Opinion

‎The Shareef brothers, Abdul and Umar M. Shareef, seem to have a strong fondness for playing romantic heroes. This likely inspired them to produce an emotional love story in which they take on their favourite leading roles. The production, entitled ‘Soyayyata’ (Translated as ‘My Love’), also appears to be their first series under the ‘Shareef Studio’ banner.

‎Soyayyata (though they mistakenly wrote the name as “Soyayya ta”) is a romantic drama exploring unrequited love, mistaken assumptions, and the complexities of family ties. The series primarily follows a love triangle involving Abbas (Abdul M. Shareef), Zuhra (Maryam Booth), and Haneef (Umar M. Shareef).

‎Abbas and Zuhra are cousins raised together within a shared family compound. Since childhood, his mother had betrothed Zuhra to him, as is customary in Hausa tradition. Abbas grows up to love Zuhra, but she sees him as nothing more than a brother. Meanwhile, she meets Haneef at a wedding, where he falls in love with her at first sight – an affection she fortunately reciprocates even more deeply.

‎Noticing something unusual in Zuhra’s behaviour, Abbas’s younger sister, Suhaima (Madina Abdul), persuades their parents to formally approach Zuhra’s family about the intended marriage. However, while Zuhra’s father, who is Abbas’s uncle, approves, her mother rejects the proposal. Abbas also learns the painful truth that Zuhra does not love him romantically, igniting emotional turbulence and family conflict.

‎Meanwhile, Haneef’s mother opposes his choice of Zuhra because of her humble background but later concedes because of his persistence. However, his father falls ill and dies suddenly on the day of his wedding to Zuhra, setting off a chain of dramatic twists that reshape the course of the story.

‎Despite its compact premise, the series sustains engagement through the gradual introduction of new narrative layers and characters. For instance, Ilham (Asmeey Wakili), introduced in a pivotal role towards the end of Season 1, breathes new life into the story. Despite its rather slow pace, the series keeps audiences engaged with steadily mounting tension.

‎Soyayyata is indeed worth watching for its relatable theme, which resonates strongly with young audiences. It dramatises the familiar scenario of a childhood-betrothed ‘cousin’ losing out to a ‘newcomer’. Young women with early betrothal experiences will identify with Zuhra’s predicament, while those nursing a secret crush will empathise with Abbas, who suffers in silence, enduring the pain of unrequited affection.

‎Additionally, beyond its central love story, Soyayyata explores themes of class discrimination, parental materialism in marriage arrangements, and the far-reaching consequences of such decisions. It also highlights how a lack of open communication can make arranged marriages fragile enough to break even the strongest familial bonds.

‎The series, however, scores little in terms of production quality. Continuity lapses are evident, and the editing lacks finesse. Also, while the interconnection across episodes is reasonably sustained, Episode 4 largely recycles scenes from Episodes 1 and 3. Nevertheless, these shortcomings are pardonable, given the competent direction and commendable performances that make the series ultimately captivating.

‎Finally, if you are struggling to keep pace with the endless YouTube series being released every day, Soyayyata is one you shouldn’t overlook. It is well worth your time.

‎Rating: 3/5

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Nigeria’s solid minerals sector presents a bittersweet story for the country and its people, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

Mining has created wealth, jobs and economic opportunities for individuals and communities. In mineral-rich areas, it has provided livelihoods and opened new sources of income. At the same time,  illegal mining activities have contributed to insecurity, environmental degradation, exploitation and social disorder in some communities.

Since 2023, Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has undergone significant reforms to modernise the industry, strengthen regulation and enforcement, attract investment, and shift the country away from exporting raw minerals toward local processing and value addition.

There has also been growing interest in critical minerals, particularly lithium, alongside efforts to formalise artisanal mining and improve government revenue from the sector.

Some reports say revenue from the solid minerals sector rose from about ₦16 billion in 2023 to ₦38 billion in 2024, and from approximately ₦68.1 billion to over ₦70 billion in 2025.

The niger state tragedy in which  37 young lives were lost is being linked to illegal mining, official negligence and unprofessionalism by some Civil Defence officers 

Illegal mining is the exploration, extraction, processing or trading of mineral resources without the licences, permits or regulatory approvals required by law, or in violation of the conditions governing such activities.

Nigeria has an established legal and regulatory framework for mining, primarily under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, along with subsequent legislation affecting the sector. The Nigeria Tax Act 2025, which took effect on January 1, 2026, also introduced changes affecting mining taxation and mineral royalties.

Therefore, not every person found around a mining site is necessarily an illegal miner. The important questions include: Who holds the mining title? Is the operation properly licensed? Are the miners operating within the approved area and under the approved conditions? Are the required royalties, taxes and fees being paid? And are environmental and safety requirements being observed?

Despite improvements in regulation, modernisation and enforcement, illegal mining, insecurity and environmental degradation remain interconnected challenges in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The problem is not simply the absence of laws. Nigeria already has extensive mining legislation and regulatory institutions. Rather, poverty, unemployment, weak enforcement capacity, informal economic activity, insecurity and limited government presence in some remote areas can create conditions in which illegal mining thrives.

This is particularly important in rural communities where artisanal mining may provide livelihoods for families with few alternative sources of income.

