Opinion

By Lamara Garba

For years, the menace of drug abuse has remained one of the most troubling challenges confronting Nigerian society, particularly its young population. What begins with substance use can develop into addiction, broken family relationships, school dropout, unemployment, violence and criminality. In many communities, the consequences are no longer hidden.

The problem has assumed an even more worrying dimension in Kano, where drug abuse has increasingly been linked with street violence, gang activities, thuggery popularly known as DABA, phone snatching and other social vices.

Available national data indicate the enormity of the challenge. The International Centre for Investigative Reporting, citing data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, reported that about 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged 15 to 64, representing more than 14.3 million people, use psychoactive substances non medically, while more than three million suffer from severe drug use disorders. The same report, citing National Drug Law Enforcement Agency data, put Kano’s prevalence at about 16 per cent, making it one of the most affected states in the North West.

It is against this disturbing background that the Kano State Government, under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, moved to establish a multi agency response to the problem.

On 22 July 2026, the Governor inaugurated the Kano State Multi Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado as Chairman. The initiative brought together security, law enforcement, health, traditional, religious and civil society stakeholders in a coordinated effort to confront drug abuse, illicit trafficking and their associated criminal activities.

Two months later, the emerging record of the Task Force presents a picture of an intervention that has moved rapidly from policy declaration to field operations.

Addresing the Media to Mark the two Months of operation on Tuesday 22nd September, 2026 the Chairman of the Task Force Alhaji Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado aaira more than 380 suspects have been arrested, while over 230 convictions have been secured, according to the Chairman’s latest briefing.

For a state battling a problem as complex as drug abuse, these figures are more than statistics. They offer a glimpse into the scale of criminal activity taking place around drug markets, while also showing the extent of the enforcement response that has been mobilised.

The operations have taken the Task Force into locations identified as drug joints and criminal black spots, including Race Course, Filin Idi, Filin Mahaha, Tashar Rami, Kawo and other areas within the metropolis and beyond.

The approach has been to dislodge the gathering points where drug users, dealers and suspected criminals converge, rather than simply wait for individual offenders to appear elsewhere.

Earlier operations had already shown the breadth of the challenge. In August, the Task Force carried out raids in Rimin Gado and Doka communities, arresting 28 suspects and recovering assorted illicit substances. The Chairman said the operations would extend beyond the metropolis to all 44 local government areas of the state.

By September, the scale of the operations had increased. Another operation involving Gandun Albasa, Kasuwar Rimi, Fagge and railway areas resulted in the arrest of at least 70 suspected drug users and others allegedly involved in related activities. The Task Force also announced a target of removing 10,000 vulnerable youths from the streets for rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration.

Behind these operations is an understanding that the drug problem does not exist in isolation.

It is connected to a wider ecosystem of criminality. The Task Force Chairman says some drug joints serve as meeting points for individuals who later engage in DABA, phone snatching and other forms of street violence. The decision to combine drug enforcement with action against gang related activities therefore represents an attempt to address some of the consequences surrounding substance abuse at the same time.

Several suspected gang members have been arrested and convicted, including individuals identified as Abdullahi Ahmad, popularly known as Horror, Abubakar Sada, known as Daburi, Abdullahi Sani, known as Sarki Ale, and Umar Aliyu.

The message from the Task Force is that drug abuse and associated criminal behaviour will no longer be treated as ordinary street activities.

But perhaps the most disturbing dimension of the campaign is the vulnerability of children.

In one of the cases that has attracted considerable attention, 43 underage children were rescued after investigations indicated that some of them, while engaged in street scavenging, were allegedly supplied with rubber solution and other intoxicating substances instead of receiving appropriate payment for their services.

Two men, Kabiru Isa, popularly known as Mada, and Usman Hamisu, known as Mani, were subsequently convicted. Each received a cumulative nine year prison sentence without an option of fine, according to the Task Force and reports of the court proceedings.

The case is significant because it exposes another face of the drug crisis.

Children who should be protected from intoxicating substances were allegedly being drawn into a cycle of exploitation and substance abuse. For such children, intervention cannot end with the arrest of those responsible.

They need medical attention, counselling, family support, education and protection.

The 43 children rescued have undergone medical checks and are receiving counselling and treatment, while efforts continue to identify their families. Some have already been reunited with their relatives.

This combination of enforcement and protection is becoming a defining feature of the Task Force’s intervention.

The campaign has also exposed concerns around the diversion of controlled medicines from legitimate supply chains.

The Task Force says it seized about 870,000 capsules of Pregabalin from a pharmaceutical company in the state over suspected diversion for illicit use.

The concern is not limited to street dealers. It raises questions about the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain and the responsibility of companies, pharmacy managers, superintendent pharmacists and other personnel to ensure that controlled medicines do not find their way into illicit markets.

The Chairman has consequently called on pharmaceutical stakeholders to strengthen their internal controls and cooperate with inspections and investigations.

The scale of controlled medicine seizures in Kano has also been reflected in separate NDLEA operations. In September, the agency reported the seizure of 785,000 Pregabalin capsules weighing more than 669 kilograms in Sabon Gari, Kano, in an operation that resulted in the arrest of a 20 year old suspect.

Such developments demonstrate that the drug problem is not simply a matter of individuals consuming substances on the streets. It also involves supply networks, distribution channels and access to controlled medicines.

The Task Force has therefore adopted a broad enforcement approach that brings together several agencies.

Police, NDLEA, DSS, NSCDC, Correctional Service, Hisbah, KAROTA and other stakeholders are participating in the operations.

The multi agency character is important because no single institution possesses all the powers, intelligence, personnel and facilities required to tackle a problem of this magnitude.

The Kano Government has also provided operational support to strengthen the campaign. In August, five new vehicles were handed over to the Task Force to enhance mobility, field operations and intelligence coordination.

Yet, perhaps the most important shift in the strategy is the recognition that enforcement alone cannot end drug abuse.

A person addicted to drugs may be arrested, prosecuted or convicted, but if the underlying problem remains untreated, another vulnerable young person can take his or her place.

The Task Force has therefore combined enforcement with prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Its sensitisation campaign has taken the anti drug message into communities, schools, markets, religious institutions and other public spaces. The objective is to prevent young people from entering the cycle in the first place.

At the same time, individuals already affected by drug abuse are being referred for rehabilitation.

About 125 people have been referred to the Kano Reformatory Institute in Kiru for treatment and rehabilitation.

