Opinion

By Prof. Ibrahim Bello-Kano

Writing any kind of text, narrative, or account of the career or the personal and professional achievements of Prof. Abdallah Uba Adamu is, and always will be, daunting for a number of reasons. One of them is the sheer intellectual energy of the man, his passion for the intellect, which would be hard to describe in a short account. Second, Prof Abdallah has the unusual distinction of being officially bestowed with the title of the “Double Professor”, which means that he has contributed to scholarship in two or more academic fields, namely science education, communication studies, and cultural studies— all three fields have a vast set of scholarly literature and other empirical studies that many may fear to attempt to master in a lifetime.

Thus, it is fair to call Abdallah Uba Adamu a polymath because his scholarly interests and publications have given a new twist to the term “intertextuality”; an academic polyglot because he is versed in the languages of science, education, communication studies, and cultural studies, perhaps even of Administration (since he served as the Vice Chancellor of the Nigerian Open University, where he has left behind the enduring legacy of tertiary education reform, syllabus engineering, and the astute management of money, men, and materials.

The preceding discussion should justify my calling him with the plural “Professors” AU Adamu. My pluralisation of his official, well-earned, and widely recognised by students, peers, and colleagues title of Professor needs to be elevated to a higher order of accolade and meritorious distinction by superlativising it with a transcendental “S”. 

Thus, he alone, at least for the moment, deserves to be described as the “Super Professor” among the professors. 

Adding another “s” to his academic designation is a gesture towards his current status as not just a BUK, University, or National Professor but also as an International Professor par excellence, a Professor with scholarly and academic range worthy of being, and comparable to, the most distinguished professors in the academic world. 

Adamu’s teaching outings in the media or at public lectures are supremely well attended; he’s probably the most-quoted source on media studies, Hausa-Fulani-Muslim cultural film and media studies, and a worthy creator and domesticator of the word/adjective (the) “Islamicate”. 

There is yet another side of this gifted Professor that should be mentioned: he is unusually generous, incredibly empathetic, and a walking example of humility. One cannot see or sense or detect the simplest, the faintest, or the most unconscious sign of academic or cultural arrogance in him. What is more, he is an avid reader, a book enthusiast, and a digital wizard, if not a positively maniacal digitaliser of knowledge production itself. 

Little surprise, then, that Professors AU Adamu has got a magnetic personality: everyone, even the other Professors, want to be “caught” in his passionate discussion of academic and mundane topics. 

In a sense, then, Profs Abdallah has paid his dues to the university system. In his early career, he was the envy of his senior colleagues, who did not help his career advancement; he was the object of many a colleague’s malice. He was also badly misunderstood by his peers, who mistook his enthusiasm or passion for academic excellence for personal arrogance. But, over time, his younger colleagues began to see his merits as a scholar, a compassionate person, as a model for younger colleagues across the university. 

His rising profile as an internationally sought-after scholar and researcher began to take hold in his colleagues’ imaginations. At one time, he offered to present a paper on a cultural studies topic at my department. Some colleagues felt that it was not his “field”, so to speak. I, as the HOD, then was not convinced of the argument. When the paper was presented, everyone could see that the presenter was not of the common mill of people but a deeply learned and imaginative scholar. 

Profossors Adamu is and would always be a worthy presence in any undergraduate or postgraduate teaching circuit. His inaugural lecture drew the largest crowd ever. This walking symbol of hardworking, scholarly acumen, and academic energy is a gift to Kano, his hometown, to BUK, and to the world academic community. 

I wish him continuing good health, more research energy, more scholarly output, and more academic-intellectual sparks.

Ibrahim Bello-Kano can be reached via ibrahimbellokano@gmail.com.

By Rahab Abashi

Debt has emerged as one of the most contentious topics in Nigeria today. Public opinion is often divided, as many view borrowing as an inherent evil, while others argue it is a necessary tool for development. 

In my view, borrowing is not inherently detrimental; rather, the crux lies in how these funds are utilised and whether they effectively stimulate national growth.

Many of the world’s most powerful economies operate on significant debt. Global leaders such as the United States, Japan, China, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, India, Italy, Canada, and Brazil all carry substantial national burdens. 

The United States owes over $34 trillion, Japan’s debt exceeds $9 trillion, and China’s stands at more than $14 trillion. Similarly, developed nations like the United Kingdom, France, and Italy owe trillions of dollars. 

Despite these figures, these nations maintain robust economies by channelling borrowed capital into high-impact sectors such as industry, technology, infrastructure, and commerce.

A defining characteristic of these successful nations is their diversified revenue streams. The United States generates wealth through technology, entertainment, finance, and manufacturing. China dominates in production and exports, while Germany is a global leader in engineering and automobiles. 

