The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Strike, an ill-wind in tertiary institutions

    Strike, an ill-wind in tertiary institutions

    Sir: Since coming on board of Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa as Minister of Education, his body language, unimpeachable approach and perceptible outlook towards the issue of education, especially at the tertiary level, is to say the least, highly commendable.

    Completely free of cant, and undue academic polemics, that have held Nigeria’s tertiary education for many years at the jugular, the recent decision by the federal government to impose a seven year moratorium on the establishment of any new federal university, is one good step to resolve the long term lingering impasse in the country’s tertiary institutions.

    With close to a hundred federal universities, it is a wrong assumption that there will be no financial hiccups in the running of the administration of these universities. But the solution does not lie in establishing more universities, but in a temporary stoppage, just as the government has done, in order to find means of providing for the financial wellness of the existing ones.

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    With the Academic Staff Union of the Universities (ASUU), Academic Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) all threatening strikes, the decision of the minister to meet them collectively to iron out their grievances in the hope of finding lasting solutions, seems the best step in the right direction.

    This is quite a departure from past approaches where these unions were usually met individually and handed over promises that remained conjectures to others. Again, the minister has been sincere enough to agree that there is an agreement between these unions especially ASUU and the government. It behoves the government to see how to fulfil such agreements to a reasonable degree during the present talk between them and the Yayale Ahmed committee.

    Education is capital intensive, and in the past couple of years that the government has struggled to keep a stable calendar in our tertiary institution, there seems a gradual decline in the ‘japa’ syndrome; students have become at least, hopeful and parents have become happy, even despite biting economic challenges.

    It behoves the government to strive to keep stability in the tertiary institutions at all cost. Education in the words of former South African president, late Nelson Mandela is the only legacy parents can bequeath to their children. According to him also; “It is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.

    Like George Weah, the former Liberian president also observed, “Education is a continuing process. Like a bicycle, if you don’t pedal it, you don’t move forward”.

    •Sunday Olagunju,Ibadan, Oyo State.

  • Why the everyday Nigerian should matter more

    Why the everyday Nigerian should matter more

     Sir: In Nigeria today, the loudest voices are those of politicians, policymakers, and power brokers. They dominate the headlines, flood our timelines, and distract us with promises that rarely survive beyond campaign seasons. Yet, the true story of this country isn’t written in the echo chambers of Abuja or the mansions of Lagos. It is written daily in the struggles, resilience, and quiet innovations of ordinary citizens.

    Think about the woman who wakes before dawn to fry bean cakes by the roadside not only to feed her children but also to put other people’s children on the road to school. Or the young graduate who, tired of waiting for white-collar jobs, starts a small business online and employs three others. These stories rarely make the news. Yet, they are the heartbeat of our nation.

    But here’s the tragedy, contemporary Nigeria seems designed to work against these everyday heroes. Power cuts paralyze small businesses. Inflation, now on food items, erodes family savings before the end of the month. Insecurity forces farmers to abandon their fields and traders to fear the road. Meanwhile, most of the political class remains locked in battles over appointments, power-sharing, and personal interests.

    The question is not whether Nigeria has potential; we have repeated that mantra for decades. The real question is, when will we begin to prioritize the citizen above the system?

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    Imagine a Nigeria where governance shifts from elite negotiations to practical solutions; working schools, safe communities, accessible healthcare, and reliable electricity. That’s not fantasy, it is a choice.

    The good news is that despite the odds, Nigerians are not waiting. Communities are solving their own problems. Tech-savvy youths are creating digital markets. Women’s cooperatives are building small savings pools. Farmers are collaborating to beat middlemen. These are the silent revolutions we must amplify, not just the failures of the elite.

    If the political class won’t prioritize the citizen, then the media, civil society, and Nigerians themselves must. We must keep shifting the spotlight from what politicians promise to what Nigerians are already doing. Because that is how change starts, not from the top, but from the people who refuse to give up.

    Nigeria stands at a crossroads. One road leads to more political drama, endless debates, and broken promises. The other road leads to a citizen-centred nation where leaders are compelled to serve, not rule.

    The choice is ours. But more importantly—the responsibility is theirs.

    •Usman Muhammad Salihu, Jos.

  • Nigeria’s FX lessons under Cardoso

    Nigeria’s FX lessons under Cardoso

    By Ayobami Oyalowo

    Two years ago Nigeria’s foreign exchange system was under extreme pressure. The naira had collapsed to historic lows, multiple exchange rates encouraged arbitrage, and a $7 billion backlog of unmet obligations threatened investor confidence.  Today, foreign reserves have climbed above $40 billion, covering more than nine months of imports, while net foreign reserves are at their strongest point in three years.

    This turnaround reflects the Central Bank of Nigeria’s deliberate policies under Olayemi Cardoso, supported by the Tinubu administration’s broader exchange rate reforms. When Cardoso assumed office, he inherited a system weakened by distortions and opacity.  His response was firm. He unified the exchange rate to restore transparency, cleared billions in FX obligations to signal credibility, and raised interest rates to 27.5 per cent to curb inflation.