The growing demand for rehabilitation has, however, created another challenge. The Kiru facility has reportedly reached capacity as more families voluntarily seek help for relatives affected by drug abuse.

Rather than viewing this only as a problem, the Task Force sees the increasing demand for rehabilitation as an indication that families are becoming more willing to seek assistance.

The Kano State Government has consequently provided an additional facility in Tofa Local Government Area to expand rehabilitation services.

The new facility is expected to provide space for more people requiring treatment and rehabilitation.

But recovery is only one stage of the process. What happens after rehabilitation may determine whether the intervention produces lasting results.

A young person who leaves rehabilitation without employment, skills, family support or a productive means of livelihood can easily become vulnerable to the same environment that contributed to the original problem.

This is why the Task Force is now engaging industrial stakeholders and other partners on employment, skills acquisition and economic reintegration.

The stated target is ambitious: to take 10,000 youths off the streets, rehabilitate them, equip them with useful skills and reintegrate them into society.

The plan represents a shift from seeing drug users only through the lens of enforcement to recognising that some require medical, psychological, social and economic intervention.

Recent reports indicate that the Task Force’s rehabilitation proposal includes medical detoxification, structured rehabilitation, vocational training and support for economic reintegration. The Chairman has identified trades and practical skills as part of the strategy for helping beneficiaries become economically productive.

This approach also places an important responsibility on the wider society.

Government can provide facilities. Security agencies can make arrests. Courts can determine cases. Health professionals can provide treatment. Trainers can provide skills.

But communities must provide acceptance and support for those who successfully complete rehabilitation.

Families must be willing to participate in the recovery process. Employers and businesses must be prepared to provide opportunities. Religious and traditional institutions must continue to educate communities. Civil society organisations must support prevention and reintegration.

The media, too, has an important role to play.

Reporting the number of arrests and seizures may communicate the scale of enforcement, but sustained public education requires deeper storytelling about prevention, treatment, recovery and the consequences of drug abuse.

The first two months of the Kano Task Force therefore tell two stories at once.

The first is the disturbing magnitude of the problem.

More than 380 arrests, over 230 convictions, the dismantling of drug joints, the recovery of illicit substances and weapons, cases involving vulnerable children, alleged diversion of controlled medicines and the disruption of phone snatching and gang networks all point to a challenge that extends well beyond individual drug consumption.

The second story is the emergence of a coordinated response.

The Task Force has brought enforcement agencies and other stakeholders together, moved into identified black spots, pursued prosecutions, rescued vulnerable children, expanded sensitisation, referred affected individuals for rehabilitation and begun planning for skills acquisition and reintegration.

The journey is still at an early stage.

Two months is not enough to declare victory over a problem that has developed over many years. Indeed, the scale of the arrests and seizures suggests that the challenge remains substantial.

What the first two months demonstrate is that the response has moved from concern to organised action.

The real measure of success in the months ahead will not only be the number of arrests or convictions. It will also be whether fewer young people enter the cycle of substance abuse, whether vulnerable children are protected, whether rehabilitation produces sustainable recovery, whether former users find productive livelihoods and whether communities become safer.

For Kano, therefore, the next phase may be even more important than the first.

The foundations of enforcement have been laid. Rehabilitation facilities are being expanded. Prevention activities are reaching communities. A target of 10,000 youths has been set.

The challenge now is to sustain the momentum, strengthen coordination and ensure that every intervention, from the street corner to the courtroom and from the rehabilitation centre to the workplace, contributes to the same objective.

A drug free society cannot be created by arrests alone.

It requires prevention before addiction, intervention when addiction occurs, justice where criminality is established, rehabilitation for those who need it and opportunity for those seeking a second chance.

That is the larger test facing Kano’s anti drug campaign.

Two months into the operation, the Task Force has shown that the state has begun confronting the problem on several fronts.

The months ahead will determine how far that coordinated response can transform the lives of those caught in the drug crisis and restore confidence in communities that have long lived with its consequences.

Lamara Garba, mnipr, is a member of the Multi Agency Task Force on Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

By Muhammad Umar Shehu

I have always believed one of the oldest tricks in politics is convincing people that temporary relief is evidence of good governance. It is a carefully managed performance. First, create uncertainty. Allow fear and anxiety to spread. Watch public frustration build. Then step in with what appears to be compassion. The same government that created the tension suddenly presents itself as the rescuer. Many applaud, forgetting who created the problem in the first place.

This is how propaganda works.

Propaganda is not always about telling outright lies. Sometimes it is about controlling public emotions. It is about deciding what people focus on and, more importantly, what they forget. It shifts attention from the real problems to carefully staged moments that create the illusion of responsive leadership.

One technique often seen in politics is card stacking, where only information that benefits those in power is highlighted while inconvenient facts are pushed aside. Another is glittering generalities, where attractive slogans and emotionally appealing catchphrases are repeated so often that they begin to replace serious conversations about policy. 

There is also transfer, where every government action is wrapped in patriotic language, encouraging citizens to equate support for those in power with love for the country. Add to that bandwagon, which creates the impression that everyone supports a particular government or policy, making dissent appear unreasonable or even unpatriotic. When these techniques are combined with carefully timed announcements and an aggressive media campaign, public attention shifts from measurable results to carefully managed political narratives.

Nigerians should understand this strategy because it has become increasingly common. Instead of addressing the structural problems affecting millions of citizens, government communication often focuses on managing public perception. The objective is not necessarily to improve people’s lives but to improve the government’s image.

While citizens celebrate temporary gestures or reassuring announcements, inflation continues to erode purchasing power. Food prices remain beyond the reach of many families. Businesses struggle to survive. Young people face unemployment and uncertainty. Public institutions continue to weaken while public confidence in government steadily declines.

This is why every Nigerian should ask a simple question whenever government suddenly presents itself as the people’s defender. What created the hardship in the first place? What lasting solution has been provided? Has anything fundamentally changed, or has public attention simply been redirected?

A government that genuinely puts citizens first does not depend on carefully timed public relations campaigns to maintain popularity. It develops policies that reduce hardship before people are pushed to the edge. It strengthens institutions instead of relying on media narratives to defend every controversial decision.

Unfortunately, propaganda has become a substitute for performance. Press statements are becoming more frequent than measurable achievements. Political branding is taking precedence over policy outcomes. The goal appears to be shaping perception rather than changing reality.

History teaches us that governments often become more confident when they believe public opinion can be managed rather than earned. Once citizens accept political theatre as leadership, accountability weakens. Leaders no longer feel compelled to deliver meaningful reforms because they discover that effective messaging can sometimes produce the same political reward as effective governance.