India, meanwhile, earns significantly from software services and its world-renowned film industry, Bollywood. While these countries borrow, they possess resilient systems that generate the income necessary to service and repay those loans without seriously impacting citizens.

Nigeria’s predicament is notably different due to an over-reliance on a single commodity. Crude oil remains the nation’s primary source of revenue and foreign exchange. 

Consequently, whenever global oil prices fluctuate, the Nigerian economy suffers a direct hit. This volatility highlights the inherent risk of a mono-product economy, particularly for a country with Nigeria’s massive population.

I believe that borrowing itself is not the primary issue. The real challenges are poor management and a lack of economic diversification. If Nigeria secures loans to revitalise electricity, transportation, agriculture, education, and healthcare, debt becomes a catalyst for development. 

However, when borrowed funds are mismanaged or fail to improve the standard of living, debt is understandably perceived as a burden.

Beyond oil, Nigeria possesses several sectors with immense revenue potential. Agriculture is paramount, given our fertile land and large workforce; the country could achieve significant gains from exports of rice, cocoa, cassava, and palm oil. 

Our entertainment industry is expanding rapidly, with Nigerian music, film, comedy, and fashion gaining global acclaim. Technology also offers a bright frontier, as Nigerian youth increasingly excel in digital skills, software development, and innovation.

With this potential left to stagnate, Nigeria must pivot toward developing a multi-sectoral economy. Economically successful nations are rarely dependent on a single source of income. 

Borrowing is a viable strategy provided the capital is invested wisely in productive sectors that drive growth and create jobs. 

If the giant of Africa prioritises investment in agriculture, entertainment, technology, manufacturing, and tourism, it can build a resilient economy and finally break its precarious dependence on oil.

Abashi Rahab is a student of Strategic Communication at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.  An intern with IMPR.  She can be reached at: abashirahab@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Muhammad Salisu Esq.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the alliance between the Kwankwasiyya and Obidient movements is attracting significant attention. On paper, it looks like a powerful partnership. Kwankwasiyya has a strong following in Kano and much of the North, while the Obidient movement enjoys significant support among young people and urban voters, especially in the South.

Together, they could become a formidable political force. But there is a problem.

Both movements have increasingly developed a reputation for attacking critics, insulting opponents, and treating disagreement as betrayal. Politics is a game of persuasion, not intimidation. A movement that insults everyone outside its camp may excite its loyal supporters, but it will struggle to attract the undecided voters needed to win national elections.

The situation worsened when some Kwankwasiyya supporters recently made comments perceived as disrespectful toward the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto. For many Northerners, the Sardauna is not just a historical figure. He is regarded as one of the architects of modern Northern Nigeria, a leader who championed education, institution building, economic development, and regional unity.

Attacking such a widely respected figure is politically damaging. It alienates many Northerners who might otherwise be sympathetic to the movement and raises questions about the judgment of those involved.

This is why Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso needs to clearly distance himself from such attacks. In politics, silence is often interpreted as approval. A simple and firm defence of the Sardauna’s legacy would reassure many people that the movement respects Northern history and values.

The larger lesson is straightforward. No political movement can build a successful national coalition through insults, bullying, hostility, or attacks on respected historical figures. Winning elections requires discipline, maturity, tolerance, and respect for people who hold different opinions.

The Kwankwasiyya-Obidient alliance has the potential to become a serious national alternative. But potential alone is not enough. If both movements continue down the path of intolerance and political hostility, they risk pushing away the very voters they need.

The choice before Kwankwasiyya is simple: either grow into a movement capable of governing Nigeria or remain trapped in a cycle of unnecessary controversies and self-inflicted political wounds.

In the end, political movements are remembered not for how loudly their supporters shout, but for the wisdom, discipline, and judgment they display when it matters most.

Muhammad Muhammad Salisu Esq. wrote via muhammad.writes01@gmail.com.

By Abashi Rahab

Not too long ago, I found myself standing by a roadside food stall, just watching the world go by. It was evening, and the queue was steady. One after another, people placed their orders as if on autopilot. I watched a man buy a heap of fried yam and sauce, “wash it down” with a chilled soft drink, and disappear into the night.

To any onlooker, the scene was unremarkable. In fact, it felt deeply familiar, a routine millions of us perform daily without a second thought. And that is precisely the heart of the problem.

For many Nigerians, eating has become a mechanical act rather than a nutritional one. We reach for what is available, what is fast, and what provides that immediate satisfaction.

