Opinion

By Blessing Omolola

I hope you find this helpful

A recent report that Nigerians are seeking to return from South Africa has once again brought a painful, long-standing issue to the forefront. This is the recurring cycle of xenophobia in South Africa.

The Federal Government’s concerns regarding Nigerians seeking evacuation highlight more than just immediate safety risks; they expose deep-seated, unresolved tensions surrounding migration, unemployment, and economic frustration across the continent.

For those who have read the history books, the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa is historically complex. During the apartheid era, Nigeria was a primary supporter of South Africa’s liberation struggle, providing significant political, economic, and moral aid.

Consequently, many Nigerians view these recurring attacks as a fundamental betrayal of continental unity. Following the end of apartheid, South Africa emerged as one of the continent’s most robust economies, naturally attracting migrants seeking better prospects. However, this movement has frequently met with local resistance.

Xenophobic violence in South Africa is a systemic issue affecting various African nationals through repeated waves of unrest. In 2008, widespread attacks in various townships resulted in over 60 deaths and the displacement of thousands of immigrants.

This was followed by another surge in 2015, when violence erupted in Durban and spread across the country. Foreign-owned shops were looted, and several migrants, including Nigerians, Mozambicans, and Zimbabweans, were killed, leading to diplomatic friction.

Most recently, in 2019, attacks resurfaced in Johannesburg and Pretoria, sparking renewed outrage and firm responses from the Nigerian government. These incidents demonstrate that the violence is driven by economic desperation and social tension rather than isolated hostility toward one specific nationality.

As tensions rise, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has reported that many citizens expressed a desire to return home due to safety fears. However, the Federal Government’s stance that those wishing to return must cover their own transportation costs has sparked significant debate.

Critics argue that citizens in crisis deserve more robust state support, while others point to the logistical and financial strain on the government. This situation emphasises the vulnerability of African migrants during social unrest and the pressing need for stronger diplomatic cooperation to protect citizens living abroad.

But beyond statistics, xenophobia has devastating personal consequences. Consider the story of a young Nigerian entrepreneur in Johannesburg who spent years building a small electronics business to fund her education and support her family.

When violence flared, she was forced to abandon her shop and inventory to save her life. Years of hard work vanished in days. She returned to Nigeria with no capital and significant psychological trauma. This narrative is common among those who face sudden displacement and financial ruin.

The roots of xenophobia in South Africa are firmly planted in socio-economic struggles such as high unemployment, inequality, and poverty. In this environment, immigrants are often scapegoated as competitors for limited jobs and resources. This perspective ignores the reality that many immigrants contribute to the economy by creating small businesses and filling labour gaps.

So, the problem is not the presence of foreigners, but rather unresolved structural economic failures. Violence and collective punishment do not solve unemployment or poverty; instead, they damage diplomatic ties and tarnish Africa’s global image.

Africa is at its strongest when its nations cooperate. The repeated cycles of xenophobic violence undermine the spirit of the “United Africa” that leaders have long championed. The true cost of xenophobia is paid by displaced migrants, South Africa’s international reputation, and the concept of continental unity.

Long-term solutions require emergency evacuations, structural economic reform, better policy action, and public education to foster tolerance. Only by addressing these core issues can Africa achieve true peaceful coexistence.

Oladapo Blessing Omolola a student at Yakubu Gowon University in the Department of Strategic Communication. I can be reached at: blessingomolola0565@gmail.com.

‎By Ibrahim Happiness

Every day on Nigerian roads, lives are put at risk not only by reckless driving but also by a transport system that forces heavy-duty trailers and smaller vehicles to share the same lanes and the same dangers. It is a problem visible in plain sight on roads used daily by millions of Nigerians, yet it has never received the urgency it deserves.

Drive from Abuja through Lugbe and Giri, all the way to Gwagwalada, and the evidence is everywhere. Trailers line both sides of the road, some parked, some moving, others broken down in the middle of traffic without warning. Small cars are forced through spaces that should not exist. Motorcycles weave dangerously beside giant wheels. Tricycles take risks next to vehicles many times their size.

And when something goes wrong, whether a tyre bursts, brakes fail, or a driver misjudges, it is rarely the trailer that suffers most. It is the smaller vehicles. It is ordinary people simply trying to get to their destinations.

‎Traffic gridlock along these routes has become routine. Commuters travelling from Abuja to places like Gwagwalada often spend hours trapped in traffic, sometimes late into the night, because trailers block stretches of road, refuse to give way, park carelessly, or are simply too large for the roads they use. Some people sleep in their cars because there is nowhere else to go.

I know this not only through observation but also through painful personal experience that I carry every day in my hand, in my eye, and in my memory.

On a rainy Sunday morning, 11 June 2023, my grandfather and I left home early for church. It was around 7 a.m. The road was slippery, visibility was poor, and, like many Nigerian families, we were simply trying to travel safely.

Then everything changed. A trailer was parked in the middle of the road. Whether it had broken down or been abandoned, I cannot say. What I know is that it sat there in the rain, without warning signs, cones, or visible hazard lights.

A car rammed us from behind. The impact was sudden and violent. My grandfather lost control, and we were pushed into the parked trailer. What followed changed my life forever.

Shards of glass flew into my face and tore my eyeball. My hand was badly broken. In the first moments after the crash, I could not see at all. The pain was intense, but the darkness was worse. Not knowing whether my sight would return is something I would not wish on anyone.

The next day, I underwent eye surgery. Even then, my vision did not return immediately. I spent more than three months in the hospital, undergoing treatment, recovering, and living with uncertainty. My family stood by me, both emotionally and financially, and I remain grateful to them. Slowly, my sight returned. Today, I do not take that blessing for granted.