Nigeria’s challenge, therefore, is not merely to stop illegal mining, but to bring legitimate artisanal miners into the formal economy, enforce the law against criminal mining operations, protect host communities and the environment, improve security around mining areas, and ensure that Nigeria’s mineral wealth translates into sustainable development.

Nigeria is richly endowed with solid minerals. The ultimate objective should be to ensure that the wealth beneath the ground becomes prosperity above the ground, legally, safely and sustainably.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Isyaka Laminu Badamasi

In Nigeria, the legislative arm of government makes laws, performs oversight functions, and serves as a watchdog over the executive and judicial arms. To ensure it carries out its constitutional responsibilities smoothly, the legislature also establishes various committees. This is standard practice in both state and national assemblies.

In some instances, leaders and members of these committees, through the agencies they oversee, gain the privilege of bringing developmental initiatives to their constituents. These initiatives cover areas such as healthcare, education, water projects, access roads, and occasionally, empowerment and empowerment opportunities. This welcome development has contributed significantly to addressing some of the people’s broader needs.

In Bauchi State, from 1999 to date, numerous constituency projects have been initiated across the 31 state constituencies, 12 federal constituencies, and 3 senatorial districts. While some of these projects have been put to use, others remain under construction, a few under lock and key, and some have even fallen into disrepair before being officially commissioned. Some legislators influence the establishment of government zonal agencies and institutions, health facilities, and educational institutions, among others.

Notable projects I have come across include two major facilities in Misau and Kafin Madaki, brought by the distinguished Senators Isah Hamma Misau and Halliru Dauda Jika (Dokajin Bauchi). Others include a school in Gamawa and a cattle market in Soro, influenced by Senator Sulaiman Nazeef Gamawa and Hon. Mansur Manu Soro, among others not mentioned.

This post is not to discuss who did what, when, where, and how, but to bring to our attention the silent neglect these interventions face. Furthermore, it aims to suggest possible solutions to this ugly situation and chart a way forward to put these facilities to use, thereby achieving the main objectives of bringing them to these locations.

On this, I hope the office of the Special Adviser to His Excellency, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi) or the Liaison Officer to the National Assembly will look into this issue and chart a course to ensure these facilities achieve their intended purpose. It is also imperative that legislators, when bringing such impactful interventions, contact the state government for strategic and equitable distribution. 

This will ensure they align with the state’s wider development plan, avoiding project duplication or siting projects in communities that do not need them or cannot put them to use. This is where our voices as observers, CSOs, and opposition political parties matter. This cannot be achieved in isolation; we need to come together and act to ensure the equitable distribution and utilisation of such investments for the development of our communities and the state in general.

Those who are privileged to work closely with the legislators should, as a matter of public interest, assist us with information regarding idle projects or facilities. This will enable us to look into them and explore ways to draw the attention of all stakeholders to do the needful.

Isyaka Laminu Badamasi writes from no 555 Ajiya Adamu Road, Bauchi, Bauchi State.

By Hassan Saidu Jakusko

Security is a sensitive and important matter that requires wisdom, caution, and a strong sense of responsibility. While every citizen has a role to play in maintaining peace and security, security operations should be left to trained and authorized security personnel who understand the laws, procedures, and responsibilities involved. Everyone must therefore exercise caution when discussing security issues, particularly when such discussions involve allegations against the government or security agencies.

It is important for the public to understand that careless statements about security matters, especially those made without credible evidence or complete information, can create unnecessary fear, confusion, and misunderstanding. In an era where information spreads rapidly through social media, people must be careful not to present rumours, assumptions, or personal opinions as established facts.

This brings attention to discussions surrounding individuals such as KY Tebo and their comments on security-related matters. When concerns or allegations are raised against the government or security agencies, it is important that such claims be supported by verifiable evidence and presented responsibly. Security-related discussions should be guided by facts and constructive engagement rather than speculation, personal attacks, or language capable of unnecessarily increasing public anxiety.

We must also make it clear that criticism is not a crime. Every citizen has the right to express an opinion, question decisions, and demand accountability where necessary. However, the right to freedom of expression comes with a responsibility to communicate respectfully and avoid spreading unverified information. Criticism should contribute to understanding and accountability, not become an avenue for insults, hostility, or the deliberate misrepresentation of sensitive issues.

Security matters require cooperation, credible information, and meaningful dialogue. They should not be reduced to arguments, accusations, or exchanges of insults on social media. Where there are genuine concerns about the conduct of security personnel or the actions of government institutions, the appropriate channels should be used to ensure that such matters receive proper investigation and that the truth is established.

Similarly, Nigerians living abroad should recognize that their comments can influence public opinion and affect perceptions of peace and stability back home. Living outside the country does not remove the responsibility to verify information before sharing it. Everyone, regardless of location or personal opinion, should consider the possible consequences of their statements, especially when discussing matters that concern public safety and national security.

Social media users must also understand that not every report circulating online is accurate. Before sharing information, it is essential to examine its source, confirm its authenticity, and distinguish between verified facts and unsubstantiated claims. Responsible communication can help prevent unnecessary panic, protect public confidence, and encourage a more informed discussion of security challenges.

