The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria

  • Islamic scholars unite against gender-based violence in northern Nigeria

    Islamic scholars unite against gender-based violence in northern Nigeria

    Islamic scholars from Northern Nigeria vowed to address the rising instances of gender-based violence (GBV) in the region, focusing on the protection of women and girls from its associated dangers.

    Dr. Judith-Ann Walker, Executive Director of the Development Research and Project Centre (dRPC), emphasized that the increasing cases of GBV have become a significant concern, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

    Represented by Dr. Stanley Ukpai, Director of Projects, she spoke at a workshop organized by the dRPC in collaboration with the Centre for Islamic Civilization and Interfaith at Bayero University Kano.

    The event was supported by the Ford Foundation and included leading Islamic scholars from Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Zamfara states.

    Walker stated that the project’s goal is to prevent GBV rather than just mitigate its effects.

    She added that the workshop aims to develop strategies that utilize the influence of scholars, along with traditional and government officials, to mobilize citizens against GBV through an Islamic perspective, focusing on prevention in the northern states.

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    According to her, “It is worrying that cases of gender-based violence are increasing despite efforts by governments, civil society organisations and development partners in the region. This leads to the determination to explore the powerful voices of Islamic scholars to provide solutions through an Islamic perspective in dealing with the situation.

    “Data collated from the Kano state centres, for example, indicate that in 5 years, over 1,334 cases of GBV were recorded while 671 cases were within July this recorded by the Hisbah board alone.”

    Malam Ahmad Abdullahi Ahmad, the Coordinator of the Muslim Opinion Leaders Project, stated that the project’s goal is to enhance the abilities of Islamic leaders to address the increasing cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the region.

    He mentioned that a peer-to-peer study conducted in Egypt has allowed scholars to share experiences with prominent Islamic scholars there regarding how Islam addresses GBV cases.

  • Nigeria, India strengthen strategic partnerships

    Nigeria, India strengthen strategic partnerships

    …vow to boost economic, defence, health, and food security ties

    Nigeria and India have reinforced their longstanding strategic partnership, pledging enhanced collaboration across the economic, defence, health, and food security sectors.

    This is contained in a joint statement issued on Sunday in Abuja at the conclusion of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Tinubu.

    Shortly after the Indian Prime Minister received a formal welcome, including a 21-artillery gun salute at the Presidential Villa, President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi went into a tete-a-tete, and later jointly presided over an expanded bilateral and political talks.

    During their bilateral discussion, the two leaders agreed to a greater collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing.

    With growing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, they also agreed to coordinated actions to safeguard maritime trade routes and combat piracy.

    A statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the two countries pledged to continue regular naval exercises and joint anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea to safeguard critical maritime routes.

    ”The leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including the cross-border movement of terrorists and terror financing networks and safe havens.

    ”They called for zero tolerance to terrorism and expeditious finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN Framework as well as implementation of the UNGA and the UNSC resolutions on countering terrorism and violent extremism.

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    ”It was agreed to enhance cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism,” the joint statement said.

    Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s readiness to support Nigeria’s defence modernization efforts, highlighting India’s emergence as a trusted defence manufacturer.

    The two leaders also highlighted the vibrant economic relationship between India and Nigeria, with India positioned as Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a significant contributor to its economy.

    Nigeria commended the contributions of over 200 Indian companies operating in the country, which have generated substantial employment and investment opportunities.

    On bilateral trade expansion, both leaders directed their officials to finalize pending agreements, including the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA), Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), and the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), to boost trade and investment.

    They noted with satisfaction ”the fruitification of some of the investments” agreed to by the Indian companies during the visit of President Tinubu to India in September 2023, and committed to facilitating early finalization of the remaining investments.

    On the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held from September 9th-10th, 2023, in New Delhi, the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and Business Conference took place, where Indian investors pledged a combined total of over $14 billion across critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

    The investments were targeted at industrialization, energy, telecommunications, and defence sectors

    On infrastructure Development, the joint statement arising from Prime Minister Modi’s state visit stated that India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development priorities through concessional Lines of credit and technical expertise.

