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  • Bad birthday gift I received

    Bad birthday gift I received

    • By Sunday Saanu

    Birthdays are momentous occasions in which we celebrate the survival of another trip around the sun and look forward to the adventures that lie ahead. They are days to celebrate, reflect on our accomplishments, pause and take stock of where we are in our journey of life as well as where we want to go next. Such a day brings a sense of community and connections as we receive gifts and felicitations from family members, friends, well-wishers and admirers.

    This was exactly what I was savouring on 15 September, 2024, being the anniversary of my birth. Like bees bombilating around the hive, my phones were buzzing, with various goodwill messages, prayers and felicitations bombarding me. I was overwhelmed. Gifts of various shapes and forms were not left behind. While some people sent me monetary gifts. The subtext here is that it is good to be good to people. People made references to such trivial things I did for them. Some said I usually celebrate them while not a few confessed that they love my writing style!

     I was enjoying the momentum, with every sense of accomplishments and satisfaction when my boy, Victor, called to present another gift. This time, a bad gift. “Daddy”, he called on the phone. “Yes”, I answered, wondering why he was calling me on the phone when he knew I was around. “They have stolen the car battery again.” “Again? Which of the vehicles?”, I didn’t wait for his response before I jumped out to know what happened. Alas! The campus thieves have struck again. They had removed a newly bought car battery from our Toyota Camry; right in front of the Security post in Philipson, University of Ibadan. This was the second time within three months.

    Shattered, I was flummoxed and speechless. I checked around, no single security personnel was in sight. As a tieback, On the 17 June, 2024, this same car was burgled with the battery taken away. That day, two car batteries including my neighbour’s , were stolen. Ironically, our block of flats is just a stone’s throw to the security post. After ranting and raving in helplessness, I devised a seemingly more secure strategy. I decided to stop parking at our designated garage, I began to park right in front of the security post where they sit every day and night. But the strategy failed as the bandits stole my car battery again.

     Frustrated, I soon informed the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale who promptly directed the Chief Security Officer, Mr Victor Fadebiyi to take over the case. Delivering the VC’s message, Mr. Fadebiyi who expressed shock and sadness over my plight,  provided rich and revealing multidimensional perspectives on the security challenges on campus. All his submissions underlined poor funding of the university system in Nigeria. According to the CSO who did not excuse the culpability of his men, “before, the university used to give us enough fuel to patrol the campus in the night, today, we cannot do adequate patrol because there isn’t enough fuel. Light on campus has to be rationed because there is no money to buy diesel”.

    More poignantly, the CSO lamented the shortage of manpower. In his words: “many security men have retired, some have travelled out, yet, government does not allow us to employ fresh hands to replace the depleting workforce! I have just told the VC that if the government fails to quickly address these issues, the system may collapse sooner than later”. Mr. Fadebiyi thereafter turned to the security men on duty and chastised them for negligence of duty, saying “if you don’t get those behind these thefts, you are not exonerated from the crime. How do you explain to people that a car battery was stolen right in front of the security post? What kind of security are you providing? I can assure you that those on duty that day will face disciplinary committee”.

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     Indeed, the CSO’s admonition offers strength in distress, but it does not buy back my battery. I have suffered so much economic losses on this campus in recent times. On the 12 August, 2024, my boy’s laptop worth Three Hundred Thousand Naira was stolen in his car around Student’s Union Building. I have not recovered from the pains of replacing the laptop. With the increase in school fees, I have over a Million Naira to pay for four students whose education I sponsor. I am still looking for money to buy books at ISI. How much is my salary? For some miscreants to come and be burgling my cars on a regular basis amounts to creating hell for me on earth.

     Without any attempt at denting the image of the university, there is no controverting the fact that stealing on campus is becoming far too frequent. So many people have different tale of woes in this regard. Around Philipson, Benue Road, and Imo street, more than 20 car batteries have been stolen recently. Yet there hasn’t been any major arrest of the culprits. Security architecture in the university needs to be reviewed and recalibrated.

    However, to my mind, there is a nexus between the current economic situation in the country and the rate of crime on campus. Since the university is the microcosm of the Nigerian society, whatever happens on campus is a reflection of the happenings in town. Recent government policies have sunk the country into renegade condition and perpetual impoverishment. Government has created a cost-of-living crisis. Workers wages are wretched and their payment pittance in the face of hyper-inflation. People live from paycheck to paycheck. Almost everyone is perpetually impecunious. Consequently, the attrition rate in the university is mind boggling as a result of “Japa syndrome”

     On account of the government’s policies, however, many people have become paupers, looking for food and fuel to survive. The present scenario is worse than the past. Many workers no longer come to work because they do not have transport fare. Food and fuel crises are the major issues to contend with. Government has a major role to play in dousing the simmering tension. The effect of these crises is so telling on our university system. We should no longer be euphemistic about the hopelessness of our situation. The fabric of the ivory tower has begun to fray on account of fund paucity. What can the Management do without money?

     However, I sympathize with both the management team of the University of Ibadan and the students. The current increment in school fees which is generating ripples is a very painful decision the management has had to take because there is no money to run the system. It is not that the Prof. Adebowale led management is wicked and insensitive, the point is that reality has dictated the decision. I am equally badly affected by the increase. I have various fees to pay.

     On a flip side, while I identify with many students who are finding it difficult to pay the increased fees, I celebrate the creativity of the student union leaders who have decided to assist their colleagues through crowdfunding. These student leaders deserve commendation for their intellectual sagacity and illuminating innovative capacity. Instead of fighting with the inevitable, they have decided to seek help. I believe with the robust goodwill that UI enjoys all over the world, help will certainly come. I humbly suggest however that the Management should look into the possibility of extending the deadline for the payment.

     The truth is that university education is expensive. In a previous interview with the immediate past Director General of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof Babatunde Salako, the don had hinted that “the fees must be increased if UI is to be ranked among the best in the world” Hear Prof Salako, “By now, the first generation universities should have been left alone to fend for themselves because they have got reputation, and name and they have developed standard. People who want to go there should be ready to pay “

      Prof Salako added, “university education is almost free here. Universities like UI, UNILAG, and Ife are not universities that just started yesterday. People pay heavily to go to high-brow universities abroad. You want to go to Harvard, IMT, you pay, there is nothing like no tuition fees there. Government should only be giving small grant to these first generation universities: UI, UNILAG ABU, Ilorin, Bayero, Enugu. You have to pay heavily to go there. They are not cheap. That is how they can really be internationalized”

    Back to the rate of stealing on campus, poverty in the society should not be advanced as justification for criminality on campus. I could never have imagined that my car battery would be stolen right in front of the security post. This constitutes logical nightmare for me. The thievery makes a mess of the wise. It hurts my happiness. Prof Adebowale must ensure that if those behind the theft are caught, they must pay back seven times what they had stolen, even if they have to sell everything in their houses. That is what the Bible says. I believe to whatever degree a thief appears elusive, he would surely be caught some day. Those who steal never find true peace!