We therefore call on all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to demonstrate patriotism, mutual respect, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. Differences in opinion are normal in any democratic society, but they should never be used as an excuse for insults, hatred, or the spread of misleading information. We can disagree without being disrespectful, ask questions without making reckless accusations, and demand accountability without undermining the importance of lawful security operations.

In conclusion, security is everyone’s responsibility, but security operations require professionalism, training, and lawful authority. Citizens should support peace and stability by providing credible information, cooperating with the appropriate authorities, and engaging in responsible discussions. Let us avoid rumours, verify information before sharing it, respect the law, and handle security-related concerns with wisdom and maturity. After all, peace remains the foundation of national unity, development, and progress, and its protection requires the collective effort of everyone.

Hassan Saidu Jakusko Writes from Yobe State.

By Dahiru Kasimu Adamu

We were in the car of Dr Abubakar Mohammed of the Department of Mass Communication, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS). He graciously gave us a ride. There were five of us in total; three of us were non-academic staff at UDUS.

As we drove from the UDUS Bus stop, Dr Abubakar tuned the car radio to an Alfijir Radio phone-in programme. I don’t know the exact title of the programme, but it focused on current security issues. 

One contributor called in and aggressively expressed his view, directly accusing the government. Part of his comment was: “basa aikinsu… suna da hannu ciki…”

Before he could finish, the call broke up, perhaps because of a poor connection. I could hear the presenter saying, “Hello, hello… kana tare da mu…”

Eventually, the call ended. The presenter cited network issues as the reason for the failed communication.

Immediately, one of the passengers in Dr Abubakar’s car responded:  

“Ba network na ba. Hakanan suke. Su na amfani da dabarunsu wurin daƙile mutane su faɗi ra’ayinsu, haddai in ya shafi gwamnati. Yan jaridar nan hakanan suke… ba su da gaskiya.”

“It’s not a network issue. That’s their style. They use different manoeuvres to prevent people from expressing their views, especially when it concerns the government. These journalists are not honest…”

The man continued, attacking journalists and calling them different names.

The other two non-academic staff nodded in agreement, muttering their own grievances against the press. The car was now a bubbling cauldron of anti-media sentiment.

Dr Abubakar tried to ask me a question about what the responder had accused the presenter of doing. But the man kept going. When I tried to respond and debunk his fallacy, Dr Abubakar told me to let the man finish.  

Unknown to the man, he was inside the car of a veteran broadcaster, a PhD holder in Mass Communication, and a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication.

When the man made his point, Malam zan iya cewa wani abu? Dr Abubakar asked.

 Dr Abubakar responded calmly, in a clear, academic and scholarly manner.

He told the man, “Every profession has its ethics. Journalism is no exception. Legal frameworks and codes of ethics guide journalism. Broadcasters are to abide by these regulations.”

He mentioned some of the core ethical principles relevant to the man’s accusation: Balance, Objectivity, and Fairness.

Dr Abubakar also elaborated on the Law of Defamation and how journalists can be held liable if they cross that line.

Another interesting part of his explanation was a personal experience. He described how he narrowly escaped a defamation case brought against him involving the former Governor of Yobe State, Bukar Abba Ibrahim.

He further clarified that Alfijir Radio is a private radio station, not government-owned. Therefore, its philosophy and mission would not necessarily support the government completely.

Before Dr Abubakar’s explanation, the three passengers shared the first respondent’s mindset. But after his lecture, they partially changed their minds. They began to understand some aspects of journalism and why journalists cannot just allow people to make reckless, unsubstantiated, and potentially defamatory comments on air.

This scenario highlights how many people misunderstand journalism and misrepresent journalists as they carry out their duties.

People need to know that journalism is guided by laws and regulations. Healthy journalism is a tool for a healthy society.  

Therefore, everyone should have media literacy.

If a car ride can transform minds, then a concerted media literacy campaign can change a nation. Citizens must understand that healthy journalism is not a threat; it is a tool for a healthy society. When people understand the “why” behind a journalist’s actions, trust is rebuilt.

The next time you hear ‘ba network ba ne, ask yourself: Is it censorship, or is it the law protecting us all?”

Dahiru Kasimu Adamu is a young journalist and Mass Communication student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli

Last year, this column asked whether Nigeria had learned anything from the Wunti factor. The question was not about one man. It was about whether a nation could turn individual competence into institutional habit. A year later, the answer is still unfolding, but the evidence has grown heavier. A Nigerian story is so familiar it no longer provokes thought. A man rises, reaches the top of a system, and disappears into the quiet comfort of his achievements. It is a story we tell ourselves to feel better about a country that rarely rewards the right things.

But every so often, someone refuses the script. Bala Maijama’a Wunti spent over three decades in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, rising through the ranks to senior leadership roles, including Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Limited, before retiring in 2025. He could have walked away. He had earned the right to. But his people called. They asked him to consider the governorship of Bauchi State. He listened, responding to a call that came from the roots that raised him. When the ticket did not come his way, he did not vanish into Abuja’s shadows. He returned to the work he had long pursued through the Wunti Alkhair Foundation, the vehicle through which he had been supporting basic needs, healthcare access, educational assistance, and community development across Bauchi long before anyone thought to call him a reformer.