From my perspective, it is part of the trick. Once they secure a second term, they may feel less restrained and more willing to pursue policies that place even greater burdens on ordinary Nigerians. Nigerians should carefully examine the APC administration’s record before deciding its future. Those advocating another Tinubu term should also explain why they believe the country’s present direction deserves another mandate.

Tinubu has not demonstrated a convincing plan to rebuild Nigeria or strengthen the country’s institutions. My concern is that a second term could further weaken democratic accountability and concentrate even more power in the presidency. Whether Nigerians agree or disagree with that assessment, they should examine facts, policies and outcomes rather than political slogans and carefully managed publicity.

Democracy survives when citizens question narratives instead of accepting them at face value. Governments should be judged by the condition of the people, not by the quality of their communication strategy. A well-written press release cannot reduce inflation. A polished speech cannot put food on people’s tables. A sophisticated propaganda campaign cannot substitute for sound governance.

The greatest propaganda is not convincing people that everything is fine. It is convincing them that carefully managed political gestures are proof of good leadership.

Nigeria deserves more than slogans.

Nigeria deserves more than political theatre.

Nigeria deserves leaders who solve problems instead of managing perceptions.

Muhammad Umar Shehu wrote from Gombe and can be reached via umarmuhammadshehu2@gmail.com.

By Jessica Jummai Ayuba

The consumption of traditional medicine has become a widespread phenomenon in Nigeria, with many people resorting to it as an alternative to orthodox medicine. However, the unregulated nature of the traditional medicine industry has raised serious concerns about the safety and efficacy of these medicines. It is high time for the government to take decisive action to regulate the consumption of traditional medicine in Nigeria.

The traditional medicine industry in Nigeria is a multi-billion naira market, with thousands of practitioners and sellers operating across the country. However, the majority of these practitioners and sellers are operating unlawfully, without obtaining the necessary licenses and permits from the government. This lack of regulation has created an environment in which quacks and charlatans can thrive, putting the lives of millions of Nigerians at risk.

One of the major concerns about the traditional medicine industry in Nigeria is the lack of standardization and quality control. Many traditional medicine practitioners and sellers are using untested and unproven remedies, which can have serious side effects or even be fatal. Furthermore, many of these remedies are being prepared in unsanitary conditions, which can lead to contamination and infection.

The government has a critical role to play in regulating the traditional medicine industry in Nigeria. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is the primary agency responsible for regulating the industry, but it has been struggling to keep up with the sheer number of practitioners and sellers operating in the country. The government needs to provide NAFDAC with more resources and support to enable it to effectively regulate the industry.

Another major concern about the traditional medicine industry in Nigeria is the lack of transparency and accountability. Many traditional medicine practitioners and sellers are making exaggerated claims about the efficacy of their remedies, and some are even using fake or forged certificates to convince their customers. The government needs to take action to protect consumers from these unscrupulous practitioners and sellers.

The regulation of the traditional medicine industry in Nigeria is not just about protecting consumers; it is also about promoting public health. Many traditional medicine remedies are being used to treat serious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, but these remedies are often ineffective or even counterproductive. The government needs to take action to ensure that traditional medicine practitioners and sellers are providing safe and effective remedies.

To effectively regulate the traditional medicine industry in Nigeria, the government needs to establish clear guidelines and standards for the production, sale, and use of traditional medicine remedies. The government also needs to establish a system for monitoring and enforcing compliance with these guidelines and standards.

Furthermore, the government needs to provide support and resources for traditional medicine practitioners and sellers who are willing to operate within the law. This could include training programs, loans, and other forms of assistance. By providing support and resources, the government can encourage traditional medicine practitioners and sellers to operate safely and effectively.

In addition to regulating the traditional medicine industry, the government also needs to educate the public about the risks and benefits of traditional medicine. Many Nigerians are unaware of the potential risks associated with traditional medicine remedies, and they need to be educated about how to use these remedies safely and effectively.

The government also needs to work with traditional medicine practitioners and sellers to develop new and innovative remedies that are safe and effective. This could include supporting research and development programs, as well as providing funding and resources for the commercialization of new remedies.

In conclusion, the regulation of the traditional medicine industry in Nigeria is a critical issue that requires immediate attention. The government needs to take decisive action to regulate the industry, protect consumers, and promote public health. By working together with traditional medicine practitioners and sellers, the government can develop a safe and effective traditional medicine industry that benefits all Nigerians.

Jessica Jummai Ayuba, Department of Masss Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Jessica Jummai Ayuba

Road crashes have become one of the deadliest yet most overlooked public health challenges in Nigeria. Every week, headlines carry grim reports of accidents that claim the lives of students, professionals, traders, and breadwinners, leaving countless families devastated. These accidents disproportionately affect people in their most productive years, robbing the nation of valuable human capital and entrenching poverty in households suddenly stripped of their providers.

The scale of the crisis is staggering. According to estimates, thousands die annually on Nigerian roads, with many more injured or permanently disabled. Yet, the recurring nature of these accidents has made the tragedies seem normal, almost inevitable. This complacency is dangerous because road accidents are not acts of fate—they are largely preventable with the right policies, infrastructure, and enforcement.

The causes of road accidents in Nigeria are painfully familiar. Poorly maintained roads riddled with potholes turn every journey into a gamble. Reckless driving habits, including overspeeding, drunk driving, and blatant disregard for traffic laws, continue to fuel crashes. Added to this are poorly serviced vehicles, particularly commercial buses and trucks that should not be on the highways. The danger is compounded by the menace of heavy-duty vehicles and petroleum tankers, whose accidents often lead to catastrophic explosions.

Unfortunately, government response has been inconsistent and insufficient. While aviation safety receives enormous resources and strict oversight—despite being used by a fraction of the population—road safety, which affects millions daily, is treated with neglect. This imbalance underscores a lack of political will to confront the issue of road carnage with the seriousness it demands.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the primary agency tasked with promoting road safety, remains overstretched and underpowered. For years, it has operated with inadequate manpower, limited funding, and logistical constraints. Its absence in many Local Government Areas means that enforcement of traffic rules and rapid response to emergencies remain weak in vast parts of the country. Without a comprehensive presence across all 774 LGAs, the FRSC cannot effectively fulfil its mandate.

To reverse the trend, strengthening the FRSC must become a national priority. This requires increased budgetary allocation, recruitment of more personnel, and provision of modern tools to aid monitoring and enforcement. Beyond resources, the agency must also be given stronger legal authority to prosecute offenders swiftly and decisively. Reckless drivers must no longer escape accountability because of political influence or weak enforcement structures.

