The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Yobe: Sen. Bomai’s healthcare intervention

    Yobe: Sen. Bomai’s healthcare intervention

    • By Kasim Isa Muhammad

    Sir: The approval for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Yobe South is more than just a policy decision—it is a transformative development with the potential to redefine healthcare delivery in the region. This initiative introduces a long-overdue medical institution capable of offering advanced, life-saving services to thousands of people. It represents a critical investment in the health, welfare, and future of communities across Potiskum, Fika, Fune, Nangere, and beyond.

    With a Federal Medical Centre in place, Yobe South is now positioned to benefit from a centralised facility equipped to manage a wide spectrum of healthcare needs. From surgical operations to maternal health, diagnostics to emergency medicine, the presence of such an institution will allow for faster, safer, and more reliable care. It will become the heart of healthcare delivery in the zone—providing essential services close to home and dramatically improving health outcomes across the board.

    Equally important is the centre’s role in strengthening the healthcare workforce in the region. Many trained professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians, often leave in search of opportunities in more urban areas. With the creation of this medical centre, Yobe South can now attract and retain qualified personnel who are eager to serve their own communities. This not only addresses issues of staff shortages but also helps build a sustainable and homegrown healthcare system.

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    This medical centre also stands to play a vital role in public health planning. It will be instrumental in the coordination of immunisation campaigns, the management of communicable diseases, and the implementation of preventive health initiatives. Its presence will make it easier to respond to health emergencies and outbreaks with the speed and structure necessary to save lives. It will become a hub for data collection, disease surveillance, and strategic health interventions—all essential to safeguarding public wellbeing.

    Moreover, the project aligns with broader goals of regional development. A strong healthcare system encourages investment and supports other sectors such as education, agriculture, and commerce. Entrepreneurs and institutions are more likely to thrive in areas where reliable medical services exist. This infrastructure gives the region a competitive advantage, fostering stability and growth from the ground up.

    Now that the legislative groundwork has been completed, attention must turn to effective implementation. Timely release of funds, transparency in project execution, and a commitment to quality must guide the next stages. The promise of this centre can only be fully realised if it is backed by consistent follow-through and accountability at every level.

    Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai’s intervention is a clear demonstration of leadership with vision—one that prioritises the health and dignity of the people he represents. The Federal Medical Centre is not just a building; it is a symbol of progress, a source of hope, and a cornerstone for future development in Yobe South.

    •Kasim Isa Muhammad

    Potiskum, Yobe State

  • Tinubu’s towering triumph

    Tinubu’s towering triumph

    • By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    Sir: It has been two years since the baton of government moved from one administration to the other; and while two years consisting of 730 days may seem a lot of time in the context of days, it is little time in governance, especially in a country like Nigeria.

    On May 29, 2023, Bola Ahmed Tinubu replaced Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s president. Though the transition was not preceded by the kind of seismic shock that greeted a similar occasion in 2015, it was still a momentous occasion eight years after Nigeria’s democracy showed its dynamism with an astonishing victory for the opposition.

    President Tinubu assumed the presidency of a country where the economy was tanking, infrastructure lying in ruins, insecurity increasing and public trust at an all-time-low. Stepping into this volcano, President Tinubu knew he had to get the ball rolling without being scalded by the heat of a country on fire.

    In more than 30 years in politics, the former Lagos State governor has never lacked courage. It took only seconds of his inauguration speech for the citadel of corruption that was the fuel subsidy regime to come crumbling down, with its chief benefactors and enablers sent scrambling for cover.

    There have been upheavals. Protests from Nigerians have rocked the boat   occasionally to remind the president of the rocky journey that Nigerian presidents usually experience. There have been episodic security breaches around the country. The situation in Rivers State almost spiralled out of control; and though the president left much to be desired with the anti-constitutional measures taken to rein in the situation, there has been a bit of calm there.

    Through two years in office, and despite vociferous accusations of bias, favouritism and nepotism levelled against the president from many who may have their private agenda, he has shown a fair hand in dishing out appointments across the country. His strategy in spreading key appointments across the country has brought a sharp decrease in tension, stimulating peace in some volatile areas.

    A key example is in southern Kaduna State, which was turned into a killing field under the previous administration. The appointment of an indigene of southern Kaduna as the Chief of Defence Staff, together with the siting of a Federal University of Applied Sciences in the region, have brought hope and healing to a region that was once much troubled.