Then in August 2026, the call came again. This time it was not political. The World Energy Council, the global body Nigeria had joined in 1960 but had never fully inhabited, admitted a new Nigerian member committee, formally restoring the country’s participation in the organisation. Wunti was named its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. A position that could have distanced him from the ground. A position that could have turned him into a man of communiqués and conference rooms. He continued building anyway. In September 2026, he broke ground on the Bala Wunti Arena, a 10,000-capacity multipurpose indoor sports hall at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi.

The project will be completed within 50 weeks. Construction materials will be sourced locally. In a move that says everything about their understanding of development, ATBU students developed the architectural design through a competitive process. Eleven teams participated. W-Nexus won with a design that earned them N5 million. The first runner-up received N4 million, the second runner-up received N3 million, and the other participating groups were awarded N1 million each. Not a single student walked away empty-handed. He called it “a project for ATBU by ATBU.” The phrase is simple, but it carries a weight that most Nigerian development initiatives never approach.

It says that the people closest to a problem are not just beneficiaries of solutions. They are authors of them. This is the Wunti factor. It is not about one man saving a nation. It is about one man refusing to let distance become indifference. And it is the same instinct that carried him from a construction site in Bauchi to a panel in New York. At the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit, held alongside the United Nations General Assembly, Wunti sat on a panel titled “Rare Currency: Critical Minerals in a Shifting Global Economy.”

The conversation was about America’s growing dependence on imported minerals and China’s dominant position in global processing. But Wunti’s contribution was not about geopolitics. It was about one of Nigeria’s old economic wounds. “For half a century, Nigeria exported crude oil and imported refined petroleum products,” he said. “That created poverty, not prosperity. We will not repeat that mistake with lithium and rare earth elements.” That sentence deserves to be read twice. It is not a policy recommendation. It is a diagnosis of a national pathology.

Nigeria has 44 critical minerals distributed across the country. Global demand is rising because of electric vehicles and artificial intelligence data centres. The temptation is to dig them up, ship them out, and count the dollars at the port. Wunti is saying that is not development. That is extraction. That is the same old story with a different mineral. What makes his argument stick is the precision with which he identifies why Nigeria keeps failing at this. It is not corruption alone. It is not lack of policy. It is the gap between potential and project.

“The central issue is the difference between mineral potential and an investable project,” he said. “We had geological indications, but not proven reserves supported by JORC-compliant data. We also had good policies, but not clearly defined projects. Investors invest in projects, not potential.” This is not the language of a man who has spent too long in conference halls. This is the language of someone who has actually tried to get things built in Nigeria.

He knows that a geological survey is not a feasibility study. He knows that a policy document is not a contract. He knows that investors do not put money into a country’s potential. They put money into specific projects with specific prices, specific timelines, and specific risks that have been accounted for. His prescription is blunt: “Give me a credible price, and I will give you private capital.” He talks about price floors, about the need for $110 per kilogram for certain minerals to make processing viable, about the difference between a pitch and a transaction.

This vocabulary differs from conventional Nigerian policy discourse. It is the vocabulary of markets. And yet, the same man who can talk JORC compliance and price floors in New York is the same man who initiates a sports arena designed by students. There is no contradiction here. Most Nigerian public figures never achieve this coherence. Wunti understands that development is not a single grand gesture. It is a series of specific interventions, each one designed to create something that outlasts the person who started it.

A sports hall that students helped design and will therefore use with a sense of ownership. An energy council that builds a framework for investment rather than waiting for the next policy document. At 66, Nigeria is not short of talented people. What it lacks is the capacity to turn individual talent into institutional habit. Every reformer eventually leaves. Every philanthropist eventually stops writing cheques. The question is whether the structures they build can survive them. Wunti’s work has answered that question.

The deep offshore reforms also outlived his tenure, with the 2019 amendment to the Production Sharing Contracts Act introducing price-reflective royalties and periodic reviews intended to improve the government’s share of revenue. The World Energy Council Nigeria chapter, if it works, will be a platform that belongs to the country, not to one man. The Bala Wunti Arena, if the 50-week deadline holds, will be a building that students use for decades after the ribbon is cut.

At 66, Nigeria has endured. It has stumbled and survived. But endurance is not the same as learning. The country has spent six and a half decades producing people who know how to build, yet too often struggles to turn their individual capacity into institutions that outlast them. Wunti is not the first Nigerian to refuse the script. He is simply one of the few who have kept building after the cameras left, after the political door closed, after the comfortable retirement beckoned. The question that remains is not what Wunti will do next. It is whether Nigeria will finally learn to turn the Wunti factor into a national habit. The answer is not yet written. It depends on whether the rest of us are paying attention.

Usman Abdullahi Koli can be reached via mernoukoli@gmail.com.

By Haruna Sheena

We have often compared the ease of living with the national minimum wage and how much easier it is for other nations to adapt to global economic disruption because of what they earn.

Recently, the demand for a ₦300,000 minimum wage has once again brought the issue of workers’ salaries and the rising cost of living in Nigeria into the spotlight, when the Federal Workers Forum called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to review the current ₦70,000, saying it is no longer enough to meet the basic needs of workers.

