International

By Sulaiman Abdullahi

Manmohan Singh, the renowned economist and former Prime Minister of India, has passed away at the age of 92, according to local media reports on Thursday.

Singh, who served two consecutive terms as prime minister, was instrumental in steering India’s economic liberalization during his tenure as finance minister.

A respected economist-turned-politician, he also held the position of governor of India’s central bank.

The former leader had been ailing and was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, where he reportedly passed away late on Thursday.

Singh leaves behind a legacy of economic reforms and leadership that transformed India’s trajectory on the global stage.

By Sanusi Maikudi 

In her recent remarks, Rt. Hon. Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK Conservative Party, reportedly dismissed associations with Nigeria beyond her Yoruba heritage. She distanced herself from Northern Nigeria and associated it narrowly with Islamism. These comments, replete with historical ignorance and political misjudgement, reflect poorly on her understanding of the intertwined histories of Britain and Nigeria and, by extension, her role as a leader in one of the world’s oldest democracies.

It is troubling that Badenoch, a figure who aspires to statesmanship, would exhibit such a parochial view of her heritage and the complex relationship between the United Kingdom and Northern Nigeria. Her remarks not only betray an ignorance of British colonial history but also reflect a failure to grasp the significance of global citizenship—an essential quality for anyone seeking to lead in a post-imperial world.

Misunderstanding History

Badenoch’s attempt to disassociate herself from Northern Nigeria exposes a glaring lack of awareness about the region’s rich and diverse history. Long before colonialism, Northern Nigeria boasted a sophisticated socio-political structure exemplified by the Sokoto Caliphate and other emirates. These entities maintained written records, produced scholarly works in Arabic, and upheld organised governance systems.

British colonial explorers and missionaries documented these structures extensively. Figures like Hugh Clapperton, Mungo Park, and Frederick Lugard not only travelled through Northern Nigeria but also admired its governance systems. The British colonial administration, recognising the efficacy of Northern Nigeria’s traditional leadership, adopted the system of indirect rule to govern the region. This is a testament to the historical and administrative depth of the region—a depth Badenoch seems to have overlooked.

Furthermore, the Christian missionaries who ventured into Northern Nigeria risked their lives not to trivialise or divide but to understand and engage with its people. Their contributions are preserved in archives that form part of Britain’s collective memory. Denying or dismissing this history is ignorant and disrespectful to the legacy of British-Nigerian relations.

A Failure of Diplomacy

As a leader in a global power, Badenoch is expected to demonstrate diplomatic acumen and cultural sensitivity. Her dismissive remarks, however, suggest a narrow worldview that is unbecoming of someone in her position. Britain’s legacy as the patron of the Commonwealth—a union of diverse nations shaped by shared history—requires its leaders to embody inclusivity and understanding.

Badenoch undermines her credibility by distancing herself from Northern Nigeria in such a derogatory manner. Her comments seem less like the musings of a seasoned statesperson and more like pandering to fringe nationalist sentiments. Was she addressing British society, which has long recognised and documented the importance of Northern Nigeria? Or was she appealing to a clandestine audience of Yoruba nationalist agitators? Either way, her remarks reveal a political novice more concerned with short-term rhetoric than long-term statesmanship.

The Irony of Her Position

Badenoch’s position as a British politician of Nigerian descent is itself a product of the historical forces she now dismisses. Like many others from former colonies, her parents benefited from the opportunities created by Britain’s imperial legacy. She was born in London, a city shaped by centuries of global migration and colonial history. Ironically, the very system she now seeks to lead is a product of the multiculturalism and interconnectedness she seems to reject.

It is also worth noting that Badenoch’s rise to prominence coincides with the UK’s struggles with political leadership. The Conservative Party’s internal crises have eroded its cadre of charismatic leaders, paving the way for figures like Badenoch. Yet her divisive rhetoric and lack of historical understanding alienate mature voters and diminish her standing as a potential statesperson.

Populism and the Far-Right Trap

While Badenoch may be tempted to align herself with the growing populist and far-right ideologies in Europe, she is ultimately a victim of these movements, not a beneficiary. The same far-right ideologies that demonise immigrants and minorities would not spare someone of her background. Her attempts to position herself as “more Catholic than the Pope” by demonising others only highlight her vulnerability within such spaces.