    Read Also: Senate passes N1.8trn 2025 FCT budget

    In two years, President Tinubu’s administration has established five new regional development commissions, initiated four landmark tax bills, and ensured and enhanced the implementation of the new minimum wage. Also, 13,500 terrorists have been eliminated; and well over $50 billion worth of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been attracted to Nigeria. The National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), established by the administration, has benefited over 300,000 students, while the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme has reached over 900,000 Nigerians. These are but a few highlights among glittering achievements.

    It has not been all smooth though, and the figures, impressive as they are, are only drops in the ocean of problems that the country is experiencing. But what is not in doubt is that something is stirring in the country. For the first time in a decade, there is clarity of vision and certainty of direction for a country that carries the great hopes of the African continent.

    Agriculture and food security are priority areas for the president. Nigeria’s tractorisation policy to boost agricultural mechanization directly led to the order and purchase of about 2000 tractors. This writer has witnessed President Tinubu’s commitment first-hand.

    As a key contributor to other national projects, like the proposed humanitarian caravan and the raw materials ecosystem, this writer has been left deeply impressed by the President’s openness, a sharp and marked departure from the insularity of his predecessor.

    It has not been a very smooth ride under President Tinubu, but it has been far from a joyless ride. For the first time in a decade, Nigeria seems to be on a resolute trajectory towards progress. For all it is worth, to all those who genuinely love their country, this rare ray of hope deserves to be supported.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu

    Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Tinubu: How narrow victories can forge great legacies

    Tinubu: How narrow victories can forge great legacies

    • By Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu

    Sir: In the halls of modern political history, few leaders were as underestimated at the start and as celebrated at the end as Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of post-war West Germany. Elected in 1949 by a razor-thin margin of just one vote, rumours swirled that he may have even cast the decisive vote for himself. His mandate was weak, his popularity uncertain, and Germany’s future hung in the balance.

    Fast forward to Nigeria in 2023. Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged President in a similarly contested fashion. His share of the national vote was under 40%, the lowest winning percentage in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. The opposition was split – Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar divided the votes of disenchanted Nigerians seeking change. The result? Tinubu won not by a landslide, but by strategic calculation and coalition craftsmanship.

    Predictably, allegations of electoral malpractice followed. Yet, like Adenauer, Tinubu weathered the legal storm. Nigeria’s Supreme Court ruled that while the election process had flaws, it did not breach the threshold for annulment.

    But what unites Adenauer and Tinubu is not the narrowness of their victories or their septuagenarian rise to power; it is the scale of their ambitions.

    Adenauer, though unpopular at first, led Germany into the Western alliance, laid the foundations for the European Union, and initiated the economic miracle that transformed his country. By the time of his re-election in 1953, and especially in 1957, he had won the trust of a once-cynical nation.

    Tinubu’s journey seems to mirror this trajectory. In under two years, he has enacted bold and controversial reforms. The removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of Nigeria’s exchange rates, in his words, were necessary to “free the economic jugular of the nation.” Painful? Undoubtedly. But transformative? Increasingly so.

    Government revenues have more than doubled. Nigeria’s $1.61 billion IMF debt has been cleared. Major infrastructure projects are in motion. Oil production is up. Youth empowerment schemes, student loans, and consumer credit initiatives have been launched. The NYSC allowance has been increased, and a new minimum wage of N70,000 has been signed into law. Notably, the revenue-to-debt service ratio has improved from a dangerous 97% to a more tolerable 68% (source: Budget Office of the Federation, 2024).

    Still, like Adenauer’s Germany in the 1950s, Tinubu’s early economic success has come at a cost. Nigerians are grappling with inflation, a weakened naira, and a cost-of-living crisis that strains household budgets. The challenge is clear: to translate macroeconomic progress into everyday relief.

    Adenauer bridged Germany’s transition with a robust Social Market Economy, combining free-market capitalism with social protections. Tinubu’s reforms, including the Student Loan Act and targeted social interventions, signal a similar approach. But more is needed: perhaps a constitutional or statutory ‘Social Code’ to institutionalise social protections and ensure continuity.