Interestingly, beyond the ₦300,000 minimum wage, the forum also proposed a new salary structure that would set the highest-paid Level 17 federal officer at ₦1.5 million per month, arguing that the current salary structure does not reflect the economic situation many Nigerians face.

This demand is understandable when we look at the cost of living in the country today, especially with the more recent event where petrol inches close to ₦1,500, resulting in the price of food, transportation, accommodation, electricity, cooking gas and other basic needs making it difficult for many workers to survive on the present income scale.

This portends that a salary that seemed very reasonable barely three years ago can no longer provide the same standard of living its negotiators envisaged when they put ink to paper.

Many families now have to make difficult choices every month. Some workers may be forced to reduce the amount of food they buy, delay medical treatment, move to cheaper accommodation or depend on loans to meet their daily needs.

Parents also struggle with school fees, uniforms, books, and transportation costs for their wards’ education. These pressures show that the issue is not only about earning more money, but also about living with some level of dignity.

In 2024, the national minimum wage was increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 after negotiations between the Federal Government and organised labour. When they agreed on that amount, they added a caveat: the deal would be reviewed every three years instead of five. This means that the next formal review is due only in 2027.

However, this raises another question. If the current wage is not supposed to be formally reviewed until 2027, why are workers already asking for an increase to ₦300,000?

I don’t think the workers are necessarily saying the government should ignore the three-year agreement. Rather, their demand can be seen as a plea for the government to consider the current economic situation before the next scheduled review.

The cost of living doesn’t wait for a particular year to change, and workers may feel their salaries are already falling behind the prices of basic necessities. So the question is whether raising the minimum wage to ₦300,000 is the best solution.

There is no doubt that a higher salary would give workers more room to support themselves and their families. It could make it easier to pay rent, transport costs, school fees, food expenses and other bills. It could also improve workers’ morale because people constantly worried about meeting their basic needs may struggle to concentrate fully on their jobs.

When workers are paid fairly, they may feel more valued and motivated to do their jobs. Better salaries can reduce the pressure that pushes some people to look for extra jobs or depend on borrowing.

In the public sector, more specifically, improved wages could also help reduce the temptation for corruption, although salary increases alone cannot completely solve that problem.

One must also bear in mind that increasing salaries alone may not solve Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis. If the prices of food, transportation, housing and other necessities continue to rise, workers may eventually find themselves in the same situation again, even after receiving higher salaries.

To put things in perspective, if a worker’s salary increases but transport fares and food prices also rise as businesses try to cover higher costs, the worker may not feel much difference in the long run.

Landlords may also increase rent when they believe tenants are earning more. This is why the government needs to look beyond salaries and address some of the reasons basic goods and services are so expensive.

Importantly, the government also needs to consider whether it can comfortably afford such a large increase. Moving from ₦70,000 to ₦300,000 is a major increase, and implementing it across the public sector would have significant financial implications for both the public and private sectors.

For Nigeria as a nation, it will definitely need to balance workers’ welfare with its ability to fund other important areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security.

At the same time, the government should not use the same argument to ignore the difficulties workers face, because they deserve serious attention, as salaries should allow people to live reasonably and meet their basic responsibilities.

If the government cannot immediately approve the full demand, it should still engage with labour and consider other forms of support.

The discussion should not be limited to federal workers. Millions of Nigerians work in the private sector, small businesses and informal jobs, where many people earn even less than the official minimum wage. Any serious discussion about improving Nigerians’ standard of living should therefore consider workers across different sectors.

We also need to focus on reducing the cost of basic goods and services. If the government can improve transportation, electricity, local food production and other areas that directly affect household expenses, workers may be able to get more value from their salaries. Supporting farmers, improving roads and reducing the cost of moving goods could also help bring down food prices.

The ₦300,000 demand should therefore be seen as more than just a request for more money. It is also a reflection of the frustration many workers feel about their purchasing power.

The earlier three-year review agreement matters, but the current situation also shows why the government needs to watch for economic changes before the next official review date. If workers are already struggling in 2026, telling them to wait until 2027 may not address the problem they face now.

For me, the solution shouldn’t be to simply increase salaries and leave everything else unchanged. Nigeria needs a combination of higher wages and policies that ease pressure on people’s incomes. A salary increase can provide relief, but controlling the rising cost of basic necessities is what will make that relief meaningful in the long term.

The demand for a ₦300,000 minimum wage has opened an important conversation. The question is no longer just how much Nigerian workers earn, but how much that money can actually provide for them.

Until Nigerians can earn a reasonable income and afford basic necessities, the conversation about the country’s cost-of-living crisis will continue.

Sheena Haruna is a 300-level Mass Communication student at Bingham University. She can be reached at: sheena123haruna@gmail.com.

By Maji Bappa Maina


Infrastructure becomes particularly significant when it reaches the places where limited connectivity has constrained economic and social activity.

This is the context in which Yobe’s expanding network of rural access roads deserves closer examination.

Across the state, new road connections are emerging between communities that have historically depended on difficult routes to reach larger settlements, markets, farms and essential services.

These are not primarily urban roads designed to reshape city traffic.

They are rural access roads, and their significance lies in the connections they create beyond the major centres.

Under the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni, a number of such roads have been constructed, while others are at different stages of development.

