Opinion

Your Excellency Sir,

I hope this letter will find you in sound health and high spirit. I am writing to express my heartfelt solidarity and appreciation for your recent appointments in Jigawa State, specifically your decision to appoint individuals of high repute and strong academic backgrounds.

Your recognition and value of the expertise of a highly educated professional of Jigawa State extraction is that of a leader with a progressive vision to put heads together and develop our dear State. By appointing well-meaning sons of the land into key positions to steer the affairs of our dear State, indicate your commitment to an open and all-inclusive government. It is indeed a commendable gesture. By this, you are not all promoting meritocracy but also ensuring that our government benefits from the knowledge and skills of these accomplished individuals.

This move not only showcases your dedication to improving the quality of governance but also sets a precedent for other States to follow. It sends a strong message that education and expertise are vital components of effective leadership.

I am confident that these appointments will lead to innovative policies and solutions that will benefit the people of Jigawa State. As a resident and citizen, I feel proud to have a visionary leader like you who places a premium on competency and excellence. Indeed, Jigawa will be higher than it is under your leadership.

Once again, thank you for your visionary leadership and for recognizing the value of this knowledgeable personality in shaping the future of Jigawa State. Your actions inspire hope and confidence in the direction our state is headed.

Please accept my best wishes for continued success in your tenure as our esteemed Governor.

Sincerely,

Engr. Abubakar Abbas Adamu (R. Engr COREN, MNSE, CIPMA)

Kofar Fada Sabon Garin Ya’’Ya’’ Town, Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State

By Haitham Al Ghais

What do toothpaste, deodorant, soap, cameras, computers, gasoline, heating oil, jet fuel, car tires, contact lenses and artificial limbs have in common?

If oil vanished today, these and many other vital products and services that use oil or its derivatives would vanish too. Transportation networks would grind to a halt, homes could freeze, supply chains would crash, and energy poverty would rise.

The World Energy Report for 2022, published by the UK-based Energy Institute and consulting firms KPMG and Kearney, noted that fossil fuels constituted 82% of global energy in 2022. This is comparable to OPEC’s latest world oil outlook and represents a similar level to 30 years ago.

Why then do most energy transition debates disregard the critical role that commodities like oil and gas continue to play in improving lives, fostering stability and energy security, as well as related industries’ efforts to develop technologies and best practices to reduce emissions? The scale of the climate change challenge is daunting, but meeting the world’s rising energy demand and mitigating climate change do not have to exist in a vacuum or be at odds with each other.

Rather, the world should act to reduce emissions and ensure that people have access to the products and services they need to live comfortably. Towards these goals, OPEC members are investing in upstream and downstream capacities, mobilising cleaner technologies and deploying vast expertise to decarbonise the oil industry. Major investments are also being made in renewables and hydrogen capacity, carbon capture utilisation and storage — as well as in promoting the circular carbon economy.

The bottom line is that it is possible to invest heavily in renewables while continuing to produce the oil the world needs today and in the coming decades. This approach also contributes to global stability at a time of volatility and is critical given that history shows that energy transitions evolve over decades and take many paths.

Take electric vehicles: Although the Toyota Prius became the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle in the late 1990s, an analysis from the U.S. National Automobile Dealers Association noted that sales of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles (BEV) accounted for only 12.3% of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2022.

While the rising popularity of electric vehicles is indisputable, total sales of BEVS also made up only 19% of new car sales in China last year. Similarly, in the EU, vehicles using petrol or diesel still accounted for around half of all car sales in 2022.

Thus, when it comes to the transportation sector – and indeed many other fields – it is clear that it would not be prudent to ignore that billions of people across the globe rely on oil and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

This becomes even more pressing when coupled with the investment needed to meet the rising demand for energy, ensure energy security and affordable access, and lower global emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.

Rising demand for energy

The world’s population is growing. OPEC’s World Oil Outlook (WOO) for 2022 sees it increasing by 1.6 billion people through 2045, while United Nations statistics note growth to around 10.4 billion by 2100.

In parallel, OPEC’s estimates that global energy demand will increase by 23% to 2045. Within this, oil demand is projected to increase to around 110 million barrels a day (mb/d). Thus, it is clear that oil will continue to be an essential part of the global energy infrastructure for decades to come. This is in stark contrast to the many proclamations of past decades that the age of oil was over. Indeed, contemporary demand is close to an all-time high and will rise by close to 5 mb/d in 2023 and 2024.