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    At this crucial moment, it is important to urge Nigerians, especially those grinding under the current economic hardship, to be a bit more patient and hopeful. Just as the German people endured Adenauer’s tough reforms, and later became proud of their country’s economic revival, so too must Nigerians hold on. The difficulties faced today are not permanent; they are the birth pains of a new economic era.

    If Tinubu’s reforms stay on track, they will not only stabilise the economy but also create a magnet effect, drawing back many who have “japaed” abroad. These Nigerians will return not out of compulsion, but out of pride and renewed hope to join hands in building a Nigeria that is stronger, more prosperous, and destined to be among the new global superpowers in the not-too-distant future.

    Remarkably, political momentum is shifting. Like Adenauer, once doubted and later revered, Tinubu is seeing opposition figures, including prominent politicians, endorsing his potential 2027 re-election bid. The ruling party is moving with urgency, buoyed by a sense that a second-term landslide may be within reach.

    If this trajectory holds, if inflation is tamed, reforms deepen, and social programs scale, Tinubu could emerge not merely as a tactician who won narrowly, but as a reformer who transformed a nation that was once said to be on the brink of collapse.

    Yet, much remains to be done. Poverty reduction, job creation, power supply and security are critical. Insecurity still haunts many regions and must be crushed decisively. The security architecture must be strengthened or overhauled, where necessary, to defeat insurgency, banditry, and criminality. And corruption, which undermines economic progress, must be fought with renewed political will and institutional strength.

    Only then will Tinubu’s bold economic reforms translate into real peace, prosperity, and national renewal.

    Leadership is not always about winning big. Sometimes, it’s about doing big things after barely winning.

    •Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu

    osagieizeiyamu@yahoo.com

  • 2027 mandators and reluctant aspirants

    2027 mandators and reluctant aspirants

    When it comes to ambition for political office in this country, you never really know with many politicians. There seems to be a perceived virtue in showing unwillingness while supporters press you to go for a particular office, so it gets said in effect: “It was my people who forced me to serve.” This accounts for the syndrome of reluctant public office holders, which unfortunately vitiates accountability for performance in the office ‘reluctantly’ aspired to. But is that the best for our democracy? We need willing aspirants to office, not reluctant ones.

    Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has repeatedly debunked indications that he will contest a senatorial position in 2027, but supporters just won’t let him be. Early last week, he was out again to restate his resolve not to seek the Nasarawa North constituency seat in the Senate in 2027 when his governorship tenure expires. Recent reports cited him as having agreed to run for the seat, but he again denied the report and said he hadn’t asked anyone to announce otherwise.

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    Few hours earlier, Director-General of the Nasarawa State Bureau for Pension Administration, Suleiman Musa Nagogo, disclosed that Governor Sule had agreed to run for the Senate. Speaking to All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Wamba council area, he said the governor had notified him of his intention to run for the legislative seat and raised a panel to handle the project across the senatorial district concerned. “That committee is still a committee of work in progress because we have yet to reach any reasonable milestone in the process of execution of this project. But I consider it imperative that, as the saying goes, charity begins at home. I should take it upon myself to call on my own people of Wamba Local Government and inform them about this project,” he told the constituents.

    In apparent rejoinder, spokesman for the governor, Ibrahim Addra, said his principal did not send anyone to declare his intention to contest the Senate seat. Referencing social media publications, Addra said: “For avoidance of doubt, Engr. Sule has never invited anyone to confirm that he is running, or to sell his candidature for Senate or any other office.” He acknowledged “several calls by individuals and groups on the governor to declare interest and run for the Senate seat,” adding however: “In all instances, Governor Sule politely but firmly declined such calls, maintaining that his attention remains focused on delivering on his covenant with the people of Nasarawa State as their democratically-elected governor.”

    You would wonder why the spokesman did not call out the particular official who made the claim, or could it be they were codeswitching on a decision already made? If not, supporters should let Mr. Governor come to his own conviction and spare him the ritual of mandating the unwilling.