At the same time, state governments cannot remain passive. States without road traffic management agencies must establish them immediately. Those already in existence must work hand-in-hand with the FRSC, creating a coordinated framework for road safety enforcement. The collaboration between federal and state agencies should be backed by data-sharing, technology, and joint patrols to make the roads safer.

Public enlightenment is another critical tool in reducing accidents. Campaigns to educate drivers about safe road practices, dangers of overspeeding, and the importance of vehicle maintenance must be sustained and intensified. The culture of reckless driving thrives partly because many drivers are either unaware of the risks or dismissive of them. Changing attitudes will require persistent education and visible enforcement of penalties.

Equally, Nigeria’s dilapidated road infrastructure demands urgent attention. The poor state of highways and rural roads is a major contributor to road crashes. Massive investment in road rehabilitation, construction of safer highways, and proper signage is essential. Roads must be built with standard safety features such as barriers, lighting, and pedestrian crossings. Without safe infrastructure, even the best enforcement efforts will yield limited results.

Technology should also be embraced as a game-changer. Surveillance cameras, speed detectors, and digital monitoring systems should be deployed on major highways to track offenders and improve accountability. In addition, the creation of a centralised database for drivers and vehicles would help identify repeat offenders and ensure that penalties are enforced consistently.

The private sector can contribute significantly to tackling this menace. Insurance companies, transport unions, and vehicle manufacturers all have a stake in safer roads. By partnering with government in awareness campaigns, driver training, and vehicle inspection initiatives, the burden of road safety can be shared more effectively.

It is equally important to empower first responders and medical facilities. Many accident victims die not from the crash itself but from delays in accessing medical care. Equipping local health centres near highways and training paramedics can drastically reduce fatalities. Quick intervention can mean the difference between life and death.

The economic toll of road accidents is often overlooked. Beyond the human tragedy, crashes cost billions annually in healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and property damage. Nigeria cannot afford to keep losing lives and resources to problems that are largely preventable. Safer roads are not just a moral imperative but an economic necessity.

Nonetheless, the solution lies in political will. Government at all levels must stop paying lip service to road safety and treat it as the national emergency that it is. Every life lost on the highways is one too many, and the time has come to act with urgency and commitment.

Road crashes are not natural disasters; they are preventable tragedies. With the right policies, better infrastructure, strict enforcement, and collective responsibility, Nigeria can drastically reduce the number of lives lost on its roads. The message is simple but powerful: enough of preventable deaths. The government must act now—firmly and decisively.

Jessica Jummai Ayuba, Department of Masss Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Salmanu Isah Darazo

Three years after Olayemi Cardoso assumed office as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the apex bank has undergone a period of extensive institutional and policy reforms, with the emphasis increasingly placed on financial-system resilience, market transparency, stronger regulation and the modernisation of Nigeria’s financial architecture.

Mr. Cardoso assumed office on September 22, 2023, at a particularly demanding period for Nigeria’s monetary and financial system. His tenure has subsequently been marked by a succession of reforms designed to strengthen the banking sector, deepen the foreign-exchange market, modernise payment infrastructure and reinforce confidence in the financial system. The fact sheet documenting his tenure also notes commendation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and international recognition, including the Central Bank of the Year Award by Central Banking, London.

Perhaps the most consequential development has been the completion of the banking-sector recapitalisation exercise. By March 31, 2026, 33 banks had met the revised minimum capital requirements, collectively raising approximately ₦4.65 trillion in fresh capital. About 72.55 per cent of the funds were sourced domestically. Beyond the headline figure, the exercise represents an attempt to create a banking system with greater capacity to withstand shocks and provide stronger support for economic activity.

The reform agenda has also extended into corporate governance and financial inclusion. New succession requirements introduced for Domestic Systemically Important Banks were designed to strengthen leadership continuity and governance, while the CBN’s approval of the Bank of Industry’s Non-Interest Banking Window opened another channel for alternative and potentially more inclusive financing. These measures indicate that the reform programme is not limited to capital adequacy but also addresses institutional continuity and the diversity of financing options available within the economy.

On the foreign-exchange front, the CBN has pursued a more structured and transparent market framework. The fourth edition of the Foreign Exchange Manual, launched in May 2026, was designed to improve transparency, efficiency and credibility in FX operations while reinforcing market-driven principles. At the retail end, licensed Bureau de Change operators were given structured access to foreign exchange through authorised dealer banks, backed by an FX BDC Purchase Tracker intended to strengthen compliance and real-time oversight.

Other FX reforms have targeted the flow and monitoring of foreign exchange from major sources. International oil companies were permitted to repatriate 100 per cent of export proceeds through authorised dealer banks, while new settlement requirements for International Money Transfer Operators were introduced to improve the transparency and traceability of diaspora remittances. Additional crude-oil export terminals were also allocated to strengthen monitoring and compliance across the oil and gas export chain.

The payments ecosystem has equally become a major front in the CBN’s reform programme. The Payments System Vision 2028, launched in June 2026, provides a strategic roadmap built around interoperability, security, inclusion, innovation, trust and collaboration. Alongside this broader strategy, revised agent-banking guidelines, Point-of-Sale geo-fencing and dual-connectivity requirements, as well as enhanced instant-payment security measures, have sought to improve reliability, consumer protection and the security of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital-payment environment.

Consumer protection and the fight against financial fraud have also received greater regulatory attention. The revised cash policy introduced new withdrawal thresholds while removing restrictions and charges on cash deposits. Financial institutions were directed to withdraw misleading advertisements, while banks were required to strengthen rapid-response mechanisms against electronic fraud. The strengthened BVN and watch-list framework, the Cybersecurity Self-Assessment Tool and automated standards for monitoring money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing further demonstrate the Bank’s attempt to move financial-system supervision toward more proactive and technology-driven enforcement.

Another important dimension is the modernisation of Nigeria’s financial markets. The introduction of the Nigerian Overnight Financing Rate in April 2026 created a transaction-based overnight benchmark intended to improve price discovery, market transparency, monetary-policy transmission and risk management. Reforms to fixed-income trading and settlement infrastructure, alongside changes to discount-window and liquidity-market arrangements, have similarly sought to make financial markets more efficient and strengthen the transmission of monetary policy.

