International

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 Maryam Ahmad

According to Bild, the German city of Duisburg is taking an innovative approach to encourage voter participation in the upcoming federal elections by offering free beer to those who cast their votes.

Mayor Sören Link explained the initiative, saying, “We want to do something about the low voter turnout and strengthen democracy.”

In the 2021 federal elections, Duisburg recorded a voter turnout of 68.1%, significantly below the national average of 76.6%. The city hopes the promise of a cold drink will motivate more residents to vote.

Non-alcoholic beer and other beverages will also be available for those who don’t drink alcohol.

By Maryam Ahmad

The Trump administration has reportedly issued a directive restricting the display of flags on government buildings, embassies, and military bases worldwide. According to a report by the Washington Free Beacon, which obtained a copy of the document, the new policy permits only the U.S. flag and select military symbols to be flown.

Although the directive does not explicitly mention specific flags, media outlets have interpreted the move as a ban on displaying symbols such as LGBT and Black Lives Matter (BLM) flags, which were frequently flown alongside the U.S. flag during the Biden administration.

This policy aligns with Trump’s broader cultural stance, including a previous decree recognising only two genders—male and female—in official U.S. government documents and policies.

The decision has sparked debate. Supporters praise the emphasis on national and military symbols, while critics view it as a step back in terms of inclusivity and representation.

By Sulaiman Abdullahi

A ceasefire agreement was reached late Tuesday between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza after months of bloodshed that left thousands of civilians dead and injured. The truce, brokered by Qatar and the United States, aims to halt hostilities and restore a calm region.

The recent conflict, which erupted following the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants last year, rapidly escalated into the deadliest episodes in the Middle East. Rocket barrages from Gaza were met with retaliatory airstrikes by Israel, displacing thousands and prompting widespread international condemnation.

“We have agreed to this ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed and suffering for our people,” said a spokesperson for Hamas, the group governing Gaza. Israeli officials confirmed the ceasefire but stressed that the agreement hinged on “absolute quiet” from Gaza.

The United Nations welcomed the truce, with Secretary-General António Guterres urging both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue to address underlying issues. “This cycle of violence will only end when both parties commit to a sustainable political solution,” Guterres remarked.

Residents expressed cautious optimism. “We are tired of war; we just want to live in peace,” said Mariam Al-Khatib, a mother of three in Gaza City. However, the region remains tense, with many fearing the fragile agreement could unravel.

As the international community continues to call for restraint, the focus shifts to ensuring that the ceasefire holds, offering a glimmer of hope for a long-term resolution to the decades-old conflict.

By Abdullahi Ibrahim

To enhance concentration and minimize disruptions in Brazilian classrooms, the use of mobile phones by elementary and secondary school students has been officially prohibited during school hours.

The new policy aims to enhance academic performance and encourage healthier social interactions among students.

Brazil joins a growing list of countries, including the Netherlands, France, and Italy, which have implemented similar measures to address concerns about the negative impact of mobile phone use on education.

Proponents of the ban argue that limiting phone use fosters a more engaging learning environment, while critics highlight potential challenges in enforcing the policy and addressing emergencies.

Education officials in Brazil have expressed optimism about the initiative, emphasizing its role in creating a more focused and collaborative atmosphere in classrooms.

The global trend reflects a broader debate on balancing technology’s benefits with its potential drawbacks in education.

By Sulaiman Abdullahi

Los Angeles is currently experiencing severe wildfires that have burned over 26,000 acres. This has led to a state of emergency and mandatory evacuations for approximately 150,000 residents. 

The Palisades Fire has caused significant destruction, including the loss of numerous buildings and the deaths of at least 16 people. High winds and limited firefighting resources have complicated efforts.

In contrast, Gaza is enduring a humanitarian crisis due to prolonged conflict, resulting in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure, including water and sanitation facilities, due to Israel’smassive attacks on the enclave. The United Nations estimates that recovery and rebuilding will take years and require billions in funding.

While both regions are experiencing severe destruction, the causes differ: Los Angeles is facing a natural disaster, while Gaza’s devastation stems from military conflict. The recovery for both areas will demand substantial resources, time, and international assistance.

Several social media users share pictures of the two devastations. Many also make comparisons. Some view the LA fire as punishment for U.S. support of Israel, while others see it as a natural disaster that can affect anyone, anywhere.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Millions of Africans have emigrated to Europe, America, and other parts of the world. This emigration is driven by both push and pull factors — economic challenges, political instability, conflicts, and the pursuit of better job opportunities and more accessible social services.