  • Dapo Abiodun: 65 hearty cheers to a change agent

    Dapo Abiodun: 65 hearty cheers to a change agent

    • By Kayode Akinmade

    Today, to the glory of Almighty God, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun (MFR, CON) is 65, and exactly six years in office as the fifth democratically elected Governor. The road has been rough but grace has made the difference, so let the drums release great rhythms and let the music play on in praise of, the God of all creation the One who daily loads us with benefits. In all ramifications, Dapo Abiodun’s story exemplifies that of the proverbial man people said could not build a hut, but who has now built a giant edifice. A child of destiny born in 1960 when Nigeria obtained independence, and specifically on May 29, a day now set aside to mark freedom from military rule and signpost freedom and liberty, Dapo Abiodun is a change agent whose story is intertwined with Nigeria and Ogun State’s destiny.

    He was elected in 2019, but that wasn’t the first time he had aspired to occupy the Oke Mosan Governor’s Office. In 2002, he and Chief Gbenga Daniel contested for the governorship ticket. He came second but 17 years later, the divinely appointed hour, which we know never ever fails, arrived. And now looking back at the last six years, there is a lot to be thankful for. The Gateway State, Nigeria’s industrial capital, is now Nigeria’s investment destination of choice as the Iperu-born prince daily attracts business from around the world, making the state a giant construction site. Instructively, a prime political organization like the Southern Governors Forum also found him worthy to lead it, and he has been speaking for it and the zone. He is also arguably one of the staunchest defenders of President Bola Tinubu’s policies, pointing to Nigeria’s freedom from IMF debt peonage. He is  extremely passionate about his mission and vision, and the future of Ogun State.

    As Prince Abiodun turns 65, the land is basking in the transformations that have taken place. Ogun people, as the world saw during the Opening Ceremony of the ongoing National Sports Festival, can hold up their heads in pride, knowing that they have in Oke Mosan a man who truly cares, and who daily makes the state a business haven. As scholars of leadership have been keen to point out, great leaders lead by example, set clear vision and direction, communicate effectively, foster a positive culture, make informed decisions, enable others to grow, embrace change and innovation, and demonstrate emotional intelligence. Fully persuaded that leadership is problem solving, Dapo Abiodun has focused on social transformation in Ogun State. He recognizes that global change agents, including South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, who promoted racial reconciliation and national unity and addressed poverty, inequality, and social injustice, and China’s Deng Xiaoping, who  introduced market-oriented economic reforms, opening up the country to foreign investment and trade, did not achieve landmarks attending to demented opposition figures. 

    Read Also: Dapo Abiodun and harvests of projects in Gateway State

    He looks up to people like Franklin D. Roosevelt who, while confronted with the Great Depression, implemented the New Deal covering social security, unemployment insurance, and Japan’s Shinzo Abe, who achieved women’s empowerment and labour market reforms; not forgetting, above all, our own Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who  led an educational and healthcare revolution, promoted economic growth through investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and industry, and championed social justice. He is strictly focused on the people’s mandate. After all, as John C. Maxwell says, “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.”

    The Ogun State helmsman did not win the 2021 Best State Governor with the Most Improved State in Security Infrastructure (Business Day Newspaper), 2020 Best Governor in Agriculture (Nigerian Agriculture Awards), 2022 Best Governor in Infrastructure in the South-West (Nigeria Union of Journalists), the 2022 Forbes Award as the Best of Africa Governor in Industrial Revolution, or the 2023 Best Governor in Housing Delivery (Nigerian Housing Award) toying with the Ogun people’s mandate. He priotitises critical thinking and self-discovery, and is a compassionate leader who epitomizes the Greek philosopher Socrates’ submission that “He who wishes to serve as a leader must, first of all, understand the souls of his followers.”