    However, this evil must be decisively and deftly dealt with. Pundits have suggested that the university could employ the services of vigilance groups to complement the existing internal security network. Those who spoke at the emergency meeting of Phillipson Community urged the management to consider incorporating “OPC and other vigilance groups for night duty only”. But can that guarantee institutional commitment? However, university is a place of ideas. Let us keep thinking about it. The point is that life and property must be safe on campus.

    •Saanu (08034073427) is with the University of Ibadan

    Email: sundaysaanu@gmail.com

  • Climate change and insecurity in northern Nigeria

    Climate change and insecurity in northern Nigeria

    By Umar Farouk Bala

    Northern Nigeria grapples with a complex web of interconnected security challenges, deeply entrenched in socio-economic, political, ethnic, and religious tensions. At the heart of the region’s insecurity crisis lies the pervasive and evolving issue of banditry. Historically, banditry was somewhat integrated into the societal fabric, but it has since undergone a disturbing transformation. The advent of modern weaponry and the disintegration of traditional social structures have contributed to an alarming escalation of violence, marking a significant departure from its less intense origins. Today, banditry poses a formidable threat to regional stability, underscoring the need for comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of this multifaceted problem.

    Compounding the issue of banditry, the emergence and proliferation of Islamist insurgencies, notably Boko Haram and its splinter groups like the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP); these have further exacerbated the insecurity in Northern Nigeria. Initially sparked by a rejection of Western education, these extremist groups have dramatically altered the region’s security and socio-political dynamics over the past decade and half. By intertwining with local banditry, these insurgencies have created a complex and deeply entrenched crisis, posing significant challenges to regional stability and governance. The intersection of these two forms of insecurity has had a devastating impact on the lives of millions, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to address the root causes of this crisis.

    Another critical factor fuelling insecurity in Northern Nigeria is the escalating herder-farmer conflicts, primarily driven by climate change, land degradation, and the ensuing competition for scarce resources. Notably, the impact of climate change on insecurity in the region is often overlooked in mainstream discourse. However, it is essential to acknowledge that climate change is exacerbating the existing social, economic, and political vulnerabilities in Northern Nigeria. The region is facing unprecedented environmental stressors, including rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. These stressors are intensifying existing tensions and conflicts, particularly between herders and farmers, as they compete for dwindling resources. By recognizing the role of climate change in fuelling these conflicts, we can begin to develop more effective strategies to address the root causes of insecurity in the region.

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    The region, which is already vulnerable to social, economic, and political challenges as seen from the above, is facing unprecedented environmental stressors that are exacerbating existing tensions and conflicts.

    According to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, “diminishing arable land and water resources, exacerbated by inefficient farming practices, desertification, and erratic rainfall, force herders’ southwards, sparking conflicts with farmers over dwindling resources”.

    Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are altering the livelihoods of millions of people in Northern Nigeria. Agriculture, which is the mainstay of the region’s economy, is being severely impacted by climate change. Crop failures, reduced yields, and changed growing seasons are leading to food insecurity, economic hardship, and displacement.

    The decline of Lake Chad, which has shrunk by over 90% since the 1960s, has had a devastating impact on the region’s economy and security. The lake’s demise has led to the loss of fishing livelihoods, reduced water availability, and increased competition for resources. This has created an environment of desperation and frustration, which extremist groups have exploited to recruit members and spread their ideology.

    Climate change is also contributing to the growth of extremist groups in Northern Nigeria. The region’s porous borders, combined with the displacement of people due to environmental stressors, have created an environment conducive to the spread of extremist ideologies. Groups like Boko Haram have capitalized on the region’s vulnerabilities, using the grievances of those whose livelihoods have been severely affected by climate change, to justify their actions and recruit new members.

    A major catalyst to the climate crisis presently witnessed in Nigeria is the unchecked expansion of Western industries. According to the National Academy of Sciences, since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which has changed the earth’s climate.

    The West’s industrialization is widely regarded as a key driver of climate change. The rapid growth of industries such as coal mining, steel production, and manufacturing in the 18th and 19th centuries marked the beginning of a new era of greenhouse gas emissions, which have continued to rise exponentially to this day.

    As Western industries grew and expanded, so did their carbon footprint. The development of new technologies, such as the internal combustion engine and the power plant, further increased emissions. The United States, in particular, emerged as a major polluter, with its large-scale industrialization and consumption of fossil fuels driving emissions to record levels.

    The impact of Western industrialization on climate change cannot be overstated. Today, the developed world is responsible for the majority of historical greenhouse gas emissions, with the United States alone accounting for over 25% of total emissions since 1750. The consequences of this are being felt globally, from rising sea levels to devastating heatwaves and droughts.

    Furthermore, the Western world’s industrialization has also driven deforestation, land degradation, and the destruction of natural habitats, further exacerbating climate change. The production and consumption patterns of Western societies have created a culture of waste and excess, with single-use plastics, fast fashion, and disposable electronics contributing to the problem.

    The result of the foregoing culminates in a world characterized by internal displacement and human suffering owing to environmental crises such as severe droughts, torrential rainfall, earthquakes, landslides, etc. which disproportionately affects poor countries, as they often lack the capacity to cope with the aftermath of environmental disasters. This consequently leaves their economies highly susceptible to environmental shocks which significantly stunt the growth and development of their own domestic industries.

    To mitigate climate change and its debilitating effects on the economy and security of Northern Nigeria and the Global South as a whole, it is essential to acknowledge the role of Western industrialization in driving this crisis. This requires a fundamental transformation of our economic systems, energy sources, and consumption patterns. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable land use practices are critical steps towards reducing emissions and avoiding the worst impacts of climate change.

    •Bala writes via umarfaroukofficial@gmail.com

  • Anioma: Oborevwori and Nwoko’s campaign of calumny

    Anioma: Oborevwori and Nwoko’s campaign of calumny

    By Onyeamechi Chukwuma

    “A true leader doesn’t create separation. A true leader brings people together.” – Anonymous.

    Watching the viral video clip where Senator Ned Nwoko cast aspersions on the person of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori left a sour taste in the mouth. I have not seen such indiscretion and immaturity from a person of that standing. What was meant to be a consultation visit for his dream of Anioma State turned out to be a campaign of calumny against the governor with whom he shares the same political platform in the PDP. Brash and unguarded, Nwoko’s diatribe was bereft of tact, wisdom, and logic. To turn a forum for the supposedly noble vision for the creation of Anioma State into a platform to sow seeds of discord between Delta North and Delta Central and Delta South is something I cannot fathom.

    The fall out of his intemperate outburst is that the real purpose for his visit to Ndokwa Neku President-General has been overshadowed by the media feeding frenzy on his scurrilous attacks on his governor and party leader. The media space is awash, not with the prospects and potentials of an Anioma State, but of how the senator has heated the polity, with his overzealous but largely uninformed army of social media attack dogs falling over themselves to defend their paymaster.

