National

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

Why are the Nigerians not having enough food to eat? Why? That is the question we need to answer. Statistics paint a grim picture and the anecdotal evidence is there. We have working farmers but numbers say people are not eating well.

The above was paraphrased from the address of the Chairman, Media Trust Group, at the 22nd Daily Trust Dialogue and Presentation of Unsung Heroes, themed “Food Security: Availability or Affordability?” held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja on 23 January 2025. One does not need an emeritus to explain the reasoning behind the choice of theme.

As an individual with a background in agriculture, I have often had serious discussions with two close friends about the true value of our certificates. If we cannot make a tangible impact on curbing hunger, which continues to plague Nigerians, then what is the point? The alarming statistics of hunger and malnutrition only paint a bleaker picture each year.

We never really take into account other graduates from different subsectors of agriculture, but we somehow always come to the conclusion that we are part of the reason millions of Nigerians go hungry, and we hope to make a difference in the near future, dumping the noise and swinging into real action.

It is this very concern that drives my desire to attend conferences or dialogues like the aforementioned, but circumstances did not permit it. Thankfully, technology has been birthed and it came to the rescue. The organisers provided live coverage across Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom, which I was able to access, allowing me to participate in the programme, albeit not until the very end.

It was a session to examine the current state of affairs and an open floor for discussion on how to make food available and affordable. Pundits brainstormed Nigeria’s vast fertile land, large bodies of water and adequate rainfall in each geopolitical zone, suitable for various crops and rearing animals, explored and seeked to decode how despite these rich agrarian factors hunger perseveres when there should be no correlation at all.

Farmer-herder clashes, a misunderstanding that has escalated from cultivated lands to homes, affecting innocent women and children, were deliberated upon, along with their impact on optimum crop production. In my view, our inability to properly harness pasture and rangeland is a contributory factor.

To put things into perspective, in a class, we studied over ten plants that, when cultivated, can provide sustenance for our livestock. This not only helps resolve clashes, but also reduces competition for valuable food resources between humans and domesticated animals, until we achieve self-sufficiency.

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) foods was another talking point. Exploring and tweaking specific genetic traits for better quality in other plants or animals is not new in agriculture. Before we sort ethical issues surrounding GMOs for long term solution on food availability, attention must be paid on short term remedy for same, and affordability.

Post harvest spoilage or waste was another concern. Even as these food items, especially perishables, are not sufficiently abundant, during harvest, a lot go to waste without arriving markets. What does this tell us? There is the ability to produce sufficiently but, as a nation it becomes imperative to invest in processing and storage infrastructure to arrest the issue of availability and affordability, it is basic economic principle of demand and supply.

Insecurity remains the bane of farmers. Many have abandoned their lands in order to remain alive, frankly, no one blames them. In offering solution, President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) said there is a need to defoliate forests in Nigeria which serves as safe haven for criminal elements – bandits, Boko Haram, ISWAP and Lakurawa alike.

He alluded to the fact that his idea may not sit well with climate change and environmental enthusiasts but stood firmly by this suggestion. This idea may not necessarily be out of place when we zoom our lens to realities of food availability and affordability. What I must add, if this is not welcomed, stakeholders should have a round table talk on other ways to save lives and tackle food insecurity without defoliation.

Present during the dialogue was the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha. Among a lot of things he said Nigerians are tired of saying the country has “potential”, stressing that it is time to ”activate” it. Although we must know the potentials before attempting to activate, his assertion is oncourse, our potentials have since been established.

According to him, policies should address the issue where people produce for only family consumption with little to sell while also highlighting the need to change the way we do things in the agricultural sector, for us to get a different outcome. Rightly captured but do average farmers have at their disposal sophisticated tools to produce for family and market? our practice is still largely primitive you know.

I am a believer that every citizen has a role to play for the betterment of Nigeria but importantly, leadership bears greater responsibility therefore, I was happy the Minister and a representative of the Speaker of House of Representatives – both in positions to “make things happen” – were present or represented among other stakeholders.

Overall, the dialogue was critical, informative, and enlightening, but we hope to see where we go from here in our efforts to make food available and affordable.