    On energy collaboration, Nigeria and India agreed on long-term contracts for crude oil and LNG supply and technical support in pipeline transmission security, CNG conversion and LPG bottling distribution.

    The two leaders also discussed broader collaboration on food security and agriculture, health, education, and cultural exchanges.

    On food security, the leaders agreed that it remains a priority for developing countries, especially with bigger populations.

    ”Nigeria thanked India for providing the necessary concessions sought for in the supply of rice at the time of their need.

    ”They agreed to enhance collaboration in the area of agriculture from agricultural machinery, high yield seeds to sharing technical expertise, know-how and technologies and agreed to identify ways of cooperation in these areas.

    ”The Indian side thanked the Nigerian side for supporting the Indian Resolution at the UN to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets and agreed to increase collaboration between India and Nigeria in the area of Millets, ” the joint statement said.

    In the healthcare sector, Nigeria and India pledged to deepen their collaboration focusing on the establishment of hospitals and diagnostic centres, as well as the deployment of innovative health management systems.

    Both sides acknowledged the ongoing efforts by Indian hospitals operating in Nigeria and highlighted the vast potential for further collaboration to enhance healthcare delivery across the country.

    The Indian government offered to share its CoWIN digital platform, an open-source health management infrastructure that has revolutionized vaccination campaigns and health data management in India.

    This system is expected to support Nigeria’s healthcare system by improving the efficiency and accessibility of vaccination programs and other health initiatives.

    The Indian government also extended its commitment to supply high-quality generic pharmaceutical products to Nigeria at economical rates under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme- a campaign launched by India’s Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses.

    This initiative is aimed at making essential medicines more affordable, particularly for vulnerable populations, and supporting Nigerian public hospital procurement processes.

    Nigeria and India reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on education, cultural exchanges, and fostering strong people-to-people contacts, building on longstanding historical ties and mutual aspirations.

    India was acknowledged as a significant partner in Nigeria’s human resource development through various scholarship programs, including the eVBAB scheme, which facilitates virtual learning opportunities.

    Both sides agreed to work together to encourage more Nigerian students to leverage these scholarship programmes.

    President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi applauded the vibrant cultural and academic exchanges between the two nations, which have included visits by cultural troupes, participation in film and literary festivals, and other collaborative activities.

    They underscored the importance of further widening these exchanges to promote mutual understanding and shared heritage.

    The leaders recognized the role of tourism in enhancing people-to-people connections and emphasized the need to explore opportunities for promoting travel and cultural interaction between Nigeria and India.

    On working together through its membership in international organizations, India commended Nigeria for its reciprocal support of non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for 2028-2029.

    The two countries reiterated their joint commitment to UN Security Council reform and mutual support for permanent and non-permanent memberships.

    They also pledged cooperation on regional peace and security, particularly in West Africa.

    Nigeria ‘took note’ of India’s invitation to join the Global Biofuel Alliance and Global Rivers Cities Alliance.

    ”As members of International Solar Alliance (ISA), both sides agreed to intensify their cooperation in establishing solar parks and to work towards increasing the share of the renewable energy in their energy portfolio,” the joint statement said.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu receives Modi at the State House

    BREAKING: Tinubu receives Modi at the State House

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently hosting the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at the State House, Abuja.

    Modi, who arrived in Abuja Saturday evening, was received at Forecourt of the State House by President Tinubu at about 10:20 am.

    On arrival, the Indian leader was welcomed with the Indian Anthem, after which a Guard of Honour, mounted by a Brigade of Guards, rendered the Nigerian Anthem and led the visiting leader in inspection of the mounted parade.

    A 21-gun salute followed the inspection of the mounted Guard of Honour.

    While together, both leaders are expected to spare head a number of bilateral activities, including a restricted meeting, some delegation-level talks, as well as exchange of memoranda of understanding (MoU).

    A statement issued on Saturday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had said both leaders would be seeking to strengthen the Nigerian-Indian ties during the visit.

    “President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will seek to strengthen Nigeria’s and India’s ties further during their bilateral discussions.

    “Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance collaboration in critical sectors”, Onanuga said.

    Modi’s visit to Nigeria will be the first by an Indian prime minister since Dr Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007 when the two nations established a strategic partnership.