The emerging network includes the new road from Potiskum to Ngojin; Potiskum to Degubi; Fadawa to Daya; Fika to Maluri; Damagum to Gubana; Dawasa to Kukuri; Danchua to Jajere; Ngelzarma to Mashio; Bingel to Danchua; Damaturu to Gambir; Bukarti to Toshia; Karasuwa to Galu; Balangua to Kumagannam; Chumbosko to Tagali; the road to Dagona; Nguru to Balangua; Gashua to Masaba; and Gujba to Ngalda, which is ongoing.

Taken together, these routes suggest something larger than a collection of isolated construction projects.

They point towards an attempt to improve the geography of access across Yobe by bringing rural communities into stronger physical connection with the wider economy.

Why Rural Access Matters

For many rural communities, the road is the first link in a much longer development chain.

A farmer may produce enough food but struggle to reach a profitable market. A trader may have demand for goods but face high transportation costs. A student may live relatively close to an educational institution yet experience difficulty reaching it.

A patient may need medical attention but encounter delays because the journey itself is difficult.

In each case, the problem is not necessarily the absence of opportunity. Sometimes, it is the difficulty of reaching it.

This raises an important question: what happens to a rural economy when physical access begins to improve?

The answer cannot be assumed. It has to be observed through changes in transportation, agricultural marketing, movement of people, access to services and local economic activity.

Roads and the Rural Economy

Yobe’s rural economy makes connectivity particularly important.

Agricultural production does not end at the farm gate. Produce must move from farms to collection points, markets and larger commercial centres.

The condition of the connecting road can influence the cost, speed and reliability of that movement.

The new routes linking communities such as Potiskum and Ngojin, Ngelzarma and Mashio, Nguru and Balangua, Gashua and Masaba, and Fadawa and Daya therefore deserve to be viewed through an economic lens.

Their potential significance extends beyond transportation.

Better connectivity can create stronger relationships between producers, traders and consumers.

A rural road can consequently become part of an economic system rather than simply a physical structure.

Extending Development Beyond Urban Centres

There is also a geographical dimension to the intervention.

Public investment naturally receives greater visibility in major towns, where large populations and public institutions are concentrated.

Rural infrastructure presents a different challenge: its beneficiaries are more dispersed, and its impact may be less immediately visible.

Yet development becomes broader when infrastructure reaches beyond administrative and commercial centres.

The road from Damagum to Gubana, for example, or the connections involving Danchua, Jajere, Bingel, Bukarti, Toshia, Karasuwa, Galu, Balangua and Kumagannam, are important precisely because they extend connectivity into communities outside the major urban corridors.

The significance of such projects should therefore be considered in terms of inclusion, mobility and opportunity.

The Question of Development Impact

However, constructing rural roads should not be the final measure of success.

The more important assessment begins after the road becomes usable.

Are journey times falling? Are transport costs becoming more manageable? Are farmers reaching markets more easily? Are communities gaining better access to schools and health facilities? Is commercial activity increasing along these routes?

These are the questions that can turn infrastructure statistics into evidence of development.

For that reason, the long-term evaluation of Yobe’s rural road programme should move beyond the number of projects completed.

It should examine what these roads are changing in the lives and economic activities of the communities they connect.

From Connectivity to Opportunity

The broader significance of rural access infrastructure is that it can reduce the physical barriers separating communities from opportunity.

A road connecting Gujba to Ngalda, for instance, has a different development significance from a conventional urban road.

Its importance is rooted in the communities and economic spaces it brings closer together.

The fact that the route is still ongoing also highlights the need to view infrastructure as a process whose ultimate value becomes clearer after completion and sustained use.

The same principle applies across the wider network.

When rural communities become better connected, movement becomes easier; when movement becomes easier, economic interaction can expand; and when economic interaction expands, new possibilities may emerge.

This is why rural roads deserve to be considered within the broader conversation about development in Yobe.

Beyond the Road Itself

The emerging rural access network under Governor Mai Mala Buni presents an interesting case for examining how infrastructure can influence development outside the major urban centres.

Its importance will ultimately depend on more than construction.

Maintenance, road quality, accessibility throughout the seasons and the economic activities generated around the routes will determine whether the initial investment produces lasting value.

The real measure of these roads will therefore be found in the communities they connect.

If a farmer reaches a market with less difficulty, a trader moves goods at lower cost, a student travels more easily, or a patient reaches a health facility sooner, the road has acquired a meaning beyond concrete, earthwork and engineering.

It has become a pathway to participation.

And perhaps that is the more important story emerging from Yobe’s rural roads, development is gradually extending into the spaces between the major towns, one connection at a time.


Maji Bappa Maina is a Voice of Development, Leadership and public Insight agent and he writes from Yobe State Nigeria

By Dr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu

It is common knowledge that the world is experiencing numerous challenges. The Global Peace Index Report of 2025 says that the world has become less peaceful for the 13th time in the last 17 years: more conflicts, more militarisation, and fewer resources for peacebuilding. 

Similarly, the 2025 report by the Institute for Economic and Peace says global peace is at its lowest level and that there are now over 122 million people who have been forcibly displaced due to conflicts globally.

In Nigeria, insecurity and economic hardship dominate public discourse. Figures from the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that 614,937 Nigerians were killed and 2,235,954 others were kidnapped nationwide within a single year in 2024.

