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By Sabiu Abdullahi 

In response to evolving societal norms and economic challenges, fifty couples recently embarked on a shared matrimonial journey at a prominent Kabul wedding hall.

The atmosphere at the City Star wedding hall near the airport was somewhat sombre, reflecting the curtailed festivities enforced since the return of the Taliban in August 2021.

With dancing and music now considered un-Islamic, weddings have transitioned into more subdued affairs. 

Roohullah Rezayi, an 18-year-old groom, shed light on the financial strain that led him and his peers to opt for this collective celebration.

Hailing from the Hazara Shiite minority and earning a meagre income from odd jobs, Rezayi revealed that a conventional wedding would have cost between 200,000 to 250,000 Afghanis ($2,800 to $3,600).

In contrast, the joint ceremony significantly reduced expenses to a range of 10,000 to 15,000 Afghanis. 

The Selab Foundation’s intervention proved crucial, offering each couple a substantial donation of $1,600.

Beyond monetary support, the newlyweds received practical essentials, including toothpaste, shampoo, and moisturiser, as well as household appliances, carpets, and blankets, to help them embark on their married life. 

Despite the male-only attendance and the absence of women until after lunch, the event garnered considerable interest, drawing attention to the changing dynamics of weddings in Afghanistan.

The large, chilly hall echoed with Quranic recitations and a speech from an official representing the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. 

This joint wedding, born out of necessity and adaptation, provides a glimpse into a pragmatic approach to matrimony amidst challenging circumstances.

The Selab Foundation’s initiative attracted an overwhelming 600 applicants, underscoring the need for alternative, cost-effective options in a society navigating shifts in cultural practices.

By Muhammad Mikail

On the 12^th of June 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Nigeria Data Protection Bill into law, setting the historic course for a new data-protected Nigeria. As a matter of fact, the bill was among the very first bills assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu upon assumption of Office. This is no doubt a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding digital privacy and building trust with global partners and stakeholders; a bold statement and alignment with the cliché’ ‘hit the ground running.’ 

The newly assented Data Protection Act 2023 provides a legal framework for the protection of personal information, safeguarding people’s basic rights and freedoms while supporting the establishment of ‘The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)’ for the regulation of the processing of personal information and data. Hence, the law doesn’t only address privacy concerns but also sets the stage for responsible data usage, fostering a secure, trustworthy and progressive digital economic environment.

This also signifies the Federal Government of Nigeria’s full-proof commitment to the “Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030)” as commissioned by the African Union (AU). The overarching objective of the “Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030)” is for every country within the African continent “to harness digital technologies and innovation to transform African societies and economies to promote Africa’s integration, generate inclusive economic growth, stimulate job creation, break the digital divide, and eradicate poverty for the continent’s socio-economic development and ensure Africa’s ownership of modern tools of digital management.” The Nigeria Data Protection Commission will be a major player in achieving this lofty goal.

At one point, there was a lot of scepticism by development partners, international financial institutions, critical stakeholders in the digital economy and even potential investors about Nigeria’s lack of data protection legislation.       

Addressing these concerns, the Federal Government of Nigeria, under former President Muhammadu Buhari, established the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) in 2022 as the regulatory institution responsible for ensuring that people’s personal information is kept private and safe when used for ‘digital things’ with Dr Vincent Olatunji as the National Commissioner. However, the Bureau lacked a law establishing it and giving it the robust legal framework required for a full-fledged agency of government to adequately address issues bordering on the security and privacy of data in Nigeria.

In January 2023, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the Nigeria Data Protection Bill presented by former Hon. Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, for transmission to the National Assembly for consideration.      

The then Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, NDPB, now NDPC, led by the National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, in collaboration with the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project (NDID4D), worked with critical stakeholders, Ministries Departments and Agencies, captains of industries and policymakers perfecting the bill. 

A Focus Group Discussion, national policy dialogue and validation workshop was held to present the draft bill to stakeholders, the 9^th National Assembly, and the Federal Ministry of Justice for their buy-in, comments, criticism, and suggestions to improve the bill.  Prior to that, Nigeria had no policy instrument that focused on supporting data privacy and data protection. 

Described as one of the most forward-thinking Acts across the African data ecospheres, the Nigeria Data Protection Act recognises innovations, blockchains, Artificial Intelligence and robotics. The Act also fosters an environment where companies prioritise robust cybersecurity measures and protect sensitive personal information from unauthorised access.