  • Nigeria, India to sign MoU on collaboration in critical sectors

    Nigeria, India to sign MoU on collaboration in critical sectors

    President Bola Tinubu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon sign Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), to enhance collaboration in critical sectors.

    Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    Onanuga explained that Tinubu would welcome the Indian Prime Minister on a State Visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Sunday.

    According to him, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive on Saturday.

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    Onanuga said that Modi’s visit to Nigeria would be the first by an Indian prime minister since Dr Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007.

    He recalled that during Singh’s state visit, the two nations established a strategic partnership.

    The presidential aide said that Tinubu and Modi would seek to strengthen both nations’ ties further, during their bilateral discussions.

    “Both leaders will sign MOUs to enhance collaboration in critical sectors,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • ‘How Nigeria can move from consumption to production-based economy’

    ‘How Nigeria can move from consumption to production-based economy’

    Senior Special Adviser to the President on Industrialisation, African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, has explained how Nigeria can move from consumption-based economy to production-based with the aid of rural industrialisation.

    Oyelaran-Oyeyinka spoke recently at the Agriculture Summit Africa Conference, Abuja, with the theme: ‘From Scarcity to Security’.

    In his keynote speech titled: ‘Building a Production Nation,’ he noted that the fruits of prosperity of Nations sprout from the trees of production, adding that Nigeria must build the necessary infrastructure, foster rural industrialisation, and create markets for the goods produced.

    He outlined that Nigeria’s industrial sector had been in decline for decades and since the 1970s, the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP had steadily decreased, with manufacturing output falling to less than 10 per cent of GDP. 

    He explained that the journey from scarcity to security was straightforward, with industrialisation being the key to making it a reality.

    “This is not an abstract ideal, it is a pressing necessity. We cannot afford to continue living in the cycle of poverty accommodation. We must break free from this “Destitution Equilibrium” and create opportunities for the rural poor to become active participants in the economy.

    “As we move forward, let us commit to making the transition from scarcity to security by embracing the SAPZ model, improving our agricultural and industrial sectors, and investing in our people. The future is within our grasp let us not waste this opportunity to create a more prosperous and equitable nation for all.”

    He explained that Nigeria’s  most urgent goal was rapid industrialisation-induced growth accompanied by the emergence of Secondary Cities where hundreds of firms, large and small, engage in specialisation of niche products.

    Oyelaran-Oyebannji added that historically, the emergence of large firms and industrial clusters had always responded to the emergence of large markets, saying, to achieve security, production and markets were indispensable factors.

    He revealed that the establishment of the SAPZ was a template for lifting the rural poor from the misery of accommodative poverty to becoming a market with significant spending power. “Transforming the rural economy is a prerequisite to industrialisation. As we build production structures we must build markets.

    “This is why we are promoting the establishment of agro- industrial clusters by the name of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones. The SAPZ is designed to overcome isolation faced by rural farmers to create a network of missing human interactions and logistics. Clusters remove credit constraints and reduce the cost of investment in production technologies. The clustering process lowers capital entry barriers and enable more entrepreneurs to participate in non-farm production. The proximity of firms in a cluster also allows more inter-firm collaboration.”

    “The transition from scarcity to security requires a strong industrial base. Countries that have successfully made this transition, such as China, the United Kingdom, and the United States, did so by developing robust rural industrialisation strategies that linked small-scale production with larger industrial economies. In China, for example, the emergence of township-village enterprises (TVEs) played a critical role in transforming rural areas into hubs of production, ” he said. 

    Oyelaran-Oyebanji, said there was a need, to develop a comprehensive rural industrialisation strategy.

    “This strategy should be based on the following seven pillars: Using the SAPZ model to revitalise rural areas by fostering commercialisation, increasing productivity, and opening up foreign markets for local produce.

    “Implementing social insurance and welfare programs to enable the poor to participate more actively in the economy.

    Through improved seeds, fertilisers, mechanisation, and better farming practices, we can achieve a higher yield per hectare and improve food security.

    “Support micro and small firms in rural areas through light manufacturing that adds value to local agricultural products.

    “Building essential infrastructure like roads, irrigation systems, and processing plants to enable farmers to thrive.