No single form of energy can currently meet expected future energy demand; instead, an “all-peoples, all-fuels and all-technologies” approach is required. As such, OPEC member countries are ready, willing and able to provide the affordable energy needed to cater towards these future energy needs, all the while reducing their emissions and helping eradicate energy poverty in doing so.

The UN notes that more than 700 million people still lack access to electricity, and almost one-third of the global population uses inefficient, polluting cooking systems. Daily life is not about cars, laptops or air conditioning for these people; it is about basic access to heat and electricity. To provide adequate and affordable universal energy access, and eradicate energy poverty, oil can and will play a key role in developing countries. The Global South has been – and continues to be – very clear about this; is the Global North taking heed?

Investment in oil is critical for energy security

Another worrying reality across the globe is that not enough investment is going into all energies. Looming oil demand growth alone necessitates far more investment if a sustainable supply is to be maintained.

Oil will make up close to 29% of global energy needs by 2045, with an investment of $12.1 trillion needed by then — or over $500 billion a year — but recent annual levels have been far below this.

The consequence of failing to invest adequately in oil is hammered home by recent OPEC Secretariat research outlining that in five years, there would be a staggering oil market deficit of 16 million barrels per day between forecasted rising global demand and supply if investments into upstream activities were stopped today — as some are calling for.

The oil industry has played a central role in improving billions of lives to date. If it is to continue to do so, and if the world is serious about implementing orderly energy transitions and meeting future energy demand while ensuring energy security for all, chronic under-investment in the industry needs to be remedied swiftly.

Ahead of this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in the United Arab Emirates – where the world will evaluate progress on the Paris Agreement – COP28 President-Designate Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said the world needs “maximum energy, minimum emissions.” A healthy degree of pragmatism will be necessary to achieve this goal, especially given the clear need to utilise all energies if we are to meet the world’s current and future energy demands.

Ultimately, no people, industry or country can be ignored, and we believe that discussions at this year’s COP28 will reflect this. After all, history is filled with numerous examples of turmoil that should serve as ample warning for what occurs when policymakers fail to take on board energy’s interwoven complexities.

Al-Ghais is the Secretary General of the Organization for the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

By Salihi Adamu Takai

Life is a period in a person’s life or a state of being alive. A lifetime is a temporary time to live from the cradle to the grave (death). Being alive is a chance to make everything designed to achieve.

Life goes along with the timeline and plans quickly (it’s not permanent). This means that everyone on earth is allocated to a specific time, and that can’t be in any way extended. 

As you come into existence and start living a life, how do you live it and plan to live it? Are you living at home? Or you’re just intending to live abroad? So, if you want to live overseas, it’s essential to know many things about living abroad; I will critically point out some helpful hints for your living abroad.

Life abroad is not like a home life. It’s a new life. If you happen to be living abroad, you will start feeling lonely and naive because you find yourself in a new place that takes you to free thinking. So, from this time, you will start thinking about living; how can you cope with the situation? But the answer should be the plan made you there; was it for what? Just think about it before living abroad!

It’s discussed that anyone who intends to live abroad has already planned for life, so they only need guidance to live it decently. So, here are the five things helpful for living a decent life abroad;

1. Be curious to achieve your goals for living abroad. This means that as you take off and land in the place you intended to live, just be wrapped up in it until you get it, be it study or business.

2. As you land, you must think about your financial capacity and start studying the cost of living there. Don’t start spending anything without critical thinking about life there. Study their currency first and compare it with your country’s currency.

3. What are you going to do there? Is it study or business? Make sure you study their Constitution. As you start living, please focus on the laws governing your transaction there and avoid anything contrary to their law and order.

4. Choose a good friend to live with, and don’t accompany anyone who can influence you negatively. You can find different kinds of people anywhere, good and bad. So, refrain from associating with the bad, and accompany the good ones helpful to your life there.

5. Your religion should be your guide in everything. Don’t forget your religion in anything. Be within the guidelines of the religion; you will be safe anywhere.

By Salim Yunusa

Your Excellency,

First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your resounding victory in the recent gubernatorial elections and commend your dedication to advancing the interests of Kaduna State and its esteemed residents. As we stand on the precipice of a new era, I am confident that under your leadership, Kaduna’s fortunes will ascend to unprecedented heights, driven by your wisdom and the guidance of Allah (SWT).