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

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly making significant changes at the helm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Plans are underway to replace the current Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, with Bayo Ojulari, a former Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo).

In addition to this change, Ahmadu Musa Kida, a seasoned oil and gas professional and former Deputy Managing Director of Total Oil, is set to take over as the new Chairman of the NNPC Board. This move will see Chief Pius Akinyelure, who has been in the position since 2023, stepping down.

According to reports, Kyari will remain in office until March 1, after which Roland Ewubare, who had previously resigned amid reports of disagreements with Kyari, will assume the role of Group Chief Operating Officer.

Ojulari, who has vast experience in the oil and gas sector, has held leadership positions across Nigeria, Europe, and the Middle East. He led SNEPCo from 2015 to 2021. Kida, on the other hand, brings decades of expertise. He has worked with Total Nigeria since 1985, including serving as Deputy Managing Director for Deep Water Services and holding various board positions within the company.

The leadership overhaul is expected to bring new direction to NNPCL, with both Ojulari and Kida seen as experienced hands in the industry.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, the National Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has affirmed his leadership, rejecting claims from a faction of the party. He stated that he remains the legitimate leader, as recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Ahmed confirmed that the party is operating under his leadership and the National Working Committee (NWC) inaugurated in 2022.

Dr. Ahmed emphasized that INEC officially recognizes the NNPP led by him, with its logo featuring the colors red, white, and yellow, alongside the emblem of an academic cap, symbolizing the party’s slogan, “Education for All.”

He urged Nigerians and the media to verify his leadership as listed on the INEC website.

Responding to a recent meeting organized by a faction of the party in Lagos, Dr. Ahmed dismissed it as illegal, claiming that the party had not held any meeting outside its headquarters in Abuja. He also refuted claims of the inauguration of a new leadership committee outside Abuja.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu has issued a formal demand for a public apology and retraction from Naja’atu Muhammad, a renowned activist and former director of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, following allegations she made in a viral TikTok video.

In the video, Muhammad asserted that during Ribadu’s tenure as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), he accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senators George Akume, and Orji Uzor Kalu of being among the most corrupt governors in Nigeria 

Ribadu, through his legal representatives, described the allegations as “false, malicious, and highly defamatory.” He insists that the accusations are an attempt to damage his reputation and discredit him in his role as the NSA. Therefore, hehas demanded an immediate and public retraction of the statements and an apology.

“This is a clear case of character assassination. The allegations are not only baseless but also deeply injurious to my reputation,” Ribadu stated through his lawyers.

However, in a recent development, Naja’atu Muhammad has declared that she will neither apologise nor retract her statements. In a media interview, she maintained her claims and dismissed Ribadu’s demand, asserting that she has the right to express her views.

The dispute has stirred political circles, with analysts emphasizing responsible public discourse. Some warn against spreading unverified claims on social media, as they can lead to serious political and legal consequences repercussions. 

Political commentators have also noted that the unfolding situation underscores the increasing tensions within Nigeria’s political space. Many are watching closely to see whether Ribadu will take further legal action or escalate the situation further.

By Aisar Fagge

Speaking during the 3rd International Conference organized by the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID) with the theme “The Role of Moral Etiquettes of Islamic Civilisation in the Development of Human Communities: Assessment of Past and Present,” Dr Usman Muhammad Bugaje lamented why economic metrics always dominate the discussions on development. He cheerfully also complained, “This conference should have come earlier than now but it is never late.”

As the keynote speaker, Dr Bugaje mentioned three main focal points of the conference:

“First, the theme introduces a missing direction in the contemporary discussion of development. When you listen to the discussion on developments, it is usually the material aspect of development that occupies the space. Even the metrics for measuring development tends to focus on the material. They have not yet measured the Islamic definition of human development. This is the gap conferences like this should help to bridge.

“Secondly, this theme will raise consciousness and provoke a debate on the quality of morality. Everybody talks about morality. But what is the quality of that morality? There are a lot of debates and contentions on these issues.

“Thirdly, this theme underscores the significance of moral standard on human development. I hope the centre and director will try and find research grants locally for the students to study how moral consciousness has affected human development in Nigeria,” the speaker listed.