Despite often being stringent in their immigration policies, receiving countries have found ways to benefit from this influx. They tap into the labour, expertise, and talent of these immigrants. Rather than solely viewing immigration as a burden, many of these nations recognize the potential gains from incorporating skilled and unskilled labour into their economies.

Several West African countries have reassessed and severed their military ties with France in recent years. Notable examples include Mali in 2022, Burkina Faso in January 2023, Niger Republic in 2024, Chad in November 2024, Senegal in December 2024, and Ivory Coast in December 2024. These moves signal a significant shift in regional dynamics as these nations seek to assert greater sovereignty and explore alternative partnerships. Some have terminated defence agreements outright, while others are exploring new international collaborations.

International relations experts see these developments as pivotal. However, they caution that these countries might merely replace one foreign power with another without concrete plans for mutual benefits. For instance, in Niger Republic, the Russian presence, along with the mercenary group Wagner, has not brought substantial change. Wagner’s operations in several African nations, such as Mali, have drawn criticism, with human rights groups accusing its forces of severe abuses.

Reuters reported that: “French President Emmanuel Macron recently expressed frustration over the perceived lack of acknowledgement from certain African nations regarding France’s military interventions in the Sahel region. Speaking at a foreign policy conference with French ambassadors, Macron claimed that some African leaders had “rewritten history” concerning France’s role in combating Islamist militants since 2013. He argued that these states might have lost their sovereignty without French military support.

However, officials from countries like Chad and Senegal have pushed back, asserting that their decisions to expel French troops were made independently and in the best interest of their nations. Chadian Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah criticized Macron’s remarks as disrespectful, while Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko emphasized that Senegal’s decision was made without any negotiation with France.”

For Africa to progress, its leaders must define the continent’s needs, recognize its current position, and set a clear direction for the future. Africa must move beyond the outdated narrative that external forces are the primary obstacles to its development. The global landscape has evolved, and Africa must engage with international partners based on mutual respect and benefit.

For example, France and Nigeria have an excellent trade relationship, with Nigeria serving as France’s leading trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. So, if country A sees the French as a bottleneck, you don’t expect Nigeria to do so. 

If countries like France, China, Russia, or the United States want to invest in Africa, they must do so with clear, mutually beneficial agreements. African resources should be processed on African soil, ensuring the continent gains more than raw material exports. Africa needs technology transfer, expertise, and infrastructure development to foster sustainable growth.

Africa must adopt a global perspective and interact with nations based on their strengths in areas like United Nations status, military power, industrial capacity, African diasporas, trade volumes, and financial influence. Only through strategic, well-negotiated partnerships can Africa harness its full potential and assert its rightful place in the global arena.

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

By Uzair Adam 

A video depicting Nigerian and French troops unloading supplies in a coordinated manner has garnered significant attention on social media.

The Daily Reality reports that the footage has sparked controversies surrounding France’s alleged intentions in Nigeria.  

The controversy intensified after Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, dismissed claims that the country had ceded any part of its territory to France. 

Idris issued a statement on Thursday addressing allegations that Nigeria was conspiring with France to destabilize the Niger Republic through terrorism.  

Mahdi Shehu, a public affairs commentator, had previously alleged plans to establish a French military base in northeastern Nigeria. 

He claimed the plans gained traction after Femi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), reportedly hosted French soldiers.  

In a video accompanying Shehu’s since-deleted social media post, Nigerian troops were seen offloading supplies, including bags of rice, from trucks while French soldiers unloaded a cargo plane. 

The scene included vehicles, personnel in uniform, and a bus displaying a French flag. In the video, a Nigerian soldier stated that the troops had recently left a counterterrorism training centre.  

However, investigations by TheCable revealed that the video has been online since January 2013. 

According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), the footage shows ECOWAS troops, including 156 Nigerians, arriving at Senou International Airport in Bamako, Mali. 

The mission was part of a regional peacekeeping effort to stabilize Mali during a crisis.  

Reacting to Idris’ statement, Shehu urged the government to halt its denials. 

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s defence headquarters dismissed the allegations as “baseless.”  

The resurfaced video highlights the challenges of misinformation in public discourse, underscoring the need for careful verification before making conclusions or spreading claims.

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.