We rarely pause to interrogate what is in our “plastic” food or how those hidden ingredients might be rewriting our health story. To be fair, it is not always a case of intentional neglect; often, we are simply creatures of habit.

There is also a stubborn myth that eating right is a luxury reserved for the wealthy. This misconception leads many to throw in the towel before they have even tried. But the truth is, health is not always about the weight of your wallet; it is about the quality of your choices.

That daily soft drink that has become a mealtime staple, the cultural preference for food swimming in oil, and the habit of swapping real meals for processed snacks are decisions that cost us dearly in the long run.

The real danger lies in the silence of the damage. These choices don’t strike immediately; they erode our health slowly. Over the years, they manifest as high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic fatigue, all conditions that build up quietly until they can no longer be ignored.

What makes this reality so tragic is that eating better is well within our reach. Many of our local staples, like beans, local rice, vegetables, and plantains, are nutritional powerhouses when we treat them with respect.

The secret is not in buying expensive or packaged food; it is in reducing the oil, cutting the sugar, and finding balance in what we already have on our plates. It is about the small, daily steps that move us away from digging our graves with our teeth.

Breaking these habits is no walk in the park, especially when they are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. However, awareness is a powerful catalyst. Choosing water over soda, being mindful of portion sizes, and thinking twice before defaulting to the usual oily foods are small steps that lead to a massive outcome.

In the end, our health is rarely determined by a single meal. It is shaped by the repeated, unthinking choices we make every day. We often complain that healthy food is expensive, and in a tough economy, that can be true. But we seldom talk about the true cost of eating carelessly.

One day, the bill comes due. It stops being about the price of a plate of food and starts being about hospital bills, lifelong medication, and a life forced to slow down long before its time. By then, the conversation is no longer about what we ate—it’s about what those choices have taken from us.

Abashi Rahab is a student of Strategic Communication at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja. An intern with IMPR. She can be reached at: abashirahab@gmail.com.

By Ismail Ahmad Misau

Politics often produces moments that alter the direction of public discourse and reshape the calculations of political actors. Bauchi State appears to be witnessing one of such moments. Across political gatherings, community meetings, marketplaces, social media platforms, and informal discussions, one name continues to dominate conversations with remarkable consistency: Senator Shehu Buba.

What is unfolding in Bauchi today is more than a routine political realignment. It is a phenomenon that has attracted widespread attention from political observers, party leaders, opinion molders, youth groups, traditional stakeholders, and ordinary citizens. The departure of Senator Shehu Buba from the APC and his subsequent emergence as the leading figure within the PRP has introduced a new dynamic into the political landscape of the state.

Many analysts now regard his movement as one of the most consequential political developments in recent Bauchi history. Whether one supports him or not, there is little disagreement that his growing influence has significantly altered political calculations ahead of the next electoral cycle.

From Party Pillar to Political Force

Senator Shehu Buba is not a strange politician seeking relevance. He entered this phase of his political journey with substantial credentials and an established record of public service.

As a serving Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, he has occupied strategic positions in the National Assembly, including leadership responsibilities in committees related to national security and intelligence as well as livestock development. These assignments have placed him at the center of critical national conversations concerning security, economic diversification, rural development, and agricultural transformation.

Within Bauchi State, his supporters frequently point to his accessibility, grassroots engagement, constituency interventions, and commitment to party development as factors that strengthened his political standing over the years.

For many APC supporters, Senator Shehu Buba was viewed as one of the party most visible and influential figures in the state. His ability to mobilize supporters, attract political stakeholders, and maintain a strong grassroots network earned him considerable respect across various segments of the political spectrum.

However, politics is often shaped as much by perception as by reality. As his political profile continued to rise, many observers believed that competing ambitions and internal political interests created tensions within the party structure. These developments eventually culminated in his decision to seek a new political platform.

The PRP Gamble That Changed the Conversation

When Senator Shehu Buba announced his departure from the APC and aligned himself with the PRP, reactions were mixed.

Some viewed the decision as risky. Others saw it as a bold political statement. Yet few anticipated the speed with which the new movement would gain momentum.

What has happened since then has surprised many political watchers.

The PRP, a party that previously occupied a less prominent position in contemporary Bauchi politics, suddenly became the focus of statewide attention. Political stakeholders who had previously remained on the sidelines began reassessing their options. Youth groups, community leaders, former party officials, and political actors from different backgrounds increasingly gravitated toward the new platform.

In politics, momentum is often as important as structure. Once a movement begins attracting influential personalities and generating public enthusiasm, it acquires a self sustaining character. That appears to be what many observers are now witnessing in Bauchi State.

The growing support for Senator Shehu Buba has transformed the PRP from a peripheral participant into a significant factor that cannot be ignored in future political contests.