    More importantly, the CBN reduced short-term liabilities like swaps and forwards, giving clarity to what reserves Nigeria actually controls. These steps were politically and economically difficult, but they restored investor confidence. The results are visible. Gross reserves stood at USD 40.11 billion in July 2025. Even more telling, net reserves reached USD 32.87 billion, a clear reflection of the actual financial buffer now available to policymakers.

    As Cardoso put it, “this improvement in our net reserves is not accidental; it is the outcome of deliberate policy choices aimed at rebuilding confidence, reducing vulnerabilities, and laying the foundation for long-term stability. We remain focused on sustaining this progress through transparency, discipline, and market-driven reforms.”

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    With stronger net reserves, the CBN can defend the naira, absorb shocks, and assure investors it can meet obligations without scrambling for emergency funding.

    The naira’s adjustment came with costs. The currency plunged to about ₦1,600 per dollar in 2024, fueling inflation and public frustration. Yet the devaluation also worked as intended: it boosted export competitiveness and improved the balance of payments.

    Remittances, long a lifeline, surged. Monthly inflows rose from around $250 million in early 2024 to $600 million by September. By the end of 2024, Nigeria recorded $20.93 billion in diaspora inflows; the highest in five years. The CBN now targets $1 billion a month through new instruments like diaspora bonds.

    Investor capital has also returned. In Q1 2025, Nigeria attracted $5.2 billion in portfolio investments, more than 92 per cent of total capital importation. Of this, $4.2 billion went into money market instruments.  Overall capital importation hit $5.64 billion, a 67 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2024. These inflows signal that reforms are working, and Nigeria is regaining investor confidence.

    Why net reserves matter deserves emphasis

    Gross reserves offer a headline number but include funds tied up in liabilities. Net reserves reflect the resources Nigeria truly commands. Stronger net reserves mean the country can stabilise the naira, manage external debt and reassure investors without compromising credibility. For businesses, this translates into a more stable operating environment, and for policymakers, it means greater freedom to plan beyond immediate crises.

    Nigeria is now moving from crisis management toward relative stability. A market-aligned naira has made Nigerian goods and services more attractive abroad. Stronger reserves provide a cushion for shocks and create a base for sustainable investment. Cardoso’s stewardship has turned short-term volatility into a foundation for recovery through disciplined management and clearer communication.

    Still, the next stage of reforms must go beyond monetary policy. Nigeria cannot rely indefinitely on oil or remittances to strengthen reserves. Fiscal policy must drive industrialisation, expand non-oil exports and deepen diversification. Manufacturing, services, and technology must grow to generate export earnings and jobs.

    Remittances should be captured more effectively through official channels, and fiscal authorities must work in lockstep with the CBN to consolidate stability.

    • Oyalowo is the Executive Director of Finance & Administration at the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (O-ORBDA)

  • Who really killed Charlie Kirk?

    Who really killed Charlie Kirk?

    Be very wary and suspicious of the people who are already telling us to stop asking questions about the Charlie Kirk assassination”- Candace Owen.

    How right Candace is. Yet we must continue to ask questions about this gruesome assassination and demand answers regardless.

    There can be no doubt that the assassination of the young, popular, right-wing, pro-Trump, American commentator Charlie Kirk was a professional hit which was sanctioned from the highest quarters. The question is who was really behind it?

    There are many suggestions about what the answer is to this burning question but to me, from what we have seen and heard so far, the most compelling is the following.

    That even though he was one of their most ardent supporters at the advent that Israel ordered the hit & executed it with the knowledge of & support of the American Deep state.

    I say this is compelling for the following reasons:

    1. He started raising serious questions about the complicity of the Israeli Government and security agencies in the October 7th attack.

    2. He argued that they actually allowed the attack to happen in order to justify their destruction and decimation of Gaza.  

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    3. His strong opposition to the Isreali attack on Iran & American involvement.

    4. His declaration that Epstein was a MOSSAD agent.

    5.  His calling for the Epstein files to be released.

    6.  His deep concerns about the overwhelming power of the Israeli lobby and AIPAC on American politics.

    7. His opposition to the curbing of the freedom of speech even when it came to criticising the State of Israel.

    8. His expression of concern to his friends that Israel may eventually target and kill him weeks before his murder.

    9. The post on X and by his best friend, one Harrison Smith, one week before his assasination that he would be targetted by Israel and that he feared for his life.

    10. His declining of an invitation to Israel which Prime Minister Netanyahu personally issued to him.

    These 10 points provide food for thought and to be sure Israel has a track record in such murky matters.

    It is in the same way that they killed President John F. Kennedy, that they were behind 911, that they were behind the attack on the American warship U.S. Liberty (killing dozens of American servicemen), that they killed Count Folke Bernadotte, that they killed Jacob de Haan, that they bombed King David Hotel in Jerusalem (killing many British servicemen), that they killed the Yemeni Prime Minister and his entire Cabinet & that they control American Presidents, the American Federal Reserve & the American Congress.