    “By improving the purchasing power of rural populations, we can stimulate demand for locally produced goods and services.

    Using SAPZs to address the challenges of uneven economic development, thereby curbing rural-urban migration and ensuring that urbanisation occurs sustainably.”

    Also speaking, Sterling Bank CEO, Abubakar Suleiman, emphasised that food security was key to Nigeria’s prosperity at the summit, saying without agricultural abundance, the country would continue to face socio-economic challenges.

    “It is clear to me that the option of plundering has never been on the table for Nigeria.

    “So, whatever we do as a people, unless we find a road to agricultural abundance meaning producing more than we need we will struggle to grow in other areas of our lives.” 

    He explained that Sterling Bank’s decision to redefine its focus around the ‘HEART’ sectors, with agriculture at the center, was a strategic choice aimed at fostering long-term growth and sustainability.

    The CEO elaborated on the bank’s integrated development approach. While recognising the importance of sectors like healthcare, education, energy, and transportation. 

    He maintained that food security was foundational. 

    “For seven years, we have set aside everything else to convene what we believe is the most productive summit for agriculture on the continent. This summit is about more than discussions; it’s about real action and tangible outcomes,” he stressed.

    The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr Sam Ode, representing Governor Hyacinth Alia, outlined Benue State’s ambitious plans to transform the agricultural sector and position Africa as a global food powerhouse.

    “It is an honor to join you today on this platform created by Sterling Bank.

    “I stand before you as a representative of our state’s commitment to a future where Africa not only feeds itself but thrives through sustainable and innovative agricultural practices.

    “There’s the critical need for Africa to shift from raw material-based agriculture to value-added agricultural products. This transformation,  will boost job creation, economic growth, and food security across the continent.”

    He painted a sobering picture of Africa’s food insecurity challenges, citing projections that the continent’s population could rise to 2.5 billion by 2050, increasing the demand for food exponentially.

    “Despite our vast arable lands and rich resources, Africa remains heavily dependent on food imports,” he noted. “Over 40 per cent of our food needs come from outside the continent. This is a paradox we must urgently address through strategic investments that create sustainable food systems.”

  • Nigeria, France moving to balanced relationship

    Nigeria, France moving to balanced relationship

    The Consul General of France in Lagos, Laurent Favier, has said the bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and his country is evolving and moving toward a more balanced relationship.

    Speaking at the French Week 2024 Business Forum in Lagos, he said:  “Our bilateral cooperation is evolving toward a more balanced relationship.” Highlighting Nigerian financial institutions’ recent expansion into France, he said: “This represents a dynamic era for mutual economic growth.”

    Held at Access Towers and organised by the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the forum featured panel discussions, with the first on Energy-Tech-Infrastructure while the second centred on “Enhancing France-Nigeria business-to-government (B2G) and (B2B) business-to-business.

    Also speaking on the occasion, France Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier echoed Favier’s sentiments, describing the country’s recent economic reforms as “a gateway to sustainable investment.” Stressing France’s unique position within the EU as a UN Security Council member and host of the International Organisation for Francophonie, he added, “France stands as a gateway for Nigerian businesses into Europe.”

    He praised existing successful partnerships, such as the collaborations with Dangote Refinery and Obasanjo Farms, as models for future ventures. Even as he concluded with a strong message of unity and commitment, declaring that France and Nigeria have all they need for a robust, long-term partnership: “We are not two; we are one.”

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    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, underscored Lagos’ role as an investment hub for French companies such as Total Energies, Bolloré, and Lafarge.

     “In Lagos, we are committed to policies that ease and enhance trade, improve infrastructure, and foster innovation,” Sanwo-Olu said, adding that renewable energy, agribusiness, and technology remained pivotal growth areas.

    Highlighting French expertise in renewables, Sanwo-Olu said: “Sustainable energy solutions are paramount as we tackle climate challenges together,” calling for collaboration to help Nigeria meet its clean energy targets.

     His message resonated as he advocated for investments that drive “economic stability and environmental sustainability.”

