Opinion

By El-Yassar Ahmad

Kano State’s recent ₦2.5 billion expenditure on a mass wedding initiative has sparked widespread criticism for being a poor use of public funds. At a time when the state faces significant challenges in sectors such as power supply, education, healthcare, and transportation, many believe this substantial sum could have been better invested in addressing these critical needs.

While states like Lagos prioritise infrastructure and sustainable growth—evidenced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s ₦3.5 billion investment in power generation—Kano’s leadership is drawing attention to what is seen as frivolous taxpayer spending. 

Many people, especially on social media, argue that such spending represents a missed opportunity to improve the lives of Kano’s citizens through long-term, impactful development.

This underscores a concerning trend of mismanagement and a lack of transparency that hinders progress in the state. Public resources ought to be invested in projects that meet the fundamental needs of the populace—healthcare, education, and essential services—rather than wasted on short-term initiatives that provide minimal enduring benefit.

It is high time for Kano’s leadership to reassess its priorities and ensure that public funds are used responsibly for the betterment of its citizens. Only through strategic investment in infrastructure and services can the state attain meaningful progress and enhance the quality of life for its people.

By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman 

Kano State has experienced a remarkable transformation under the leadership of the state governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Thus, the scenario has continued to earn the governor more commendations. The achievement followed his administration’s outstanding progress in key areas, such as infrastructure, safety and economic growth. 

In fact, among his administration’s most notable achievements is the widespread installation of solar street lights on major roads and key areas in the state.

This initiative, which has enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the state’s urban environment, has had far-reaching positive effects on the safety, economy and overall well-being of its residents.

Since taking office, Governor Yusuf has prioritized the provision of solar-powered street lights. This bold initiative is part of a larger vision to enhance the state’s infrastructure, improve public safety, and promote sustainable development. 

Solar energy, being both cost-effective and eco-friendly, has proven to be an excellent alternative to traditional street lighting, which previously depended heavily on expensive diesel generators. 

Not only has this shift saved the state substantial amounts of money, but it has also ensured that major roads and urban streets remain illuminated throughout the night, significantly boosting security for residents and businesses alike.

Governor Yusuf’s pioneering solar street lighting project aligns seamlessly with the global push to increase the adoption of renewable energy sources to mitigate climate change.

Beyond merely brightening streets and residential areas, the solar lighting initiative has extended the hours businesses can operate. 

This has stimulated economic activity in the evenings, benefiting both large corporations and small enterprises.

The improved street lighting has fostered a sense of security and normalcy, particularly in areas notorious for crime due to poor visibility. The state’s once-limited night economy is now flourishing, with businesses staying open later, providing more opportunities for local traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs.

A notable outcome of the solar street lighting project has been significantly reduced criminal activity, especially crimes such as phone snatching, drug trafficking and other petty offences. According to a report from the state police command, the installation of solar streetlights has led to a noticeable decline in crime rates, particularly in urban zones and densely populated areas. 

Before the solar lights were installed, the state’s city faced mounting challenges with night-time criminal activities. Criminals frequently took advantage of the poorly lit streets to commit offences, including phone snatching, robberies, and the smuggling of illegal drugs.

However, the increased visibility brought about by the solar lights in previously notorious areas, such as Kofar Dan Agundi, Zoo Road, Sabon Gari, Sharada and Tudun Maliki, has resulted in a sharp drop in criminal activities, with phone snatching being notably reduced. Local authorities have noted that these areas, once plagued by insecurity, are now safer and more secure.

Kano, one of the nation’s most populous and economically significant city-states, has long struggled with unreliable power supply and limited infrastructure. 

Under Governor Yusuf’s leadership, however, the state’s economy—particularly in urban areas—has revitalized, largely thanks to the solar street light initiative.

The improved lighting has created a more conducive environment for businesses, especially those that depend on evening hours to generate revenue.

For instance, street hawkers, small-scale traders and night market vendors have greatly benefited from the extended hours of operation. 