Why Many See Him as a Serious Governorship Contender

Every election cycle produces aspirants, but only a few emerge as genuine contenders capable of commanding statewide attention.

Several factors explain why many supporters and political analysts increasingly view Senator Shehu Buba as a strong governorship prospect.

First is experience. His political journey has traversed both local and national levels. As a former Executive Chairman of Toro Local Government, one of the largest local government areas in Nigeria, he gained firsthand exposure to governance, administration, community engagement, and public sector management.

His tenure in the Senate further expanded his understanding of policy making, legislative processes, security challenges, and national development priorities.

Second is visibility. Unlike many politicians whose influence is concentrated within limited geographical areas, Senator Shehu Buba has cultivated networks that extend across different local government areas and demographic groups.

Third is public perception. Many of his supporters view him as a politician who combines political experience with accessibility. In an era when citizens increasingly demand leaders who understand everyday realities, such perceptions can become a powerful electoral asset.

A Movement Beyond Party Lines

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Senator Shehu Buba phenomenon is its ability to attract support beyond traditional party boundaries.

Political movements become formidable when they transcend partisan loyalties and appeal to broader aspirations. In many communities across Bauchi State, support for Senator Shehu Buba is increasingly being framed not merely as party affiliation but as a collective desire for a different political direction.

This explains why individuals from various political backgrounds continue to show interest in his movement.

The attraction is not limited to career politicians. Young people seeking opportunities, community leaders demanding greater development, professionals advocating institutional reforms, and ordinary citizens concerned about governance challenges are all becoming part of the wider conversation surrounding his political future.

Such cross sectional appeal often represents a significant advantage in competitive electoral environments.

Reshaping the Political Landscape

The rise of Senator Shehu Buba has introduced fresh uncertainty into the calculations of rival political camps.

For established political actors, the emergence of a rapidly expanding movement requires strategic adjustments. Political parties that previously focused their attention elsewhere must now account for a new force capable of influencing voter behavior and altering electoral outcomes.

The significance of this development extends beyond party competition. It is forcing broader conversations about governance, leadership quality, economic development, education, youth empowerment, infrastructure, healthcare, and security. These are issues that remain central to the aspirations of the people of Bauchi State.

As the political environment evolves, voters are likely to evaluate candidates not only on party platforms but also on their perceived competence, credibility, vision, and capacity to deliver tangible results.

The Leadership Question

At the heart of every governorship contest lies a fundamental question: who possesses the experience, vision, and leadership capacity to address the challenges facing the state?

Supporters of Senator Shehu Buba argue that his administrative background, legislative experience, grassroots connections, and understanding of security issues position him favorably to provide such leadership.

Bauchi State, like many states across Nigeria, faces complex challenges that require practical solutions and strategic thinking. Issues relating to economic growth, educational advancement, agricultural productivity, infrastructure expansion, youth employment, and community security remain priorities for citizens.

Many believe that future leadership must combine experience with innovation, political influence with public accountability, and ambition with a genuine commitment to service.

For an increasing number of observers, Senator Shehu Buba has emerged as a figure capable of embodying those expectations.

Conclusion: A Political Wave That Cannot Be Ignored

Political history is often shaped by moments when individuals transform public sentiment into organized political movements.

Whether viewed from the perspective of supporters, opponents, or neutral observers, the rise of Senator Shehu Buba represents one of the most significant political developments currently unfolding in Bauchi State.

His transition from the APC to the PRP has not diminished his influence. If anything, it has amplified it. His growing coalition of supporters, expanding grassroots network, and increasing visibility across the state suggest that he has become a central figure in discussions about the future of Bauchi politics.

As the journey toward the next governorship election continues, one reality appears increasingly clear: Senator Shehu Buba is no longer merely participating in the political conversation. He is helping to define it.

If current trends continue, his political movement may well become one of the decisive factors shaping the future direction of Bauchi State.

Ismail Ahmad Misau
Political Communication Aide to Hon. Dr. Bello Aliyu Abubakar Shinge

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

On 29 May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu used his inaugural address to sever Nigeria’s decades-long dependence on fuel subsidies. It was a definitive end to a fiscal drain that had consumed trillions of naira annually, a broken system that long benefited smugglers, middlemen, and the elite far more than ordinary citizens.

Three years into this economic regime change, the ledger presents a duality. While the policy has successfully unlocked unprecedented nominal revenues for the Federation Account, its real-world impact remains polarising.

As the nation reflects on the administration’s third anniversary in 2026, the question changes from whether the subsidy needed to go to who is actually winning from its absence.