My hand became another battle. The damage was so severe that surgeons inserted a metal implant to hold the bones together. That implant remains in my hand today. It still causes pain, limits movement, and brings daily discomfort. But I am alive, and that is what I hold on to.

The trailer driver denied responsibility, claiming the vehicle was moving at the time of the crash. It was not. It was parked in the middle of the road. Yet denial was easier than accountability, as is too often the case in trailer-related accidents in Nigeria.

‎That metal in my hand, the surgery on my eye, the months I lost, and the burden my family carried are why I am writing this.

Because my story is not unique, it is one of countless stories that unfold on Nigerian roads every year. Many never make the news. Many families never receive justice. Many lives are permanently altered while the system remains unchanged.

The Lugbe-Gwagwalada road tells this story every day. Like many highways in and around Abuja, it serves workers, students, worshippers, traders, and families. Yet trailers operate there without the infrastructure, discipline, or dedicated space that vehicles of that size require.

The result is chaos so normalised that many people no longer question it. They accept it as the price of travelling in Nigeria, but it should not be.

There is also a serious economic cost. Heavy-duty trailers damage road infrastructure faster than government repair budgets can keep pace with. Their immense weight, especially when overloaded, destroys road surfaces, creates potholes, and weakens road foundations. Billions of naira are spent annually on repairs, much of it due to damage caused by heavy vehicles using roads never designed to withstand such loads.

Yet the idea of dedicated trailer lanes, properly built, clearly marked, and strictly enforced, remains an afterthought rather than an urgent national priority.

Other countries have addressed this challenge. Many highways around the world provide separate lanes for heavy vehicles because planners recognise that vehicles with vastly different sizes, speeds, and stopping distances should not compete for the same space. It is not a complicated policy. It is common sense and saves lives.

Nigeria must now make the same move. Dedicated trailer lanes would reduce accidents, ease congestion, save commuters valuable time, cut road maintenance costs, and protect lives.

No one should carry metal in their hand for life because a trailer was carelessly parked on the road. No one should spend months in the hospital fighting to regain their sight because proper traffic systems are lacking.

This is not a luxury demand. It is not unreasonable. It is a practical, lifesaving measure whose time has long since come. Heavy-duty trailers need their own lanes.

Ibrahim Happiness is a 300-level Strategic Communication student at the University of Abuja and an intern at IMPR. She can be reached at happinessibrahim11@gmail.com.

By Abbas Datti

Effective representation in the House of Representatives is measured not by a lackadaisical approach and empty promises, but by tangible results delivered to the people. 

Unfortunately, Hon. Garba Diso, the current Gwale Member of the House of Representatives, has fallen short of expectations, particularly in the critical areas of sponsoring bills, raising motions, and youth development, educational support, and economic empowerment. That’s why Gwale youths rally for a vibrant young Dr Shu’aibu Abdul, urging him to contest for the Gwale House of Representatives in the National Assembly during the forthcoming 2027 general elections. 

Over the years, Gwale constituents have witnessed limited investment in the future of young people. There have been few visible scholarship opportunities, job opportunities, and inadequate empowerment initiatives for both young men and women. Unemployment and lack of access to higher education remain pressing challenges; this absence of proactive representation has left many youths without direction or meaningful support.

In contrast, Dr Shu’aibu, the aspirant currently vying for the seat, represents a refreshing shift toward people-centred leadership. Known for sponsoring youth to pursue tertiary education, he has demonstrated a clear commitment to education as a pathway to development.

 Dr Shu’aibu Abdul, a senior lecturer at Maryam Abacha American University and President of the Nigerian Youth Progressive Movement (NYPM), has been recognised in community circles for initiatives supporting young people, including sponsorship programs that help students pursue tertiary education. 

Beyond education, Dr Shu’aibu has also prioritised empowerment programs that benefit both men and women. Through skills acquisition initiatives, small business support, and mentorship opportunities, youths are being equipped with the tools needed to achieve financial independence and community growth.

Abbas Datti writes from Gwale L. G. A of Kano State, via comradeabbasdatti@gmail.com.

By Ugochukwu Ugwuanyi 

Communication on messaging apps remains a mortal affair – not a conversation between man and God. Pompous persons who disable the blue marker on WhatsApp make what should be an interaction seem like a supplication. This parallel applies because the ordinary Christian is usually unsure whether the Lord has heard their prayers. 

Their belief in being heard by heaven stems from Isaiah 59:1, which assures that God’s ears are not too dull to hear prayers. It’s a different kettle of fish for the astute believer. They not only know that God reads their messages but also receive His response even while on the prayer altar. These sons of the Most High have no reason to be anxious about whether they’ve been heard or not. But then, I digress. 

The suspense from a suspended status report on WhatsApp can be quite discombobulating, particularly where a response is urgently required. This unwarranted anxiety is what users with a god complex put their interlocutors through by turning off read receipts. They gleefully create the impression of a dialogue of the deaf, in which one is speaking and the other isn’t listening. It distorts and disrupts communication. Although there may eventually be a reply (feedback), meaning can hardly be exchanged when there is no indication that messages have been read. The interaction, therefore, becomes a dialogue of the deaf, which is anything but communication! 

A fortnight ago, a viral video of Pastor Sarah Omakwu, who leads the Abuja-headquartered Family Worship Centre, sparked debate online, where she criticised WhatsApp users who deactivate their blue tick read receipts. She observed that so many people disable the feature to avoid responding to messages, describing the act as lying.