With more reliable lighting, these businesses now have the opportunity to thrive after dark, contributing to increased sales and revenue. 

This transformation in the state’s economic landscape is evident in the resurgence of night markets and retail businesses catering to residents long after sunset. 

Moreover, the move away from expensive diesel generators, once used to power streetlights and business premises during power outages, has significantly reduced operational costs for many businesses.

The financial savings generated by the solar street light project have been substantial. These savings have freed up valuable resources that the state government can reallocate to other critical sectors, such as healthcare, education and further infrastructure development.

Governor Yusuf’s decision to invest in solar energy reflects a broader global trend of transitioning to more sustainable and cost-efficient energy solutions. This underlines his commitment to modernising the state’s infrastructure while being mindful of its environmental impact.

In addition to improving infrastructure, Governor Yusuf’s administration has taken decisive steps to address state unemployment. 

A key initiative to support local entrepreneurs has been the distribution of N50,000 to 465 street hawkers across the state’s 44 local government areas. 

Vendors have widely celebrated this gesture, which they see as a direct effort to empower small businesses and reduce unemployment.

The N23.2 million provided to the street hawkers has enabled many to expand their businesses, purchase goods in bulk and even invest in new ventures. 

This financial assistance has proved to be a lifeline for numerous hawkers, helping them become more self-sufficient and less reliant on informal employment.  The initiative has been met with widespread praise from the public, particularly from the hawkers themselves, who now have the capital to reinvest in their businesses, boosting the local economy.

Governor Yusuf’s administration has set a new benchmark for regional governance. His focus on solar street lighting, crime reduction, economic revitalisation and youth empowerment has created a model of leadership for other states to emulate. 

The positive outcomes of these initiatives, particularly in terms of enhanced security, economic vibrancy, and infrastructural development, have reinvigorated the state and instilled a renewed sense of optimism and purpose among its residents.

Looking ahead, the continued expansion of solar street lighting and ongoing support for small businesses and local entrepreneurs demonstrate that Governor Yusuf’s vision for the state is one of sustained growth, security and prosperity.

His leadership has shown that even in the face of significant challenges, innovative solutions can uplift communities and lay the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future.

In summary, the changes in the state under Governor Yusuf’s guidance exemplify the impact of considerate and inclusive leadership. 

Governor Yusuf has set the state on a path toward long-term success by investing in infrastructure, empowering the people, and prioritising security.

Residents, from street vendors to entrepreneurs, are experiencing the benefits of these initiatives, positioning the state to become one of the most vibrant and prosperous areas in the country.

Suleiman covers activities of the state Deputy Governor’s office for The Triumph.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

No emirate, its Emir’s stool, or palace comes into existence without the foundation of law and authority, coupled with the community’s request, acceptance, loyalty, and support. This straightforward process involves the people’s demand, legislative endorsement, and executive approval.

The creation of the two new emirates and five chiefdoms by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri was guided by two principles: first, the community’s request and demand, and second, the provisions of the Adamawa State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law 2024, which has been formally gazetted and is now part of the state’s statutory framework. Without this law, the governor would lack the power and legal authority to fulfil the community’s requests.

The Fufore Emirate was established based on the demands of the 12 districts and their people. For those suggesting that Gurin, Malabu, and Ribadu or any other districts were coerced into joining the Fufore Emirate, consider the example of Zumo and Song. They chose not to join the new Yungur Chiefdom and remained with the Adamawa Emirate, while Gurin, Malabu, and Ribadu opted to be with Fufore. It’s straightforward: in a democracy, you get what you ask for.

Governor Fintiri didn’t simply wake up one morning and declare, “Let there be Fufore Emirate,” and it came into existence. It was the product of requests, demands, negotiations, mutual understanding, and the backing of law and authority.

There is a popular saying that one cannot cry more than the bereaved. Up to this moment, most of the noise about the creation of the Fufore Emirate is coming from people outside the 12 districts.