The reserve position provides another significant marker in the reform story. In 2026, locally sourced gold refined to international LBMA Good Delivery standards was added to Nigeria’s external reserve assets, providing another layer of diversification. More significantly, external reserves crossed the US$50 billion threshold — described in the fact sheet as the highest level in approximately 17 years. The development represents a stronger external buffer and is presented as part of the broader improvement in foreign-exchange-market conditions.

Taken together, the reforms suggest that the Cardoso era at the CBN has been defined less by a single headline intervention than by an attempt to rebuild several interconnected parts of Nigeria’s financial architecture. Banking recapitalisation addresses institutional resilience; FX reforms target market transparency; payments reforms respond to digitalisation; cybersecurity and consumer-protection measures address emerging risks; while financial-market reforms seek to improve the machinery through which monetary policy operates.

The significance of the three-year milestone, therefore, lies not simply in the number of policies introduced but in whether these reforms can be sustained and translated into durable economic outcomes. A stronger banking system, deeper financial markets, more transparent FX operations, safer digital payments and larger external buffers provide important foundations. The next phase will ultimately be judged by how effectively those foundations support investment, credit, financial inclusion and broader economic stability.

Three years into Cardoso’s tenure, the reform agenda has clearly moved beyond crisis management toward institutional rebuilding. Its enduring test will be implementation: whether the new rules, systems and capital buffers become embedded strongly enough to make Nigeria’s financial system more resilient, transparent and capable of supporting long-term economic growth.

Salmanu Isah Darazo is a publisher, analyst and editor. He writes from Bauchi, and can be reached via Salmanudrz@gmail.com

By Hauwa Ibrahim

The issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria, particularly in the Northeast, has reached alarming proportions. With over 10 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 not attending school, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world. The Northeast accounts for a significant portion of this number, with states like Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa having some of the highest rates of out-of-school children.

This trend is deeply troubling, as it not only affects the future of these children but also threatens the stability and development of the region. Poverty, conflict, and cultural barriers are some of the factors driving this phenomenon, making it fundamental to adopt a comprehensive approach to address the root causes.

To curb the menace of out-of-school children, increased investment in education infrastructure and resources is crucial. This includes building and renovating schools, providing adequate materials and equipment, and training qualified teachers. Implementation of conditional cash transfer programs can also encourage enrollment, particularly among disadvantaged families. Community-based initiatives are vital in promoting education and awareness. Collaboration with local leaders, religious institutions, and civil society organizations can help challenge harmful cultural norms and promote the value of education.

Furthermore, policy reforms are necessary to address cultural and social barriers, ensuring that every child has access to quality education. The government has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children. The National Education Plan, Safe Schools Initiative, Conditional Cash Transfer Program, and Education for All initiative are steps in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to address the scale and complexity of the problem.

Effective implementation and coordination among stakeholders are critical to the success of these initiatives. State and local governments must work closely with federal agencies, international organizations, and civil society groups to ensure a unified approach. Additionally, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be put in place to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

Ultimately, addressing the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria’s Northeast requires a collective effort. We must prioritize education as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of national development. The National Almajiri Commission and other stakeholders must work round the clock to ensure that the number of out-of-school children is drastically reduced or eliminated. This will require sustained commitment, coordination, and collaboration among all stakeholders.

In conclusion, the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria’s Northeast is a ticking time bomb that requires immediate attention. It is a collective responsibility that requires the efforts of all stakeholders. We must work together to ensure that every child has access to quality education and a brighter future.

Hauwa Ibrahim, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Hauwa Ibrahim

The Almajiri system has for too long remained one of Nigeria’s most visible social failures. Every day, thousands of children can be seen wandering the streets of northern cities barefoot, bowl in hand, begging for food under the guise of religious education. This practice, which was once a modest system of Quranic learning, has now degenerated into a cycle of neglect and poverty.

It is time for Nigeria to take a hard look at the Almajiri system and begin a complete rethink of its relevance and structure. The reality is that the system, as currently practised, violates the rights of children to proper education, healthcare, and protection. No child deserves to live on the streets in the name of learning.

Originally, the Almajiri tradition was a respected form of Islamic scholarship. In pre-colonial times, young pupils lived with Islamic scholars who taught them the Quran and basic literacy. The local communities supported these students with food and shelter, making it a communal effort that worked within the social structure of the time.

However, that system no longer functions as it once did. The breakdown of community support and government neglect have turned many Almajiri schools into breeding grounds for child labour and exploitation. Today, these children are left to fend for themselves in harsh conditions, begging for survival instead of receiving the education they were promised.

The consequences of this neglect are enormous. Many Almajirai grow up without formal education, skills, or prospects for the future. Deprived of opportunities, some become vulnerable to criminal recruitment or radicalisation. It is a humanitarian crisis that continues to grow silently in plain sight.

In recent years, several administrations have promised reforms. The Goodluck Jonathan government, for example, launched a programme to integrate the Almajiri system with basic education by building special schools across the North. Sadly, most of those schools have either been abandoned or converted to other uses due to poor implementation and lack of continuity.

The time has come for both federal and state governments to revisit the issue with sincerity. Reform must go beyond building classrooms. It must involve a complete restructuring that prioritises the welfare, education, and future of every child. Government must work with religious leaders and traditional institutions to design a model that preserves the moral teachings of Islam while ensuring that children are not left to roam the streets.

Community participation is also crucial. Parents and guardians must be sensitised on the dangers of sending their children away without supervision. Poverty is often the main reason behind this practice, so tackling it requires broader social welfare programmes, including free basic education, school feeding, and parental support schemes.

The role of religious leaders cannot be overstated. They must use their influence to advocate for a humane and modern approach to Quranic education. Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge but does not sanction child neglect. Reimagining the Almajiri system must therefore align with both faith and social responsibility.

Civil society groups and the private sector can also contribute by supporting community-based schools and vocational centres where Almajiri children can acquire practical skills alongside religious learning. This will help integrate them into society and reduce the number of children living on the streets.

Education remains the most powerful tool for transforming lives. Every Nigerian child, regardless of background, deserves access to quality education in a safe environment. Allowing millions of children to live as beggars is not only an injustice to them but also a threat to the country’s future.

There is also a public health dimension to the crisis. Almajiri children, often living in unsanitary conditions, face constant exposure to diseases and malnutrition. Their situation undermines national efforts to improve public health and fight poverty.

A deliberate, well-coordinated national plan is needed to phase out the exploitative aspects of the Almajiri system. The solution lies in integration, rehabilitation, and empowerment, not neglect. Education ministries, social welfare agencies, and faith-based organisations must work together to ensure no child is left behind.