In the wake of a challenging period during which our nation has encountered multifaceted trials, the tenacity and unity displayed by the Nigerian populace stand as a testament to our collective spirit. With an unwavering faith in the leadership of our nation and its states, Nigerians continue to anticipate a future marked by prosperity, peace, and sustainable development.

At this critical juncture, I humbly draw your attention to an alternative avenue that possesses remarkable potential to address the pressing issues of unemployment, revenue generation, and economic diversification. It is my belief that a robust focus on tourism and the creative sector could be the catalyst for the transformation that Kaduna desperately needs. While acknowledging the challenges confronting our nation, it is essential to recognize the untapped reservoir of natural and cultural treasures that can propel Nigeria’s progress, with Kaduna serving as a shining example.

Global success stories such as Qatar, Dubai, Egypt, and Seychelles have demonstrated the exceptional economic rewards reaped from strategic investment in tourism. As seen in Dubai, the travel and tourism sector significantly contributed to the UAE’s economy, comprising nearly 10 per cent of total revenue. Similarly, Qatar witnessed a 70.3% growth in tourism sector revenue, with aspirations to amplify its GDP contribution to 12% by 2030.

I come from Kajuru, a small town in Kaduna state, where I am used to seeing people from all over the country and beyond visit the famous Kajuru Castle. I have also lived in Zaria, where I see thousands of people throng the colourful, eye-catching Zazzau Durbar yearly. These are just two out of many. I firmly believe that our state is endowed with a wealth of potential attractions. From the historical magnificence of the Emir’s palace in Zaria to the ancient Nok Art and civilization, the mesmerizing MatsirgaWaterfalls, and the iconic hills of Queen Amina in Turunku, Kaduna boasts a tapestry of wonders waiting to be unveiled.

Moreover, the state’s potential extends beyond its breathtaking natural, cultural, and traditional sites. Kaduna’s vibrant literary, music, and film scenes are carving their place on the global stage. The annual Kaduna Book and Arts Festival (KABAFEST), Hausa International Book and Arts Festival (HIBAF), Kaduna Music Festival, Afan National Festival, and other cultural events foster unity, diversity, and shared experiences among our youth, transcending ethnic divides.

Beyond the cultural and traditional scene is the vibrant film and fashion industry, with the Critics and Kadahood making and producing movies in Kaduna state, employing hundreds in the process. The Kaduna Fashion and Arts Exhibition also showcases the rich history of fashion in Kaduna state and beyond.

Just like football, music is one of the major unifiers in Kaduna and Nigeria at large. I witnessed, with so much pride, how Kaduna youths united during the 2022 Countdown event at Murtala Square. There was no way one could discern who was what tribe or religion; just young people filled with hope and optimism living in the moment. These are avenues where we can build the Kaduna of our dreams, a Kaduna that is healed from the pains of the past, devoid of all tribal and religious agitations.

One amazing thing about these festivals, funfairs, and events is that they always come with the advantage of a booming local economy of small and medium businesses. Vendors make brisk sales of food, wares, and goods. If properly managed by the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA), has a huge potential to bring more entrepreneurs to the fore, just like during the Kaduna Market Trade Fair.

Culture, creativity, and traditions aside, Kaduna, with no doubt, is the heartbeat of Northern Nigeria. It is strategically placed and has served as the administrative headquarters of the region. Therefore, Arewa House, the National Museum in Kaduna, and other historic buildings and monuments serve as archives and a lens to our past. We owe it to future generations to preserve these spaces in order to enlighten and educate the young ones.

Yet, for this vision to materialize, peace and security are imperative. The nurturing of these invaluable tourist destinations requires an unwavering commitment to safety and stability, addressing the root causes of insecurity. Furthermore, investing in robust tourism infrastructure, in collaboration with the private sector through Public Private Partnerships, will pave the way for enhanced accessibility and growth. We have seen how the previous administration was able to make Kaduna the number one state in Nigeria when it comes to the ease of doing business. With a proper tourism development plan that comprises all the events, festivals, tourist destinations, and activities, as well as the connecting transportation routes and servicing facilities together, I assure you that investors will come running to Kaduna. This plan will also include community education as a driving force for tourism.