According to the woman of God, “If you are hiding your read receipts on WhatsApp to avoid accountability, hear me: it is not wisdom, it is dishonesty dressed as privacy. God is raising people who are faithful in small things. If you can’t be honest in a chat, how will he trust you with people, with money, with influence? Start living in integrity; the small place is where he tests you for the big place. Turn it back on, be a person of your word.”

Methinks her deploring of this ghosting act on WhatsApp isn’t far-reaching enough. Deeper repulsive traits beyond insincerity and an aversion to probity can be gleaned from the deactivation of WhatsApp read receipts. People defend the practice as diplomacy, setting boundaries and standards, but it also comes across as bare-faced snobbery. Why would anyone willingly create such an impression of themselves on people?

With Matthew 5:37 demanding that “Your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’, there should be no ambiguity about whether you’ve read a WhatsApp chat or not, for whatever is more than these is from the evil one. Allowing it to be registered that you’ve noted a chat, no matter how inconvenient, is the way of the saints. Even if not explicitly a sin, leaving the user who chatted you up out in the cold is an appearance of evil. This, 1 Thessalonians 5:22 admonishes believers to abstain from!

If not apropos, active read receipts wouldn’t have been the default setting of a virgin account. It is apparently to uphold rectitude and propriety that WhatsApp included the fair and firm condition: “If you turn off read receipts, you won’t be able to see read receipts from other people.” The same standard applies to the viewing of status. We shall get to that presently.

It is shocking that, despite this proviso that draws from the principle of “do unto others as you’d want them to do unto you”, some users still turn off their blue-tick marker! What is incentivising this shadiness is inconceivable, yet it also reeks of cowardice. If you can’t stand some people and their overtures, why not intimate to them your ill disposition rather than shutting out everyone else?

Some users even hide the two blue check marks, not for any reasonable reason but because doing so appears fashionable or is a status symbol. This is given that disabling WhatsApp read receipts is the proclivity of higher-ups, movers and shakers, or users who consider themselves better than most. This perhaps explains why the trend seems fanciful and is not being condemned as it should. 

Be that as it may, first impression – which has always been said to matter – is not only created at the initial physical meeting but has crept into the digital milieu as the signal someone gets after sending their earliest message to a new contact on WhatsApp. Even if a kahuna, the user with disabled blue ticks will, from the gates, come off as off, thereby triggering the alarm bells on their integrity quotient.

Now to the kindred spirit of stealthily viewing people’s WhatsApp updates as if on a digital espionage mission. That’s another despicable act dressed as privacy, because the motive is usually unrighteous, hideous, devious, and dubious. Out of arrogance, some people find ways to secretly keep up with the WhatsApp briefings of people they seem not to care about or they presume are beneath them. 

Individuals who indulge in this self-deceit and supercilious behaviour need to get a life. Why don’t they devote their time and broadband to activities they can be proud of, rather than remaining bothered about who they have supposedly cancelled or are undeserving of their attention? Given that there are hacks that expose them, haters who hide to view their contacts’ updates on WhatsApp are only making a mockery of themselves. 

Understandably, there may be altruistic reasons for viewing WhatsApp statuses anonymously, such as HR managers seeking to better understand their employees or the need for due diligence before entrusting a major responsibility or opportunity to someone. Vengeful users also put up the appearance of getting at those who ignore their own posts. Who can count the number of relationships that have crumbled under the weight of pettiness around social media updates! What these egotistic and myopic characters fail to realise is that there are users like yours sincerely who are constrained from arbitrarily and habitually checking people’s online status. With that being the case, I have deep regard for good-intentioned contacts who transparently follow my posts on WhatsApp regardless. 

In the final analysis, those who, out of spite, vindictiveness, and other vain considerations, steal to see the social media posts of their relations and acquaintances must realise that they are a few metres away from the witch’s street. Matthew 5:37 can also be adapted here in that the “Yes” of these monitoring spirits had better be “yes” and their “no”, “no”, because any other tendency towards their contacts’ WhatsApp updates is inspired by the evil one (read: the devil)!

VIS Ugochukwu is a Sage, Storyteller, and Branding Strategist, reachable at nmiringwu@gmail.com.

By Abdussamad Umar Jibia

On May 15, 2026, 39 school children and seven teachers were abducted from three schools in Oyo State. Since then, the incidence has been the major headline in Nigerian traditional and social media.

This is not the first time criminals have stormed a school and abducted school children and teachers. The first known mass abduction of school children in Nigeria occurred in 2014 at Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, in Borno state. It was followed by a series of similar abductions in different states of the North. This is the first time such a mass abduction has taken place in Southern Nigeria. Hence, the storm.

One piece of information that has been circulated is that the bandits have demanded the implementation of Shariah in the South West as a condition for the release of the children and their teachers. This is something I have found difficult to believe from my knowledge of bandits and their operations.

First and foremost, we have to distinguish among the different types of criminals who operate in Northern Nigeria. Boko Haram, which originated from the North East and later integrated with ISWAP (Islamic State of West Africa), claims to be fighting for Islam and has religion as part of its agenda, just like similar groups around the globe. Boko Haram/ISWAP mainly operates in the North East.

However, the bandits, as they are popularly called, who originated from the North West and are mainly of Fulani extraction, have nothing to do with religion, do not advocate it, and, in fact, most of them do not pray five times a day like Muslims do and cannot even recite the opening chapter of the Qur’an. This group, sometimes referred to as Fulani herdsmen to avoid ethnic profiling, is the group said to have abducted the Oyo pupils.