Ultimately, the Almajiri problem is not just a northern issue but a national one. A society that allows millions of its children to beg on the streets cannot claim progress. Nigeria must confront this reality and take decisive steps to end a system that perpetuates poverty and ignorance.

If the nation fails to act now, the cost will be enormous. The uneducated children of today could become the disillusioned adults of tomorrow. Reforming the Almajiri system is therefore not an act of charity but an urgent investment in Nigeria’s stability, security, and development.

Hauwa Ibrahim, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Oluwapelumi Oluwagbotemi Arobieke

Drug abuse has become a major concern in Nigeria, particularly among the youth. Many young Nigerians have fallen prey to the lure of sedatives and other illicit substances, often without a doctor’s prescription. This trend is not only alarming but also devastating, as it has the potential to destroy the future of these young individuals.

The victims of drug abuse often mistakenly believe that getting high will help them cope with depression and other emotional challenges. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Drug abuse only serves to exacerbate these problems, leading to a downward spiral of addiction, health issues, and social problems. The consequences of drug abuse are far-reaching and devastating, affecting not only the individual but also their families and communities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), substance abuse can affect brain development and growth in youth, leading to risky behaviors, mental health issues, and a host of other problems. The physical effects of drug use on youth include paranoia and hallucinations, dangerously high body temperatures, irregular heartbeat and heart palpitations, heart attack or failure, stroke, seizures, and sleep disorders. In addition to these physical effects, drug abuse can also have severe mental and emotional consequences, including poor judgment, declines in academic performance, dependence on drugs, and mental health disorders.

There is a strong link between substance abuse and delinquency. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, youth who use drugs are more likely to commit crimes, including violent and income-generating crimes. This is evident in the recent disorderliness in Nigeria, which could be attributed to drug abuse. A great percentage of perpetrators who have been brought to book are victims of drug abuse. Their masters brainwash them and furnish them with illicit drugs before sending them on evil errands.

To address the scourge of drug abuse among Nigerian youths, it is essential that we work together to create a safer and healthier society. This requires a collective effort from parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement agencies. We must also support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking. By working together, we can help to prevent the spread of illicit substances and provide support to those affected by drug abuse.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a major concern in Nigeria, particularly among the youth. It is essential that we recognize the dangers of drug abuse and take action to prevent it.

Oluwapelumi Oluwagbotemi Arobieke, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Oluwapelumi Oluwagbotemi Arobieke

The Northwestern part of Nigeria has been plagued by heinous crimes, including banditry, cattle rustling, kidnappings, and the rise of Lakurawa criminal gangs. These gangs claim to fight for religious reasons, but their actions only bring suffering to innocent civilians. The question on everyone’s mind is: why does the North always seem to be at the epicenter of these atrocities? This cycle of violence is rooted in power and control dynamics, where the perpetrators exert dominance over the victims through coercion and manipulation.

The North’s struggles with violence and crime have become a recurring nightmare. It’s imperative that we acknowledge the complexity of this issue and the need for collective action. We must address the root causes of this violence, including poverty, lack of education, and social inequality. By providing access to quality education and economic opportunities, we can empower the youth and reduce the appeal of criminal gangs. Effective leadership and collaboration are crucial in safeguarding the North. Leaders must put aside their differences and work towards a common goal: protecting their people.

To safeguard the North, we need to invest in education, economic empowerment, and social welfare programs. Community leaders play a vital role in promoting peace and stability. They must speak out against violence and encourage their followers to do the same. By fostering a culture of tolerance and understanding, we can break the cycle of violence and build a more harmonious society. Security forces must intensify their efforts to combat crime and protect civilians. This includes intelligence gathering, strategic operations, and community engagement.

The youth are the future of the North, and it’s essential that we empower them with education, skills, and opportunities. By doing so, we can redirect their energy towards positive change and development. We must also address the economic and social factors that drive young people to join criminal gangs. This includes providing job opportunities, vocational training, and mentorship programme.

Understanding the cycle of abuse is crucial in addressing the North’s violence. The cycle consists of tension building, acute battering incident, and reconciliation. Recognizing these stages can help individuals and communities break free from the cycle of violence. Support from healthcare providers, professional counselors, and domestic violence organizations is vital in ending the cycle of abuse.


In conclusion, the North’s cry for help requires collective action from all stakeholders to address the overwhelming problems plaguing the region. It’s imperative that leaders, community members, organizations, and individuals put aside their differences and work towards a common goal: safeguarding the North. This collaborative effort will empower the youth, promote peace and stability, and break the cycle of violence. Effective stakeholder engagement is crucial in achieving this goal. By identifying and prioritizing key stakeholders, the North can develop a comprehensive plan to address the root causes of its problems.

This includes investing in education, economic empowerment, and social welfare programs. Community leaders must speak out against violence and encourage their followers to do the same, fostering a culture of tolerance and understanding. By addressing these areas, stakeholders can create a safer, more prosperous North. The international community must also support Nigeria’s efforts to address these challenges. Simply put, we can break the cycle of violence and build a brighter future for the North.

Oluwapelumi Oluwagbotemi Arobieke, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Kasim Isa Muhammad

As I try to pen down some sort of tribute to Alhaji Bukar Abubakar, the Makinta of Fika Emirate, I find myself struggling with where exactly to begin because some people are simply too difficult to capture in words. There are people whose lives can easily be summarised by their positions, their accomplishments or the offices they occupied, but there are others whose true worth lies somewhere  consequential in the lives they touched, the people they encouraged, the kindness they showed, the sacrifices they made and the memories they left in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know them. Alhaji Bukar was one of those rare people. I lived in the same area with him for about twenty years and, during all those years, I came to know him not only as a respected elder or distinguished retired civil servant, but as a neighbour, a gentleman and, above everything else, a good human being. I am not saying that he was flawless because no human being is without shortcomings, but in all the years that I knew him, I never, even in my wildest dreams, got to know a flaw that could diminish the extraordinary impression he left on people. He was indescribably kind, compassionate, accommodating and peaceful. He was, by far, one of the most pleasant people I have ever known, and there was something about his manner that made it difficult to imagine him deliberately hurting another person. He carried his age, experience and status with unprecedented dignity that never made other people feel small. He was simply Alhaji Bukar, a man who had lived enough to understand that the greatest measure of a person’s life is not what he owns or the position he occupies, but the good he leaves behind in the lives of others.