Furthermore, the law empowers users by ensuring that their data is handled responsibly and ethically since, as a fact, the law emphasises informed consent, which enables users to make conscious decisions regarding the use of their data. With this regulation, organisations are bound by law to promptly adapt their practices to comply with the new data protection standards. This brings a balance between leveraging data for business growth and respecting individuals’ privacy rights.

In terms of job creation, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NPDC launched the Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, NDP-SRAP 2023-2027 on the 13^th of December 2023, in Abuja. The action plan is expected to create about 500,000 jobs and generate more than N125 billion in revenue.

Dr Vincent said in an interview that the NDP-SRAP 2023-2027 is in conformity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. He said, “Part of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is to create about two million jobs in the digital economy sector. The data protection sector alone could create more than 500,000 jobs.”

According to the National Commissioner, “The NDP-SRAP comprises interlinked initiatives and activities like job, wealth creation, human capital development, revenue generation, foundational initiatives for the digital economy and enhancing Nigeria’s global reputation. These activities are expected to create about 500,000 jobs, generate revenue of more than N125 billion and expand the sector within the lifespan of this roadmap”.

In the same vein, the former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, was quoted in an interview to have said that “in two years of the implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, NDPR, a novel sub-sector of the economy was created, 7,680 Nigerians were employed. Nigeria was appointed as the Vice Chair of the Data Protection Laws Harmonization Working Group at the African Union (AU) and was the only country in Africa to publish a data protection report in two years.

According to the DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission, “integrated identity is the backbone of e-governance initiatives as it provides an enabling environment for key government programmes of social safety net, financial inclusion, as well as for companies that want to provide innovative products and services to people.  She said, “An integrated identity system will strengthen the government’s fiscal management, promote good governance and transparency through inclusivity and social equality, as it ensures that marginalized and vulnerable populations are not excluded from government services.”

The Nigeria Data Protection Act is an enabler of inclusive identity issuance and management and a precursor for the growth, integration, and stability of Nigeria’s digital identity system. It is part of efforts to issue legal digital identities to 99.9% of people in Africa as part of a civil registration process by 2030. 

In this vein, the Act serves as the launch pad for the government’s efforts in building inclusive digital skills and human capacity across the digital sciences, judiciary, and education, both technical and vocational, to lead and power digital transformation, including coding, programming, analysis, security, blockchain, machine learning, artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering, innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology policy & regulation. This is evident in the recent launch of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme by the Hon. Minister for Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijjani. The programme is aimed at building Nigeria’s technical talent backbone, powering her digital economy and positioning Nigeria as a net talent exporter the first phase of the programme, executed in collaboration with NITDA, is set to involve multiple stakeholders, including fellows, training providers, partners, and placement organisations.

Consequently, the nation hopes to witness robust digital economic growth, especially with the growth of digital platforms. These platforms are essential elements of digital infrastructure and can serve people, businesses, and government agencies in all aspects of life, including healthcare, education, commerce, transportation, and public benefits. Digital platforms serve or enable other products or services. For the people who use these platforms to receive their monthly pensions, securely login to a government e-services portal, pay their utility bills, submit a complaint, access public information, or find a person to rent their car, these platforms can provide a seamless service delivery experience that increases user convenience, savings, and agency. For governments, digital platforms can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of core functions and services, reduce unnecessary duplication of systems, and combat fraud.

Finally, as data subjects and responsible citizens, we must stay informed about data protection laws; demand transparency from organisations that collect our data and support NPDCs initiatives to sustain and promote international cooperation on data protection, its continuous improvement, and efforts to secure our digital economic future.

Muhammad Mikail writes from Abuja and can be reached via muhammadnmikail.mm@gmail.com.

By Alhaji Musa Muhammad 

The more you have been infected with kidney failure, the more you will come to the mind of the people: “You are finished”. Others take you as a corpse just walking before its last breath.

Hadejia, the area with a number of such cases, is still facing the problem without knowing its root causes. However, there was a time when one of the presenters (name withheld), during a campaign awareness, warned vegetable/fish farmers to avoid using pesticides and herbicides on direct fruits, for example, eggplants.

He said there was a time when he saw a  farmer spraying his eggplant farm and asked him why he was pouring it. The farmer replied yes, I’m spreading it for every fruit to rip simultaneously. The Dr said are you not afraid the chemical will affect the consumers? The farmer replied, ‘I’m not the one who consumed it”.