The bandits are not a single group. They are different groups, each with its leader, who live in the forest and are believed to have their informants in townships. The informants gather detailed information about their potential victims before striking. This is well known to anyone living in Northern Nigeria.

As a person who hails from the western part of Katsina State, I am one of the earliest victims of banditry. For example, in August 2016, my maternal uncle, who is the Imam of his village, was killed by bandits who shot him 11 times, injured his 10-year-old son and raped two of his daughters. In addition, more than 300 cows were rustled from the village. We reported the matter to the Katsina State Commissioner of Police, but nothing was done. 

Two months later, the government announced amnesty for all the bandits in Katsina State. The suspects were brought to the village with Police escort, and the villagers were told they must forgive them because they were “their brothers”. In all of these, religion was not mentioned. It was never an issue because the bandits were not a religious people.

After the amnesty, banditry continued as usual until 2019, when the Federal Government under Buhari asked all the state Governors to enter into peace agreements with the bandits in their states. The vividly uncomfortable Katsina State Governor held meetings with bandit leaders across the affected local governments of Sabuwa, Dandume, Faskari, Safana, Dan Musa, Kankara, Batsari and Jibia. The meetings took place in the forest under heavy security and before press cameras. The military support in the escort of the Governor was enough to crush all the bandits. Ironically, the Government decided to beg them. Videos of some of the meetings are still available online.

It is noteworthy that all the bandit leaders who attended those meetings were Fulani; they were all Nigerians, and none of them was religious. No one talked about religion, and the only complaint from most of them was that some of their gang members were in police custody and should be released. 

It is also not a Hausa-versus-Fulani affair. Some of the early victims of banditry were Fulani who refused to join banditry and refused to give their support to it. There are still many rural Fulani communities in the North West who are against banditry and do not harbour bandits. 

Now, at what point did banditry begin to be associated with religion? Different possibilities.

The Zionist entity

One of the biggest mistakes made by the General Ibrahim Babangida administration was normalising diplomatic ties with the Zionist occupation called Israel. Zionists are believed to be behind some of the crimes committed in the Northern part of Nigeria. 

The former deputy speaker of the House of Reps, Alhaji Abdullahi Wase, alleged that 300 youths from the Christian majority state of Plateau were given training in Israel and that four containers of arms were brought in by an Israeli security company to a politician’s house in Plateau state.

Alhaji Abdullahi Wase called for an investigation by the government. The investigation was not conducted. It is thus not out of place if Zionists, through some hirelings, introduced religion into the discussion of banditry in order to cause further internal crisis or use their American boys to attack innocent Muslims in Nigeria.

Sheikh Ahmad Gummi

The involvement of Dr Ahmad Gummi with bandits leaves more questions than answers. Gummi is an Islamic scholar who views issues from an Islamic perspective. Did he ever tell the bandits to shift their focus to religion rather than remain common criminals? I have no answer to this question. Only the Government and Sheikh Gummi have.

Elements in the Tinubu administration

A young Islamic scholar, Sheikh Munir Koza, once claimed that he was among the many influential young Islamic scholars invited to a meeting by some defence officials of the Tinubu government not long after the Government took over. With a financial reward, they were asked to emphasise three things in their preaching. 

One. That banditry by Fulani groups is justified because Fulani have been subjected to neglect and injustice over a long period. 

Two. Call on the government to engage in dialogue with bandits and offer them political appointments. 

Three. The Governors of Zamfara and Katsina are wrong to have set up security outfits to confront bandits. 

According to Sheikh Koza, he was the only person who expressed his disagreement at the first meeting and was thus not invited to subsequent meetings.

If Sheikh Koza’s claim is true, it means there are bandits’ sympathisers in the Tinubu Government. One would ask, is Mr President not aware? Did he appoint them because he believes insecurity is a Northern Nigerian affair, and he has thus appointed Northerners to go and eat themselves? Now that it has spread to the South, is he ready to make amendments?

Or, who actually introduced religion into it?

Professor Abdussamad Umar Jibia wrote from the Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Bayero University, Kano. He can be reached via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Dr. Saifullahi Shehu Imam

As Kano State marks the third anniversary of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, the evidence of purposeful leadership is visible across every corner of the state from the bustling metropolitan center to the remotest rural communities. Today, the popular expression #ABBAISWORKING is no longer a mere political slogan; it has become a verified reality, supported by over 1,000 major achievements that have fundamentally reshaped the developmental trajectory of Nigeria’s most populous state.

Perhaps no sector reflects Governor Yusuf’s vision for human capital development more than education. His administration has fundamentally transformed education in Kano by declaring a State of Emergency and allocating an unprecedented 30–31% of the annual budget, the highest in the nation. This historic fiscal commitment was sustained through the subsequent fiscal cycles, securing education as the primary pillar of governance. Across all 44 Local Government Areas, the administration has directed over ₦1.9 billion through the Community Re-orientation Committee (CRC) to renovate thousands of primary classrooms, plus an additional ₦2.9 billion to build new classroom complexes, decongesting urban schools and constructing modern administrative offices. Over 80,000 sets of three-seater desks have been supplied, rescuing more than 240,000 students from learning on bare floors. The government has hired and integrated over 14,000 permanent, pensionable teachers, including thousands of former BESDA volunteers.