    It is therefore plausible & not a far-fetched notion that they organised the hit on Charlie, contracted the real hit man, organised a decoy on the scene (the old man that claimed he was the shooter and that was initially arrested), are manipulating the media reports, are teleguiding the investigation & have successfully provided a “patsy” or a “fall guy” (the young man called Tyler Robinson who was dressed in black, wore a black cap & dark glasses and who has allegedly “confessed” to the crime) to take the blame for the whole thing just as they did for the JFK murder.

    I have no doubt that after they finish using the patsy they will either kill him just as they did in the case of the alleged assassin of JFK in order to cover their tracks or they will conduct a show trial which will result in a conviction but which will not expose the truth of the matter and those that were really behind it.

    In addition to that the authorities will come out with the crazy conclusion that it was their patsy who they will describe as a “liberal”, “confused”, “crazy”, “pro-trans gender” & “anti-fascist” madman who just wanted to kill Charlie in order to deal a blow to the American right and all that he stood for.

    We see all this unfolding before our very eyes and it is an eloquent testimony to the low intelligence quotient that many members of the American public have that they so readily accept it.

    The truth is that those who believe their hogwash do so at their own peril because it is very obvious that there is far more to the whole thing than the media is telling us.

    They are simply trying to cover up the truth just as they have always done with such high profile assasinations & just as they did with 911 and so many others.

    This is the modus of the Israeli intelligence Services & the American Deep State who they work closely with.

    This is the sort of thing that they do so well.

    It may interest the skeptics to note that Charlie himself complained publicly on a podcast a few weeks ago that the Israelis would come after him and that despite the support he had given them over the years he was now being labelled as an “anti-semite” simply because of a number of questions he raised about their behaviour.

    To add to that is it not strange that a book titled “The Shooting of Charlie Kirk” was released on the 9th of September, just one day BEFORE his assasination.

    This is bizarre and provides even more food for thought.

    Now that the patsy, a 22 year old Utah student by the name of Tyler Robinson, has been apprehended and has apparently “confessed” to his relatives to killing Charlie let him tell us who it was that he was communicating with on Discourse that allegedly provided him with the rifle.

    Let the authorities tell us why that person has not been identified or arrested? Is thst person not an accomplice or is he or she above the law? Does he or she have a licence to kill or to support and assist those that have been commissioned to pull the trigger?

    Let them also tell us who Tyler was working for or with. Is there not a clear and distinct possibility that, as in the JFK assasination, there was another shooter who slipped away quietly and undetected? Was that the plan all along?

    Outside of that let them tell us about the private jet that flew off from the local airport 30 minutes after the murder, that turned off its tracer for one hour and that returned to the airport 30 minutes later.

    Who was in that plane, where did it go and why did it not want its movements tracked or traced? Why have the pilot and crew not been arrested? Who did they smuggle out of the vicinity and why did they find it necessary to hide their destination?

    Again why would the Governor say that no other people would be charged and that Tyler the patsy “acted alone?”

    These questions all need to be answered.

     Regardless of whether they are answered or not one thing is clear: if anyone honestly believes that a 22 year old University student with no special training as a sniper or shooting and with no experience in the military or security forces can take one shot and hit his target, who was wearing a bullet proof vest, in the neck from 200 yards away and then make a cool, calm getaway without any help from anyone then that person will believe anything. You need to be a fool not to see through this one!

    In my view the whole thing, including the unfolding and immaculate cover up, was planned with precision by a hidden hand from beginning to end and that hand resides in Tel Aviv.

    That is the nature of the Zionists and their friends. That is who and what they are.

    In all this it is only Charlie and his family that I feel sorry for. To be assassinated by your former friends right in front of your wife and young children is a terrible thing.

    This is especially so when you have left such a beautiful family behind. May his soul rest in peace.

    Chief Fani-Kayode is a former Minister of Aviation and former Minister of Culture and Tourism.

  • How to translate Tinubu’s diplomacy to economic prosperity for Nigerians, Osun citizens

    How to translate Tinubu’s diplomacy to economic prosperity for Nigerians, Osun citizens

    • By Rasheed Bolarinwa

    When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed landmark bilateral agreements with Brazil recently, the optimism was palpable. Brazil, once riddled with agricultural deficits and underutilised heritage, has today emerged as one of the world’s top food producers and a global tourism magnet.

    For Nigeria, these agreements offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redefine food security, rural development, and cultural diplomacy.

    The challenge, however, is how to translate international diplomacy into tangible grassroots prosperity. Too often, bilateral agreements in Nigeria end up as impressive communiqués that gather dust in government files. What is urgently needed are visionary leaders at the subnational level—governors who can serve as laboratories of implementation, aligning state priorities with federal agreements and showing how global partnerships can be domesticated.

    In Osun State, Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, SAN—affectionately called K-RAD—has crafted a development vision that mirrors the opportunities now offered by Brazil, particularly in mechanised agriculture and heritage tourism. His blueprint positions Osun as a model for how Tinubu’s foreign policy gains can be translated into real economic outcomes for ordinary citizens.