Conclusion

Rt. Hon. Kemi Badenoch’s recent remarks reveal a troubling ignorance of British and Nigerian history. Her attempt to distance herself from Northern Nigeria not only disrespects the region’s rich heritage but also undermines her credibility as a leader in a globalised world. Her rhetoric, steeped in parochialism and divisiveness, starkly contrasts the qualities of diplomacy, wisdom, and inclusivity required of a true statesperson.

Rather than deriding others, Badenoch would reflect on the interconnected histories of the nations she represents and aspire to a leadership style that unites rather than divides. As history has shown, those who fail to learn from the past are often relegated to its margins. Let her words serve as a reminder of the perils of ignorance and the importance of informed leadership in a complex, interconnected world.

Sanusi Maikudi wrote from the Network for Justice, Kaduna, Nigeria, via sanusihmaikudi@yahoo.com.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

Kano-born historian Dr Abdullahi Hamisu Shehu has been awarded the 2023 African Studies Review/Cambridge University Press Award for Best Africa-Based Doctoral Dissertation at the 67th ASA Annual Meeting held in Chicago, United States of America, from December 12 to 14, 2024.

The recognition celebrates Dr Shehu’s groundbreaking research, titled “Procession, Pilgrimage, and Protest: A Historical Study of the Qadiriyya-Nasiriyya and Islamic Movement in Nigeria Public Religiosity in Northern Nigeria, 1952-2021.”

Dr Shehu, a faculty member at the Department of History, Bayero University, Kano, earned his PhD from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. His dissertation examines the dynamic interplay between public religiosity and identity formation in northern Nigeria, focusing on two key movements: the Qadiriyya-Nasiriyya, a reformed Sufi order, and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), a Shia revivalist group.

His research explores the historical, social, and religious aspects of public demonstrations, such as the Maukibi (Sufi processions) and the Muzahara and Tattaki (Shia protests and symbolic journeys). According to Dr Shehu, these practices represent a unique contest for public space and visibility between competing religious identities in the post-colonial northern Nigerian landscape.

An accomplished scholar, Dr. Shehu is also a Fellow of the Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa (Social Science Research Council, New York) and a Lisa Maskell Fellow (Gerda Henkel Foundation, Germany). Over his career, he has participated in numerous academic conferences and workshops worldwide.

His work sheds new light on the role of public space in shaping religious identity and offers fresh perspectives on the sociopolitical complexities of northern Nigeria. Dr. Shehu’s achievement highlights his academic excellence and underscores the growing impact of African scholarship on global discourse.

By Uzair Adam

In a ground-breaking advancement for diabetes diagnostics, Nigeria-born Dr Fahad Usman, an Assistant Professor of Optical Engineering Technology in the United States, has introduced a highly sensitive optical biosensor capable of non-invasive diabetes screening.

Dr Usman’s pioneering work focuses on a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor that detects exhaled breath acetone, a key biomarker for diabetes. This innovative approach offers an alternative to traditional blood glucose tests, which are invasive and often painful.

Dr Usman’s research, published in top journals like Results in Physics and Polymers Journal, presents a novel ternary composite material made from polyaniline, chitosan, and reduced graphene oxide. With enhanced electrical conductivity and thermal stability, this material underpins the SPR biosensor, allowing it to detect acetone concentrations as low as 0.88 parts per billion. 

This collaboration with researchers from Malaysia, France, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. addresses the global diabetes crisis. With over 537 million affected worldwide and projections of 783 million by 2045, this innovation promises a significant impact. According to the National Institutes of Health, over 37 million people in the U.S. are affected by diabetes. 

Due to its non-invasive nature, the optical sensor ensures greater accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability and enhances patient compliance. 

Dr Usman’s work represents a significant leap forward in healthcare innovation. It positions the U.S. at the forefront of global scientific advancements.

This technology offers potential beyond healthcare, with broader industrial applications in optical sensing and materials science.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Ghanaians have voted out the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the presidential election on 7 December 2024. The party’s candidate, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has conceded defeat to former President John Dramani Mahama of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The NPP’s downfall is attributed mainly to Ghana’s economic woes. Under its leadership, the country has experienced its worst financial crisis in decades, marked by skyrocketing food prices, rampant unemployment—particularly among the youth—soaring living costs, and an overwhelming debt burden.