It is always difficult for Dr Bugaje to talk without critiquing the state of the nation and bad governance. Talking about morality and development in Nigeria, the speaker lamented how immoral politicians ruined Nigeria since 1999.

“What happened in the last 25 years in Nigeria concerning human development is a wreckage. Poverty has tripled, insecurity has escalated, infrastructures have broken down and decay, marriages and social norms have broken down, the fabric of the society is no longer what is used to be.

“Today, in our educational system, the moral consciousness is completely missing or absence. In those days, you got your degree in character and learning, but today, no character no leaning. In governance, this government has gotten more money than any government since the beginning of Nigeria, but what the Sardunas were able to achieve with very little money we now cannot do with 1000 x times the same amount of that money! So what has happened? All these are moral questions that raise consciousness,” he grieved.

The conference that was held at the Centre for Excellence, Bayero University, Kano from 3rd to 5th February, 2025 was honoured by distinguished politicians, esteemed academics, business people and many participants from different academic disciplines.

The Director of the centre, Associate Professor, Taufiq Abubakar Hussaini thanked the sponsors of the event especially Alhaji Aminu Dantata, A.Y Maikifi, Alhaji A.A Rano, Alhaji Hamza Abdullahi Umar Daura, A.Y.M Shafa and others.

By Aisar Fagge

In its effort to combat moral decadence among youths, the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID) organized a 3rd International Conference on the theme “The Role of Moral Etiquettes of Islamic Civilisation in the Development of Human Communities: Assessment of Past and Present,” held at the Centre for Excellence, Bayero University, Kano, from 3rd to 5th February 2025.

During his welcome remark, Associate Professor Taufiq Abubakar Hussaini, the director of the centre, said, “This year’s conference is guided by witnessing moral decadence in all spheres of our lives.”

“We anticipate engaging discussions, insightful presentations and collaborative efforts towards a shared goal of promoting moral etiquettes, good character, peace, understanding and unity. These are the bedrock of Islamic civilization, which has persistently built many nations and civilisations over centuries.

“I encouraged the participants to actively participate, exchange ideas, form connections that will extend beyond the confines of this conference so that our various societal ills will heal from the inevitable doom,” Prof Hussaini remarked.

As the event’s promoter, the head of Markazu Khulafa Al-Rashidin, Sheikh Abdulwahab Abdallah (Imam Ahlissunnah Wal Jama’ah), thanked the management of Bayero University, Kano, for “establishing the centre that focuses on building the morality of the ummah.”

Sheikh Abdulwahab urged the centre to introduce a programme or course that teaches politicians the politics and exemplary leadership style of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) so that they can learn how he led the entire Ummah with justice and fairness.

“This North is blessed with great people. The bad ones are few. It is our collective duty to educate and integrate them to have politicians and leaders who are Islamically rooted and God-fearing”, the Sheikh concluded.

The conference witnessed the attendance of prominent people such as Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf represented by the Commissioner of Education, Dr Ali Haruna, Barrister Ali Sa’adu Birnin Kudu (former Jigawa State governor), Prof. Muhammad Sani Umar R/Lemo, Prof. Emeritus Muhammad Sani Zaharadden, Sheikh Tijjani Bala Qalarawi, Prof. Ahmad Murtada, Prof Babangida, Prof. Muhammad Muslim Ibrahim and many host of other academic dons, Islamic clerics, security chiefs, wealthy individuals and participants from both local and international educational institutions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has left Abuja for Paris, France, on a private visit before heading to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the upcoming African Union (AU) summit.

During his stay in France, Tinubu is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron.

This was confirmed in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.

The statement, titled “President Tinubu Departs for France Ahead of the AU Summit in Addis Ababa,” outlined Tinubu’s travel plans.

“In Addis Ababa, President Tinubu will join African leaders at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU Heads of State, scheduled from February 12 to 16, 2025,” the statement read.

The president is expected to arrive in the Ethiopian capital early next week for the high-level summit.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to enhancing the Qur’anic education system in the state.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Public Enlightenment at the Ministry of Education, Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, said the government remains committed to improving Qur’anic education and creating a conducive learning environment for students across the state.