    Technical Adviser to the President on Foreign Direct Investment, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, who represented the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, lauded President Bola Tinubu’s long-term vision, explaining that policy shifts, such as the naira unification, are crucial steps toward economic reform while acknowledging “We’re bound to face short-term challenges but these are trials we must go through for the gains we wish for.”

    Shettima affirmed the administration’s preference for partnerships that respect local content, especially in sectors like agriculture, energy, and technology, and urged investors to see Nigeria beyond Lagos stating: Nigeria is 36 states plus the FCT,” inviting French investors to explore “the food basket of the nation” in Nigeria’s north-central and northeast.

    He also announced President’s Tinubu’s planned visit to Paris, signaling a proactive approach to attracting foreign investment.

     “We are pushing for high-impact investments, relationships that are mutually beneficial and that respect our local businesses,” she said, describing the President as “our self-proclaimed chief marketing executive” dedicated to driving quality foreign direct investment.

    President of the France-Nigeria Business Council, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, called to action, urging leaders to “water, nurture, strengthen, and elevate” the relationship.

    Describing the partnership’s potential to drive global economic progress, Aig-Imoukhuede, who’s also the Chairman of Access Bank said: “This year’s forum is about more than business—it’s about personal relationships towards a greater and better future.”

  • Institute gives award to Nigeria, Egypt cities

    Institute gives award to Nigeria, Egypt cities

    The Institute for Environment Research and Development (IERD) has given awards to Nigerian and Egyptian cities for quality of life.

    Cairo was awarded for its smart city approach to urban governance, particularly the development of “Greater Cairo,” an administrative entity that includes parts of Giza and Qalyubia provinces.

    Lagos was celebrated for its proactive approach to crime prevention and efficient transportation systems, earning the award for Outstanding Urban Governance and Safe City Model. The award was accepted on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu by Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, and Engr. Fatai Akinderu, Honourable Commissioner for Housing.

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    It announced the award winners during the “Voice from Cities” event, themed:  “Rejuvenation of Slums and Local Economic Interventions for Nigerian Cities.” It held at the 12th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF), organised by UN-Habitat,  in Cairo.

    Its Executive Director, Prof. Adedeji Daramola, noted that this award initiative began in 2008 at the fourth WUF in Nanjing, China, and continued at the fifth WUF in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, adding that it has since become a biennial event assessing the quality of life in cities.

    He noted  that the awards aim to integrate Nigerian cities into the global community of urban excellence and development.

    He said IERD would collaborate with UN-Habitat to publish a report on the state of Nigerian cities, following the model of the Global Report on the State of World Cities, adding that the documentation would support proactive urban governance and growth.

  • Nigeria, Saudi target deals in energy, agric sectors

    Nigeria, Saudi target deals in energy, agric sectors

    • President back in Abuja

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have agreed to explore ways to bolster Nigeria’s economy through energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.                       

    They also considered establishing a Nigeria-Saudi Business Council to drive bilateral ties between the two oil-producing nations.

    The two leaders resolved on these at the sidelines of the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Monday.

    Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 8 pm yesterday.

    He was received by senior members of his administration, including his  Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy;  Wale Edun and  Federal Capital Territory Minister  Nyesom Wike.

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    Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement yesterday that  Crown Prince Mohammed pledged his support for Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms.

    According to Onanuga, the Prince likened the reforms to his efforts to stabilise and strengthen Saudi Arabia since becoming Prime Minister. 

    He assured Tinubu of his support and promised to drive his team towards realising joint goals in the discussed sectors.

    One focus of the talks was the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC), which acquired a 35.43 percent stake in Nigeria’s agricultural giant, Olam by investing $1.24 billion in 2022.

    Further investments from SALIC are under consideration to make Olam one of the world’s largest agro-allied enterprises.

    In attendance were high-ranking Saudi officials, including Minister of National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar and Minister of Defence Prince Khalid bin Salman.

    Onanuga said in the statement that the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit renewed the mandate of Nigeria and other member states on the ministerial committee assigned to engage with global leaders in seeking an end to the ongoing war in Gaza and Lebanon.

    This decision was part of the resolution issued after the summit, in Riyadh.

    President Tinubu and other leaders from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States were in attendance.

    The Joint Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was formed by a resolution at the First Joint Arab-Islamic Summit.  