Analysts confirmed that the number of people killed in Nigeria in 2024 was higher than the death toll in Israel’s war on Gaza, where over 40,000 had died. The figure is far more than the killings from the long-running Russian war on Ukraine, where 57,500 had been massacred as of December 2024

According to the World Food Programme’s August 2026 Country Briefing, an estimated 36.2 million people in Nigeria are acutely food insecure, with 2.1 million facing emergency levels of food insecurity. The 2022 NBS reports claimed that 133 million people living in Nigeria are multidimensionally poor. 

This situation calls for a national prayer to seek divine intervention to complement the efforts of Governments at the state and Federal levels, which have been launching noble initiatives, projects, and programmes to end lingering insecurity and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

The Glorious Qur’an made it abundantly clear that many afflictions and tribulations are caused by the wrongdoings committed by men, as a test that, peradventure, men may turn to God, who promised them succour afterwards. “Chaos appears in the land and the sea because of the evil deeds which people’s hands have earned, in order to make them taste the flavour of some of their misdeeds – in order that they may come back” (Qur’an 30:41).

Muslims believe that prayer has the spiritual power to overcome compounding and complex situations. “Your Lord has said, ‘Pray to Me, for I shall answer your prayers'” (Qur’an 40:60). For instance, with a “single prayer”, Prophet Moses (A.S.) got comfort, food, accommodation, a job and thereafter a family (Qur’an 28:24 – 27). 

Allah has always assured the believers that “when My servants ask you about Me, then surely I am near: I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he prays to Me. So, let them respond to My call, and believe and trust in Me, so that they may be guided.” (Qur’an 2:186). 

To strengthen believers in the efficacy of prayer, the glorious Qur’an is replete with stories of Prophets like Zakariya, Ayyub, Yunus (A.S.), among others, who prayed for certain issues and had their prayers answered (Q21:83-90).

As a demonstration of patriotism embodied in spirituality and faithfulness, the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of the President General and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, organised a national prayer for peace, unity and prosperity of our dear country, Nigeria.

The prayer session, preceded by the recitation of the entire Glorious Qur’an, was attended by Chief Imams of the Central Mosques from 36 states of the Federation, representatives of Islamic Organisations in Nigeria, and Muslim leaders from various spheres of life.

The event saw patriotic believers eschewing differences, stripping off their ranks and status, converging on one of the sacred places in the land in awe of God with reverence, praying to God, the Creator of all creation, to grant “our one request: help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed, and so with peace and plenty”

One of the Qur’an’s most powerful lessons is that faith is not passive. Islam does not teach believers to sit and wait without effort. Rather, it teaches Muslims to pray sincerely and act decisively. The central message is that as one raises hands in prayer, one is equally expected to roll up their sleeves and act.

Consider the example of Maryam (Mary) in Qur’an 19:25. In her moment of pain and distress, Allah tells her to shake the trunk of a palm tree. A weak woman, exhausted, shaking a strong tree—this action alone could not bring down dates. Yet Allah wanted to teach believers: make the effort, even when it seems small, and He will bring the result.

Likewise, when Musa (Moses) stood before the sea with danger behind him, Allah commanded him in Qur’an 26:63 to strike the sea with his staff. The sea did not part until Musa acted. Again, the lesson is clear: divine help comes alongside human effort.

Allah reminds us in Qur’an 13:11: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” 

This is a call to responsibility. If we seek relief from hardship, we must turn to Allah with du‘a, while also striving to improve our condition.

The story of Nuh (Noah) reinforces the principle of pairing prayer with concrete and decisive action. In Qur’an 11:37, Prophet Nuh (A.S.) was commanded to build an ark long before any visible sign of the flood.

Despite ridicule from his people, he continued his work. His survival, and that of the believers with him, came not merely from prayer, but from obedient and sustained effort.

The Qur’an reassures believers in Qur’an 94:5-6 that “with hardship comes ease.” However, that ease is often reached through a combination of spiritual devotion, patience, and purposeful action.

Equally compelling was the account of Ayyub (Job), a symbol of patience in suffering. After enduring prolonged illness, he turned to Allah in supplication. Yet his healing was linked to action: in Qur’an 38:42, he was told to strike the ground with his foot, whereupon a spring emerged. The narrative highlights that even divine healing may come through human participation.

Beyond individual stories, the Qur’an lays down general principles. In Qur’an 13:11, it states: “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” This verse underscores personal and collective responsibility—change requires initiative.

Other prophetic examples expand this theme. Yusuf (Joseph) advised on long-term economic planning during a coming famine (Qur’an 12:47), while Dhul-Qarnayn organised the construction of a protective barrier with collective effort (Qur’an 18:95). Even military discipline is emphasised in the story of Talut (Saul), where restraint and obedience determine success (Qur’an 2:249). The command is to combine reliance with preparedness. Qur’an 8:60 teaches that even with trust in Allah, believers must prepare and act.

Yes, Muslims throughout the country responded positively to the call of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and offered the National prayer for our country. What is expected is that they would equally rally behind him to implement a carefully crafted action plan, guided by his sagacity and leadership acumen, in line with divine guidance and in conformity with extant laws of the land, for a peaceful and prosperous future that posterity would be proud of.