    The senator tried, uncharitably, to portray Oborevwori as a sectional leader. It was his assertion that the governor has mainly focussed his attention on developing the other two senatorial districts to the detriment of Delta North. He cited no facts or figures to back up his outlandish claim but his intention was clear – to create the perception of a people being marginalised and a senator who is boldly fighting their cause. Ethnic bigots do not rely on facts. As a matter of fact, they don’t need them; they just trust their ability to whip up sentiments, stoke up controversy, beguile the unsuspecting public, and exploit the gullibility of their followers.

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    Anybody remotely familiar with Governor Oborevwori knows he is far from being a sectional leader. The reason some of us campaigned and worked for him to be governor was because of his pan-Delta disposition and large-heartedness. And since assuming office as governor, he has confirmed our perception of him as such. He began the celebration of his 100 days in office with the commissioning of several projects at Dennis Osadebey University in Anwai, Asaba. These were projects he inherited from the immediate past administration and speedily completed.

    As a true Anioma son, this is one thing I would forever be grateful for. I threw my all into his governorship bid because I knew that Anioma would kiss the two universities that were established by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa goodbye if his opponent won. Having a university has significant economic implications for urbanisation, the retail economy, and real estate development in the host communities. Aside from the universities, Governor Oborevwori has completed the Okpanam Ibusa Bypass, and is undergoing several other projects in Delta North that space would not permit me to mention.

    Regarding the Okpai Independent Power Plant and Ogwashi-Uku Dam, Senator Nwoko, again uncharitably, fingered Oborevwori for their comatose state. He provided justification for his claim with the often-repeated propaganda that Delta State enjoys the lion share of FAAC allocations. It was cheap blackmail with the obvious intent of inciting Delta North against the governor. His statement was tendentious, mischievous, and totally lacking in decorum. It is inconceivable that a man of his stature would accuse a governor for failing to execute a project that he knows is mired in unending controversy, as the Okpai Independent power Plant that is a joint venture project between the federal government and some private investors.

    His suggestion that the governor should have released a whooping sum of N35billion to fund the project is at best comical, and at worst bizarre. He sounded like a man that does not understand due process. How do you expect a governor to unilaterally approve such a hefty sum without any budgetary provision? If not for the purposes of grandstanding why not tell your audience that given the strategic importance of this project, that you are working with other stakeholders to convince the state government to insert the project in the next two budget cycles of the state. Is that not better than claiming that the governor bluntly refused to provide the money for the project?

    And how about working in concert with the member representing Ndokwa nation at the House of Representatives who has also raised the Okpai Independent Plant matter on the floor of the House? I must confess that I do not know much about the Ogwashi-Uku Dam reticulation project but suffice it to say that if it were that easy, I am pretty sure that Governor Okowa would have done the needful. Or even Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who attracted the project would have actualised it long ago. So, what sense does it make for the senator to put the blame squarely on Governor Oborevwori who is just sixteen months in office? And it is exigent that I make the point that Oborevwori deserves the support and commendation of every right-thinking Deltan for the special attention he is giving to Warri and environs just as Okowa should be applauded for transforming Asaba from a rustic town pre-2015 to a thriving cosmopolitan city. Fair is fair.

    It is obvious to the politically discerning the game that Senator Nwoko is playing. He is posturing for 2027 and is on a self-promotional tour to be seen as the champion of Anioma cause. It was a calculated move to raise the matter of Okpai Independent Power Plant at a meeting in Ndokwa nation. He wanted to create the impression the he is the one fighting their cause. This is also why he has personalised the agitation for the creation of Anioma State. There were no real wide, deep, sincere, and extensive consultations by Nwoko. Like a one-man-riot squad, he just wants to force his idea of the proposed Anioma State being part of the Southeast down the throats of everybody. And in so doing, his supporters have been made to believe that if the creation of Anioma State fails, it won’t be because it was not feasible but because of detractors among some Anioma leaders. He already has them set up as scapegoats if the agitation fails.

    Political brinksmanship is not about being loud, reckless, and vexatious; it is about consensus building, diplomacy, maturity, patience, cooperation, and respect for others. One of the attributes of great leaders is humility. It is the quality of having a modest view of one’s importance. It involves recognizing your limitations, appreciating others’ strengths, and being open to feedback and learning. I expected that given the uproar his comments have generated that the senator would have tried to walk back on them. But instead, his supporters have dug in, fanning the embers of hatred, division, and disunity with their incendiary comments and combative attitude. That is not how to be the Anioma leader that Senator Nwoko so desperately wants to be.

    •Chukwuma, a political analyst, wrote from Agbor, Delta State.

  • Olajide: Quintessential leader @ 80

    Olajide: Quintessential leader @ 80

    By Sunday Olagunju

    As a Rotarian, Aare Dr Kunle Olajide, lives the Rotarian life that says: ‘‘he profits most, who serves best’’. An elder statesman and former Secretary General of the Yoruba Council of Elders, a.k.a Igbimo Agba Yoruba, (YCE), he turns 80 on Sunday, September, 29.

    Born September 29, 1944 to the illustrious family of Olowolagba, and a great descendant of Asemojo I, the Alaaye of Efon Alaye, Olajide in the last fifty years had combined the astuteness of medical practice with the uncommon political wizardry of the equivocal Nigerian political terrain.

    He attended Loyola College and the University of Ibadan (UI) which he completed in 1969 with honours and as a prize awardee. While at University of Ibadan, he fell in love with the political thinking of the indomitable and indefatigable leader of the Action Group, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    He consequently joined the youth wing of the party and rose to the position of the youth secretary. It was at the university that he began to hone his skills in politics and after graduation threw himself unabashedly into the ever troubled political water of the Nigerian politics.

    He had a brief spell with the Western State Ministry of Health as a resident doctor but soon opted out to start a private medical practice. He pioneered the General Medical Private practice for which he was the avant-garde right from the 70s. He founded and established the Group Medical Practitioners at the Mokola round-about, establishing the six storey high rising and imposing building over-looking the Mokola round-about.

    It is a ubiquitous building with aura and glamour which constitutes a great asset and its cosmopolitan beatitudes remains the allure and ardour of both Mokola and the entire city of Ibadan.

    During the Third Republic (1989-1993), he made a foray into the mainstream politics by contesting for the governorship of Ondo State. He failed to clinch the governorship position which was won by an intrepid Trojan political horse, late Bamidele Olumilua.

    He made a temporary retreat not just to count his political losses, but more importantly to have a clear cut retrospection to know whether he was really cut out for the unbridled Nigerian politics. But the wind of democratisation which swept through the country right from the period of military incursion and which culminated into the June 12 annulment by military president, Ibrahim Babangida, spurred his subconscious to unwittingly resolve to hang his political glove.

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    His political interest not only petered out but soon became a melange of both political straps and nightmares over his future political ambition. He soon quit active politics and shifted his focus and interest in active politics into socio-cultural involvement.