    Brazil’s agricultural transformation is often cited as an economic miracle. In the 1970s, it was a food-deficit nation, dependent on imports for basics like milk. Today, through deliberate investment in mechanisation, farmer cooperatives, and value-chain integration, Brazil is one of the world’s largest dairy and beef exporters. This transformation is precisely what Nigeria, under President Tinubu, seeks to replicate.

    At the heart of K-RAD’s plan is a structured dairy economy anchored on mechanised and domestic farming. Osun’s fertile plains and relatively stable climate make it suitable for dairy clusters where pastoralists can be resettled and integrated into modern, technology-driven cooperatives. Beyond household and subsistence herding, farmers would also engage in industrial-scale milk production with processing plants turning raw milk into cheese, butter, yoghurts, and powdered milk. This would not only cut Nigeria’s heavy dairy import bill but also create jobs across the agricultural value chain—from herders and veterinarians to logistics operators and marketers.

    Mechanised crop farming is another pillar of K-RAD’s vision. With the right machinery, irrigation systems, and extension services, Osun can become a major supplier of staple crops such as maize, cassava, rice, and vegetables. Brazil’s technical expertise, which Tinubu’s government has now secured access to, can be directly localised in Osun. By partnering with Brazilian agro-engineering firms, Osun could host demonstration farms and training centers that serve as national models for scaling mechanisation and introducing young Nigerians to modern farming as a profitable enterprise.

    The economic impact of such reforms cannot be overstated. A vibrant dairy and mechanised farming sector in Osun would stimulate rural industrialisation, reduce youth unemployment, and raise internally generated revenue. More importantly, it would provide proof that bilateral deals can have life-changing impact when domesticated at the state level. For Tinubu’s government, Osun could become the evidence that foreign policy agreements can translate into food security and prosperity in real communities.

    Beyond agriculture lies another sector where Osun has an unrivalled advantage—tourism. Brazil’s Bahia, which has transformed Afro-Brazilian heritage into a billion-dollar tourism market, provides a direct parallel to what Osun could achieve with the Origin Project, K-RAD’s signature ecotourism and heritage blueprint.

    The Origin Project envisions Ile-Ife, globally revered as the cradle of the Yoruba civilisation, as a cultural and spiritual home for people of African descent across the world. From interactive museums and heritage trails to cultural festivals and eco-parks, the project would position Ile-Ife as a pilgrimage town for the global Black diaspora. This ambition, which has taken years to evolve, is not far-fetched; Bahia alone draws millions of diaspora tourists annually because of its Yoruba cultural imprints. If Brazil can leverage its Yoruba heritage to attract the diaspora, surely Osun—the authentic source—can do even better.

    Kunle Adegoke, SAN

    Aside the Origin Project, K-RAD’s broader vision to make Osun Nigeria’s tourism state has seen him traverse and identify no fewer than 64 untapped tourist sites. He is willing to work with the Federal Government, development partners, local and foreign investors, and the best players in the tourism ecosystem to develop these sites. His goal is to generate jobs for Osun’s teeming unemployed youth, catalyse the state’s economic fortune, and, importantly, raise revenue for government.

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    Among the significant tourism sites he spent 17 months visiting between 2017 and 2018, during his first attempt at the Osun governorship seat under the APC, are the globally renowned and UNESCO-listed World Heritage Osun Osogbo Grove where the annual Osun Osogbo festival holds; the 36-multi-tiered Ayinkunugba Waterfalls in Oke-Ila, Ifedayo Local Government; the Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls; in Erin-Odo in Oriade Local Government area of the state and the long-abandoned Owala Dam at Oba-Oke in Olorunda Local Government. The Owala Dam, with massive untapped potential for fishing, farming, boat ride, gardening, and eco-tourism, has been neglected since 1982 by successive governments.

    K-RAD also intends to work with the intellectual wealth housed in Obafemi Awolowo University and plethora of other Universities and institutions Osun is blessed to host, to drive his transformative agenda in agriculture and tourism. By harnessing both academic expertise and practical enterprise, he seeks to blend ideas with implementation in a way that creates sustainable development. This partnership between government, academia, and private investors could set Osun apart as a knowledge-driven economy.

    The economic dividends of tourism are clear. Tourism is labour-intensive and creates direct and indirect jobs—tour guides, hoteliers, artisans, transporters, event managers, and more. Every festival celebrated in Ile-Ife under the Origin Project would attract foreign exchange, foster cultural diplomacy, and place Osun on the global map as Africa’s Bahia. Tinubu’s Brazil deal creates the perfect platform for exchange programmes, joint festivals, and co-investments in heritage tourism infrastructure.

    More significantly, the Origin Project is not just about money—it is about identity and pride. It reconnects African-Americans, Afro-Brazilians, and Caribbeans with their Yoruba roots, deepening Nigeria’s soft power and giving Black people worldwide a spiritual and cultural home. In doing so, it cements Osun and Nigeria’s role as a global center of Black heritage, extending Tinubu’s foreign policy into the realm of cultural diplomacy.