Although no party in Ghana has ever won a third consecutive term, many observers and analysts believe the NPP was punished for failing to alleviate citizens’ economic hardship. Despite criticisms of Mahama’s previous tenure—characterised by a weak economy, allegations of corruption, and widespread power outages—Ghanaians have opted for his return. Mahama has promised to chart a new course for the nation – though politicians are like that!

What makes Ghana’s December 7 presidential election particularly striking is that even supporters of the NPP welcomed their party’s defeat. This unusual occurrence reflects the extent of the economic challenges faced by Ghanaians—challenges they claim are unprecedented in recent generations.

Ghana’s presidential election result sends a strong message and serves as an early warning to Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). For the majority of voters, particularly the masses, what truly matters are tangible results: affordable food, reduced living costs, and economic relief. They care little for figures, statistics, reforms, or long-term projections if their immediate needs remain unmet.

Nigerians today face similar struggles: soaring food prices, escalating petrol costs, and crippling transportation fares. These same issues that brought down Ghana’s NPP threaten to undermine Nigeria’s APC, which is already losing sympathy in its traditional strongholds, especially the North. However, the APC still has time to take stock, address these challenges, and implement meaningful changes.

Ghana’s ruling NPP’s defeat is a stark warning to Nigeria’s APC. When the economy fails, so does the people’s trust. Voters, particularly those struggling to meet their basic needs, will not hesitate to hold governments accountable at the ballot box. 

Rising food prices, high living costs, and unemployment are not just economic indicators—they are everyday realities that define the quality of life for ordinary citizens. If the APC fails to address these pressing challenges and provide visible, immediate solutions, it risks suffering a fate similar to Ghana’s ruling NPP. 

The Ghanaian experience highlights a universal truth: no amount of political rhetoric or long-term promises can outweigh the frustration of citizens whose daily struggles remain unresolved.

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

By Abdullahi Sulaiman

The Parents Teachers Association of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Bilingual College, Niamey, Niger Republic, has appealed to His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to honour the promise made by the former Governor of Kano, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to return their children to their school in Niger Republic. 

The students have not been in school for over a year now, while their peers in the Niger Republic have already resumed classes in the new session five weeks ago.

Dr. Ibrahim Habu, Chairman of the PTA, commends Governor Yusuf for prioritising education with substantial budget allocations. However, he urges him to address the unresolved issues of Bilingual College students in Kano from the last academic session. He calls for immediate action to ensure no child from the college is left idle at home.

The PTA Chairman urges all stakeholders to work collaboratively to fulfil Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s vision of establishing a Bilingual college, emphasising the importance of equipping students with bilingual skills in French and English to enhance self-reliance and global competitiveness among Kano’s next generation of citizens.

The Chairman also calls on the people of Kano State to continue supporting Governor Yusuf’s educational initiatives. These initiatives will ensure sustainable development in the education sector and contribute to the overall development of Kano State.

By Anwar Usman

The President of Nigeria Bola Tinubu on Tuesday stated that Nigeria and South Africa share a collective destiny to collaborate for the well-being of the African continent.

He noted the need for both countries to cooperate across various sectors, adding that the success of the partnership lies in the implementation, not merely the signing, of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

Tinubu made this statement during his opening address as he co-chaired the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa.

He said, “Our successive governments on both sides have recognised our shared history of collaboration and cooperation. We must ensure that the spirit of collaboration and cooperation between our two leading countries in Africa intensifies and deepens under the leadership of our respective nations. This is not a matter of choice but of destiny, which includes a historical responsibility to the African people.”

The Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, established in 1999, aims to strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The first Heads of State-level session took place in Pretoria in October 2019.

However, Tinubu noted that this year’s meeting coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Commission, and he revealed that Nigeria and South Africa have signed about 36 MoUs that reflect their friendship and cooperation.

He stressed that MoUs alone do not constitute success and must be backed by consistent implementation.

He revealed on strengthening the relationship between the youth populations of both countries, explaining that Nigeria and South Africa, with their large youthful demographics, can significantly boost their economic development.

The President also assured Ramaphosa of Nigeria’s readiness to strengthening the partnership between the two nations and warned against external forces that might be threatened by the alliance between Africa’s two largest economies.

He also urged South Africa’s support for Nigeria’s bid to gain full membership in the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank, adding, “Nigeria would like to join South Africa and the African Union in the G20.”

On his part, the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted Nigeria’s role as a host for several South African companies and reaffirmed his country’s openness to Nigerian businesses, citing numerous investments and operations in South Africa.