    He joined the Yoruba Council of Elders, a.k.a Igbimo Agba Yoruba (YCE) pioneered by the duo and pan Nigerian, Pa Emmanuel Alayande and Justice Adewale Thompson. No sooner had he joined YCE than his star shone like the northern star and both Pa Alayande and Thompson, showed uncommon predilection towards him as a man of great intellect, sagacity, witty and with imbued uncommon thinking and oratory.

    Without any equivocation, Aare Dr Olajide became the vessel God used to actually locate Igbimo Agba Yoruba (YCE) on the pedestal of greatness, advancement, dynamism, victory and growth.

    Justice Adewale Thompson, the founding Secretary General of YCE died in 2004 while Olajide was still the Assistant Secretary General, and the whole essence of running the socio cultural group devolved on him. Alayande, being a democrat and one of the few Nigerians who believed that a leader must leave the stage when the ovation was loudest, bowed out of office as president in 2005 and appointed retired General Adeyinka Adebayo and Kunle Olajide as President and Secretary General of YCE, respectively.

    Unfortunately, the conservatives in the YCE kicked against Pa Alayande’s decision to appoint two Ekiti indigenes to fill the two topmost positions of the organization and went all out to hatch plans to frustrate him out of the YCE. As member of the 2014 National Conference, Olajide could always be remembered for his powerful speeches wit, and intellectualism and sagaciousness which distinguished him as leader of one of the sub committees on the review of the constitution.

    At 80, Aare Olajide remains the servant of the Yoruba race because of his love for the race as a people and Nigeria as a geo-political entity. An unrepentant optimist, he believes in restructuring as the panacea for the constitutional problems of Nigeria. He believes in a welfarist state and it was one reason that even as a university student, he fell in love with the politically unassuming late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    He was bestowed with the chieftaincy title of Basegun of Ibadanland and Oyoland, by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. A staunch ally of the late Ooni Oba Sijuwade Olubuse II, he respects the institution of Obaship and regards them as the custodian of our customs, culture and values. He is the Aare (Prime Minister) of Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State. He was the first to be so honoured by the Oba Aladejare the Alaaye of Efon Alaaye.

    •Olagunju, former General Manager of Sketch Newspapers writes from Ibadan.

  • Once upon a trip – For KOH at 60

    Once upon a trip – For KOH at 60

    By Gbenga Omotoso

    It was a one-hour trip for a two hours meeting, but the memories have remained boldly etched in my mind since that day – some three years ago.

    The search for a flight was long and tedious. First, the flights were fully booked, but there was no giving up because the alternative – going by road – was not on the cards in any way.

     “We have a flight now, but there is another problem,” the young official handling the protocol told me on the phone. “What is the problem?” “All the business class seats are sold out; there are only economy class seats,” he said with a tone tinged with frustration.

     “Business Class? I usually fly economy o; you don’t need to get me a business class ticket. Economy is okay for me.” I told him. “That’s fine sir. My worry is my boss. I don’t know if he would like to fly economy,” he said.

    The next day at the airport, we joined the queue to board the flight to Abuja. We sat in the economy cabin. Many faces were staring at us. I was sure we were on the right seats, but necks kept turning at our direction. Is anything the matter? Could be our dresses? Aren’t we mere public officials and not celebrities whose presence ignites some especial excitement? I really don’t know how to place the situation in which we found ourselves.

     “Good afternoon, Your Excellency,” some said. Others simply came up to us to shake his hands. It was not my first encounter of Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat’s humility, but it was so symbolic – at a time when it is fashionable for many in his class to travel by private jet or simply charter a plane.

    At the meeting of the Progressives Governors Forum Communications Committee (chaired by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Dr. Hamzat and attended by Commissioners for Information), the deputy listened to all reports and suggestions. He then directed that a committee be set up to ensure that the decisions of the meeting were followed up.

    Meeting over, it was time for lunch. A long table with an array of dishes. I joined the queue to have a taste of Abuja’s culinary offering. I had thought somebody was serving the deputy governor. How wrong I was. I settled down next to him to appease my complex palate. There he was just watching and pressing his phone.

     “Won’t you eat, sir?” “Not now,” he replied me. I was a bit embarrassed.  The deputy governor waiting for me to finish a meal?” What will he be thinking about me? A glutton? A gastronome? A foodie? I really did not know. Honestly, I thought I shouldn’t have joined the queue; I should have watched to see if my boss would eat or not.

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    Later at the airport on our way back to Lagos, as we waited for the flight, Dr. Hamzat’s aide brought some fruits. He grabbed an apple and began to bite away gently. It was about 6pm. I was to discover later that Mr. Deputy Governor had been fasting all day.

    This is another pointer to the character of Dr Hamzat. He is spiritual and disciplined, with so much self-control. But then, there are so many sides to the character of the deputy governor – his sartorial exquisite, his remarkable sense of humour, his firmness and principled stand on issues, his erudition and his philanthropic gestures.

    The argument was hot at a meeting some time ago. One of the government agencies was planning a programme, but some officials at the meeting were of the opinion that the event should be stepped down because it might portray the government as profligate and spendthrift. These are tough times, said those who insisted that we should call off the event. They got support. When the deputy governor weighed in, the argument changed. “Ladies and gentlemen, let us be very careful. Agencies are set up to perform specific roles. Are we going to kill an agency because the times are hard? No. We can’t do that,” Dr. Hamzat said. That was the end of the matter. The event was merely postponed; not cancelled as some advocated.

    Dr. Hamzat could be brutally frank in making a point he believes in.

    Besides, he is also a symbol of loyalty. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu once told a gathering of eminent citizens how he had urged Hamzat to make him his Chief of Staff, if he was lucky to be the party’s candidate and win the governorship election. But, fate, that unseen hand in human affairs, had a different plan for the two friends. Sanwo-Olu became the governor and Hamzat the deputy governor. For men of little minds, this would have been enough a setting for acrimony and bitterness. Not with Dr. Hamzat. He has remained “a brother and reliable companion” in the complex journey to “a greater Lagos”, as Mr Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu often remarks.

    Dr. Hamzat did not stray into public service. He was making his mark in the private sector when Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu – as he then was; now President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces – invited him from the United States to join his team of stars whose footprints are seen all over the state today. He was appointed Commissioner for Science and Technology in 2005. Since then, Dr. Hamzat has been climbing on the ladder of success.

    Today is not a day to enunciate Dr. Hamzat’s glowing character – as a public official and a family man. Nor is it a day to trace the trajectory of his remarkable rise in Lagos politics. Nor is it a day to talk about his intellectual capacity and numerous cerebral exertions. Nor is it a day to talk about his love for Lagos. Nor is it a day for speculations, postulations and calculations. No. September 19 is his birthday.

    How will Dr. Hamzat spend this day? Will he have just prayers by clerics? Will he find a quiet place to reflect on his journey so far? Will he throw a big party with a musical giant on the bandstand? Will there be a seminar at which national issues – so many of them nowadays¬¬ – will be discussed?