Financial barriers have been lowered by providing free textbooks and uniforms for primary students, slashing tertiary registration and tuition fees by 50% at state-owned institutions, and funding examination fees for hundreds of thousands of secondary candidates. The state’s strict targeted funding model has borne immediate fruit, propelling Kano to the top of the national performance chart in the 2025 NECO exams. Furthermore, the revival of the 1,001 Foreign and Domestic Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme has cleared multibillion-naira arrears for stranded medical and engineering scholars in Cyprus and sponsored new cohorts to India and across Nigeria. This holistic investment in infrastructure, teacher welfare, and global scholarships represents the largest commitment to public education in Kano’s recent history, ensuring today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders.
In healthcare, the administration has achieved monumental, system-wide progress by matching robust institutional investment with deeply compassionate public policy.

This vision is explicitly backed by an aggressive fiscal strategy; for the 2025 fiscal year, over ₦90 billion amounting to an impressive 16.5 percent of the state’s total budget has been earmarked for healthcare development. This substantial investment underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to making healthcare a cornerstone of its governance, moving far beyond basic audits and surveys into real, well-funded structural transformation. A landmark triumph of this commitment is the recovery, comprehensive modernization, and recommissioning of the Hasiya Bayero Pediatric Hospital, a vital 86-bed facility that had been controversially sold, now restored to provide specialized care for Kano’s children. In tandem, the administration has completely remodeled and equipped the critical accident and emergency section of the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital (MMSH) and extensively renovated the Bamalli Nuhu Maternity Hospital to drastically combat maternal and infant mortality rates. To institutionalize these health safeguards, the Governor signed the pioneering Kano State Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Law alongside a mandatory Premarital Health Screening Law to shield future generations from preventable illnesses. These structural transformations ensure that high-quality healthcare is no longer a luxury reserved for a privileged few, but an accessible, everyday right for all Kano citizens.

In the realm of agricultural transformation and food security, the administration has shifted Kano from a reliance on subsistence farming to a powerhouse of agribusiness. Championing a multi-billion naira input initiative, Governor Yusuf flagged off the historic distribution of 79,200 bags (132 trucks) of highly subsidized fertilizers from the Al-Yuma Fertilizer plant in Madobi Local Government, slashing procurement costs by a massive 50% for local farmers across all 44 LGAs. This was bolstered by an additional ₦1 billion worth of free NPK fertilizers distributed via the Kano Agricultural Supply Company (KASCO) specifically targeting smallholder, female, and disabled farmers.

To expand year-round farming capacity, the administration has expanded farmlands and successfully rehabilitated major irrigation schemes across 11 Local Governments, bringing over 1,250 hectares under active development. A crown jewel of this infrastructural strategy is the approval of ₦6.8 billion for the massive Dansoshiya Dam and Irrigation Infrastructure Project in Kiru LGA, designed with a projected storage capacity of 3.1 billion liters of water to empower up to 3,000 farmers in its initial phases alone. These deliberate investments have reduced cultivation overheads, multiplied crop yields, and fortified the regional food supply chain.

Youth empowerment and self-reliance form another vibrant pillar of the Kano Renaissance. Rejecting the old paradigms of political exploitation, Governor Yusuf launched a comprehensive master plan to empower 50,000 young people. The administration began by systematically reviving eight specialized entrepreneurship and vocational institutes that had been abandoned by the previous administration. Highlighting this return to functional capacity, a single cohort of 2,260 graduates recently completed training across these institutes including the Informatics Institute, the Horticultural Institute, the Driving Institute, and the Poultry Institute. These youths left the Government House not just with certificates, but with critical operational assets ranging from laptops, tablets, and toolkits, to livestock and feed, alongside financial seed capital to seamlessly launch their commercial journeys.

On the security front, proactive, intelligence-driven governance has kept Kano State remarkably peaceful and stable despite intense national security challenges. Governor Yusuf has aggressively reinforced the state’s security architecture by assenting to the law establishing the state’s independent Kano State Security Neighborhood Watch, bringing community policing directly to the grassroots. To maximize operational efficiency and response times, the administration recently boosted the Joint Task Force (JTF) operations by distributing dozens of new vehicles and motorcycles across frontline Local Government Areas.

This sustained tranquility stands as an absolute testament to a leadership that deeply understands that the first, most non-negotiable duty of government is the absolute security and welfare of its people.

As the people of Kano celebrate these remarkable achievements, there is a growing consensus that continuity will be essential to consolidate the gains already recorded. The transformation witnessed across the state has inspired renewed confidence in leadership and strengthened public optimism about the future. It is therefore understandable that many citizens, stakeholders, professionals, traditional institutions, and community leaders increasingly look toward 2027 with the hope that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will be granted another mandate to deepen ongoing reforms and complete the noble work he has begun.

May Almighty Allah continue to grant His Excellency wisdom, strength, good health, and divine guidance in the service of Kano State. And may the overwhelming achievements of the past three years pave the way for a successful re-election in 2027, ensuring that the Kano Renaissance continues uninterrupted for the benefit of present and future generations.

By Emmanuel Daniel

Many university students are too busy in their day-to-day academic lives to get a good night’s sleep for several reasons, including meeting deadlines, studying for exams, and fulfilling social obligations. They will frequently resort to using caffeine-based products like energy drinks, coffee and tea to keep them awake and alert. They might not appear to be problematic behaviours, but there is growing evidence that they may have significant implications for cardiovascular health.

A recent study was conducted among students of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayero University Kano, on the Effect of Sleep Deprivation and Caffeine on Cardiovascular Parameters (Blood Pressure, Mean Arterial Pressure, and Pulse Rate). Results indicate significant physiological implications of these popular lifestyles.

The study involved comparing four groups of students: sleep-deprived Students, caffeine consumers with normal sleep, sleep-deprived + caffeine students, and normal sleep without caffeine. The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and pulse rate were measured and analysed.