None of the 12 districts—Ribadu, Daware, Bengo, Verre, Nyibango, Kofsopah, Malabu, Malabu Kofa, Mayoine, Gurin, Beti, and Wuro Sham.—has filed a petition or challenged the creation of the Fufore Emirate or their inclusion in it. In fact, the heads of all 12 districts were the first to pledge their allegiance and pay homage to the new Lamido of Fufore, His Royal Highness Alhaji Sani Ahmadu Ribadu.

On behalf of the 12 district heads, the District Head of Malabu was both emphatic and unwavering in his expression of loyalty and support for the new Emirate during the reception of the new Emir in Fufore.

The Fufore Emirate, like any other emirate in Nigeria, is a product of law—established by the Adamawa State House of Assembly and gazetted in Adamawa. The emergence of the new Fufore Emirate, its Emir, and the allegiance and support of all 12 district heads and their subjects are outcomes of law, clear legal provisions, government authority, negotiation, and the people’s requests and demands. These are the fundamentals of tradition, custom, and democracy. 

Let us allow the citizens, friends, and neighbours of the Fufore Emirate to celebrate, as this expansion of horizons will foster development and strengthen unity, prosperity, and peace.

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

By Ukasha Sani Idris

The ongoing debate regarding whether the founder of the mosque and the IZALA group should be held accountable for the controversy surrounding the “New Sahaba Mosque” is currently attracting increasing attention both online and offline in Kano, Nigeria’s most populous state.

Recall that on 8 March 2024, a prominent business tycoon, Alhaji A. Y. Maikifi, inaugurated a new mosque named “New Sahaba Mosque”— an extension of the existing Sahaba Mosque located less than a kilometre away. 

Initially, having seen the signboard for the new mosque titled “Proposed Sahaba Mosque” and having heard of the discussions and meetings that the founder invited the Chief Imam of Sahaba Mosque to, the community and beyond congratulated Imam Sheikh Bn Othman on this historic upgrade.

Considering Sheikh Bn Othman’s impressive profile, articulate nature, international exposure, fluency in multiple languages, and reputation for avoiding partisan debates and conflicts involving various sects, political groups, and religions, the community was excited to witness him lead the state’s most expensive and well-decorated mosque.

Subsequently, the Chief Imam made a public announcement from his pulpit, informing his followers of plans to discontinue Friday prayers at the old mosque in preparation for the relocation to the new one. The congregation enthusiastically accepted the idea despite the old mosque’s rich history spanning over twenty years.

However, in a surprising turn of events, the founder later informed the Chief Imam of his plan to employ new Imams,noting that his role would undergo a significant change. Rather than leading prayers as before, each Imam would now be responsible for leading two consecutive Friday prayers on a rotational basis. 

To illustrate this situation more clearly, let me use a football analogy that many of us can relate to: imagine a scenario in which a wealthy individual builds a football field next to you and names it after the local club you have been coaching. He promises you a key role in the new setup and allows you to announce the plans to abandon the existing field in anticipation of relocating to the new one. However, in a surprising twist, the founder informs you that you will be demoted to assistant coach, and your trusted players will be replaced by new ones over whom you will have little control. Just imagine yourself in this situation.

The attendance of numerous prominent Sheikhs at the grand opening highlighted its connection to the Izala sect. However, the sect’s leadership has remained noticeably silent regarding the controversy surrounding the mosque. My question is: what efforts are the Izala leaders making to resolve this conflict? Or are they preoccupied with other events, such as the recent Qur’an festival or Qur’an convention?

Ukasha Sani Idris wrote via ukasha_sani@yahoo.com.

By Abubakar Musa Idris 

Tragedy struck again in Nigeria on Saturday as a devastating fuel tanker explosion claimed lives and left others injured, highlighting the alarming reoccurrence of such disasters.

Just last year, specifically on 15 October 2024, a fuel tanker in Majiya town, Jigawa State, erupted in flames after residents rushed out to scoop petrol from it. This tragic incident claimed the lives of over 150 people, leaving countless others injured and traumatised. Sadly, this year, we have witnessed another devastating fuel tanker accident in the Dikko area of Niger State, resulting in the loss of over 80 lives.