    Before him there was no Gateway International Airport and the Olokola Free Trade Zone was dead. But the music has changed. With over 1,200 kilometers of road spread across the state, Dapo Abiodun has shown that he means business. Go to the  Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway; Obantoko Road (Fajol-American Junction-Unity Estate-Gbonagun); Idi-Aba-Elite-Oke Lantoro; Ikoritameje-Adenrele (Olose Titun Vespa); Panseke-Adigbe; City Gate Monument Development Flyover Bridge, Kuto; Arepo road, Somorin-Kemta-Idi Aba; Olusegun Osoba-Toyin Agbado, Yakoyo Bridge to Mr. Biggs section along Akute; Owode-Siun.There are also the Oru-Awa-Ilaporu-Ibadan expressway; Molipa-Asafa Isale-Ayegu-Ojofa; Asafa Oke-Fusigboye-Ojofa Street; Oba Erinwole road, Sagamu; Awujale road, Ejinrin-Idowa-Awa-Ibefun-Itoikin; Ijebu Ode-Epe-Sagamu-Benin Interchange Flyover Bridge; Esure-Ijebu Mushin road; Ogbagba Street, Ijebu Ode; Molusi College road, Ijebu Igbo; Ilishan Market road; Iperu Roundabout-Ode; and the Sagamu Junction-Iperu Roundabout. Go to Ibooro-Imasayi-Igan Okoto-Ayetoro road (Phase 1) in Yewa North, Ikola-Navy-Osi Ikola; Raypower; Joju, Sango; Ilashe-Koko-Alari; Oke Ola, Imeko; Tollgate-Singer GRA, Ota; Ilaro-Iwoye (Phase 1); Iwoye-Owode Yewa Secondary School road, (Phase2); Owode Yewa Secondary School-Owode Yewa Junction road (Phase 3), and see wonders. But here’s the big story: there’s far more to come.

    There is no space to talk about the N50 million Ijebu Development Initiative for Poverty Reduction (Eriwe) introduced to develop the fish subsector and the empowerment of over 40,000 agripreneurs in cassava cultivation, or the distribution of motorcycles to extension agents to reach farmers in remote areas; the 20,000-hectare rice farmland in Yewa; the Ogun State Teaching Experience Acquisition Channel (Ogun TREACH) that brought on board 5000 interns, with 1000 transitioned to permanent teachers; the over N3.5 billion disbursed through EDUCASH to assist students and their parents, with 150, 000 students benefitting the full accreditation secured for the first time in 45 years and the upgrade of the Ogun State Schools of Nursing and Midwifery to collegiate status; the inaugurated Sexual Therapy and Assaults Referral Centre in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH); the Family Planning Centre at the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode; or  the Ogun Free Surgical Intervention Programme that has benefited more than 2000 people since its launch.

    Hear Governor Abiodun, speaking when officials of the Foreign Investment Network (FIN), a United Kingdom-based investment scout that drives Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Africa and other developing economies, gave Ogun State a massive thumbs-up for the FDI attracted so far: “We have built the best-equipped airport in Nigeria, and this airport is centrally located. We have adopted a multimodal transport system that incorporates air, road, sea, and rail lines. We are extending a rail line that stopped at Agbado to Ogun State.” The investment portfolios are many: the April 2022 $400m investment by a foreign firm, Arise Integrated Industrial Platform, on the development of Olokola Free Trade Zone and Remo Agro Processing Zone; the over $500 investment by a steel conglomerate, African Industries Group; the Canadian Government’s pledged investment in the agricultural and technological sectors of the Ogun economy in May 2023 and the July 2024 South Africa-Nigeria Business Chamber’s pledged aggressive investment drive for Ogun State; the $500 million investment by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to enhance power infrastructure in Ogun State; the $300 million investment by the Chinese company, Inner Galaxy Steel Company Ltd, to establish a new steel plant for the production of specialised steel products in Ogun State; the  October 2024 establishment of a $5 million battery recycling plant by a British company; the investment by Codix Bio Pharmaceutical Company, a pharmaceutical outfit that specializes in the production of medication kits for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and heart-related diseases; the $400 million hot rolled coiled steel factory in Ewekoro; the Special Agro-Cargo Processing Zone created by President Tinubu to serve the airport as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ), located very close to airport, etc.

    Posterity will never forget Prince Abiodun: he has written his name in history and it will outlive him. The silent achiever and peace and conflict resolution advocate who has led Ogun State on the path of peace for the last six years and contributed to inter and intraparty stability deserves plaudits. May the Almighty God continues to bless and keep him in the years to come. Happy Birthday to the People’s Governor.

    • Akinmade is Special Adviser, Information and Strategy to Ogun State Government.
  • FINANCIAL TIMES’ EDITORIAL: Nigeria’s shock therapy

    FINANCIAL TIMES’ EDITORIAL: Nigeria’s shock therapy

    For years, Nigeria has been not so much a sleeping giant as a comatose one. Home to nearly one in five sub-Saharan Africans, its market of 230mn people should be an engine of continental growth. Instead it has been a drag, stuck in an oil-dependent rut, plagued by banditry and run by a political elite bent on self-enrichment. It is hardly surprising that all but a few investors may have missed the fact that Nigeria has turned a corner.