    For us at the Lagos State Executive Council, it does not really matter how Dr. Hamzat chooses to spend this day. What is sure is that we cherish his contributions to the rising profile of Lagos State. We all wish him a memorable birthday – and more exciting and fulfilling years ahead.

    • Omotoso is the Commissioner for information and Strategy, Lagos State

  • Media spotlight of Oyebanji’s projects

    Media spotlight of Oyebanji’s projects

    By Odunayo Ogunmola

    It was the same story across the length and breadth of Ekiti State: The roaring of tractors, vibrations of earth-moving machinery and equipment, ear-piercing hits of hammers, chisels and other working tools with contractors, who are in race against time to deliver quality jobs supervising their workmen, most of the times under the scorching sun and the searing heat; these were the common features during the tour undertaken by representatives of electronic, print and online media in the state to projects undertaken by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji affectionately called BAO by the appreciative residents of the state.

    Most of the times, the expectations of the contractors and their workers were to receive Mr. Governor or the commissioners in charge of the supervising ministries or the Special Advisers/Directors General of the Bureaus that perform the supervising oversight of the concerned projects.

    But this time, it was the case of men and women of the fourth estate of the realm.  The journalists were joined by members of the state executive council saddled with the task of approving the appropriations and timeline for all the projects.

    The tour, apart from satisfying the curiosity of the journalists and also holding the government accountable, also gave members of the State Executive Council an opportunity to see the extent of work on the projects awarded during their weekly cabinet meetings and to know how approvals have turned to something concrete.

    The two-day media tour which commenced on September 5 and ended on September 6 had general managers of radio and television stations, officials of the state councils of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the print and electronic arms of the Correspondents’ Chapel who represent the major national newspapers and radio and television stations with headquarters outside the state and online media practitioners on board.

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    They moved across the three senatorial districts covering many communities, towns and local government areas where they stopped at each of the project sites for very incisive assessment of the ongoing ones, the nearly completed ones and the completed ones with very probing questions which the contractors, consultants, civil servant-engineers and their supervising commissioners and special advisers were on hand to answer.

    Apart from the questions fired at these officials, the media executives also felt the pulse of the locals, the men and women on the streets, the residents of the communities and neighbourhoods hosting such projects who had words of appreciation, applause and praises for Governor Oyebanji for “taking development further to the hinterland” and “remembering hitherto forgotten places and putting them in the limelight.”

    Some of the completed projects inspected during the media tour included the Model Smart School at Ekiti Knowledge Zone in Ijan Ekiti; renovation of dining hall and construction of therapy room at the Special School in Ido Ekiti; 100-capacity hostel at Command Secondary School, Isan Ekiti; ICT Centre and Catering Department at Government Technical College, Igbara Odo; renovated classrooms and ICT Centre at Corpus Christi College, Ilawe Ekiti; GRA 3rd Extension Road in Ado Ekiti and the mammogram machine installed at the Funmilayo Adunni Olayinka Diagnostic and Wellness Centre, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.

    Ongoing projects inspected included the renovation and restructuring of the General Hospital, Ijan Ekiti; Isinbode-Ara-Ikole Road, Ilukuno-Ayegunle Road, Itapa-Omu-Ijelu Road, Ilawe-Ikere Road, Igbara Odo-Ikere Road, Erekesan Market interior-Ewi Palace Link Road, Ado Ekiti New Town Housing Estate, Ado Ekiti Ring Road Phase One, Indoor Sports Hall and International Centre for Arts and Culture with many of the projects intended to be game changers of development and impact on the social and economic lives of the people.

    For example, the Isinbode-Ara-Ikole Road when completed would provide another shortcut to link Ekiti South and Ekiti North senatorial districts while the Ilawe-Ikere Road and Igbara Odo-Ikere Road would be an alternative for commuters who intend to link Ondo and Osun State without having to pass through Ado Ekiti, the state capital. Itapa-Omu-Ijelu Road provides quicker and shorter access to Gede Farm Settlement, an agricultural asset along that axis.

    The Ado Ekiti Ring Road project, which starts from the Ekiti State University (EKSU) end, passes through towns like Iworoko Ekiti, Are Ekiti, Araromi Obbo, Ago Aduloju, coming out through Ijan Ekiti to link the International Agro Cargo Airport and is expected to give rise to well-planned residential quarters and neighbourhoods thereby opening up the corridor for further development.

    Apart from the General Hospital, Ijan Ekiti, the journalists learnt that renovation and overhaul was ongoing in total number of nine general hospitals after the initial nine general hospitals had been done in the first phase. Apart from the massive renovation of the hospitals, the state government also complemented the work with the supply of medical equipment to allow them become centres of quality medical care for the populace.

    The scenario of different strokes for different folks played out during the media tour. While the journalists were on fact-finding mission and cabinet members seeing it as a forum to explain the benefits of the projects, the inspection gave the people in the grassroots who are the beneficiaries an opportunity to endorse Oyebanji for another term in office when he had not declared any intent yet.

    Residents of Ilukuno-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government during the tour declared their readiness to reward the governor with re-election for another term in office in appreciation of work done so far on Ilukuno-Ayegunle Road where one kilometre had been tarred out of the 5.6 kilometres stretch of the road.

    The community leader said his people have resolved to use their votes to re-elect the Governor noting that “he deserves a re-election to encourage him to continue the good work he is doing in Ilukuno and other parts of the state which they are hearing of on daily basis.”

    Also, many residents of neighbourhoods along Faglo-Olorunsogo-De Head Road in Ado Ekiti including Ikingbinsin and Irewumi Communities trooped out in their numbers chanting “BAO for Second Term,” “Four Plus For,” in appreciation of the work carried out on the road including the blasting of the rock at a bend along the stretch to expand the road.

    Many residents of GRA Third Extension in Ado Ekiti trooped out in their numbers during the tour of the completed road project trumpeting their support for another term in office for Oyebanji whom they noted had performed well in office and raised the bar of governance in Ekiti State.

    They noted that although the area, despite being an exclusive residential area for the upwardly mobile people, had suffered untold neglect with the hitherto bad condition of the road before the Oyebanji Administration deemed it fit to carry out its reconstruction for their social and economic benefits.

    While returning to Ado Ekiti on the first day of the tour, the media executives noticed a massive reconstruction of a federal government road, Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki highway. Owing to the fact that the dusk was approaching, the convoy did not stop for a scrutiny of the project but the turnaround was noted and it would definitely be revisited by them in no distant time.

    The second lane on the highway has been completed and now being used by the motoring public while work has shifted to the first lane. The gesture demonstrates Oyebanji’s intervention on federal roads in some parts of the state to alleviate the suffering of residents in intrastate and interstate transportation.

    The frenetic and animated pace of work on the federal highway, which links the state to Kwara, Kogi, Abuja and a major link road to some federal and state educational and health institutions located in Ekiti North senatorial district, is already creating excitement among the people of the state who are hopeful that the construction which has spanned about 15 years owing to administrative and legal issues would soon come to an end.