Your Excellency, the potential of the tourism sector cannot be overstated. It carries within it the promise of economic prosperity, cultural preservation, unity, and local job creation. Other advantages include promoting the image of Kaduna state to the world, healthy migration of Nigerians and international visitors, the establishment of exchange programs, a boost in the local economy, the rapid development of rural areas, and the influx of businesses to the state. By supporting the burgeoning creative talents and providing the necessary infrastructure, Kaduna has the opportunity to become a beacon of progress and international acclaim.

Finally, I implore Your Excellency to consider this call for action, not only for the betterment of Kaduna but also as a stepping stone towards the broader advancement of our beloved Nigeria. Together, we can transform the challenges that beset us into stepping stones for growth, development, and a brighter future.

Salim Yunusa writes from Zaria, Nigeria and can be reached at syunusa@gmail.com.

By Nafisa Ismail Sadiq

In a world brimming with distractions, it’s time for us to turn our gaze inwards and confront the pressing issues that plague our society. As citizens of this great nation, we often find ourselves ensnared by fleeting trends and shallow debates, all while the true problems continue to fester unchecked. It’s high time for a transformative shift, a change that will not only uplift us but also propel us towards a brighter future.

In Nigeria, a land rich in culture and potential, we are facing challenges that demand our immediate attention. Instead of delving into the depths of our problems, we gravitate towards inconsequential matters that only steer us away from progress. Our nation is grappling with issues like poverty, unemployment, and a crumbling education sector. These are the trends that should be at the forefront of our collective consciousness, yet they remain overshadowed by trivial concerns.

Consider the paradox of our society, where wrongdoers are hailed as heroes and those who strive to create a positive impact are left to languish in obscurity. Our universities, once shining beacons of knowledge, are now plagued by neglect and inadequate resources. Educators, who hold the power to shape the minds of the next generation, struggle to make ends meet. The rising cost of living juxtaposed with stagnant salaries has left them in a dire predicament.

Our dependence on imports further weakens our economy and undermines our potential for self-reliance. Instead of leveraging our resources to bolster local industries, we remain fixated on foreign goods that drain our wealth. We must learn from those who have charted their own course to development, adopting strategies that suit our unique circumstances while staying true to our cultural identity.

The power of social media is undeniable, yet we often wield it irresponsibly. We showcase the inconsequential, turning a blind eye to the stark realities that demand our attention. People are suffering, struggling to find their next meal, while the rich amass greater fortunes. The ever-widening wealth gap is a stark reminder of our misplaced priorities.

It’s time to redirect our focus, to channel our collective energy into tackling the issues that truly matter. Poverty, education, employment – these are the trends we should be confronting head-on. By acknowledging and addressing the hardships that many endure, we can foster a society that thrives on compassion and cooperation.

As we stand at this crossroads, let us unite to create a narrative of change and hope. Let us shatter the shackles of complacency and dare to dream of a Nigeria where progress is not just an aspiration, but a reality. The path won’t be easy, but it’s one that promises fulfillment, prosperity, and a legacy of positive transformation.

It’s time to rise above the noise, to champion the causes that truly define us. Together, let’s pave the way for a better tomorrow, one in which our efforts reflect our values and our actions resonate globally. The change begins with us – let’s make it count.

Nafisa Ismail sadiq is a 300-level student in the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano. She can be reached via nafisasadiq005@gmail.com

By Yakubu Ammar Sani

On the unfortunate evening of August 24, 2023, around 8:30 p.m., a horrifying incident of police brutality unfolded in the peaceful neighborhood of Dabar Makaho, around Famfon Shanu, Azare Bauchi State of Nigeria. This incident serves as a shocking reminder of the abuse of power and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives. 

It all began when a group of police officers, whose duty is to protect and serve the community, unlawfully used excessive force on an accused person. The officers, instead of conducting a proper arrest, resorted to violence, misusing their firearms, and hitting the accused with sticks. 

Tragically, in the midst of this brutal act, an innocent young boy passing by became an unintended victim. The excessive force used by the police officers resulted in the boy suffering a severe eye injury, nearly causing the loss of his eye. This incident has undoubtedly left a traumatizing impact on the young boy’s life. 

What is even more distressing is the apathy shown by the police officers involved. Instead of rushing the injured boy to the hospital for urgent medical attention, they callously neglected his wellbeing. This blatant disregard for human life is deeply concerning and raises serious questions about the values and principles these officers are supposed to uphold. 