Significant differences were found in several cardiovascular parameters. Students who consumed caffeine regularly but still had normal sleep had the highest mean arterial and diastolic blood pressures. This implies that caffeine can raise the strain on blood vessels, making the heart pump more to move blood around the body.

What is interesting is that the pupils who were sleep-deprived had more elevated pulse rates, as though in response to a lack of sleep, the body may be attempting to engage the “fight-or-flight” mechanism, also known as the sympathetic nervous system. Activating this system for prolonged periods can increase cardiovascular stress over time.

There were also significant differences found between the males and females in the study. The female students who consumed caffeine and were then sleep-deprived had significantly higher pulse rates than the males. The discovery suggests there may be gender differences in how men and women react to life changes that can lead to heart disease.

Physiologically, lack of sleep diminishes the body’s capacity to manage stress hormones properly. Meanwhile, caffeine antagonises the effects of adenosine, a naturally occurring compound that has a relaxing and vasodilatory (blood vessel-widening) effect. These mechanisms, combined, can alter normal cardiovascular function and may lead to health risks when they persist for extended periods.

The results are especially relevant in the time of energy drinks, which are becoming a favourite sidekick for students. Many study participants reported frequently using energy drinks to stay awake during schoolwork. Though some individuals say caffeine gives them a boost in concentration and helps fend off fatigue, overreliance on caffeinated drinks should not be a substitute for good sleep patterns.

The bottom line is that this study shows that sufficient sleep remains one of the major factors in a healthy lifestyle. It is then recommended physiologically that students get the 7-9 hours of sleep they need every night and limit caffeine consumption. Schools can also be places to raise awareness of sleep hygiene, stress management, and responsible caffeine use.

Late nights and caffeine may be part of a student’s life, but making them habits can have consequences. Keeping the heart healthy starts with the simple things you can do every day, and sometimes the best way to get your heart pumping is to get a good night’s sleep.

Extracted from Emmanuel Miracle Daniel’s thesis titled ‘The Effect of Sleep Deprivation and Caffeine on Cardiovascular Parameters Among Bayero University Students,’ supervised by Professor Nafisatu Yusuf Wali.

By Muhammad Masud

Nigeria’s electricity sector is undergoing a gradual but important transformation. For decades, the country’s power system has relied predominantly on centralised generation, with consumers depending on a combination of grid electricity and various forms of conventional thermal generation to meet their energy needs. More recently, declining solar technology costs and growing concerns about energy reliability have accelerated investment in distributed renewable energy systems across commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors.

Against this backdrop, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has introduced the Draft Net Billing Regulations, a policy framework that could significantly reshape the relationship between consumers and the electricity grid. While the regulation appears to focus primarily on billing arrangements for renewable energy users, its broader implications extend to investment, grid operations, energy security, and the future architecture of Nigeria’s electricity market.

Understanding Net Billing

At its core, net billing allows customers who generate renewable electricity to export excess energy to the distribution network and receive credits in return. Rather than allowing surplus electricity to go unused, customers can monetise the energy they produce but do not immediately consume.

Under the proposed framework, electricity imported from the grid is charged at the applicable retail tariff, while electricity exported to the grid is compensated at a separate export tariff determined by the regulator. This differs from traditional net metering schemes, where exported electricity may be credited at the same rate as imported electricity.

The regulation applies to renewable energy systems ranging from 50 kWp to 5 MWp, making it particularly relevant to commercial buildings, industrial facilities, universities, hospitals, shopping centres, and large residential estates.

In practical terms, the regulation formally creates a new category of electricity customer: the “prosumer”a customer who both consumes and produces electricity.

What This Means for Consumers

The regulation introduces a significant opportunity for organisations already investing in renewable energy.

Historically, many solar installations were designed solely to offset electricity consumption. During weekends, holidays, or periods of reduced operational activity, excess electricity often had little economic value. Under the proposed net billing framework, surplus generation becomes a potentially revenue-generating asset.

For businesses, this could improve the financial viability of renewable energy investments by creating an additional revenue stream alongside reduced electricity purchases. The ability to export excess energy may shorten project payback periods, improve investment returns, and encourage larger-scale renewable energy deployments.

The framework also provides consumers with greater flexibility in managing their energy portfolios. Rather than sizing renewable energy systems strictly around instantaneous demand, organisations may have greater confidence in investing in larger systems that maximise available rooftop or land resources.

Most importantly, net billing creates an economic incentive for consumers to become active participants in the electricity market rather than remaining passive recipients of electricity.

What This Means for Investors

From an investment perspective, the Draft Net Billing Regulation may be one of the most important developments in Nigeria’s distributed energy sector in recent years.

The regulation creates opportunities across multiple segments of the value chain, including:

* Renewable energy developers.
* Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors.
* Equipment suppliers.
* Metering providers.
* Energy service companies.
* Battery storage developers.
* Infrastructure and private equity investors.

One of the biggest barriers to renewable energy investment is regulatory uncertainty. Investors require confidence that connection procedures, technical requirements, compensation mechanisms, and approval processes are clearly defined and consistently applied.

By establishing a structured framework for renewable energy exports, NERC is providing the regulatory certainty necessary to unlock private sector investment.

If implemented effectively, the regulation could stimulate substantial growth in commercial and industrial solar deployment across Nigeria while attracting additional capital into the broader distributed energy ecosystem.

What This Means for the Electricity Grid

While the consumer and investment benefits are relatively straightforward, the implications for the electricity grid are more complex.

On one hand, distributed renewable generation can provide significant operational benefits. Electricity generated closer to the point of consumption reduces transmission and distribution losses, alleviates pressure on network infrastructure, and can improve local supply reliability.