    The two-day media tour was an eye opener for the media practitioners whose perspectives on the projects have been broadened and are now armed with facts and figures to report what they saw to their readers, listeners and viewers on what Oyebanji is doing with public funds to make Ekiti a better place to reside and invest in.

    •Ogunmola is Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media.

  • Navigating modern society and its identity crises

    Navigating modern society and its identity crises

    • By Taofiq Azeez 

    Modern society keeps evolving with its changing identity crises.

    What we migrants and strangers in the new digital age are facing is different from what Gen Z are facing today.

    I will segment this conversation into three segments: modern society, identity crises and navigating modern society and its identity crises.

    Modern society refers to the current era, characterised by several defining characteristics, easily segmented into the following 10 broad themes.

    Globalisation: Increased connectivity and interdependence worldwide.

    Technological advancements: Rapid progress in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.

    Diversity and inclusivity: Growing recognition of diverse identities, cultures, and perspectives.

    Urbanisation: Shift from rural to urban living, with changing social dynamics.

    Changing family structures: Evolving family forms, such as single-parent households and blended families.

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    Increased focus on mental health: Growing awareness and support for mental wellness.

    Environmental concerns: Rising awareness of climate change, sustainability, and eco-friendliness.

    Social media saturation: Pervasive use of digital platforms, influencing communication and relationships.

    Economic shifts: Changes in workforce dynamics, income inequality, and economic uncertainty.

    Political polarization: Increasing divisions and tensions in political ideologies and discourse.

    Modern society is complex, dynamic, and constantly evolving.

    These characteristics present both opportunities and challenges, shaping individual experiences and collective futures.

    Identity crises refer to periods of intense questioning, uncertainty, and exploration related to one’s sense of self, identity, and belonging. Common types of identity crises include:

    Existential crisis: Questioning life’s meaning and purpose.

    Role identity crisis: Uncertainty about social roles, responsibilities, or expectations.

    Cultural identity crisis: Confusion about cultural heritage, traditions, or values.

    Gender identity crisis: Exploration or questioning of one’s gender identity.

    Sexual identity crisis: Uncertainty or exploration of one’s sexual orientation.

    Spiritual identity crisis: Questioning or exploring one’s beliefs, values, or faith.

    National identity crisis: Uncertainty about national identity, citizenship, or belonging.

    Racial identity crisis: Exploration or questioning of one’s racial identity.

    Age identity crisis: Uncertainty about one’s stage of life, ageing, or generational identity.

    Digital identity crisis: Confusion about online persona, social media, or digital presence.

    Identity crises can be triggered by significant life events, transitions, or social changes.

    They offer opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and transformation, but can also be challenging and distressing.

    Support from others, self-reflection, and exploration can help navigate these crises.

    Requirements for navigating modern society and its identity crises may vary from person to person but these can be summed up under some 17 strategies.

    Self-reflection: Understand your values, beliefs, and passions.

    Empathy: Engage with diverse perspectives to broaden your understanding.

    Authenticity: Embrace your true self, rather than conforming to external expectations.

    Resilience: Develop coping strategies to deal with challenges and uncertainties.

    Open-mindedness: Stay curious and adaptable in a rapidly changing world.

    Community: Build supportive relationships with others who share similar experiences.

    Critical thinking: Question societal norms and expectations.

    Personal growth: Continuously learn and develop new skills.

    Mindfulness: Practice self-care and presence.

    Inclusivity: Embrace diversity and promote understanding.

    Embracing diversity: Recognise and celebrate individual differences.

    Inclusive language: Use language that respects and acknowledges diverse identities.

    Safe spaces: Create environments where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves.

    Education and awareness: Provide resources to learn about diverse identities and experiences.

    Active listening: Listen attentively to others’ stories and concerns.

    Flexibility and adaptability: Be open to changing social norms and expectations.

    Self-reflection and growth: Continuously learn from experiences and challenges.

    Additionally, one may consider factors such as Intersectionality: Understand how multiple identities intersect and impact experiences.

    Power dynamics: Recognise how social structures and systems influence identity.

    Technology’s impact: Be aware of how digital platforms shape identity and self-presentation.

    Global perspectives: Engage with diverse cultures and identities worldwide.

    Cultural sensitivity: Approach diverse cultures and identities with respect and understanding.

    Mental health support: Provide resources for individuals navigating identity crises.

    By embracing these strategies, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive society, allowing individuals to navigate their identities with confidence and resilience.

    Remember, identity is complex and multifaceted.

    Be patient, kind, and compassionate with yourself as you navigate your journey.

    By embracing these strategies, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the complexities of identity in today’s world.

    •Azeez is a professor of Communication and Language Art in the Department of

    English, University of Abuja.

  • Curbing the menace of electricity theft

    Curbing the menace of electricity theft

    • By Michael Obinna

    At a time when Nigeria is working to relaunch its economy, particularly in the face of continuous challenges, the country’s electricity industry is at a crossroads. Energy theft, now widespread and persistent has become a serious challenge, not just to energy distribution companies (Discos), but also to the larger goal of national recovery and self-reliance. The newly passed Electricity Act 2023, which intends to combat electricity theft by imposing harsher penalties, demonstrates the federal government’s acknowledgment of this problem. However, without strong enforcement and coordination from all parties, including innovative attempts from forward-thinking Discos, Nigeria’s economic future remains jeopardized.

    Energy theft is not a new issue, but its prevalence in Nigeria is startling. Approximately 40% of the country’s electricity is stolen or squandered in the system. Illegal connections, meter manipulation, and infrastructure sabotage are common, especially in densely populated cities and neglected rural areas. The sheer scope of this theft takes billions of naira from the power sector each year, worsening existing financial and operational issues.

    For many discos, this truth is crushing. With billions in losses, many businesses struggle to maintain existing infrastructure, not to talk of growing or improving their networks. As a result, their operational capacities are limited, and their financial survival is constantly jeopardized. This generates a vicious loop in which dissatisfied customers, annoyed by inconsistent power supplies, justify illicit connections, exacerbating the sector’s income shortfalls.

    However, the implications extend beyond the electrical sector. Energy theft substantially impacts overall economic growth. Without reliable electricity, firms, particularly those in manufacturing and heavy industries, are forced to rely on costly, inefficient generators. This boosts production costs, lowers competitiveness, and slows job development. Investor confidence, a key indicator in Nigeria’s economic recovery, has also been damaged, as the recurrence of energy theft reveals governance inefficiencies that are impossible to ignore.

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    While energy theft is an industry-wide issue, the financial and operational impact differs by Disco. Many people, especially those who work in high-density, low-income areas, are devastated financially. Electricity theft can result in billions of dollars in losses each year, impeding much-needed infrastructure investments that would otherwise support growth and reliability. These discos are in a hazardous condition, trying to break free from the cycle of low income and bad service performance.