In reality, the elimination of the subsidy did not result in a dedicated, untouchable savings account. Instead, it stopped a bleeding artery by wiping out the ₦4–5 trillion annual “under-recovery” losses previously absorbed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Consequently, direct remittances to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) have increased to historic highs. In 2024, annual savings reached roughly $7.5 billion, which translates to approximately ₦12 trillion at prevailing rates. This drove a 79% jump in total FAAC disbursements, skyrocketing from ₦16.28 trillion in 2023 to ₦28.78 trillion in 2024, with sub-national governments swallowing ₦15.26 trillion of that pool.

The momentum carried firmly into 2025, yielding an estimated $7–8 billion in savings. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, federal petroleum savings surged by over 500%, leaping from ₦154 billion to ₦836 billion. State governments have been the primary beneficiaries of this windfall, utilising the massive inflows to clear ₦1.85 trillion in backlogged debts, stabilise payrolls, and kickstart stalled regional projects.

While a November 2025 National Orientation Agency (NOA) policy document claims that over $84 billion has been saved and channelled into 40 road projects, independent macroeconomic realities suggest that this cumulative figure is mathematically improbable over a two- to three-year window. The actual cumulative benefit more closely aligns with World Bank estimates ranging between ₦11 trillion and ₦20 trillion, heavily caveated by severe naira depreciation.

Because these funds flow directly into general revenue pools rather than a ring-fenced fund, precise tracking has become an administrative nightmare. This lack of transparency has triggered fierce pushback from civil society organisations such as SERAP and BudgIT, which demand that states account for their newfound wealth rather than sink it into urban aesthetics or overheads.

The federal government has defended the pain of the reform by pointing to vital interventions across key sectors. In the immediate aftermath of the announcement, an initial ₦5 billion per state and the FCT was deployed via grants and loans for food and fertiliser distribution to cushion the shock.

Social safety nets saw a modest boost, with ₦3.2 billion allocated to expand conditional cash transfers through the National Social Register.

On the human capital front, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed ₦206.29 billion to over 1.1 million student beneficiaries. While NELFUND is technically funded via the Development Levy, the subsidy removal created the fiscal breathing room necessary to establish it.

Massive shifts have also been targeted toward transit and structural development. Over ₦100 billion has been injected into the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative to build conversion centres and roll out mass transit buses.

Increased liquidity has sustained funding for critical federal projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Abuja–Kano Road, the Kano–Maradi rail line, and a $1 billion modernisation commitment for key seaports like Apapa, Tin Can, and Calabar.

Furthermore, a massive portion of the savings has been absorbed by debt servicing, exceeding ₦15 trillion in recent budget cycles. While this aggressive rebalancing crowds out routine capital expenditure, it narrowed the fiscal deficit from roughly 5.4% to 3.0% of GDP, effectively averting a total sovereign bankruptcy.

Despite the triumphant-looking government balance sheets, the microeconomic reality for the average Nigerian is brutal. The savings on paper feel a world away from the hardships on the ground, creating a paradox between macro-stabilisation and micro-deprivation.

The most devastating blow has been the cost-of-living crisis. Fuel prices ballooned from under ₦200 to over ₦1,300 per litre across the federation, unleashing a wave of transportation and food inflation that has left millions of households financially insecure.

At the same time, citizens watch trillions of naira being unlocked, only to see it swallowed by prior borrowing patterns and rising interest costs, while the government’s appetite for fresh debt remains stubbornly high. This problem is compounded by severe currency depreciation and inflation.

In nominal terms, FAAC allocations are setting records at ₦2–3 trillion per month. In real terms, however, rampant inflation and a weakened naira mean this money buys far less infrastructure, healthcare, and education than it would have three years ago.

Bottom Line

Three years on, the structural necessity of President Tinubu’s May 2023 declaration is undeniable; it freed Nigeria from a fiscal death trap and dismantled an unsustainable system. Yet, the victory remains largely confined to government ledgers.

For the man on the street, the benefits of the reform have been thoroughly muted by inflation, currency devaluations, and execution gaps.

The fundamental challenge of Nigerian governance remains unresolved: the inability to translate state wealth into public welfare efficiently. As the calendar turns deeper into 2026, public trust is running thin.

If this reform is to be remembered as a historic transformation rather than just a massive tax hike on the poor, the government must shift from celebrating nominal revenue milestones to delivering tangible, unmistakable improvements in its citizens’ daily lives. The sacrifices have been made; it is time for the dividends to appear.

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

By Blessing Omolola

I hope you find this helpful

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‎By Ibrahim Happiness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Abbas Datti

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Ugochukwu Ugwuanyi 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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