    The group includes the foreign ministers of Nigeria, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Indonesia, Palestine, and Jordan.

    In its final resolution, the summit urged the ministerial committee to “intensify its efforts and expand them to include working on ending the aggression on Lebanon.” 

    The committee will submit periodic reports, which the secretariats of the OIC and the League of Arab States will circulate to member states.

    The committee has also been tasked with further engaging actors across the Global South in the efforts to strengthen international support towards ending the war and Israeli occupation.

    The resolution stressed the importance of protecting sea lanes by rules of international law and welcomed the signing of the tripartite mechanism by the League of Arab States, OIC, and the African Union to support the Palestinian cause.

    The summit praised  African Union’s steadfast support for Palestine. 

    The leaders condemned recent Israeli military actions in northern Gaza, describing them as “crimes of genocide.”

    It also criticised ‘’torture, executions, disappearances, and “ethnic cleansing ” in the troubled Gaza.

    Besides, they flayed ongoing efforts to solidify Israel’s presence in the occupied East Jerusalem which they reaffirmed as the “eternal capital” of Palestine.

    The leaders called for the unification of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem under a sovereign Palestinian state.

    The resolution reiterated “the full sovereignty of the State of Palestine over occupied East [Jerusalem], the eternal capital of Palestine”.

     It rejected any Israeli actions aimed at altering the city’s identity or consolidating its occupation.

    The summit also expressed unwavering support for Lebanon’s security, stability, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens.  

  • Curbing the menace of out-of-school children

    Curbing the menace of out-of-school children

    sir: The issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria, particularly in the Northeast, has reached alarming proportions. The numbers are gargantuan, and the consequences of inaction will be dire. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with over 10 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 not attending school.

    The Northeast accounts for a significant portion of this number, with states like Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa having some of the highest rates of out-of-school children. This trend is deeply troubling, as it not only affects the future of these children but also threatens the stability and development of the region. Poverty, conflict, and cultural barriers are some of the factors driving this phenomenon, making it fundamental to adopt a comprehensive approach to address the root causes.

    To curb the menace of out-of-school children, increased investment in education infrastructure and resources is crucial. This includes building and renovating schools, providing adequate materials and equipment, and training qualified teachers. Implementation of conditional cash transfer programs can also encourage enrolment, particularly among disadvantaged families.

    Community-based initiatives are vital in promoting education and awareness. Collaboration with local leaders, religious institutions, and civil society organizations can help challenge harmful cultural norms and promote the value of education. Furthermore, policy reforms are necessary to address cultural and social barriers, ensuring that every child has access to quality education.

    The government has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children. The National Education Plan, Safe Schools Initiative, Conditional Cash Transfer Program, and Education for All initiative are steps in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to address the scale and complexity of the problem.

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    Effective implementation and coordination among stakeholders are critical to the success of these initiatives. State and local governments must work closely with federal agencies, international organizations, and civil society groups to ensure a unified approach. Additionally, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be put in place to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

    Ultimately, addressing the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria’s Northeast requires a collective effort. We must prioritize education as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of national development. The National Almajiri Commission and out-of-school children must also work round the clock in ensuring that the number has drastically reduced or eliminated. This will require sustained commitment, coordination, and collaboration among all stakeholders. Only then can we hope to reverse the alarming trend of out-of-school children in Nigeria’s northeast and unlock a brighter future for generations to come.

    Kasim Isa Muhammad,Potiskum, Yobe State

  • Hurray! $40b reserves: $180b needed

    Hurray! $40b reserves: $180b needed

    Foreign reserves are not just a number but a ‘cash rock’ on which nations are built or fall as demonstrated by our current suffering. Some entrusted with such cash funds steal and misuse their position because they are small-minded myopic persons with no national pride despite medals and national [dis]honours.

    Nigeria’s accumulation to $40b as foreign reserves from the ashes of our recent disastrous financial mega-mismanagement and corruption is therefore especially worthy of applause for the CBN team led by Governor Yemi Cardoso. Foreign reserves are only grown by persons of vision, professional responsibility, national pride and a passion to pave the way to a brighter financial tomorrow for the street children they see through their bullet proof glass daily on the street. They are driven to try to turn a rag back into the rich cloth as it was in the beginning when our currency was a proud N1=£1. Such persons work for the citizens, not for themselves.