    Halfway through the first presidential term of Bola Tinubu, who completes two years in office this Thursday, Nigeria is in better shape than at any time in the past decade. That may come as a surprise — or even sound like a sick joke — to tens of millions of Nigerians who are suffering the worst cost of living crisis in a generation.

    Yet Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos and the country’s wiliest politician in a generation, has stabilised the economy and laid the groundwork for a broader recovery. This year, the World Bank expects growth of 3.7 per cent, in what would be Nigeria’s best performance since 2014 save for a post-Covid rebound. Most ordinary Nigerians won’t feel that yet. But it is a decent performance when oil prices are weak. The tiny green shoots have come because Tinubu’s government has tackled — albeit in often haphazard fashion — debilitating structural distortions.

    On day one Tinubu removed a ruinously expensive fuel subsidy. More important still, the central bank has restored monetary policy orthodoxy after a shambolic era in which only cronies with access to cheap dollars benefited. After a dangerous overshoot, the naira has stabilised, with the gap between the official and black market rate shrinking to almost nothing.

    The central bank has stopped printing money to pay for government profligacy. Politicians still spend too much, often on fripperies like an extravagant presidential jet, but at least the government has begun to increase tax receipts.

    Investors do not live in constant fear of a devaluation and can readily access dollars. That may eventually help Nigeria to diversify, but shorter term it is positive that oil production has recovered from a nadir of 1mn barrels a day to nearly 1.5mn last month. Oil theft has been reduced and local companies are squeezing more out of marginal fields.

    That so much has been achieved by a government stuffed with cronies — and, to be fair, one or two competent technocrats — shows how much could be achieved if Nigeria really got its act together. There are plenty of ways for Tinubu to build on a promising start.

    Read Also: Tinubu saved Nigeria’s economy from collapse, says Kalu

    First, his government has to tackle inflation — still running at 24 per cent — with more urgency. Food is the biggest driver. State governments need to increase supply by providing farm inputs, security and better access to market.

    Second, it must build on tax reform by achieving its stated aim of doubling the ratio of tax collected to 18 per cent of GDP. Some of that should be spent on woefully neglected schools and clinics — even more urgent given foreign aid cuts. That will bring benefits of its own but, just as importantly, will also help to establish a social contract, which has been dangerously lacking.

    Third, and perhaps most crucial, the government must confront banditry and terrorism with the same single-mindedness as it did distorted monetary policy. The army needs cleaning up as urgently as did the central bank.

    As Nigeria’s election cycle edges towards 2027, Tinubu may be tempted to slow the pace of change. That would be a mistake. He should forge ahead, with the overriding aim of making ordinary Nigerians — not just investors — feel the benefits of shock therapy.

  • Deplorable state of Anjorin Street, Lagos

    Deplorable state of Anjorin Street, Lagos

    Sir: We respectfully request the use of your esteemed and widely read newspaper to draw the attention of the Governor of Lagos State, relevant ministries, and agencies—particularly the Lagos State Public Works Corporation—to the urgent need for intervention on Anjorin Street and its adjoining roads.

    Anjorin Street, situated within the Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA), is a critical thoroughfare that connects Lawanson with several economically active areas in Surulere. Regrettably, this road has been in a state of disrepair for an extended period. 

    Read Also: Nigeria’s economic reforms yielding results , says AfDB

    The deplorable condition of Anjorin Street poses serious challenges to residents, commuters, and local businesses. The road is riddled with deep potholes, which become severely waterlogged during the rainy season, rendering it not only impassable but also dangerous to both pedestrians and motorists.

    Despite multiple written appeals to the appropriate authorities over the years, we have yet to receive any meaningful response or action. We therefore use this medium to renew our call for immediate government intervention to rehabilitate these roads before the situation deteriorates further with the onset of the rains.

    •Concerned Residents of Anjorin Street, Itire-Ikate LCDA, Surulere, Lagos State

  • Chief of Defence Staff and power of prayers

    Chief of Defence Staff and power of prayers

    Sir: Gen. Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, recently offered a powerful testament to faith and national resilience. His words, steeped in personal experience and unwavering conviction, serve as a timely reminder of the strength derived from spiritual fortitude and collective prayer, even in the face of daunting challenges.