Efforts have been made by some politicians, especially former senator Ibrahim Hassan, to take urgent action to tackle the spread of the disease. Unfortunately, there is no remarkable feedback about the different gatherings held on the kidney problem in the area.

Community-based organisations have done a lot in organising sensitisation meetings in collaboration with health practitioners, but the community members are still witnessing the increase in the problem.

One thing to be done regarding the kidney problem is the need for the government to take urgent action and mobilise the environment on the causes of the disease.

I must commend the effort and struggle of Dr Isah Billami during his tenure as chairman of Hadejia Ina Mafita to organise a town meeting to learn the solution to the problem. However, there was no positive feedback on the issue.

Our politicians range from the council chairman, members representing Hadejia at the state House of Assembly, senators representing Jigawa Northeast and the Governor at large; your response is highly needed now.

Allah ya kawo mana dauki , Ameem .

Alhaji Musa Muhammad wrote from Hadejia, Jigawa State.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A wave of outrage and grief swept through Plateau State as news broke of a brutal attack on Mushu village in Bokkos Local Government Area, leaving 16 innocent lives lost.

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, in a swift and scathing response, condemned the “barbaric, brutal and uncalled for” act, pledging swift justice and proactive measures to curb further violence. 

The attack, details of which remain unclear, has plunged the community into mourning and heightened anxieties across the state.

While the perpetrators remain unidentified, Governor Mutfwang’s strong stance served as a beacon of hope amidst the tragedy.

He directed security agencies to “promptly apprehend those responsible” and ensure they face the full weight of the law. 

Expressing deep concern over the incident, the governor urged communities to remain vigilant.

“Reporting any suspicious activities to security forces” was emphasised as a crucial step towards preventing future attacks.

He assured the public that the government would take “proactive measures” to curb the ongoing violence that continues to plague the state. 

Beyond promises of action, Governor Mutfwang extended his heartfelt condolences to the affected families.

He urged them to “find solace in God” as the government diligently works to end the cycle of violence that has claimed far too many lives in Plateau State. 

This latest attack calls for the urgent need for effective intervention and sustainable solutions to address the complex security challenges plaguing the region.

By Dr. Dikko Muhammad

I’m surprised that some people find the said letter of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi surprising. The fact is that many Nigerians see the courts as departments for the pursuance of politicians’ interest and more often, as stalls for the sale of “justice” to the highest bidder. And they have reasons to believe so. Why?

Senator Bulkachuwa told the Senate, on camera, that his wife, a former President of the Nigerian Court of Appeal, “extended her help to his colleagues” while in office.

A recently retired justice of the Supreme Court complained a lot of its workings. Not to mention the complaints against the top Oga of the Supreme Court who once led other justices to complain against the former top Oga of the Supreme Court.

Series of conflicting judgments are becoming a defining feature of ours courts.

The idea of the court as an umpire is fast becoming extinct. If any unknown backbencher politician wants me lock up tomorrow, being Sunday, don’t be surprised for the lines of judges ready to grant his request.

Where justice is delayed and denied, fears and favours determining verdicts, faith in the court is eroded. This is why our country has become a planet of jungle justice. People think that the courts are haven for criminals. The densely populated prisons in Nigeria are a repulsive testimony to the putrid stench of our entire judicial system.

So, it’s now left for our courts to either redeem their battered image or continue to sink into the abys. They’re designed to be the last refuge for the oppressed, not a refuse for the oppressor. If writing a letter would make it deliver justice, we should all be letter writers to the Supreme Court.

Dikko writes from Katsina State, Nigeria.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Kano State Police Command has apprehended Bahago Afa, a suspected criminal ring leader, along with six associates, on charges of armed robbery. 

This comes after Bahago Afa, who had reportedly repented recently, was rearrested by the police. 

The State Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, revealed the development during a Friday parade. 

Gumel noted the successful neutralization of criminal networks that had contributed to thuggery, armed robbery, and various criminal activities in the state. 

Addressing the press, Gumel stated, “Already, there are over 700 repentant criminals on our lists, and anybody among them that dares to go back will be declared an enemy of peace just like Bahago Afa and others.” 

He added, “Today, we have taken care of Daba ‘thuggery,’ but they are today carrying out robbery activities, and conducting an organized crime that is now nothing but robbery.” 

Gumel said the commitment of the police to maintaining peace, urging citizens to assist in the apprehension of the remaining 72 individuals declared as enemies of peace.