The frequency of these accidents raises a troubling question: Why do Nigerians continue to risk their lives by scooping fuel from tankers, despite the clear dangers? Is it a lack of awareness regarding the associated risks, or is it the harsh economic situation that compels people to take such drastic measures?

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria recorded over 300 fuel tanker accidents between 2020 and 2022. Alarmingly, the FRSC listed fuel tanker accidents as one of the leading causes of road crashes in 2020, resulting in more than 535 fatalities.

Experts attribute the persistence of fuel scooping to a combination of factors, including poverty, unemployment, and a lack of access to affordable fuel. “Many Nigerians are forced to scoop fuel due to economic necessity,” says Dr. Afolabi, a safety expert. “However, this practice is not only hazardous but also perpetuates a culture of recklessness.”

Regrettably, the recent fuel tanker accident in Nigeria is not an isolated incident. Just last year, a fuel tanker accident in Minna, Niger State, claimed the lives of over 50 individuals. In 2022, a fuel tanker crashed on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, resulting in 12 fatalities. Comparable incidents have taken place in Kaduna, leading to substantial loss of life and property. These recurring tragedies underscore the urgent need for action to tackle the root causes of fuel tanker accidents in Nigeria.

The dangers of fuel scooping are genuine and severe. The risks of explosions, fires, and spills are always present, and the consequences can be devastating.

The government and relevant stakeholders must take concrete steps to address this issue. One way to combat the menace of fuel scooping and ensure road safety is to launch targeted public education and awareness campaigns. 

 It is essential to launch targeted public education and awareness campaigns. These campaigns should concentrate on informing the public about the dangers of fuel scooping, the significance of road safety, and the repercussions of reckless behaviour. Raising awareness and fostering a culture of safety are vital steps towards reducing the frequency of fuel tanker accidents and saving lives.

Enhancing safety regulations is another critical strategy for preventing fuel scooping and ensuring accountability. Strengthening existing laws and regulations and enforcing stricter safety standards for fuel transportation, storage, and handling can help prevent accidents. This, in turn, reduces the risk of fuel tanker accidents and protects lives and property.

Investing in enhanced road infrastructure and fuel storage facilities is crucial for minimising the risk of accidents and spills. Upgrading roads to alleviate congestion and enhance safety, alongside constructing modern fuel storage facilities that comply with international safety standards, are vital measures to consider. Such investments not only mitigate the risk of fuel tanker accidents but also safeguard lives and property, whilst fostering economic growth and development.

As Nigerians mourn the lives lost in these tragic accidents, we must also recognize the need for collective action. The government, stakeholders, and individuals must join forces to address the root causes of fuel scooping and ensure a safer future for all Nigerians.

These fuel tanker tragedies represent more than just statistics; they serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of systemic failures. While immediate actions like public education and stricter regulations are crucial, the real test lies in Nigeria’s ability to create an environment where citizens no longer feel compelled to risk their lives for fuel. Until we achieve this fundamental change, we will continue to count losses instead of progress.

Abubakar Musa Idris is a PRNigeria fellow and wrote via abkidris99@gmail.com.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli

I read Professor Farooq A. Kperogi’s article “Emir Sanusi’s Quid Pro Quo for His Friends Turned Fiends” with keen interest. While it was well-written and rich in rhetorical flair, I believe it unfairly misrepresents the character and contributions of His Highness Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the broader context of his remarks. My intention here is not to disparage Mr. Kperogi or his intellectual depth but to offer a more nuanced perspective based on facts and a balanced understanding.

Sanusi’s commentary on economic reforms is not new, and it is not driven by self-interest, as the article implies. His economic positions, controversial as they may be, have always been rooted in his commitment to transparency, accountability, and fiscal prudence.

As governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi spearheaded reforms that stabilised the financial sector and exposed corruption, notably the mismanagement of funds in the petroleum industry. His leadership saved the Nigerian banking system during the 2009 global financial crisis. These efforts reflect a consistent commitment to economic pragmatism, not the “self-loving sadism” Mr. Kperogi ascribed to him.

At the Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Lecture, Emir Sanusi addressed Nigeria’s economic challenges within a historical framework, highlighting how years of poor management led to today’s difficulties. His statement about not defending the current government’s policies was not a quid pro quo demand but an expression of discontent over the failure of political leaders to reciprocate loyalty or act decisively for national progress.

Sanusi’s critique of governance has often transcended personal affiliations. For instance, he openly criticised the Goodluck Jonathan administration despite being part of the government apparatus, risking his career in the process. His comments in the lecture reflect this same principle: his loyalty is to ideas, not individuals.

The article unfairly caricatures Sanusi as an unrepentant neoliberal apologist indifferent to the suffering of the masses. While he has supported subsidy removal and exchange rate harmonisation, his positions are informed by Nigeria’s fiscal realities. Subsidy regimes, historically marred by corruption and inefficiency, drained trillions of naira from public coffers without addressing systemic energy sector challenges.

Critics often overlook the fact that subsidies disproportionately benefit the elite rather than the poor. Studies by organisations like the World Bank and Nigeria’s Budget Office have shown that wealthier Nigerians consume more fuel and thus benefit more from subsidies. Sanusi’s advocacy for subsidy removal aims to redirect these funds toward targeted interventions, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, which directly benefit the masses.

Contrary to the claim that Sanusi derives “delight from the misery of the masses,” he has consistently called for equitable resource allocation and the empowerment of marginalised communities. As emir, he launched initiatives to promote girl-child education, gender equity, and poverty alleviation in Kano State. His reforms in the Kano Emirate Council prioritised addressing social injustices that have long plagued Northern Nigeria.

For instance, his campaign against child marriage and his emphasis on the importance of education for girls drew both applause and backlash. These efforts single out his commitment to social progress and human dignity.

Mr Kperogi’s passionate critique of Sanusi’s remarks offers no clear alternative solutions to Nigeria’s economic woes. If we agree that Nigeria’s economy has suffered from decades of mismanagement, what is the path forward? Should we continue subsidising consumption at the expense of critical investments? Sanusi’s prescriptions, while debatable, are at least anchored in economic logic and long-term sustainability.

Nigeria’s challenges require a balanced, solutions-driven discourse. Reducing complex issues to personal attacks or dismissing individuals who have contributed significantly to national development is unproductive. Emir Sanusi’s positions are not beyond critique, but such critiques should engage with the substance of his arguments rather than resorting to ad hominem attacks or speculative interpretations of his motives.

Nigeria stands at a crossroads, and leadership—whether in government, traditional institutions, or civil society—must rise to the occasion. While Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is not infallible, his track record of service, advocacy, and reform warrants a more balanced appraisal. Let us concentrate on fostering a Nigeria where ideas are debated with civility and respect, rather than transforming crucial national discussions into platforms for derision.

Usman Abdullahi Koli is a public relations expert, writer, and advocate for balanced public discourse. He can be reachedvia mernoukoli@gmail.com.

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD

Every nation has its beacon of hope. India has Mahatma Gandhi, Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, China, Mao Zedong, South Africa, and Nelson Mandela. In the United States, it’s Abraham Lincoln, while Ghana reveres Kwame Nkrumah. Zimbabwe holds on to Robert Mugabe, Kenya to Jomo Kenyatta, Egypt to Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Ethiopia to Haile Selassie.

Northern Nigeria’s guiding light is Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto—a man whose name is written in gold on the sands of history. A towering figure with a heart as vast as the Sahel, he was a custodian of Islam, a protector of culture, a unifier of regions, and a calculated risk-taker. Bold in action and resolute in purpose, he stands tall as the North’s brightest son.