    Gen. Musa’s account of his time as Theatre Commander in Maiduguri is particularly poignant. He vividly recalls how the consistent prayers by men of God were a source of immense strength, ultimately leading to answered prayers. This personal anecdote underscores a fundamental belief: “Our God answers prayers. Sometimes, we are the ones that make things difficult for ourselves.” This sentiment, coming from a man at the forefront of national security, carries significant weight, urging self- reflection and a deeper trust in divine providence.

    His personal narrative further highlights the unifying power of love and support, regardless of background. Growing up in Sokoto while his wife hails from Delta State, their union symbolises the diverse tapestry of Nigeria. He lovingly refers to his wife as his “pillar” and “prayer warrior,” emphasising the crucial role of personal support systems in navigating life’s complexities.

    The general’s call to Christians and none Christians to shed timidity wherever they find themselves resonates deeply. He warns against the temptation to shy away from faith in pursuit of worldly aspirations, echoing the biblical caution: “If you are shy of me here, when we get there, I will be shy of you.”  This is a powerful message for a nation grappling with various pressures, advocating for unwavering devotion and boldness in one’s beliefs.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s economic reforms yielding results , says AfDB

    Gen. Musa’s address also touched on the pressing issues facing Nigeria and the broader West African region. Acknowledging the” barrage of challenges” and the “unprecedented challenges” posed by extremist groups like the Jihadists, he remains optimistic. His steadfast belief that “the Lord Almighty will never let us down,” and that God” will never let them succeed,” offers a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. He passionately appeals for consistent and ceaseless prayers from Christians, recognising their vital role in the nation’s security.

    Nigeria, he asserts, is a” blessed country,” a truth recognised globally. He powerfully refutes past predictions of disintegration, noting that despite doomsday prophecies in 2015, “this is 2025, we are still standing.” This defiance against negative narratives serves as a testament to the resilience of the Nigerian spirit and the enduring power of unity.

    Ultimately, Gen. Musa’s message is one of profound gratitude and continued appeal. He credits the prayers of Nigerians for the sustained efforts of the Armed Forces in securing and protecting the nation, humbly appealing for their ongoing spiritual support. His words are a powerful reminder that beyond military might, faith and collective prayer are indispensable weapons in Nigeria’s fight for peace and stability. They serve as a call to action for every Nigerian to embrace love, uphold faith, and consistently pray for the nation’s well-being.

    Gen. Musa’s earnest appeal to traditional rulers, religious bodies, and various stakeholders underscores a pivotal strategy in the ongoing war against insurgency. His call for unity and active participation is not merely a request but a recognition of the indispensable role these influential groups play in shaping public opinion, fostering community resilience, and facilitating intelligence gathering at the grassroots level.

    Under his leadership, the emphasis is clearly on consolidating these diverse efforts into a cohesive national response. By integrating traditional wisdom, moral guidance, and community-level insights, Gen. Musa aims to build a formidable front against the forces of instability.

    This collaborative approach seeks to dismantle the support networks of insurgents, address underlying grievances, and ultimately pave the way for lasting peace and security across affected regions. The success of this critical endeavour hinges on the collective will and unified action of all segments of society, guided by a shared commitment to national well-being.

    •Kennedy Elaigwu Awodi USA

  • Neglected Lagos roads

    Neglected Lagos roads

    Sir: The condition of some inner roads in Lagos is nothing short of disappointing. These roads, which connect homes to major highways, are heartbreaking. It is as though the people who use them every day don’t matter.

    The truth is, this is an issue particular to all states in Nigeria. So, whatever I am going to say applies to all other states. The situation in Lagos might even be way better than all the other states, but I want to talk about Lagos because it is where I reside. It impacts me directly.

    To be clear, there are areas where inner roads are in good condition; others have been reconstructed, and some are undergoing construction, at least from a few conversations I have had. Credit must go to those responsible for the progress. But this piece is not about those.

    This is about inner roads that remain neglected, particularly in areas like Ajao Estate, Ejigbo, Oke Afa, Alimosho, Ikotun, and their environs. These are not just obscure parts of Lagos; hundreds of thousands of people live in these places, work and do business there. Yet, in too many corners, the roads have muddy puddles, uneven surfaces, and look more like war zones.