In April last year, when I was a correspondent with Neptune Prime, I had the privilege of interviewing Alhaji Bukar for our Oldies page. It was supposed to be a normal journalistic assignment, another interview, another story, another conversation with an elderly personality whose experiences were worth documenting. But somehow, that thirty-minute conversation became much more than that for me. It stayed with me. It settled somewhere deep in my subconscious and continued to reveal its lessons long after the interview was over. There are conversations we have in life that disappear almost immediately after we leave the room, and there are others that remain with us because something in the person we encountered has touched a part of us that we did not even know needed touching. My conversation with Alhaji Bukar was one of those conversations. I listened to him speak about his life and his career, about how he started as a primary school teacher before rising through the ranks and eventually becoming a distinguished administrator and Rector of the College of Administrative and Business Studies, CABS, in Potiskum Local Government. What struck me most was his work ethic. He was a very, very hardworking man, and there was no pretence about it. His story was a story of persistence, discipline, sacrifice and the determination to keep moving forward regardless of how difficult the road might become. Listening to him made me think exceedingly about the importance of hard work and the power of perseverance. He reminded me that sometimes the only way to succeed is to simply keep going, even when the results are not immediate. That interview instilled in me, perhaps more than he ever realised, the importance of the habit of keep on keeping on. I walked away from that conversation with a renewed determination to work harder, to remain patient with the process and to understand that a person’s beginning does not have to define his ending.

Lo and behold, there is something emotional about remembering that interview because I did not know then that I would one day be writing about him in the past tense. I did not know that the man sitting before me, telling me about his life and experiences, would eventually become someone I would have to remember rather than visit. I did not know that thirty minutes could become such a precious memory. I did not know that I would later wish I had asked more questions, listened more carefully or simply stayed a little longer. That is the cruelty of death. While people are alive, we often assume that there will always be another opportunity. Another visit. Another conversation. Another greeting. Another question. Another chance to say thank you. But death has a way of teaching us that time is not something we own. It is something Allah lends us. And when He decides that the appointed time has come, there is nothing any of us can do to extend it. Now, when I think about Alhaji Bukar, I find myself returning to that brief conversation and appreciating it in a way I could not have appreciated it then. It was only thirty minutes, but those thirty minutes gave me something that has stayed with me.

Alhaji Bukar Abubakar was a distinguished retired civil servant, educator, administrator, philanthropist and farmer, but even those descriptions do not fully capture the breadth of the man he was. His professional life was intriguing because he began as a primary school teacher and continued to rise until he became a college rector. There is something more inspiring about such a great life because it reminds us that greatness does not always begin in grand surroundings. Sometimes it begins in an ordinary classroom, with an ordinary teacher doing extraordinary things through commitment and dedication. He understood the dignity of work and the importance of education, and he carried those values throughout his life. He did not simply teach students and move on; he invested in people. During our interview, he spoke about people he had trained and about folks who had gone on to excel in different walks of life. He seemed very, very interested in the progress of people he had helped, and I found that particularly admirable. Some people measure their success by the offices they occupy, the awards they receive or the material things they accumulate, but Alhaji Bukar seemed to measure his own success by the people who became better because they encountered him. In that sense, his influence was much larger than any office he ever occupied. He was a teacher beyond the classroom. He taught through his actions, his conversations, his generosity and the example he set for those around him.

One of the things that made Alhaji Bukar so extraordinary was the way he embraced people without an iota of discrimination. He did not appear to care about a person’s social status, wealth, background or influence before extending kindness to them. He had an unusually large heart, and people who were vulnerable seemed to have a special place in it. Whenever one visited his house, it was common to see Almajirai around. They came there because they knew they would be welcomed, fed and treated with dignity. Alhaji Bukar used to feed and clothe many Almajirai with his hard-earned money, and his generosity towards them went far beyond providing food. He enrolled many of them in schools and supported their education, giving them an opportunity to acquire knowledge and qualifications that could change the direction of their lives. Some of them eventually earned diplomas through his intervention. Think about that for a moment. A man spends his own hard-earned money to educate children who are not biologically his, children who might otherwise have remained invisible to society, because he believes that they deserve an opportunity. That is not ordinary kindness. That is an unprecedented understanding of humanity. It is an understanding that every child has potential, that poverty should never be a permanent sentence and that one of the greatest things a human being can do is to invest in another human being’s future. Alhaji Bukar saw these children not merely as Almajirai but as human beings deserving of food, clothing, education, respect and hope. That part of his life deserves to be remembered because it tells us more about his character than any title ever could.

I often think about the people whose lives he changed quietly. How many children ate because he gave them food? How many young people went to school because he paid for them? How many families found relief because he intervened at a difficult moment? How many people became successful because, at some point in their lives, Alhaji Bukar decided to believe in them? We may never know the full number. He was not the kind of person who went around announcing his good deeds. He did not need cameras before helping people. He did not require newspaper headlines to validate his generosity. He gave because he believed in giving. He helped because he believed that those who had something should share it with those who had less. That is what makes his philanthropy so beautiful. He helped people without making their vulnerability a spectacle. He gave without humiliating the person receiving. He supported without reminding people that they owed him. And perhaps that is the purest form of philanthropy and the kind that is done because the heart cannot comfortably ignore another person’s need.

Born in 1945, Alhaji Bukar lived through many decades and witnessed a lot of changes. He belonged to a generation that understood hardship in ways that many of us today may never fully understand. Yet rather than allowing life’s difficulties to make him bitter, he seemed to turn them into a source of strength and empathy. His career, his commitment to education, his work as a civil servant, his administrative responsibilities, his farming and his philanthropy all reflected a man who believed in productive living. He understood that life was not simply about taking from society but about contributing to it. He understood that every person has a responsibility to leave something useful behind. Perhaps that is why even after his professional career had ended, he remained active, hardworking and involved in the lives of others. Retirement did not retire his humanity. It did not retire his generosity. It did not retire his desire to see people succeed.

People who worked with him have attested to his peaceful nature, and his neighbours have said much the same thing. Nobody has ever described him to me as someone who enjoyed arguing with people or deliberately creating conflict. He was a man who seemed to understand that peace is itself a form of wealth. He did not need to win every argument. He did not need to prove himself superior to everyone around him. He carried himself with a calmness that reflected maturity. In a life where people are increasingly quick to anger, quick to take offence and quick to turn disagreements into lasting hostility, Alhaji Bukar believed in the beauty of restraint. He seemed to understand that not every provocation deserves a response and that not every disagreement needs to become a war. That peaceful disposition was part of his charm. His neighbours remember it. His colleagues remember it. Those who interacted with him remember it. And when many different people independently describe a person in the same way, there is usually something deeply truthful in that description.