    If agriculture secures the stomach and tourism nourishes the soul, the combination of both creates holistic development. K-RAD’s emergence as Governor of Osun in 2026, God willing, would provide the political will and administrative structure to operationalise these ideas.

  • Rice agonistes

    Rice agonistes

    For whatever reason that happens to be the case, rice is about the most popular food item on Nigerian tables. Its market price is often used to benchmark the health of the economy, with more traditional food items not getting that same reckoning. And so, however you look at it, rice is key among food staples in this country. 

    Recently, rice farmers were reported blaming the surging price of the product on activities of middlemen and cartels whose members hoard the item for profiteering motive, thereby undermining efforts by government to stabilise the market. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) cited their leaders it spoke with saying unscrupulous operators in the sector were creating artificial scarcity to fuel market price. But they also accused government of not coordinating with genuine operators in measures it applied to tame prices.

    Vice-chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Sakin Agbayewa, argued that fluctuations in the price of rice owed to human manipulation despite government’s efforts. “Few months ago, the Federal Government gave some companies a waiver to import rice into the country to crush the price. And while that was on, did they (government) mobilise local farmers? That is where the issue lies,” he said, adding: “Although government empowered a few farmers with a 75 percent reduction on cost of production while others were given fertilisers for free, the question is: those farmers who were empowered, did they really cultivate anything?”

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    The AFAN chief further argued that while the waiver was in effect, beneficiaries imported rice into the country and the price decreased. But during this same period, according to him, they warehoused much of what was imported. “Now that the importation waiver is over, the cartel is creating artificial scarcity. Some farmers also repack local rice in foreign bags to sell at high prices because they know Nigerians have a taste for foreign things,” he also said, adding: “There is a high level of insincerity and dishonesty among our people. Some unscrupulous farmers, middlemen and even retailers should be blamed for the current price hike.”

    Raphael Hunsa, chairman of Lagos State chapter of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RFAN), argued that government needs to engage with genuine local farmers if it wants to bring prices down. “What we can do to solve the issue of consistent price hikes is to support rice farmers in the right way. Though government is already trying, they should let their interventions get into right hands. They should invite local rice farmers to a roundtable for the formulation of right policies and programmes for the sector,” he said.

    Government, only a couple of days ago, restated commitment to tame prices towards ensuring food security of Nigerians. Well, it has its job cut out in the rice sector where 50kg bag of the product that sold between N45,000 and N55,000 just two months ago now sells at about N80,000.

  • Sowore: What manner of criticism?

    Sowore: What manner of criticism?

    SIR: Criticism – the disapproval of someone or something on the basis of perceived mistakes is no doubt, one of the factors that enhance quality of governance. It enriches democracy. And a true leader, notably democrat, rarely underestimates the influence of criticism in nation building.

    Apart from keeping people at the helm of affairs on their toes, criticism also propels government to go the extra mile to deliver dividends of democracy to citizenry by all means. It’s unfortunate that most detractors of government policies nowadays only talk about obstacles; they usually fail to proffer solutions. There is no gainsaying the fact that it’s easier for many critics in Nigeria to spot and unearth defects in the policies of government; offering better solutions is what they always find difficult to do.

    The recent outburst of Omoyele Sowore against the president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a perfect example of how low some self-acclaimed critics could go in their lack of understanding of constructive criticism. Many Nigerians want to know exactly the motive behind Sowore’s misleading comments and unguarded utterances against the president and the Nigeria Police Force.

    The last time I checked, Sowore still nursed the ambition of ruling Nigeria. And this led me to wonder the kind of president he would be, considering the manner by which he usually addresses constituted authority in public. Who is going to trust someone who finds it difficult to guard his utterances? Calling a democratically elected president a criminal is not only a crime, it’s also an insult to the masses who massively gave the president their votes.

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    Undoubtedly, Sowore has the constitutional right to contest for any political post in Nigeria, but this must come through the ballot, not by name-calling or any other negative, undemocratic means. Who will enlighten Sowore that Nigeria has gone beyond casting bitter speeches to gain followers? What Nigerians desire and demand in this age are relevant discourses, not indecent comments against individuals on social media and pages of newspapers?

    I believe it’s not inappropriate to advise the former presidential candidate of African Action Congress that it’s more beneficial to start demonstrating what he has in stock for people if at all he is serious about his ambition. He can do better by presenting his case decently rather than dispensing his energy on attacking personalities. Insofar as political maturity is one of the qualities the electorate looks for in candidates running in elections, I urge Sowore to take things easy and gentle before it’s too late. Without a doubt, Sowore needs enlightenment, or else he loses his relevance via his ceaseless, indecorous attacks on personalities.