“Anywhere police or any other person sees them, they should arrest them and bring them before the police,” he declared.

By Ibrahim I. Waziri

When I saw the flyers announcing the theme of this year’s colloquium (16th December 2023) – “Political/Economic Formulas for National Development” – I couldn’t help but get excited. Though I work at a university where expert colleagues analyse the state of the nation during daily breaks, I felt ready for fresh perspectives on the current political and economic implications of the recent ECOWAS sanctions on Niger and how they impact us, particularly Nigerian businesses in the North.

My excitement stemmed from two key factors. First, the colloquium was to be held in Sokoto, one of the Nigerian states bordering Niger, which bears the brunt of the sanctions most. Second, the convener, Mallam Zayyanu Yabo, is the current Chairman of the Sokoto Professionals Network, a body dedicated to showcasing the abundant economic opportunities within Sokoto and putting the state on the national map.

However, Dr. Chima Amadi, the keynote speaker and a scholar-businessman, not only impressed the audience with his expertise but also left us with thought-provoking questions at the end of his presentation. After refocusing the theme solely on economics and development (much to my surprise not giving room for the ECOWAS-Niger political angle), he delved into defining “positive development” as possibly anything that leads to poverty reduction.

He then provided an insightful review of Nigerian economic history, highlighting the struggles associated with various economic frameworks adopted over the past 63 years since independence.

These included ten different economic plans, Washington Consensus-inspired structural adjustment programs under Babangida, Obasanjo’s NEEDS (also Bretton Woods institutions influenced), and later approaches that haven’t strayed far from past strategies. Dr. Amadi pointed out that these national planning and economic strategies were often prescribed by agenda-driven foreign institutions, potentially lacking a comprehensive appreciation of Nigeria’s history, local realities, and perhaps even neglecting its best interests.

The result, as statistics sadly demonstrate, he concluded, is a Nigeria far from achieving poverty reduction and ranking low on every reputable international survey on human development indices.

The solutions, he suggested, might include, among other things, looking into the journey of some contemporary nations with relative success in economy and development. The Asian Tigers abandoned Bretton Woods institutions’ prescriptions and are far better off than us. Perhaps we should focus more on local content, since development by its nature is organic and self-conscious, not externally prescribed and sourced!

This point resonated most with the audience and the panellists during the discussion session thereafter, as statistics reveal that about 65% of the country’s current GDP is not contributed from the formal structured economy that currently cannot be thoroughly analysed.

Among the lead panellists, one immediately pointed out how in some Asian Tiger countries, their indigenous cultural institutions before colonialism are still relevant constitutionally, providing needed social focus and keeping national planning consistent. 

An issue about the relationship between local businesses and research output from our institutions of higher learning was observed to be almost non-existent, with intellectual property laws seeming ineffective and indigenous ideas prone to theft within and across national borders.

Another erudite barrister, Kingston Chikwendu, building on an earlier submission about gender and youth inclusion, observed that the question of local content and inclusion stands front and centre even at the venue of the colloquium. He questioned why we gather in Sokoto, speaking in “exotic English” about economy and development in a language that the majority of the state’s economic demographic cannot understand. He suggested that in the future, provision should be made for at least a real-time translation of proceedings into Hausa, fulfilling the keynote address’s first prescription for local content and inclusion.

This last point reminded me of the often-repeated sentiment that if our local languages had been our medium of instruction at secondary school level, where substances like sulphur and potassium were taught in Chemistry classes as “Farin Kasa” and “Kanwa” respectively, we would have appreciated their value better and explored their economic relevance more. Between us and our grandmothers, we might have been able to come up with mixtures with the potential for inventions with significant personal and societal economic benefits.

The session for me was a high dose of concentrated intellectual elixir. Though the keynote address dropped the political angle of the theme, denying me the opportunity to see issues related to the ECOWAS sanctions on Niger and their attendant implications on Nigeria’s economy and security problems discussed, I can still say I got more than enough.

The Sokoto colloquium is putting the state in the news for all the right reasons. The session was attended by representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto and the state governor; and it received wide coverage by national news outlets. The deliberations are being heard by policymakers. Our prayers go to God to strengthen the will and wings of the convener as well as supporters across the nation. Nigeria is in dire need of robust policy review forums like what Sokoto colloquium offers.

Ibrahim A. Waziri wrote from Zaria, Kaduna State. He can be reached via iawaziri@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of President Bola Tinubu, shared a message of hope and positivity during her Christmas address on Saturday. 