Almost all of Sardauna’s life and legacy have been well documented and were public knowledge; it has been told through various forms and platforms like nostalgia, reminiscence legends, truth, and myth. Sardauna is generally known for one thing: an unnegotiable love for the North- a love rooted in modernization and unification.

Thanks to Sardauna’s vision for proficient and disciplined graduates to fill the gap in the northern civil service, the all-encompassing, majestic, and larger-than-life ABU Zaria was born. Sardaunan’s vision for institutional independence extends beyond academia: it includes independence in finance, energy, media, aviation, and food security.

Monuments and megastructures in Sardauna’s name that still stand and reverberate speak volumes about the foresight, determination, and vision of this legendary figure. This uncommon vision for the North to develop and be independent fetched Sardauna, both friends and many foes. But it never deterred him. He forged on from strength to strength.

Whether known or unknown to Sardauna’s distractors, he was never anything close to being a bigot. His actions tell a different story: his consideration of the whole North transcends every primordial boundary like tribe, region, and religion. Sardauna merely wanted to discharge his duties best to the people he was entrusted with. If Sardauna could govern Nigeria, he would ensure the country excels among its peers. He will pursue the Nigerian interest with the same vigour and rigour as the North.

Perhaps the most controversial stance of Sardauna after the Northernization agenda was his determined campaign against independence. This is what Southerners and Easterners, especially his colleagues such as Awolowo, Akintola, and Azikiwe, could not wrap their heads against. Was it not the independence that people die to get, but here is a potential premier kicking against it or, at best, asking for its delay? This particular unpopular campaign that Sardauna embarked on and his colleagues in the North are two sides of the same coin.

As of 1952, when agitations for self-government began to mount, the majority of staff in the North were Whites, Southerners, and Easterners of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, so Sardauna clamour was until the North became not only united and literate but capable of piloting its affairs before independence. This argument and most of other Sardauna’s interests would prevail, and the regional self-government was granted in 1955 to 56 instead, before the independence four years later.

This unprecedented vision of Sardauna for the delayed independence is a revolutionary—a potential antidote to the challenges plaguing many post-colonial nations. This could be the first time a potential president of a potential country could not be desperate, but instead harbour delayed independence subject to the capacity of the country.

Yesterday marks 59 years since Sardauna’s cold-blooded assassination by Lieutenant Colonel Nzeogwu. Yet, his legacy lives on, etched in the hearts of Northerners and Nigerians alike. May Allah forgive the shortcomings of North’s brightest son and grant him Jannatul Firdaus, amin.

Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD, wrote via bilal4riid13@gmail.com.

By Yakubu Nasiru Khalid

Still, addressing the public’s issues remains challenging in northern Nigeria. Media outlets favour partisanship over accuracy or truth, and the Nigerian media requires a controlling apparatus. 

Media outlets are considered a room where the underprivileged can address their problems to the government or private individuals who breach their rights. However, media outlets are now mainly sponsored and do not act independently or impartially when telling the truth. 

When I was young, I saw journalists as saviours who worked as architects or social engineers to prioritise public interests and solutions over personal or government interests, but now I see the opposite.

This results in the loss of hope that the electronic or printing media cannot serve as a messianic approach to standing against the breaching of the rights of ordinary citizens.

Even though media and journalistic standards attest to and measure a report’s accuracy and truthfulness, the ongoing challenge for media outlets remains their preference for partisanship over impartiality and independence.

For this reason, fact-checking media and journalists are mostly needed in electronic media (online Newspapers). Most media companies are owned and managed by people not equipped with journalism etiquette; they do it for a passion. 

While passion in journalism can often render one unprofessional, incompetent, or unethical in reporting, investigating, or addressing issues, it is essential for those who have not studied media to understand its etiquette, even if it means obtaining a certificate in the field.

It’s known that Nigerian media companies are owned by private individuals and deprived of government-approved control mechanisms or apparatus. They aim to generate income, which leads to sparks of misinformation from various media outlets. 