    • Ademola Babalola, babalolaademola39@gmail.com
  • Marwa, a man of uncommon grace at 72

    Marwa, a man of uncommon grace at 72

    By Femi Babafemi

    I have had the privilege of knowing Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) for about 30 years. As a young reporter, I observed from a working distance the metamorphosis of a military administrator who was unlike any other—an enigma committed as much to his work as to becoming a paragon of excellence in public administration. In an era when military governments were often distant from the people, he ironically became a man of the people in Lagos State, the very cauldron of anti-military sentiment.

    Quite luckily, twenty-five years later, I found myself working with him as my direct boss. Then, and even now, he remains the quintessential beacon of leadership and inspiration. Certain men are legends: larger than life by their achievements. Gen Marwa is undoubtedly one of them. Around him, there are never-ending stories of his goodness, drive, and accomplishments. Wherever you go—from New York to Washington; from Borno to Lagos; from Kaduna to Abuja and from Lagos to Owerri—if you meet someone who has worked with him or knows him in a leadership or personal capacity, the encounter is certain to reveal new perspectives of Marwa. Each fresh recollection adds another dimension to his multifaceted personality. Despite knowing him for years, I still hear new details by the day.

    Working closely with him at Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency over the past 56 months has afforded me the opportunity to reflect on his character, distil his qualities, and identify what stands him out. In that way, I also have my own stories to tell about him in a work context. I can say this without any iota of doubt or contradiction: wherever he works, the place feels the pulse of change, and he leaves a legacy that continues to echo for generations, long after his departure.

    One such story comes from his tenure as Defence Adviser in New York. He had previously served briefly as Deputy Defence Adviser at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington before his recall home. His second tenure in America, as Defence Adviser at Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, resonates to this day. Through his foresight and effort, he was able to secure permanent accommodation for future occupants of that role—a privilege that had not existed before him. His predecessors had been left to solve accommodation challenges on their own, but he deemed it fit that there should be an official residence for the office and was committed to make it a reality. Today, that is a lasting legacy of the office.

    Thetre was a strong sense of déjà vu earlier in February this year, when he stood with dignitaries to commission the first-ever barracks for the 35-year-old National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). What he accomplished decades ago in New York was repeated at NDLEA, where he currently serves. That is the vintage MB Marwa. His life and legacy follow a familiar arc. At DICON, he transformed what did not exist into tangible structures and systems.

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    In Lagos, his achievements were legendary; in recounting them, he is often elevated to an Olympian. Lagosians remember his impact vividly and with nostalgia, reveling in his legacies. The famous ‘Keke Marwa,’ now ubiquitous across the country, remains a reminder of his extraordinary administrative acumen in Lagos. His other imprints, such as restoration of security through Operation Sweep; Operation 250 Roads; the construction of many housing estates; Lagos University College of Medicine; and Eko Tourist Beach Resort, to name but a few, stand in bold relief in the state’s history. Indeed, his transformative influence extends back to his time in the old Borno State (now present day Borno and Yobe states), which is still recalled with admiration by the generation that experienced him. The establishment of State Ministry of Water Resources in Nigeria began in Borno, and its creator was the State Military Governor, the then Colonel Mohamed Buba Marwa.

    Now, at NDLEA, his four and half years of leadership have been equally transformative. His vision and guidance have woken a sleeping giant by introducing reforms that are both foundational and forward-looking. Today, NDLEA’s service resonates not only nationally but regionally and globally. For Marwa, there is no magic wand—that is my summation. Yes, leadership and vision are traits he embodies, but these alone cannot adequately capture the essence of the man.

    In my final conclusion, I always say: he is a man of uncommon grace, imbued with the capacity to touch lives, shape institutions, and leave an indelible mark. In that way, his name has found its place in our national book of exploits for services of enduring impact.

    As he celebrates his 72nd birthday today 9th September, I am delighted to join others in wishing him a long and fulfilling life. He is a celebrated hero: with two national honours, CON and OFR, scores of chieftaincy titles across Nigeria, and four Honoris Causa, his record is a testament to a life of recognition. Our celebration of him, and his new age, is an acknowledgment of how his unwavering dedication and keen sense of service have shaped countless lives, livelihoods, and institutions across our nation.

    •Babafemi is the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Abuja

  • How Delta is powering its future with renewable energy

    How Delta is powering its future with renewable energy

    By Collins Eze

    At a time when Nigeria grapples with power challenges,  rising fuel costs, and the global demand for cleaner energy alternatives, Delta State is charting a bold new course. The performing helmsman in Delta, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has declared renewable energy the cornerstone of his administration’s economic and social transformation agenda, pledging to scale up investments that will redefine access to power across the state.

    Speaking at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) State-by-State Roundtable in Abuja, themed “Unlocking Distributed Energy Investments for Industrial Growth and Inclusive Access in Delta State”, the governor laid out a vision anchored on solar, wind, hydro, and biomass solutions.

    His words were clear and compelling: “As fossil fuels become increasingly expensive and environmentally unsustainable, Delta State sees renewable energy as the future. We are committed to scaling up renewable sources to mitigate climate change, stimulate local industries, and create jobs. This is a win-win situation where investors make a profit while Delta gets powered.”