Hosting an elaborate Christmas party for the children of Nana Berry Orphanage in Abuja, the first lady expressed her optimism for the upcoming year. 

“As we go into the year 2024, our message should be how to transform the lives of the young ones,” Senator Tinubu said. 

Advising parents, she encouraged them to avoid discussing poverty in front of their children, highlighting that Nigeria is not a poor nation. 

“The wealthy ones should also take care of the poor ones and make them wealthy; that is all it takes,” she added. 

Senator Tinubu addressed the issue of poverty, noting that it has been taken out of context and is negatively impacting the youth. 

“We have to give them hope and show them the positive life. We are entering a glorious year, and those who believe that it is going to be glorious will enjoy it,” she affirmed.

During the Christmas party, Senator Tinubu engaged with the children, sharing a Bible story and emphasising the importance of parents instilling good morals in their wards. 

“Parents are supposed to tell the children Christmas stories; that is what we all grow up with,” she remarked, urging a shift in the narrative of what Christmas represents in the State House.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In a spectacular event held at Tahir Guest Palace on Friday, PR Nigeria, in collaboration with Daily Nigeria and Arewa Agenda, recognized and awarded thirty exceptional youths under the age of thirty for their outstanding achievements in various fields.

The ceremony aimed to showcase the remarkable talents of young individuals from northern Nigeria who are actively contributing to the development of their states and the nation as a whole.

Dr. Musa Sufi, one of the organizers, highlighted the significance of the event, stating that it serves as a testament to the innovative minds thriving in northern Nigeria.

He emphasized the need to present these accomplishments to the world, inspiring and motivating other young people to strive for excellence in their endeavours.

Addressing a prevalent issue, Dr. Sufi pointed out the communication gap between the older and younger generations, emphasizing the lack of mentorship for the youth.

He urged both the government and non-governmental organizations to innovate and develop initiatives that align with exploring the immense potential and strength of young people.

Among the esteemed awardees was Aliyu Idris, a final year student at Bayero University. Expressing his joy, Idris acknowledged the challenges of being selected among over seven hundred nominees and considered his education award as a prestigious recognition.

He attributed his success to determination and unwavering commitment to achieving his goals.

Abdulhafiz Abdullahi Aliyu, another awardee from Jos, expressed his excitement about being recognized for his organization, Sunna Techlap, which he established within a year.

He shared his gratitude for the acknowledgement and the opportunity to receive the award, emphasizing the pride of being invited from Jos.

The event drew a distinguished audience, including notable academics such as Dr. Bala Muhammad, and Dr. Sule Yau Sule, Dr. Kabiru Sufi Said, and prominent figures from the Kannywood industry, including actresses like Mommy Gombe and producers.

The diverse attendance underscored the broad support for celebrating and encouraging the accomplishments of young individuals in the northern region.

As northern Nigeria takes a step to bridge the generational gap and provide recognition to its talented youth, the hope is that these initiatives will continue to inspire and foster a culture of excellence and innovation among the younger generation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In a convention chaired by the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, the board of the Nigeria Customs Service confirmed the appointment of two Assistant Comptrollers General (ACGs) and approved the promotion of 2209 senior officers. 

This is contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson for the service, Abdullahi Maiwadah. 

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) convened its 58th regular meeting on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters. 

ACG Florence Nano Ogar-Modey and ACG Queen Ogubudu were confirmed as substantive members of the NCS Management Team during the meeting.

The comprehensive promotion list includes both General Duty (GD) and Support Staff (SS) personnel who demonstrated outstanding performance in the 2023 promotion exercise.

The breakdown of promoted officers covers various ranks, from Inspector of Customs to Customs Comptroller.

Notably, special promotions were approved for fourteen officers in recognition of their exceptional performance in various assigned responsibilities. 

Among the newly promoted comptrollers are TM Daniyan, F Fajana, N Isyaku, MV Umana, AC Nwobi, F Abdulqadir, HK Ejibunu, FM Ojiofor, IN Aliyu, MD Malah, EO Oshoba, JK Oladeji, E Luka, AP Daruaku, FM Ojeifor, IN Nwokorie, EJ Harrison, and others. 

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed and promoted officers.

According to Maiwadah, the comptroller urged them to redouble their efforts in fulfilling crucial roles such as revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling.

These efforts, he emphasised, are essential for enhancing the NCS’s pivotal role in bolstering Nigeria’s socio-economic well-being.