In a further display of aggression, when a concerned Good Samaritan attempted to intervene and bring attention to the officers’ wrongdoing and the critical condition of the young boy, they responded with further violence. It is shocking to witness those entrusted with maintaining law and order resorting to further brutality and attempting to silence those who speak out against injustice.

The victim, Usman Sa’idu, who is 13 years old.

The incident that occurred on August 24, 2023, is not an isolated event. Instances of police brutality have become all too common, leaving a trail of suffering and shattered lives in their wake. These incidents highlight the urgent need for robust reforms within law enforcement agencies. Comprehensive training programs focused on human rights, ethics, and de-escalation techniques must be developed and implemented to ensure that officers understand the importance of safeguarding the public and upholding the law. 

Equally important is the establishment of effective mechanisms for reporting and addressing cases of police misconduct. It is essential for individuals who witness or experience such brutality to feel safe and confident in reporting these acts, knowing that appropriate action will be taken. Proper investigation and accountability measures must be in place to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. 

As a society, we cannot stand idle and allow the abuse of power to continue. It is the collective responsibility of citizens, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies to work together to address these grave issues. This means fostering a culture of respect, transparency, and accountability within our police forces. Only then can we begin to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. 

Furthermore, it is the duty of the government to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens by enacting legislation that protects individuals from the atrocities of police brutality. This legislation should provide clear guidelines on the appropriate use of force, ensure effective oversight mechanisms, and ensure that justice is served for victims of police misconduct. 

The incident that took place on August 24, 2023, serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need for reform. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to work towards a future where every individual, regardless of age, gender, or social status, can feel safe and protected by those sworn to uphold the law. 

Let us unite as a community to demand accountability, transparency, and justice for the victims of police brutality. Only then can we create a society where every person can live without fear of harm and where those in positions of authority carry out their duties with integrity and respect for human life.

Yakubu Ammar Sani wrote from Azare, Bauchi State and can be reached via -ammaryakubusani@gmail.com.

By Hauwa’u Abubakar

Overtime, Nigerians have experienced hike in basically all goods and services required to live and run their day to day activities. This goes without saying has been aggravated by proclamation of subsidy removal on premium motor spirit (PMS) popularly known as petrol, some three months ago.

It becomes imperative to understand the factors responsible for high cost of living as it leads to higher expenditure for individuals and households. Some of the factors leading to this unwanted development include inflation or an increase in the general level of prices.

Nigeria has experienced persistent inflation over the years, with prices of goods and services continuously rising. This reduces the purchasing power of individuals, making it more challenging to afford basic necessities. Also, depreciation of the country’s currency.

The naira, has faced fluctuations and depreciation in value against major foreign currencies like the US dollar. This has led to higher import costs, making imported goods more expensive for consumer. Furthermore, dependence on imports for various products, including food, fuel, clothings, building materials and other consumer goods, has the tendency to result in higher prices due to transportation cost, tariffs, and exchange rate fluctuations.

Again, infrastructural challenges is another force to reckon with. Inadequate infrastructure, such as power shortages and poor transportation networks can increase the cost of goods and services. Businesses often have to bear the burden of additional expenses since they are not provided by the authority and they eventually pass these expenses to consumers so as to make profit and keep their trade afloat.

Income quality as a factor. Nigeria has a significant income disparity, with a large portion of the population living in what is termed multidimensional poverty due to the disparity. This poverty limits access to basic resources like education, healthcare, and housing, further exacerbating the cost of living for many individuals. Government policies such as removal or reduction of subsidies, can lead to price hikes for essential commodities also.

To address this worrisome situation, it is firstly important for citizens to understand that the high cost of living in Nigeria is a complex issue influenced by various factors such as those aforementioned. Efforts to address this challenge should involve measure to tackle inflation, improve infrastructure, diversifying the economy, and promoting policies that support income equality and affordability for citizens.

Strategies to employ in improving infrastructure are; investing in infrastructural development, such as transportation power, road network, water supply among other can help reduce cost associated with transportation and other expenses passed down to consumers.

Enhancing agricultural productivity. Promoting and supporting the agricultural sector can reduce food prices and enhance food security. Improving farming techniques, access to quality irrigation systems are all strategies through which dependency can be reduced on imported goods.

Encouraging competition could be a tactics. Promoting competition in key sector such as telecommunications, banking, and energy to prevent monopolies and encourage market efficiency can help lower price for consumers.Control of inflation, implementation of effective monetary policies and fiscal measures to control inflation, increased wages and ensuring that wages and salaries keep pace with inflation can help improve people’s purchasing power and reduce the burden of high costs.