    To further their success, the CBN governor and his team must take on a new task. The CBN governor must lead and prod Nigeria further down the economic road to foreign reserves stability  and project a roadmap to meet timelines for a national target of foreign reserves, (FR), at least $180b at $1b/1m population to strengthen the naira ‘in the beginning’ years. For CBN figures to be the masterclass in relevance, FR must be compared with other countries and their populations.

    Nota Bene that our population may not be more than 160-180m judging from our historical corrupt census inflation for political reasons. Our voting numbers and other statistics do not add up to more. Does Nigeria have 20-40 million ghost citizens?

    Our fellow travellers in this economic journey can teach us something. South Africa has foreign reserves of $63b for 60m citizens, $1b/1m citizens; Morocco has FR$37b for 36m citizens, $1m:1m citizens;   Algeria has  FR$72b for 46m, $1b/0.6 m;  Egypt has FR$46b   for 112m, $1b/2.4m;  Ghana has FR$7b for 34m citizens, $1b/4.8m citizens.  Nigeria has $40b foreign reserves for maybe 180m citizens i.e. $1b/4.5m. So, we have a lot of good governance, anti-corruption and wasteful spending to curtail to build up to $1:1m a developing country’s target minimum ratio.

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    This headline of FR $180b would have been achieved years ago with a strategic published and publicised economic roadmaps with re-education of the political parties and politicians and their special assistants and properly articulated plans by our presidents and CBN past governors since the 60s. That action would have saved the CBN funds from being so recklessly looted by in-house complicit CBN directors and other staff and carpetbag politicians and private sector moguls and rich but common thieves especially in our banking system who seem to think that all money must be ‘stolen not saved’. Stop stealing saved funds. 

    The calculated $180b would merely make Nigeria’s foreign reserves levels close to international developing country levels and massively strengthen the naira. The CBN governor needs to instruct its CBN Public Enlightenment Division to engage and enlighten the National Orientation Agency to, in turn, articulate regularly and publicly the causes and the cures for our deplorable disease of poor naira: dollar value. This enlightenment should repeatedly target the legislature to cure their delusional demand for ‘Political Salaries and Perks and Pension Grandeur’ and ‘all knowing over-sabi’. This enlightenment drive may get a more cooperating political and public response and support for its policies than in the past since we are all every man, women and child is passing through this 1+year of the shadow of financial death!

    Growth in our FR is a main key to rescuing our naira, traumatised by greed-driven unbridled political acquisition of enormous cash through ‘legal and illegal incomes’ requiring changing to forex for ease of carrying and concealment. In addition, there is a historic massive general corruption and a historically arrogant and wayward unbridled ‘black market’ in foreign exchange. We must add a disregard of ‘naira pride’ as a national symbol by successive governments and the ‘cash splashing’ political and rich classes who stopped spraying in favour of throwing naira bricks! Spraying, stomping and squeezing the naira do not affect the economic value of the naira, already less value than toilet paper! They spray dollar now. Did the dollar fall in value on the floor? No.

    Government, citizens and political class must address all the above as well as our careless over-dependence on imports even of toothpicks. Unfortunately, instead of nurturing, we have lost manufacturing capacity. Poor, third world, asymmetric costly power generation, multiple taxation and negligent supervision of weaponised and road security personnel remain stumbling blocks to economic development.

    The sooner our FR reach and pass the required important milestones of $45b, $50b, $55b, $60b to $100b, the better for the exchange rate. This will force the vulture forex traders, in banks and black market, to find productive jobs. An example of banking negligence of supervision… ‘A bank staff laundered N70b and forfeited N120b to federal government as part of a plea bargain’. Ditto for billions of CBN funds.  

    So, let us support Governor Cardoso and his team and tell everyone especially politicians  that for Nigeria to grow, Nigeria’s CBN and banking system must be ‘closed for corruption business’, ‘lock the corruption shop’ and achieve a target of $160-180b in foreign reserves just to be on par with South Africa and Morocco, our football foes.