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    Do we even realise the damage these roads do? Mechanics have become more familiar than friends, while incomes are already stretched thin by the harsh economy. And where are the councillors of these areas in all of this? What are our local government chairmen in these areas doing, if anything? They seem to have gone on an extended holiday. I think it’s time we paid closer attention to local government elections, which, by the way, are scheduled to be held in July in Lagos. The people we put in these offices wield real power to improve our day-to-day lives, or ignore us completely. Why does it feel like inner roads fall outside their radar? They now receive direct allocations, so what’s the excuse?

    The Lagos State Public Works Corporation also needs to step up its efforts. Are they even present in these areas, because their presence is barely noticeable? The inner roads are not just bad, they are not motorable. And during the rainy season? They become a soggy, slippery mess and a very serious health risk.

    I think we underestimate the power of good inner roads to ease traffic. If these roads were in better condition, more people would confidently use them as alternatives to the main roads. Traffic would be spread out. Commutes would be shorter. Life would be easier. But because these inner roads are unusable, everyone is forced to clog up the same few major highways every morning and evening.

     For example, the traffic from Canoe to Airport Road is often a frustrating crawl. It could be significantly eased if the inner connecting roads in and around Ajao Estate, Oke-Afa, and beyond were in good condition. People would have more route options. And let us not forget the security risks. When roads are abandoned (and poorly lit), they become breeding grounds for crime. Small businesses also suffer as delivery riders refuse to enter certain areas, and customers stay away. How many times have you heard, “Oga, I no fit enter that road” while booking an Uber? It’s a common refrain, and it shouldn’t be.

    The Lagos State government must start treating inner roads as a critical part of development, not an afterthought. People live on these roads, and they deserve better.

    Fixing inner roads is not just about cars. It’s about health, safety, and dignity. It’s about time.

    •Chiechefulam Ikebuiro chiechefulamikebuiro@gmail.com

  • Audacious leadership: Two years of Governor Bago

    Audacious leadership: Two years of Governor Bago

    Sir: Three years before he emerged as the Niger State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),  and four years before he was elected governor, I published an article titled ‘All Eyes on Bago,’ in which I argued that Umar Muhammad Bago, from his performance as a legislator in the Federal House of Representatives, possessed the right attitude to transform Niger State and launch her on the path of sustainable development.

     From whatever angle it is told, the story of Bago is not just a story of political success; it is as well a testament to the enduring spirit of the people of Niger State. It is also a reminder that, with the right leadership, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome and a new dawn is, indeed, possible.

    The midterm scorecard of Governor Bago is a harbinger of hope. The past 24 months have, indeed, been characterised by a relentless pursuit of excellence through which Niger State has seen an unprecedented scale of transformation. What has worked for the Farmer-Governor, as he fondly called, is his ability to lead, inspire and guide in order to transform Niger State. Perhaps, not much would have been achieved without the practical open-door policy of the Bago administration and its regular interface with citizens. Gradually, the gains of the past 24 months have blotted the state’s dark past of frittered opportunities from the psyche of citizens.

    With his focus on agricultural transformation, the vision of Governor Bago for a prosperous and self-sufficient Niger State has inspired transformative changes across key sectors such as urban and rural renewal, transportation and road construction, education, healthcare and empowerment of women and youths. The ongoing landmark transformation in these key sectors is the focus of my upcoming book, ‘Auspicious Leadership,’ which essentially chronicles the journey of Governor Bago, through highlighting the hurdles he scaled, examining the strategies he employed in driving his vision and spotlighting his signature accomplishments that have set Niger State on the path of socioeconomic transformation.

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    ‘Audacious Leadership’ further tells the story of the emergence of a New Niger to present and future generations of how Governor Bago, against all odds, laid the solid foundation for the emergence of a New Niger. Significantly, the book promises to be a guide for Nigerians and their political leaders as to where to locate a transformative leader to lead our beloved country in the not-too-distant future. 

    Like Niger State, Nigeria remains a work in progress. The future is filled with challenges, and to meet the challenges there has always been the need to raise a new breed of leaders. As governor of Niger State since May 2023, Bago has given practical meaning to the maxim of US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt that the “future lies with those wise political leaders who realise that the great public is interested more in government than in politics.”

    •Abdulrazaq Magaji – magaji778@gmail.com