    For Governor Oborevwori, renewable energy is not just about electricity. It is about unlocking productivity, boosting business competitiveness, and lifting rural communities out of poverty. He described it as “a cornerstone for unlocking productivity, attracting investments, and enhancing the livelihoods of residents.”

    To translate words into action, his administration has already rolled out a decentralised energy strategy aimed at powering key state facilities. Among the projects underway are integrated renewable energy systems for:The Delta Government House; The New State Secretariat Complex; Stephen Keshi Stadium; Asaba International Airport and State-owned universities.

    These projects send a strong signal that Delta is serious about shifting from dependence on costly, unreliable fossil-fuel-driven power to a sustainable model that supports long-term growth.

    Delta State is also expanding access to power beyond major cities. The governor revealed plans to electrify villages, schools, and health facilities through mini-grid and off-grid solutions. This approach is critical in a state where thousands of residents in riverine and rural communities remain excluded from the national grid.

    The demand for reliable energy in such areas is rapidly rising, driven by the growth of small-scale enterprises, agro-processing ventures, and digital businesses. Governor Oborevwori emphasised that his government is actively wooing investors by creating a business-friendly environment and ensuring that renewable energy projects in rural areas yield both high social impact and attractive returns.

    Delta State is Nigeria’s second-largest oil-producing state, and its economy has long been tied to fossil fuels. Yet, paradoxically, many of its communities remain energy-poor, relying on expensive diesel generators that choke the environment and eat into household incomes.

    Renewable energy offers a way out of this paradox. For households, it means affordable, reliable light at night. For farmers, it enables solar-powered irrigation and cold storage. For schools, it provides digital classrooms that are not interrupted by blackouts. For small businesses, it reduces overhead costs and increases profitability.

    By scaling up renewables, Delta is not only addressing today’s power shortages but also preparing for the inevitable decline of fossil fuel relevance in the global economy. As climate change accelerates and international investors increasingly favour green projects, Delta’s pivot to renewables positions it as a forward-looking state ready to harness future opportunities.

    The multi-sectoral benefits of this laudable project is humongous. Renewable energy projects will require engineers, technicians, project managers, and entrepreneurs. Training programmes linked to these initiatives can equip young people with in-demand green skills.

    Steady, reliable power will also boost agro-processing plants, small manufacturing hubs, and ICT-driven enterprises. This can stimulate local value chains and reduce reliance on imported goods. Powering hospitals, clinics, and schools in rural communities ensures better healthcare delivery and improved learning outcomes.

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    In addition, by cutting reliance on fossil fuels, Delta will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to Nigeria’s commitments under global climate accords.

    Lastly, a stable renewable energy ecosystem signals to investors that Delta is open for business. Partnerships with international firms could bring billions in capital inflows.

    Governor Oborevwori’s renewable energy ambition received strong endorsements at the Abuja roundtable. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the REA, praised Delta’s “progressive approach to power supply” through decentralised renewables and small-scale grids. He stressed that the REA has substantial resources to boost renewable projects nationwide, but successful implementation depends on state leadership and private-sector collaboration.

    Doris Uboh, Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, highlighted the potential of mini-grid initiatives in Delta, noting they could generate significant employment opportunities and catalyse private-sector investment.

    Barry Gbe, the governor’s Chief Economic Adviser, reiterated that partnerships would be key in helping Delta transition to a sustainable energy future. The highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Delta State Government and the REA. This formalised a framework for collaboration and investment in renewable energy projects across the state.

    Delta’s pivot to renewable energy has the potential to become a model for other Nigerian states facing similar challenges. By moving from rhetoric to tangible investments, Governor Oborevwori is proving that subnational governments can lead Nigeria’s energy transition from the bottom up.

    If fully realised, Delta could emerge as a hub for renewable energy innovation, demonstrating how distributed energy solutions can drive inclusive development in a resource-rich but power-poor country.

    From the corridors of Abuja where the roundtable took place to the creeks and farmlands of Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s renewable energy vision is sparking hope. His message is simple yet powerful: renewable energy is not a luxury, but a necessity for growth, inclusion, and sustainability.

    The signing of the MoU with the REA marks only the beginning. The real test will lie in execution, in seeing solar panels light up rural schools, wind turbines spin along Delta’s waterways, and bioenergy plants power small industries.

    If the governor’s passion translates into action, Delta will not only solve its own power problems but also set an inspiring precedent for Nigeria.

    As Oborevwori himself put it: “This is a win-win situation where investors make a profit while Delta gets powered.” That vision, if achieved, could truly light the path for generations to come.

    •Eze, writes from Asaba, Delta State

  • Sani’s transformative touch at Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic

    Sani’s transformative touch at Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic

    By James Muhammed

    When Senator Uba Sani became the governor of Kaduna State, he made it clear that education would be at the heart of his development agenda. Today, one of the most visible testaments to that commitment is the transformation of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic (NUBAPOLY) in Zaria, a leading institution that had long battled infrastructural decay and dwindling academic competitiveness.