Distributed generation can also contribute to addressing Nigeria’s long-standing supply deficit by supplementing electricity supplied from centralised power stations.

However, increasing renewable penetration introduces important technical considerations that must be carefully managed.

Unlike conventional synchronous thermal generation, solar photovoltaic systems are inverter-based resources. Conventional generators contain large rotating masses that naturally provide inertia, fault current contribution, and frequency support to the power system.

Solar PV systems do not inherently provide these characteristics.

As inverter-based renewable penetration increases, the system may experience:

* Reduced system inertia.
* Faster frequency deviations following disturbances.
* Lower fault current levels.
* Greater voltage management challenges.
* Increased complexity in protection coordination.

These issues do not necessarily prevent renewable integration, but they require careful planning and investment in supporting technologies.

Has Grid Stability Been Adequately Considered?

The Draft Net Billing Regulation includes several provisions intended to protect network stability.

These include:

* Technical feasibility assessments before connection.
* Anti-islanding protection requirements.
* Voltage control standards.
* Bi-directional metering requirements.
* A limit restricting renewable exports to 30% of the average load on a distribution feeder.

These measures help address distribution level operational concerns and reduce the risk of localised network problems.

However, as renewable deployment grows, broader system-level challenges may emerge.

The regulation does not currently place significant emphasis on system inertia, fault-level support, synthetic inertia provision, or grid-forming inverter requirements. While this is understandable given the current scale of renewable penetration, these considerations may become increasingly important as Nigeria moves toward higher levels of distributed renewable generation.

Over time, maintaining system stability may require complementary investments in:

* Synchronous compensators.
* Grid-forming inverter technologies.
* Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
* Advanced network monitoring and control systems.
* Enhanced grid code requirements.

The conversation therefore extends beyond renewable adoption to the future technical resilience of Nigeria’s power system.

The Opportunity to Build a Smarter Electricity System

Perhaps the most significant longterm opportunity presented by net billing is the transition from a passive electricity network to an active energy ecosystem.

Historically, electricity flowed in a single direction from generators to consumers. Net billing introduces two-way power flows, allowing consumers to contribute electricity back into the network.

This creates the foundation for future innovations, including:

* Distributed energy markets.
* Virtual power plants.
* Battery aggregation.
* Electric vehicle integration.
* Demand-side flexibility programmes.
* Local energy trading platforms.

In many respects, net billing is not simply a renewable energy policy. It is a first step toward a more decentralised and intelligent electricity system.

Challenges to Successful Implementation

Despite its potential benefits, successful implementation will require overcoming several challenges.

Distribution companies will need to modernise metering infrastructure and billing systems capable of accurately measuring imported and exported electricity. Technical capacity will be required to assess connection requests and manage increasingly complex distribution networks.

The attractiveness of the framework will also depend heavily on the export tariff established by the regulator. If compensation rates are too low, investment uptake may be limited. Conversely, tariffs that are appropriately structured can accelerate renewable energy deployment while maintaining the financial sustainability of distribution companies.

Public awareness and stakeholder engagement will also be critical. Many potential participants remain unfamiliar with net billing, application procedures, and technical compliance requirements.

What Is the Minimum Required to Participate?

For eligible organisations, participation generally requires:

* A renewable energy system with a minimum capacity of 50 kWp.
* Compliance with applicable technical standards.
* A bi-directional meter capable of recording imports and exports.
* Technical approval from the local distribution company.
* Registration under the NERC framework.
* Inspection and certification by the relevant authorities.

For many commercial and industrial consumers already operating solar installations, participation may require only modest upgrades rather than entirely new investments.

Conclusion

The Draft Net Billing Regulation represents far more than a new billing mechanism. It signals a shift in the way electricity is generated, consumed, and valued within Nigeria’s power sector.

By enabling consumers to become active participants in electricity supply, the regulation has the potential to unlock private investment, improve energy security, and accelerate renewable energy deployment. At the same time, it raises important questions about the future operation of a grid increasingly supported by inverter-based renewable resources.

As Nigeria gradually transitions from a system dominated by centralised synchronous thermal generation towards one incorporating larger volumes of distributed renewable energy, attention must extend beyond customer participation and investment incentives. Equal focus must be placed on grid stability, frequency response, voltage control, system inertia, and network resilience.

Ultimately, the success of net billing will not be measured solely by the number of renewable energy systems connected to the network. It will be measured by how effectively Nigeria balances innovation, investment, consumer participation, and grid reliability in building the electricity system of the future.

Muhammad Masud

By Aisha Mohammed Usman 

The Abduction of Major General Rabe Abubakar (Rtd) and His Wife Should Concern Every Nigerian.

Major General Rabe Abubakar (Rtd) spent decades serving Nigeria, helping to protect its people and defend its sovereignty. A respected military leader known for his professionalism and patriotism, he represents the sacrifice and dedication of countless Nigerians who have devoted their lives to national service.

Now, the reported abduction of Major General Abubakar and his wife has sparked widespread concern. Beyond the pain endured by their family, this incident is a troubling reminder of the insecurity facing the nation and a matter that should concern every Nigerian who values service, sacrifice, and justice.

At a time when public conversations are often dominated by criticism of leadership failures, we must ask ourselves an important question: Have we become a society that only speaks about bad leaders while remaining silent about the good ones?

There is no doubt that Nigeria faces significant leadership challenges. Citizens have every right to demand accountability, transparency, and effective governance. However, while we criticise those who fail us, we must also recognise, celebrate, and support those who have devoted their lives to serving others. Recognition is not merely praise; it is encouragement. It sends a message that integrity, sacrifice, and dedication still matter.