“Keep working: Allah will behold your works and so will His Messenger and the believers;” (Q9:105).

Dr Gwandu is the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

By Haroon Aremu 

Across the world, nations that once struggled with fragile economies are rewriting their stories through a powerful tool: education. From Southeast Asia to parts of Europe, education is no longer treated merely as a social service but as a strategic economic asset capable of generating national wealth, global influence, and technological advancement. One of the most striking examples is Malaysia.

Over the past three decades, Malaysia has deliberately transformed its education sector into a global export industry by positioning itself as an international education hub. The country now attracts thousands of foreign students from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. 

Universities are integrated with research, innovation, and industry partnerships, making education both a knowledge enterprise and a revenue-generating sector. Education, in Malaysia’s model, is not just about producing graduates; it is about building a knowledge economy.

Today, international students contribute billions of dollars to Malaysia’s economy annually through tuition, research partnerships, and educational tourism. Countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada have also built thriving economies around their universities.

But as the world evolves into a digital and artificial intelligence driven era, the very meaning of education itself is undergoing a transformation.

The question then becomes urgent for Nigeria. Are we preparing for the future of education, or are we clinging to an outdated system?

The crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s education system is becoming a reality and more visionable to all. Our education sector, once regarded as one of the strongest in Africa during the 1960s and 1970s, now faces numerous challenges. 

Underfunding, outdated curricula, infrastructure decay, brain drain, and frequent industrial actions have weakened the foundation of tertiary education.

Universities struggle to keep pace with global academic trends, while graduates often emerge with skills misaligned with the demands of the digital economy.

Ironically, Nigeria possesses one of the largest youth populations in the world—an enormous demographic advantage that could power economic growth if properly harnessed through quality education.

Yet, many institutions remain trapped in a rigid academic structure designed for an industrial age rather than the knowledge and innovation economy of the 21st century. 

Artificial Intelligence and the guture of learning is now getting interwoven and there is a rapid growth and development which we must embrace. The rise of AI is rapidly redefining the nature of knowledge acquisition.

Tools such as AI assistants, machine learning platforms, and automated research systems are reshaping how people access and process information. In the near future, many routine intellectual tasks may be handled by intelligent systems, raising a critical question: Will traditional university education remain as relevant as it once was?

Some analysts argue that the future of education will place less emphasis on memorization and rigid academic certification, and more on critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and digital adaptability.

In this new era, literacy may extend beyond simply reading and writing to include digital literacy, algorithmic understanding, and technological fluency.

Education, therefore, must evolve beyond lecture halls into dynamic ecosystems of continuous learning, innovation, and practical problem-solving.

Reimagining education through African roots should be our mission and vision and we have to explore all the crucial features in it. For Africa, the challenge is not only modernization but also identity.

Colonial education systems were largely designed to produce clerks and administrators for imperial bureaucracies. As a result, many African curricula remain detached from indigenous knowledge systems, local realities, and cultural heritage.

A truly transformative education reform must therefore embrace a hybrid approach—one that blends African intellectual traditions with modern technological advancements.

African societies possess rich reservoirs of indigenous knowledge in agriculture, medicine, governance, environmental sustainability, and communal development. Integrating these systems into modern curricula could produce a more holistic and relevant educational model.

Imagine a Nigerian education system where students study artificial intelligence alongside indigenous conflict resolution methods, digital agriculture alongside traditional ecological knowledge, and technological entrepreneurship alongside African philosophy.

Such an approach would not only modernize education but also reclaim intellectual sovereignty.

To the Honourable Minister of Education Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa. Think about turning Nigerian education into an economic sector and redeeming the popular image and believe that “school na scam”. We need to redefine this narrative and give it a befitting standards.

If properly restructured, Nigeria’s education sector could become a major economic driver. With over 200 million people and a strategic location in Africa, Nigeria has the potential to attract international students from across the continent. However, this would require serious reforms.

Massive investment in university infrastructure and research, digital transformation of teaching and learning, industry–university collaboration, innovation-driven curricula and academic autonomy and merit-based leadership will be required. 

Nigeria could develop specialized education hubs in areas such as technology, public policy, African studies, renewable energy, and creative industries, attracting students globally.

Such a transformation would position education not just as a pathway to employment, but as a pillar of national development and economic diplomacy.

In a rapidly changing world, education can no longer be confined to the early stages of life. The future belongs to societies that embrace lifelong learning.

As technology continues to evolve, individuals will need to continuously update their skills, adapt to new industries, and navigate emerging knowledge landscapes.

For Nigeria and Africa at large, the challenge is clear: education must evolve from a rigid institutional process into a flexible, lifelong journey of intellectual growth and innovation.

Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. If the country continues with its current education trajectory, it risks falling further behind in a world driven by knowledge and technology. But if bold reforms are undertaken, the education sector could become one of Nigeria’s most powerful engines of national transformation.

The future of Nigeria’s economy may not lie only beneath its soil in oil reserves, but within its classrooms, laboratories, and digital learning platforms.

Because in the 21st century, knowledge is not merely power it is prosperity.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun is a developmental writer and wrote from Abuja via exponentumera@gmail.com.