The State Commissioner of Education, Gwani Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda, gave the assurance while receiving executive members of the Parent-Teacher Association of Government Tahfeezul Qur’an Secondary School, Kiru, during a courtesy visit to his office.

Makoda, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Bashir Baffa Muhammad, underscored the significance of Qur’anic education in promoting peace and stability among the Muslim Ummah.

He assured that the government would continue supporting the system to build a better society.

“This administration has done a lot in terms of providing infrastructure in schools and integrating Islamiyya, Qur’anic, and Tsangaya education to ensure access to quality Islamic and Western education in the state,” he said.

Speaking on the upcoming Qur’anic graduation of Government Tahfeezul Qur’an Secondary School, Kiru, the commissioner described the event as timely and pledged the ministry’s support.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Alhaji Tajuddeen Gambo, lauded the school’s contribution to Qur’anic and Islamic education in Kano and beyond.

“The Kano State Government is very proud of Kiru Tahfeezul Qur’an, considering its role in propagating Qur’anic and Islamic education, not only in Kano but across the country,” he said.

He added that the government would ensure the renovation of dilapidated buildings in the school to provide a better learning environment.

The Chairman of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association, Alhaji Umar Natagunda Gezawa, said they visited the commissioner to brief him on preparations for the Qur’anic graduation ceremony scheduled for Sunday, February 9, 2025.

“The graduation covers students from 2019 to 2024, with a total of 1,643 students who have memorized the Holy Qur’an,” he said.

He also noted that the school has produced many graduates who have become prominent figures across the country.

“The school has played a vital role in shaping future leaders, and Kano is proud of them,” he added.

The school’s principal, Alhaji Mamuda, applauded the government’s decision to include the school in the first batch of renovation projects.

“The bill of quantity has already been assessed by the ministry under the governor’s directive to facilitate the project,” he said.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Professor Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), on February 3, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje. Yusuf faces five counts of embezzlement and fraud amounting to N90,439,178.

The charges allege that between 2016 and July 2017, during his tenure as the Executive Secretary of NHIS, Yusuf misused his position to gain improper advantages. One notable charge states that he approved the purchase of a vehicle for himself at a cost of N49,197,775, which exceeded the budgeted amount of N30 million. This action constitutes a violation of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000.

Another count claims he held a private interest in the GK Kanki Foundation and awarded a contract worth N10,100,000 for training purportedly meant for 90 participants but only engaged 45. Additionally, Yusuf is accused of awarding a contract of N17,500,000 for media consultancy to Lubekh Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his nephew.

When the charges were read, Yusuf pleaded not guilty to all counts. Following his plea, prosecuting counsel Francis Usani requested a trial date, which the defence counsel, O.I. Habeeb, SAN, did not oppose. However, Habeeb requested that Yusuf be remanded in the custody of the EFCC.

Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu granted the request and scheduled a bail hearing for February 12, 2025, while remanding Yusuf at the Kuje Correctional Facility.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Presidency has criticized former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for his comments about democracy in the country.

The Daily Reality reported that El-Rufai, speaking at a national conference in Abuja on Monday to strengthen democracy in Nigeria, stated that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party has failed to fulfill its promises to the people.

He said, “I no longer see the APC as a party. There has been no meeting of any party organs for two years—no meetings of the party leadership, no NEC, nothing. We don’t even know if it’s a one-man party or if there’s no structure at all.”

The former governor added that there was a significant gap between the party and the people, noting that the APC had deviated from its founding purpose and could no longer deliver on its promises to the public.

He further stated that the country’s problems result from the leadership of incompetent, lackadaisical individuals who hold power.

In response, Daniel Bwala, former Federal Capital Territory Minister and Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communications, accused El-Rufai of plotting to destabilize the government he helped establish.

On his X platform, Bwala queried whether El-Rufai would make such remarks if he were part of the current government and seated in the cabinet.

“Brother, if you were in the government and the cabinet, could you take this position and express such views? History has shown such behaviour in the past. Now you want to overthrow the government you helped establish,” Bwala said.