Developing effective social welfare programmes can provide a safety net for vulnerable populations, reducing the impact of high cost of living on those with limited financial resources.

In conclusion these are just comprehensive approach that addresses multiple aspect of the economy and society and if adopted by the government and relevant agencies, Nigerians can be saved from the bondage of high cost of living, the time this now!.

Hauwa’u is a 200-Level Student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State and can be reached via: hauwaat@yahoo.com

By Salim Yunusa

Salim Yunusa As the summer break draws to an end and schools are set to resume in the coming weeks, parents are already grumbling over the increased school fees across many private primary and secondary schools across the nation, despite their salaries not increasing even by an inch. Due to the not-so-great condition of the public schools, parents have no other options than to send their wards to these private schools.

Although private schooling is a money spinning venture for many school owners, the least these schools should provide is excellent service delivery in teaching and imparting discipline on students. Unfortunately, this is not the case in many instances.

The learning facilities are substandard, to say the least and the teachers are below par in quality. Their sights are set on the profit the schools will return, not the excellence they’ll deliver and the students they will be proud of at the end of the day. Most of the buildings rented by these low budget schools are originally residential houses or uncompleted buildings that are converted to classrooms with little or or no ventilation; with tiny classrooms containing high number of students in each space.

Many of these schools are not fit for learning, with some of these classes demarcated with cardboards or plywood to create more space. There is absolutely no regard for safety standards and building regulations of any sort. I know of a “school” facility that serves as a school during the day and a football viewing centre at night.

Another school that upsets me anytime I pass it by is a school for young kindergartens and primary students that is directly beside a huge fueling station and inches away from a major highway.

I wonder what the development control authority was thinking; approving such a chaotic land use violation. Yet, it is these schools that charge parents outrageous amount of money every time. It is high time the government wades into these fraudulent waters; making sure that every private school that operates is duly registered, has a license and has ticked off every box of standards and regulations. It also has a responsibility of regulating the uncontrolled and unreasonable school fees and levies set by these schools themselves.

One would think that as these schools are extorting parents in broad daylight, their staff would be well paid. That is far from the reality. Teachers employed in private schools suffer the worst form of dehumanisation and extortion by their employers, unfortunately. They’re overworked and underpaid, with some teachers in some schools taking home less than N10,000 in a month…in 2023!

Their employers take advantage of the saturated labour market that is filled to the brim with young, unemployed teachers – qualified or not – and are desperate for employment. Some of these teachers are unqualified and burdened with many subjects in order to cut the cost of hiring more teachers. They learn on the job for long hours and meagre pay, with threats and deductions for the smallest of mistakes. They’re constantly in fear of speaking up or speaking out against their employers because they can be sacked without any reason whatsoever.

It is the height of wickedness to make parents pay through their nose for their children’s’ education without actually getting the value for their money in a tight, cramped up environment that is not conducive for learning while at the same time underpaying and overworking their staff.

Schools should not only be an avenue to generate more money for their rich owners. They should uphold a standard of excellence and quality delivery of education that’ll produce educationally sound students who can compete nationally and globally.

The government, as a matter of urgency, should continue to upgrade its schools so that they become more attractive to parents than private schools. That way, it will be a healthy competition; judged based on excellence and quality education but before then, they have the responsibility of registering, regulating and standardising private schools for the development of education in the nation.

Salim Yunusa writes from Zaria and can be reached at syunusa@gmail.com

By Aliyu Nuhu

Mal Kwalisa (not his real name) is an acquaintance. He has never travelled outside Nigeria. He was a money changer. One day he made a big kill and came into some big money and decided to visit UAE. He only told me he was travelling to Dubai for two weeks, and off he left via Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.

Three days after, Mal Kwalisa was back with us in Kano. I asked what happened. He was a bit ashamed, but later he blew the lid.

When he arrived in Dubai he booked into a hotel. After hours of rest, he went to one shop and saw a very beautiful Arab woman. He told her he came from Nigeria and he had plenty of money and promptly invited her to his hotel room. She smiled and told him she was married and that in UAE, women don’t visit men in hotels.

Mallam didn’t buy her story. He thought she could be persuaded by the promise of more money. He went back to his hotel and returned after lunch. He made the same offer again, and she smiled and told him to come back after closing hours, by 5 pm.

