotes gender equality within the service.

    The Nigerian Army’s modernization efforts include the establishment of an aviation corps, a giant stride in enhancing its operational capabilities. The recent acquisition of helicopters has significantly bolstered the army’s ability to conduct aerial surveillance, rapid troop deployment, and logistics support. This advancement in aviation technology will undoubtedly ensure that the Nigerian Army remains at the forefront of modern military operations, capable of addressing diverse security challenges with greater efficiency in the future.

    Therefore, it is particularly gratifying that this year’s celebration is being held in Jos, Plateau State, headquarters of the 3 Armoured Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN, known as the home of tourism in Nigeria. Jos, with its scenic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and pleasant climate, provides a fitting backdrop for this momentous occasion. The choice of Jos not only highlights the city’s significance but also promotes its potential as a tourist destination, contributing to the state’s economic growth, and enhancing peace and security on the Plateau.

    As we commemorate 161 years of the Nigerian Army, it is imperative we also honour the sacrifices of the brave officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army who have served and continue to serve the nation with distinction. Their unwavering commitment to duty, courage in the face of adversity, discomfort and dedication to national development are the hallmarks of the Nigerian Army’s enduring legacy. Yet, despite the countless sacrifices made by these citizens in uniform, the level of understanding and appreciation from our fellow Nigerians has sometimes fallen woefully short. It is our solemn duty to rectify this, stand in solidarity with the noble protectors of our sovereign lands, and honour their commitment to preserving our cherished way of life.

    The Nigerian Army’s contributions to global peace and security extend beyond the nation’s borders. Nigeria is one of the largest troop-contributing countries to United Nations peacekeeping missions, having participated in operations in Lebanon, Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Sudan, South Sudan, The Gambia, Guinea and many other countries. Nigerian peacekeepers are renowned for their professionalism, bravery, and dedication to restoring peace and stability in conflict zones.

    These international engagements have not only enhanced Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage but also provided valuable experience and exposure to Nigerian soldiers, further strengthening the army’s capabilities.

    The Nigerian Army’s role in community outreach and humanitarian efforts cannot be overstated. In times of natural disasters, such as floods and epidemics, the army has been at the forefront of relief and rescue operations, providing critical support and assistance to affected communities. The Army’s Medical Corps has also been instrumental in delivering healthcare services to remote and underserved areas, often bridging the gap in public health infrastructure.

    The army’s involvement in educational initiatives, including the establishment of schools and scholarship programmes for children of fallen soldiers, shows its commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families. These initiatives foster a sense of community and support, ensuring that the sacrifices of soldiers and their families are recognized and honoured.

    In an era of rapidly evolving security threats, the Nigerian Army has embraced technological advancements to enhance its operational effectiveness. The adoption of drones, advanced communication systems, and modern weaponry has revolutionized the army’s approach to modern warfare. These technologies provide critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, enabling more precise and effective operations.

    Furthermore, the Nigerian Army’s investment in cyber warfare capabilities and counter-terrorism strategies reflects its proactive stance in addressing new and emerging threats. Training programmes and international collaborations have been pivotal in equipping Nigerian Army officers and soldiers with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of modern conflict.

    As we celebrate 161 years of the Nigerian Army, it is also a time to look ahead and envision the future of this esteemed institution. Therefore, the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2024 under the able leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja, is more than a commemoration of the past; it is a celebration of the present and a commitment to the future. In Jos, Plateau State, amidst the beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage, we honour the Nigerian Army’s legacy of bravery, service, and national development. We celebrate the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting the nation and promoting peace.

    •Brigadier General Usman (rtd) mni fnipr, is a former Director of Army Public Relations.