Major General Rabe Abubakar represents those values.

Among his many distinguished accomplishments, Major General Rabe Abubakar served as Nigeria’s Director of Defence Information, a position that placed him at the forefront of military communications and national security engagement. Throughout his career, he became widely respected for his professionalism, patriotism, and commitment to strengthening the relationship between the Armed Forces and the Nigerian people. Even after retirement, he remained an influential voice, mentor, and statesman whose counsel and experience continued to benefit both military and civilian communities.

For decades, he served Nigeria with distinction. Like many military officers, he endured the hardships that come with wearing the uniform—extended periods away from family, exposure to danger, and the immense responsibility of protecting lives and national interests. While millions of Nigerians slept peacefully at night, brave men and women in uniform stood watch, often under difficult and dangerous conditions, safeguarding the nation.

Yet what makes Major General Rabe Abubakar particularly remarkable is that his service did not end with retirement. Through mentorship, community development, youth empowerment, and civic engagement, he continued contributing to the growth and progress of society. His influence extended far beyond military assignments. He became a mentor to many, a trusted voice in his community, and a source of inspiration to both military personnel and civilians alike.

His impact can be felt not only through the positions he held but through the countless lives he touched. From his hometown and village to communities across Nigeria, he has consistently demonstrated that true leadership is ultimately about service to humanity.

It is therefore particularly distressing that a man who devoted his life to defending Nigeria, together with his wife, reportedly became a victim of the insecurity he spent years working to combat.

Alongside him is his wife, who has undoubtedly shared in the sacrifices that military families endure throughout the years of service to the nation. Behind every distinguished military officer is a family that bears the burden of long absences, uncertainty, and the demands of national duty. Their ordeal is therefore not only a tragedy for two individuals but also a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by military families across Nigeria.

According to reports, Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife were travelling to Katsina for a family wedding when they were abducted in the Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. Their driver reportedly survived despite sustaining a gunshot injury, while the retired General and his wife were taken away by armed men. Security agencies and military authorities have since commenced efforts to secure their safe rescue and return.

To those holding Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife captive, this is an appeal to your humanity. Whatever circumstances may have led to this situation, there remains an opportunity to choose compassion over cruelty. This retired General dedicated his life to protecting fellow Nigerians. He served his country with honour and distinction. We appeal for his immediate and safe release, alongside that of his wife.

To the Federal Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities, Nigerians are looking to you with hope and expectation. Every available resource must be deployed to ensure the safe rescue and return of Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife. The nation owes a special duty of care to those who have spent their lives safeguarding its people and institutions.

Beyond this particular incident, there is a broader lesson for all of us. We must learn to celebrate our heroes while they are still with us. Too often, recognition comes only after tragedy strikes. We must speak about the people making positive contributions to our communities. We must highlight examples of integrity, sacrifice, and patriotism. We must encourage the next generation to believe that service to the country remains a noble calling.

A society that constantly criticises but never appreciates risks discouraging those who are striving to do the right thing. Good leaders need support. Good examples need visibility. Good deeds deserve recognition.

Major General Rabe Abubakar is one such example.

At a time when insecurity continues to challenge communities across the country, Nigerians must unite in support of all lawful efforts to secure the safe return of Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife. Beyond differences of ethnicity, religion, region, or political affiliation, this is a moment that calls for collective concern, compassion, and national solidarity.

As Nigerians, regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation, this is a moment to stand together. It is a moment to pray for his safe return, support his family, and reaffirm our commitment to the values he represents.

The story of Major General Rabe Abubakar is ultimately a story of duty, sacrifice, and service. It is a reminder that true leadership is measured not by titles or ranks but by the positive impact one leaves on the lives of others.

As we await the safe return of Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife, let us remember a simple truth: a nation that honours its heroes strengthens its future, while a nation that forgets them risks losing the very values that hold it together.

May Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife return home safely. May justice prevail, amin.

And may Nigeria never stop celebrating those who serve her faithfully.

By H. A. Dandajeh

I was in Ajah, Lagos State, a few weeks ago, where I observed a large number of beggars, mostly women and children, ranging 5 – 13years, from Northern Nigeria, occupying the road divider along Addo Road under the Ajah bridge.

The situation was quite disturbing. Apart from being an eyesore, the persistent manner in which many of them approached unknown vehicles in search of alms was deeply concerning. Some kids were left fighting within themselves and some provocatively dancing to the street music with obviously no parent to send them to schools and no one to discipline them for bad behavior and wrongdoings.

I asked someone where these individuals sleep, how their safety and security are guaranteed, and whether the women are protected from harassment by street gangs and other criminal elements? No clear answers were forthcoming.

The Lagos State Government’s efforts to sanitize and regulate public spaces within the state especially with the escalating rate of insecurity shouldn’t be questioned. The Lagos authorities are not going after genuine Northern traders, but beggars who can easily be compromised as vulnerable security threats.

Beyond issues of aesthetics of Lagos, there are important concerns relating to public safety, human dignity, child welfare and education that must not be ignored.

We cannot continue to tolerate the commercialization of intentional, avoidable and unjustified begging in some parts of Northern Nigeria and then criticize other regions when they take decisive measures to protect their communities and maintain public order.

As a society, we can, and must, do better. We owe it to ourselves to create environments that uphold human dignity, encourage productivity, and provide vulnerable individuals with sustainable opportunities rather than leaving them exposed on the streets.

Every parent must be held responsibly accountable to his family!