He went back at the appointed time only to find three askaris (police) waiting for him. They asked what his mission was, and he said he came to see his friend, pointing to the woman. The police asked him her name, and he didn’t know. They took him back to the hotel, packed his bag and drove him to the airport. He was lucky they did not chain him. They put him in the next available plight leaving UAE to Africa, Air Moroc. He landed in Casablanca.

After some hours, he was again put on the next available flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. After a long delay at midnight, he was bundled into a plane going to Lagos.

Our man had to find his way to Abuja by road after becoming Vasco da Gama overnight. He asked what could possibly be his offence.

I told him in UAE, adultery is punishable by death. The woman reported him to the police. He was lucky that she did not trick him and reported him while in his hotel room. And she didn’t mention rape.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assigned portfolios to his Ministers-designate, bringing an end to weeks-long speculation but also bringing to the fore new discussions and analyses on the ministers’ portfolios and the new ministries created. A journalist and an editor, Jaafar Jaafar, said, ‘The Northwest has many ministers but no weight’.

While a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Adamu Garba, said, “It is one of the most balanced ministerial portfolio allocations of recent history. Adamu also pointed out that “President Tinubu – dedicated Infrastructure and Finance to the South. While Agriculture and security are to the North. Soft infrastructure like health and education to the North, and Humanitarian and Innovation to the South. Productivity and Job creation in the North- The North needs more security and agricultural productivity to grow and industrialise, while the South is good with services and infrastructure.”

 In Tinubu’s ministerial portfolios, there were surprises, and there were no surprises, so to speak.

In most democracies, ministers are selected from politicians who contributed to victory at the polls and from technocrats with strong professional track records. Cabinet ministers are not just a team but a collection of great thinkers—silicon valley-thinkers—men and women who can move the government with the speed of the imagination of most Nigerians, and their sense of judgment must be centred on the challenges of unlocking the future for ordinary Nigerians. and also bring new thinking and synergy to the public sector’s role in providing for the needs of all Nigerians.

Most Nigerians expect Tinubu’s ministers to be not just members of the cabinet but to add value to governance; they must be propellers for greater equality of opportunity for all Nigerians. They must be able to build a system that will swing the government away from the traditional methodology of concentrating on only the ‘off-the-shelf way of improving society. 

Some Nigerians are complaining that Tinubu’s cabinet has too many politicians. However, the truth is a right-thinking President brings on board top-notch grassroots politicians to hold the political front for him when the need arises. President Tinubu and the Dr Abdullahi Ganduje-led APC should, as a matter of ‘need’ maintain and ‘oil’ that area. This is where the synergy between the Executive and party supremacy comes into play.

President Tinubu and the APC, as a matter of policy and politics, should make sure that those appointed as ministers know what is expected of them. A ministerial appointment is a call for a national assignment. Nigerians expect ministers not only to saddle themselves with the responsibilities within their respective portfolios but also to be team players that will bring feasible ideas and be at par with local and global realities. Nigeria will be keen to see new ideas for fighting poverty, tackling the skyrocketing prices of food commodities, improving electricity supply, and finding new ways to fight insecurity in the north and southeast, etc.

On the political side, apart from supporting the president, ministers should see themselves as the ‘faces’ of the APC in their respective communities; their political presence and contact with locals are very important. For example, during the 2019 presidential elections, most of Buhari’s first-term appointees, especially from the north, became mere spectators in their states due to their weak link with the grassroots. Tinubu’s ministers may find themselves in such situations if they operate with weak links with the grassroots and poor rapport with the public. In this regard, in the weeks to come, many eyes will be on Nyesom Wike, FCT, and Ministers, whether he will remain ‘a PDP’ or crossover to the APC.

On the other hand, there are some young people in Tinubu’s cabinet, so many eyes will be on them. Their performance or underperformance will greatly impact youths’ participation in governance and politics, as well as give the Tinubu government the ‘strength’ to boast that youths are adequately represented in the government. This will also create a strong link between the government and the youth, who form more than half of Nigerian voters. This would also serve as an impetus for a good image and a sound political strategy for the All Progressive Congress (APC) because young people’s political participation and engagement in governance are essential at this moment.

Lastly, President Tinubu should, as a matter of importance, be firm in assessing every member of his cabinet. Non-performing ministers should be replaced quickly so as not to lose time and also keep others on their toes.

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