    Few Discos have since risen to the occasion with inventive ideas. The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), which covers Lagos and its surroundings, stands out as a pioneer in this area. Its multifaceted strategy to combating energy theft demonstrates what can be accomplished when resolve meets creativity.

    In recent years, the company has developed a comprehensive anti-energy theft campaign to educate the public on the economic, operational, and legal ramifications of power theft. This effort, which focuses on customers, local communities, and companies, has had a noticeable impact by raising awareness of how unlawful drinking harms everyone.

    Said EKEDC’s acting CEO, Rekhiat Momoh: “Energy theft is a menace that we must remove in our network and the power sector. Our industry loses potential billions in revenue each year as a result, and it limits industry-wide capacity to invest in network expansion and infrastructure modifications necessary to provide the desired reliable power supply across the country.”

    But EKEDC’s initiatives extend beyond public education. The corporation has taken substantial steps to assist with law enforcement, including increasing efforts to monitor communities known for electricity theft. This collaboration has resulted in multiple arrests and prosecutions, sending a strong message to criminals about the consequences of their conduct. Furthermore, EKEDC has expanded its collaboration with local community leaders and vigilante organizations, teaching them to aid in identifying perpetrators and broadening the scope of monitoring.

    In addition to public awareness campaigns and law enforcement cooperation, EKEDC has made significant investments in technology as part of its strategy to reduce energy theft losses. The company’s use of smart meters, which are tough to circumvent, has been a game changer. These meters not only give exact billing to clients, solving the long-standing issue of estimated billing, but also enable EKEDC to remotely monitor consumption patterns and spot inconsistencies in real time.

     This change to smarter infrastructure is a huge step forward for EKEDC and the electricity sector as a whole. The adoption of smart meters helps to restore public trust in the billing system, which has long been a source of dissatisfaction for many Nigerians. By providing customers with correct information, EKEDC is establishing the groundwork for a more dependable and transparent power supply network.

    Electricity Act 2023: A step in the right direction

    While EKEDC’s initiatives serve as a model for others to follow, the federal government has acknowledged the need for stronger legislative frameworks to discourage energy theft. The Electricity Act of 2023 imposes harsher punishments, including fines of up to six times the value of stolen electricity and prison sentences of up to three years. These restrictions are designed to serve as deterrence, delivering a clear message that energy theft will not be condoned.

    However, for the law to be successful, persistent enforcement is required. The challenge will be to successfully apply the rule in rural areas and heavily populated urban slums, where illegal connections are most prevalent. Without appropriate enforcement, the new legislation may fail to have the intended effects.

    Despite these efforts, one of the most significant obstacles is societal attitudes regarding electricity theft. Many Nigerians regard electricity as a fundamental entitlement and fail to realize the far-reaching economic ramifications of stealing power. As Olabode Sowunmi, chairman of the Hydrogen and New Energy Committee, points out, “When people steal power, they deprive us of our commonwealth. We must learn to hold people accountable, including criminals and those in authority.

    Moving forward, further public education, together with continued investments in smart infrastructure and stringent implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, will be vital. DisCos such as EKEDC have demonstrated that development is feasible, but structural reform throughout the industry is required for long-term success.

    Nigeria is at a crossroads in its economic recovery, and the stakes have never been higher. The power sector, long beset by inefficiency, cannot afford to allow energy theft to continue unabated. DisCos such as EKEDC have set a good example by addressing this issue hard on, but more comprehensive sector reforms, technical upgrades, and legal enforcement will be required to safeguard Nigeria’s economic future. Preventing energy theft is about more than just restoring the electricity grid; it’s about maximizing the country’s potential for prosperity and self-sufficiency.

    •Obinna, an energy expert lives in Abuja.

  • Alau Dam and Maiduguri’s catastrophic flood

    Alau Dam and Maiduguri’s catastrophic flood

    • By Mike Uche

    The recent flood, which has submerged entire neighbourhoods, destroyed farmlands, and displaced thousands of people, is being called one of the worst in the region’s history. Authorities have urged immediate evacuation of residents along riverbanks, as the overflowing dam threatens further destruction.

    The Alau Dam, constructed between 1984 and 1986, was originally built to provide potable water and support irrigation activities in Maiduguri and its environs. However, structural defects discovered nearly a decade ago were never fully addressed. Despite repeated budget allocations by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources—over ₦432 million between 2020 and 2024 for dam rehabilitation—experts claim there is little evidence that substantial repairs were made.

    The dam had previously overflowed in 1994, causing widespread flooding, but nothing of this magnitude. A recent analysis conducted by Ramat Polytechnic in 2015 warned of significant structural risks and recommended immediate de-sedimentation and expansion of the dam to prevent exactly what is happening now. The dam has been overstressed for years, holding twice its capacity, and was bound to overflow with this year’s heavy rainfall.

    While the federal government attributes the flood to climate change and unprecedented rainfall, many experts point to mismanagement and human activities. Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State acknowledged that both climate change and human encroachment into floodplains—despite previous demolition efforts—worsened the situation. Over 4,000 homes built along the waterways were demolished in past efforts to curb flooding, but many more remained.

     A disaster foretold

    Built in 1986, the Alau Dam was originally designed to provide water for irrigation and domestic use. However, years of neglect and a lack of proper maintenance have left the dam vulnerable to the overflow that occurred last week. According to experts, defects in the dam’s structure were first identified over nine years ago, yet nothing was done despite repeated budgetary allocations by the federal government for its rehabilitation.

    The budget provision for the dam in 2020 was N285 million; in 2021, it was N80 million; in 2022, it was N37.6 million and in the 2024 Appropriation Act, it was N30 million. Despite these funds being earmarked, no evidence suggests that repairs were ever made. In fact, documents obtained show that the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) did not adequately maintain the dam, leaving it ill-prepared for this year’s torrential rains.

    Climate change or human error?

    While the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev, attributed the dam’s overflow to excessive rainfall and climate change, experts and public affairs analysts argue otherwise. They insist that the dam’s collapse could have been prevented through timely rehabilitation, and that climate change is being used as a convenient scapegoat for what is ultimately a human-made disaster.

    Health crisis in the making

    As the floodwaters recede, concerns over water-borne disease and contamination grow. The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has reported fears of radioactive contamination from submerged medical equipment, though authorities assure the public that levels remain within acceptable limits. However, medical experts are more concerned about the potential spread of diseases due to the widespread contamination of drinking water.

    Thousands of displaced residents are struggling to access safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. Relief camps, such as Bakassi Camp, are overwhelmed with survivors, many of whom are forced to rely on contaminated floodwaters for daily activities, increasing the risk of cholera and other infectious diseases.

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    Experts are calling for immediate rehabilitation of the Alau Dam and a nationwide review of dam management practices to prevent future disasters. While rescue missions are ongoing, there is a growing sense of frustration over the government’s failure to prioritize the dam’s maintenance, despite consistent budget allocations for repairs.