Lastly, I suggest media companies refrain from favouring personal or political interests over factual or truthful reportingor addressing public issues. I also advise those passionate about journalism to learn its etiquette formally.

Yakubu Nasiru Khalid wrote via yakubunasirukhalid@gmail.com.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

I have always maintained the opinion that aid is a mechanism used by the so-called powerful nations to underdevelop weaker countries—though not deliberately, especially in African countries where insecurity is caused by terrorism or ethnic cleansing, which is a crime against humanity or genocide.

In Africa, particularly Nigeria, our major problem is poverty—a singular issue that has metamorphosed into intractable insecurities, including but not limited to the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping, among others. Many people might argue that Boko Haram and the Biafra movements are ideological in nature, but the truth is that those ideological elements have long since faded, leaving the agitations as an economic venture for certain nefarious countries and individuals to exploit.

They recruit jobless, uneducated, desperate, and misguided young people into their criminal community to kill not just their enemies but anyone who upholds peace and stability. I was born and raised in Maiduguri, and I’ve never left the ‘Home of Peace’ even for a day because of the insurgency—not even when it was at its peak. Therefore, I am qualified to say a few things regarding the phenomenon. We’ve witnessed how young people were recruited into the deadly and infamous sect known as Boko Haram.

Some were paid 50k weekly, some received 150k to 300k monthly, depending on the nature of the work assigned to them, and some of the payments were in hard currencies. The same thing happens in the North Western region of Nigeria, where banditry and kidnapping thrive in the open — dozens of lives are lost, and women and children are left in depression, poverty, and psychological trauma. 

This has attracted many INGOs and subsequently led to the formation of local NGOs in the country, whose assistance is largely unsustainable and dependent. They provide cash and food items, with only a few engaging in ‘goat and sheep empowerment’, similar to the initiative recently unveiled by the Kano State Government. That initiative, too, is ineffective, as more than two-thirds of the beneficiaries, if not all, sell these items at the distribution venue. This arises because it is aid, not a partnership for economic growth.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, shares my opinion. His remarks reflect a deep understanding of global economic dynamics and the need for sustainable development in Africa. Leaders like him talk about Nigeria’s untapped potential as a partner for global powers and investors. 

Instead of perpetuating the cycle of aid dependency, he spoke about the urgent need for the world to recognize Nigeria’s potential as a hub for industrialization, which would provide opportunities for millions of youth and contribute to global economic growth.

Africa, and particularly Nigeria, has long received foreign aid, often with good intentions but yielding unsustainable results. Aid might address immediate crises, but it does not tackle the root causes of poverty or unemployment. Instead, it fosters dependency, undermines local capacity, and creates temporary solutions. As Sen. Shettima’s example illustrates, Nigeria does not need fish handed to it; it needs to be taught how to fish through strategic partnerships that prioritize industrialization, skill development, and innovation.

By working together to build industries, Nigeria can unleash the potential of its vast, youthful population and ensure long-term, self-sustaining growth.

World powers and private investors must recognise Nigeria for what it truly is: a land of opportunity. With a population of over 250 million, Nigeria represents one of the largest consumer markets globally, along with an abundance of natural resources and human capital. Establishing industries in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and renewable energy would not only tackle the country’s unemployment crisis but also offer global investors access to untapped, profitable markets.

Partnerships that create factories, manufacturing plants, and tech hubs will empower Nigeria’s youth, reduce migration pressures, and ultimately benefit the global economy. The need for industrialisation cannot be overstated. Nigeria’s youths, brimming with talent and ambition, are eager to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development. 

However, without opportunities, many remained unemployed, looking forward to migration in search of greener pastures. The international community can help transform Nigeria into a global production hub by establishing industries and leveraging its demographic dividend to drive innovation and development. This is the position of Sen. Shettima, who advocates for economic empowerment rather than reliance on foreign assistance.

Furthermore, industrialisation offers a win-win scenario for both Nigeria and the world. While Nigeria gains employment opportunities, technological transfer, and a diversified economy, global powers and businesses secure access to a vibrant and emerging market. Beyond economic benefits, these partnerships strengthen political stability, reduce security threats, and position Nigeria as a strong ally on the global stage. 