By Uzair Adam

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have rescued four children from an alleged child trafficking ring and arrested two suspects linked to the crime.

The children, aged between one and thirteen, were reportedly found at Alaeze Guest House in the Rumukwachi community of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where they were allegedly being held before being handed over to a nurse identified as Loveth, who runs a maternity home.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer of the command, stated that the hotel manager played a key role in uncovering the situation.

“The Managing Director of the Guest House became suspicious of the activities of one Esther Anthony, who attempted to check out with the children. He insisted that she provide proof of being their mother,” Iringe-Koko explained.

In response, Anthony left the premises and returned with police officers, accusing the manager of abducting the children and threatening her with a firearm.

However, the manager contacted the Choba Area Command, leading to Anthony’s arrest.

Further investigations revealed that Anthony had conspired with another suspect, identified as Favour, to traffic the children from Swali community in Bayelsa State.

Another accomplice, Purity Silas, was also apprehended in connection with the case.

In a startling development, a family in the Rumuodara area of Port Harcourt identified Anthony as the person who had previously stolen three of their children and sold them to Loveth.

The suspects have reportedly confessed to the crime and are now in police custody, with the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Port Harcourt for further investigation.

By Haroon Aremu

After fierce contention between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump for the next occupant of the White House, with the latter emerging victorious, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s congratulatory message to the President-elect reignited intense discussion about the relationship between both nations. 

The president’s eagerness to strengthen ties between Nigeria and the United States raises questions. Has the partnership between both countries truly benefited Nigeria? Or was Mr. President’s call merely another political courtesy? These questions prompt us to examine the nature of Nigeria’s relationship with the U.S., its economic implications, and the broader political dynamics at play.

Nigeria and the U.S. have maintained a long-standing economic relationship. Nigeria is one of America’s top trading partners in Africa. In 2019, bilateral trade between the two nations exceeded $10 billion, and the U.S. remains Nigeria’s largest foreign investor, particularly in the oil and gas sector. 

However, Nigeria’s economy continues to struggle, primarily due to its overreliance on oil. With global shifts toward renewable energy, including in the U.S., Nigeria must diversify its economy to remain competitive and avoid being left behind.

Critics argue that while the U.S.-Nigeria partnership has brought some benefits, these advantages are not felt equally across the population. The wealth generated from trade and investment remains largely concentrated in the oil sector, leaving many Nigerians excluded from broader economic gains. The promise of diversification remains largely unfulfilled, and the average citizen continues to bear the brunt of the country’s dependence on oil.

The political dynamics of the U.S. and Nigeria share striking similarities, particularly in their recent elections. Both the 2020 U.S. election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden and Nigeria’s 2023 election, where Bola Tinubu contested mainly against Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, were “reportedly” marred by allegations of fraud, electoral manipulation, and identity politics. Just as many Americans questioned the integrity of their electoral process, Nigerians also faced concerns over corruption and electoral malpractice.

However, Nigeria can learn from the U.S. by adopting reforms that promote a certain level of transparency, credibility, and inclusiveness in its electoral system, as witnessed in 2024. While the U.S. system has its challenges, its efforts to ensure a fair and free election through checks and balances offer valuable lessons for Nigeria, which must work to eliminate corruption and build public trust in the electoral process. 

These reforms will help create an electoral system that reflects the people’s will and ensures fair participation. 

Transparency, accountability, and the active participation of civil society will be vital to improving Nigeria’s elections and ensuring the people’s will is genuinely reflected in government.

Nigeria’s economy faces pressing challenges, including over 30% inflation and a soaring unemployment rate. The country’s dependence on oil exports makes it vulnerable to global market fluctuations. 

The need for diversification has never been more urgent. Nigeria must expand into agriculture, technology, and manufacturing sectors to create a more sustainable and resilient economy.

While U.S.-Nigeria partnerships in agriculture, technology, and infrastructure development have created some jobs, the benefits are often limited. Without proper policies and management, the economic gains from these partnerships fail to reach those who need them most. Corruption hinders inclusive growth, with the wealth generated by foreign investments rarely benefiting the broader population.

The U.S. has provided substantial aid to Nigeria over the years, including over $125 million in COVID-19 assistance and various health initiatives, such as PEPFAR, which has improved healthcare access. 