There was also a humility about Alhaji Bukar that I found fundamental. He had achieved enough in his life to justify pride. He had risen from being a teacher to becoming a rector. He had served as an administrator. He had educated and mentored people. He had supported vulnerable children. He had contributed to his community. He had lived a productive life. Yet his achievements never seemed to make him believe that he was better than others. He remained approachable and accessible. He did not allow his experience to create an unnecessary distance between himself and ordinary people. That, to me, is one of the clearest signs of true greatness. A person who has achieved much but remains humble is far more admirable than someone who has achieved little but believes himself to be superior to everyone else. Alhaji Bukar understood that titles are temporary, positions are temporary and worldly recognition is temporary, but character remains.

When I think about his life, I realise that his greatest legacy is probably not something that can be placed in a building or written on a plaque. His greatest legacy is people. The students he trained. The young people he encouraged. The Almajirai he fed and educated. The people who benefited from his generosity. The neighbours who experienced his kindness. The colleagues who worked with him. The people who simply met him at some point and left the encounter feeling better than they had arrived. These people are his monuments. A building can eventually deteriorate. An office can be occupied by someone else. A title can eventually be forgotten. But when you change a person’s life, you become part of that person’s story forever. Alhaji Bukar became part of many people’s stories, and that is why I believe his memory will endure.

Perhaps what I admire most about him is that he exceeded that greatness does not have to be loud. Sometimes greatness is the elderly man who feeds hungry children in his home. Sometimes greatness is the retired administrator who continues to mentor young people. Sometimes greatness is the former rector who remains humble enough to treat an ordinary neighbour with dignity. Sometimes greatness is the man who spends his hard-earned money to send an Almajiri to school. Sometimes greatness is simply the person who lives peacefully with everyone around him and refuses to make other people’s lives more difficult. We live in a time when people often equate greatness with visibility, but Alhaji Bukar taught a different lesson. He showed us that a person can live quietly and still leave an enormous impact.

For me, his life also reinforced the importance of hard work. That thirty-minute interview continues to remind me that progress is rarely accidental. His story from primary school teaching to becoming a rector was a lesson in perseverance. It taught me that one must continue even when the journey is difficult, continue when recognition is slow and continue when the destination seems far away. I think that is one of the reasons his memory has remained so powerful for me. He did not merely tell me about hard work; he had lived it. He was evidence of the very lesson he was sharing. And whenever I find myself becoming tired or discouraged, I remember the story of his life.

Death, however, has a way of making all these memories painful. It is one thing to admire someone while they are alive; it is another thing to suddenly realise that you will never see them again. There is an emptiness that follows death which words cannot completely describe. You begin to remember ordinary things that you never thought would become precious. A greeting. A conversation. A familiar face. The sight of someone sitting in his usual place. The sound of his voice. The knowledge that he was somewhere nearby. Suddenly, all those things become memories, and memories can be both beautiful and painful at the same time. That is how I feel when I think about Alhaji Bukar. I am grateful that I knew him, but I am saddened that I cannot know him for longer.

Yet grief should not make us forget gratitude. We should be grateful that Allah allowed us to share this world with him. We should be grateful for the years he lived, the people he helped and the lessons he left behind. We should be grateful for the students whose lives he influenced, the children he educated, the Almajirai he fed and clothed and the countless people who benefited from his kindness. We should be grateful that we had the privilege of witnessing a man whose life was a practical lessons of service and compassion. His death is painful, but his life was a gift. And perhaps the most appropriate response to a gift is gratitude.

Alhaji Bukar Abubakar, you are gone, but your legacy remains. You may no longer be physically present among us, but the people whose lives you touched remain here to tell your story. The children you supported will remember you. The students you trained will remember you. Your neighbours will remember you. Your colleagues will remember you. Those who sat with you, spoke with you, worked with you or received kindness from you will remember you. Your life has become part of the memories of many people, and that is a form of immortality that death cannot take away.

Your story reminds us that a life does not have to be perfect to be meaningful. It only has to be lived with purpose, compassion and sincerity. You worked hard. You served. You educated. You gave. You encouraged. You embraced people without discrimination. You treated vulnerable children with dignity. You lived peacefully with your neighbours. You left behind children and grandchildren, but you also left behind a much larger family and the people whose lives you touched through your service and generosity. That is why your departure is not simply a family loss. It is a community loss. It is a loss to everyone who believes that kindness, education, service and compassion still matter.

My final words for you are a prayer. May Allah forgive your shortcomings and accept your good deeds. May He reward you for every child you fed, every person you clothed, every student whose education you supported, every young person you encouraged and every life you touched. May He reward you for the good deeds that nobody saw and the acts of generosity that you never publicised. May Allah make your grave spacious and filled with light. May He make your resting place peaceful and beautiful. May He receive you with mercy, pardon your sins, elevate your rank among the righteous and grant you the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus. May the Almighty surround you with His mercy and make every act of kindness you performed in this world a source of continuous reward in the Hereafter.

To your children, grandchildren, relatives, friends, colleagues, students, neighbours and everyone who mourns you, may Allah grant you patience and fortitude. May He comfort your hearts and remind you that although death has taken away the physical presence of Alhaji Bukar, it cannot take away the goodness he planted in the lives of others. May his life continue to inspire you. May his memory continue to unite you. May his example encourage you to live with kindness, humility, hard work and generosity. And may those who loved him understand that the best way to honour a good man is not merely to mourn his death, but to continue the good that he represented while he was alive.

As I think about Alhaji Bukar today, I keep returning to that thirty-minute conversation. I keep thinking about the man who sat before me and spoke about his life with such simplicity. I keep thinking about his career, his work ethic, his compassion and his willingness to help people. I keep thinking about the Almajirai who ate in his house and the young people whose education he supported. I keep thinking about the peaceful man his neighbours knew and the hardworking administrator his colleagues respected. And I realise that perhaps those thirty minutes were a gift. A brief opportunity to sit with a man whose life contained decades of lessons. I did not know then how valuable those moments would become, but I know now. And for that, I will forever be grateful.

Alhaji Bukar Abubakar, the Makinta of Fika Emirate, you lived a life worthy of emulation. You were a hardworking man, a compassionate man, an educator, an administrator, a philanthropist, a farmer, an elder statesman and a peaceful neighbour, but above all, you were a good man. You gave without discrimination. You helped without seeking applause. You educated without asking for recognition. You treated people with dignity. You lived your life in a way that made other people’s