Sen. Shettima’s representation at the World Economic Forum emphasised this potential as he spoke about Nigeria’s challenges and its vast opportunities for collaboration and growth.

The message is that Africa, particularly Nigeria, does not require handouts. It needs partnerships that promote self-reliance, innovation, and sustainability. The world must transition from giving aid to creating opportunities. Let industries rise, let innovation flourish, and let Nigeria demonstrate to the world that, with the right tools and partnerships, it can be a formidable force. 

Lawan Bukar Maigana, Daily Trust’s 2024 Unsung Hero, writes from Maiduguri, Borno State, and can be reached via email: LawanBukarMaigana@gmail.com.

By Hamisu Adamu Dandajeh, PhD

Recently, I have not encountered anyone more deserving of an Honorary Doctorate Degree globally than Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussaini Maiduguri CON. The 87-year-old global scholar and researcher has authored over 400 books and 100 conference papers in Arabic. 

Sheikh is a global mufti who currently heads the Supreme Council for Fatwa and Islamic Affairs in Nigeria (NSCIA). Throughout Nigeria’s history as a nation, no recognised Islamic scholar has made such remarkable contributions to the body of quality knowledge as the Mufti himself.

This renowned Sheikh embodies knowledge and humility and is a product of the Tsangaya System. Sheikh Sharif is, in fact, overly qualified. European universities established an Honorary Doctorate in the 15th Century to recognise exceptional individuals who have made substantial contributions to a particular field, society, and humanity despite lacking traditional academic credentials.

Sheikh Sharif has written extensively on nearly every facet of Islam, encompassing Quranic sciences, Hadith, Islamic law, history, philosophy, Islamic jurisprudence, linguistics, Islamic polity, Tauhid, Fiqh, Tafseer, Sufism, Arabic literature, Islamic law, inheritance, astronomy—indeed, astronomy—and the peaceful coexistence between nations.

While some universities worldwide have drifted away from the 15th-century original purpose of awarding Honorary Doctorates, instead prioritising celebrity appeal, fundraising, politics, diplomacy, and commercialisation, Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria remains committed to upholding the original intent, as evident in the recent award to Sheikh Sharif. 

Sheikh Sharif has spent his entire life teaching, learning, researching, and contributing to community development, which aligns with the exact purpose of universities globally. He has exemplified scholarship and knowledge sharing, promoted interfaith dialogue, and fostered a culture of peaceful coexistence. 

Sheikh Sharif has produced many scholars of global repute, including Sheikh Professor Ibrahim Maqari, now the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Nigeria. He is building one of the biggest Islamic centres (Markaz) in Abuja to advance international teaching and research.

Sheikh Sharif brings class, integrity, dignity, and prestige to the Honorary Doctorate. We hope that, going forward, the nomination, review, selection, and conferment processes will remain transparent and accountable. 

To know what is next for Nigerian universities after this remarkable award, here is what Abdulbasit Kasim, a friend and a postdoctoral fellow at the African and American Studies at Stanford University, USA, added: “After awarding Shayk an honorary doctorate, Ahmadu Bello University should proceed to the next phase of translating and incorporating his books into the University curriculum. If I can include Shayk’s work on history, politics, philosophy, and economics in my Stanford syllabus, there is no reason why Nigerian students in humanities and social sciences should study Antonio Gramsci and Karl Popper but not Sharif Ibrahim Saleh and Adam Abdallah al-iluri. While this honorary degree has aesthetic value, I hope Ahmadu Bello University will diversify and broaden the curriculum beyond [the] Western canon.”

Thank you, Ahmadu Bello University, for honouring an erudite scholar. Congratulations, Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussaini Maiduguri, on your well-deserved Honorary Doctorate in Law award.

Hamisu Adamu Dandajeh, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Fuels, Energy and Climate Change at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria – Nigeria.