    Recently, the Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Muhammad Kabir Abdullahi, offered glowing praise for Governor Sani’s sweeping reforms, describing them as nothing short of transformative. According to the Rector, the governor’s deliberate interventions have repositioned the school as a centre of excellence for technical and vocational education in Nigeria.

    For years, students of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic endured a learning environment that fell far short of expectations. Hostels were dilapidated, lecture halls crumbled, and basic amenities were scarce. It was a situation that dampened morale and compromised the quality of education.

    Governor Uba Sani made it a priority to change this narrative. Under his leadership, all decaying hostels and classroom blocks across the polytechnic’s campuses were renovated. For the first time in decades, students now enjoy clean, safe, and conducive spaces for learning and living.

    “Learning cannot thrive in an atmosphere of neglect,” the Rector explained. “By rehabilitating our hostels and classrooms, the governor has restored dignity to our students and created an environment that truly supports academic excellence.”

    But infrastructure alone does not make an institution world-class. Recognising this, the governor’s administration also funded the re-accreditation of over 40 academic programmes and went further to introduce 21 brand-new courses.

    This expansion has significantly broadened the school’s academic portfolio, giving students greater options and aligning NUBAPOLY with the demands of the modern economy. Programmes in engineering, ICT, applied sciences, and vocational training now carry renewed accreditation, ensuring graduates are properly certified and competitive in the labour market.

    The Rector urged students to take advantage of these opportunities: “This is a golden era for Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic. With the introduction of new programmes and the reaccreditation of existing ones, our students have the tools to become leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers in Nigeria and beyond.”

    Governor Sani’s reforms have been bolstered by strategic collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND). Through its intervention projects, TETFUND has supported the upgrade of laboratories, libraries, and research facilities. These investments have significantly improved the institution’s teaching and research capacities.

    “Education is about partnership,” Dr. Abdullahi noted. “The synergy between the Kaduna State Government and TETFUND has given our school a facelift and equipped our lecturers with the resources they need to deliver quality education.”

    Perhaps the most compelling voices in this story are those of the students themselves. Across campuses, there is a renewed sense of pride and motivation.

    For Maryam Sani Adam, the changes are transformative: “The interventions have changed the face of the school. Our classrooms and hostels are now befitting, and we are more motivated to learn and achieve excellence.”

    Similarly, Andrew Usman expressed gratitude for the expansion of programmes and successful re-accreditation efforts: “It shows management and government are serious about our future. We feel supported, and it gives us confidence that our certificates will be respected anywhere.”

    The results of these reforms are already evident in enrolment figures. For the 2024/2025 academic session, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic admitted 4,596 students across its National Diploma (ND), National Certificate in Education (NCE), Higher National Diploma (HND), and Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programmes.

    The rising intake underscores renewed public confidence in the institution. Parents and students alike are recognising NUBAPOLY as a credible place to pursue tertiary education, particularly in technical and vocational fields.

    Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic is part of a broader vision for Kaduna State. He has consistently argued that education is the cornerstone of sustainable development and the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty.

    By revitalising polytechnic education, his administration is not only equipping young people with practical skills but also strengthening the state’s human capital base. In a country where unemployment and underemployment remain stubbornly high, technical and vocational graduates play a critical role in driving small industries, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

    While Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic has received significant attention, it is not the only beneficiary of the governor’s educational reforms. Across Kaduna State, schools are being renovated, new learning facilities are being constructed, and teacher-training initiatives are underway.

    The focus is clear: to raise the standard of education across all levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

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    Observers note that the NUBAPOLY reforms could serve as a template for other polytechnics across Nigeria, where infrastructural decay and outdated curricula continue to undermine learning outcomes.

    The reforms have not gone unnoticed by education stakeholders. Analysts say Governor Sani’s approach, combining infrastructure renewal, curriculum expansion, and strategic partnerships, is a holistic model that addresses both the immediate and long-term challenges of tertiary institutions.

    Civil society groups in Kaduna have also lauded the governor for prioritising youth and education. “When you invest in education, you invest in peace, stability, and prosperity,” one education advocate remarked. “Governor Sani is showing other leaders that with political will, our schools can be revived.”

    From dilapidated classrooms to modernised facilities, from outdated courses to an expanded academic portfolio, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic is experiencing a renaissance. At the heart of this transformation is the vision and political will of Governor Uba Sani.

    The Rector’s commendation, the students’ gratitude, and the surging admission numbers all point to one reality: the polytechnic has been repositioned for excellence.

    As Kaduna State moves forward, the story of NUBAPOLY stands as a reminder that meaningful investment in education pays dividends far beyond the classroom. It produces skilled graduates, strengthens communities, and lays the foundation for a prosperous future.

    For Governor Uba Sani, these reforms are not just policy wins — they are part of a legacy of leadership that prioritises people, empowers youth, and redefines what is possible in Nigerian education.

    •Muhammed, writes from Zaria, Kaduna State