Educational programs have also significantly impacted Nigerian schools, providing millions of books and teaching resources. However, critics argue that much of this aid addresses immediate needs without addressing the deeper, systemic issues that hinder long—term development, such as corruption, poor governance, and institutional inefficiency.

Though aid has brought short-term relief, Nigeria must push for real, lasting change. Relying on external assistance alone is not enough without addressing the root causes of poverty, unemployment, and economic instability. 

Development cannot be achieved through aid alone—it requires internal reforms and institutional strengthening.

To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is at a critical juncture. It faces significant economic challenges, including the risk of recession, but the partnership with the United States offers an opportunity to stimulate growth, attract investment, and create jobs. 

While the World Bank acknowledges Nigeria’s efforts through macro-fiscal reforms like unifying exchange rates and phasing out gasoline subsidies, these changes must be carefully managed to minimize short-term negative impacts on vulnerable groups. 

Scaling up social protection programs, investing in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and promoting economic diversification into areas like agriculture, technology, and manufacturing are essential to reducing reliance on oil and ensuring long-term stability. 

The World Bank’s $2.25 billion funding through the RESET program can enhance revenue mobilization, improve governance, and foster private sector growth.

Nigeria must strengthen its dialogue with the U.S., showcase investment opportunities, and deepen cooperation on security. Moving forward, Nigeria must prioritize real, actionable partnerships that deliver sustainable benefits to its people, avoid actions akin to political fraternization, and focus on inclusive development. 

The world is watching, and now is the time for decisive action to secure Nigeria’s future.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun, author of Youth Service for National Stability: A Corpers’ Chronicle, advocates for national development, has received an award from PRNigeria Center, and is an investigative research journalist. He can be reached at exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman 

Africa boasts an abundance of resources, with its vast landscapes from north to south and east to west teeming with diverse natural and mineral riches. These treasures have the potential to revolutionise the lives of its citizens. The continent’s human capital is equally impressive, harbouring 18.3%—approximately 1.5 billion—of the global population, making it the world’s second-most populous continent.

In truth, these natural resources gifted to Africa have not been fully harnessed for the benefit of its people. In some cases, resources in regions have ignited conflicts and even war, leaving people in bemoanable poverty and deprived of basic necessities like food and water, which are essential for human survival. This is in sharp contrast to the supposed envious rapid developments cities should be undergoing for urban and economic renaissance.

Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, an enthusiastic advocate for the continent’s unity and independence, captured this problematic state of African nations when he said, “Africa is a paradox,” not without rhyme or reason but because “Her (Africa) earth is rich, yet the products that come from above and below the soil continue to enrich, not Africans predominantly.” 

Considering this age-long reality, leaders have repeatedly converged, deliberated, and mapped out strategies for development. Among many of these, Africa Agenda 2063 – a deliberate framework for socioeconomic transformation adopted by the African Union (AU) in 2015—and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)—an economic agreement aimed at creating a single unified market for Africa—remain the most talked about in the present. 

Little progress has been made with these well-thought-out agreements for nearly a decade. Recently, the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN) announced its intention to host a ‘Pan-African Legacy Conference’ in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. 

The conference will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, a brainchild of former United States President Barack Obama to enhance U.S.–Africa relations, particularly among young people. Since its inception, the fellowship has sent over 7,200 young Africans to the U.S. for six weeks of professional development and cultural exchange. 

Themed “Shaping Africa’s Future through the AfCFTA and Agenda 2063” aims to chart a path for the next 10 years, focusing on economic development in Africa. It will bring young people closer to decision-makers to bridge the gap between the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and youth entrepreneurs. It will also ensure access to trade opportunities across Africa and unite the government, nonprofit sector, and business leaders to create a comprehensive framework for sustainable development.

A ruckus has been raised in the fullness of time for youth to participate actively in governance for Africa’s development. This conference is a deliberate attempt by young people to engage policymakers and industry experts in solving our age-old predicament: failing to cater to our rapidly growing population.

Could this gathering sew the Gordian knot, freeing Africa from the shackles of stagnation and retrogression and guiding her towards prosperity? Tempus Omnia Revelat—the future holds the answer. 

As Kwame Nkuruma astutely observed, “It is clear that we must find an African solution to our problems and that this can only be found in African unity. Divided, we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world.”

If the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Pan-African Legacy Conference will be a point of unity that proffers solutions and moves us towards economic liberation, so be it.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja and can be reached via dahirulawal90@gmail.com.