    As floodwaters recede, Maiduguri faces another looming crisis: the spread of waterborne diseases. Thousands of displaced people are struggling to access safe drinking water, while others are resorting to using contaminated floodwaters for daily activities. Health experts warn of a high risk of infections and waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

    Medical experts at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) have also raised concerns over possible chemical contamination from submerged medical equipment, including radioactive materials used in the hospital’s cancer centre.

    Dr. Abubakar Ngubdo, chairman of the Association of Resident Doctors, has called on authorities to tackle this impending health crisis, warning that “there is severe contamination of surface water, and the risk of disease spread is high.”

    In the wake of this disaster, relief efforts have ramped up. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has begun airlifting relief materials to flood-hit areas, while the Kano State government has donated N100 million to aid victims. International bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) have also pledged support, with their representatives visiting Maiduguri to assess the damage and mobilize resources.

    However, the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local relief efforts. At various camps housing displaced persons, complaints of poor sanitation and open defecation are widespread, further increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. Water tanks provided at these camps are insufficient, forcing many to rely on unsafe water sources.

    Public outcry over the handling of the dam’s maintenance has reached new heights, with demands for accountability from both the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the CBDA. Residents and experts alike are questioning where the budgeted funds went and why the dam’s rehabilitation was never prioritized.

    “This is not just a natural disaster. It’s a failure of governance,” said Engr. Toyin Ajeigbe, a water engineer. “The signs were there, but nothing was done. Now, the people are paying the price.”

    •Uche Esq writes from Abuja.

  • Yobe and gains of strategic partnerships

    Yobe and gains of strategic partnerships

    • By Aliyu Dambatta

    Mai Mala Buni, Yobe State governor, has continued to elicit interests among different social strata in recent months for the manner he has comported himself as the leader of a comparatively small northern state. Buni has been governor of Yobe since May 29, 2019 and in a little over five years, he has imprinted a new vista of opportunities in the state. And this he has been able to do amid a halo of insecurity casting its ghoulish shadow in the northern part of the country and these days in some parts of southern Nigeria.

    Yobe is noted for agriculture and fits as one of the food baskets of the country. Buni at inauguration did not promise to re-invent the wheel. He pledged to boost agriculture, agrarian and pastoral, in the state. He pledged improved healthcare, quality and accessible education, among others, including empowerment of the youths to enhance their productivity and creativity.

    To make good his promise, he has modernised and changed the way the people practise agriculture. The state procured 7,500 metric tons (250 trucks) of NPK 15:15:15 fertiliser during the 2019/2020 cropping season and sold to farmers at highly subsidised price of N5,000 per bag.

    To enhance production, the government placed emphasis on dry season cultivation of crops. Buni’s futuristic disposition also made his government to procure 1500 metric tons (50 Trucks) of NPK 20:10:10 fertiliser to support 2022/2023 irrigation farming in the state. These fertilisers were distributed and sold at a subsidised rate of N13,000 per bag through open market sales to the general public and allocation to LGAs, ministries, agencies, farmers’ cooperative societies, large scale farmers, among others. These efforts were complimented with the procurement of tractors to boost commercial farming. The endpoint of this has been the steady supply of farm produce from Yobe to the rest of the country despite the threat of insecurity.

    Like a sculptor who has set out to carve a masterpiece, Buni has been chiselling the basics and fundamentals for the ultimate transformation of Yobe in the 21st century. One of the latest strategies for the transformation of the state was consummated recently in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after a meeting between officials of the state and officials of Arab Bank for Economic Development (BADEA). The mutual agreement between the state and the bank was intended to foster growth in energy and agriculture development.

    Inking a partnership with BADEA was both strategic and smart and it indexes the governor’s strong desire to advance Yobe economically. BADEA, coined from its French initials (Banque Arabe pour le Développement Economique en Afrique) is a development bank owned by Arab League especially founded to provide development financing to African countries.

    The bank was established following a resolution of the 6th Arab Summit Conference at Algiers on November 28, 1973, but commenced operations in 1975. Ever since, BADEA has played critical roles in fostering economic, financial and technical cooperation between the Arab world and African nations. It has morphed into a strong development bridge, cementing Arab-Africa relations.

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    The bank’s experience in helping to reflate economies of African nations will help to fire up Yobe economy. It’s a win-win partnership that would create jobs for the state’s teeming youths as well as    enhance security and infrastructure in Yobe.

    The partnership will cover a wide spectrum of endeavours including agriculture, vocational training, infrastructural development, education, healthcare delivery, energy and security. Until the recent attack on Mafa by insurgents, Yobe has remained comparatively peaceful. That is not to say it has not suffered the scourge of insecurity as has its neighbouring states in the northeast. The deal with BADEA will help Yobe recover from the ruins rendered by insurgency in some parts of the state especially the rural communities where the main preoccupation of the people, agriculture, has suffered bouts of disruptions.

    Sidi Tah, president of the bank made allusion to this when he said that with the efforts made by the state government in the reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery efforts after decades of Boko Haram insurgency, BADEA is happy to partner with Yobe towards improving the lives of the people. “We are ready to partner with your state to improve on the achievements made,” he told Buni.

    The step that Governor Buni has taken will not only impact Yobe, it will positively impact the nation’s food security ambition. It bears reaffirming that Yobe is a major supplier of pastoral products – meat, milk, hides and skin – to the national basket. It has the largest pastoral market in West Africa.

    What Buni is doing in Yobe in agriculture fits into the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu; a vision to enhance Nigeria’s food security through local agricultural activities using technology and hybrid seeds to create swathes of flourishing agricultural estates which translates to available and affordable food on the tables in Nigerian homes.

    Another strategic partnership by the Buni leadership is the collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), essentially to enhance job creation for unemployed graduates and by extension create real wealth in the state. Buni has been a strong advocate for youth empowerment through upskilling and provision of requisite capital to enable hitherto unemployed graduates and youths to transit into entrepreneurship and become job and wealth creators instead of job-seekers.

    To reduce unemployment in the state, the government recently employed university graduates, Higher and Ordinary Diploma holders, and National Certificate of Education graduates across the 178 political wards in the state.

    While hosting the Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, in Damaturu recently, Buni said that youths trained by the state in various trades were not only gainfully employed but also became employers of labour.

    Odii said the agency will stimulate and coordinate development of Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state to promote self-sufficiency by providing benefitting graduates with skills to accelerate self-employment for economic prosperity of individuals and the state.

    Buni’s focus on SMEs as drivers of the economy is a throwback to the Asian model of bottom-up economic development. The impact is largely futuristic. The devotion of Yobe governor to agriculture and strengthening of MSMEs is the model Nigeria needs at the moment to replicate in every state to guarantee food security and build a solid primary sector that will cater for both domestic demands and for export.

    Buni should sustain and see through the various partnerships and it’s only a matter of time, Yobe’s self-sustainability stature would be enhanced.

    • Dambatta, a pastoral entrepreneur, writes from Kano.