Opinion

Ismail Hashim Abubakar

In a previous article published by The Daily Reality on October 06 (Why All Patriotic Must Support The Youth Movement), I stress the significance of supporting the emerging youth movement as a necessary political option left for Nigerians. I strongly recommend that Nigerian citizens should, in their entirety, support and align themselves with the struggle. This is becoming necessary as the masses are increasingly getting disappointed with the present administration’s policies headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but also sceptical of the democratic culture practised in Nigeria since the return of civilian politics in 1999.

In the present essay, I specifically address the youth movement’s founders and offer some points I hope they may consider valuable and worthy of reflection.

I begin by calling on the movement to intensify its efforts to sell out this ideology through massive advocacy, comprehensive sensitization, and awareness campaigns that go beyond social media and cyberspace and extend to what will be akin to door-to-door community tours embarked upon by field staff of polio immunization and vaccination programs.

Interestingly, the founders of this struggle have made it clear right from the onset that once one is a Nigerian and is mainly concerned with the plight of his fellow compatriots, they are automatically a member of the movement, and it is left for him to see in what ways or capacities could they contribute in the struggle. This means that with the exception of some politicians, especially the ruling class at various state and national levels and possibly their blind cronies and biased allies from all sectors and constituencies, all Nigerians are now or should be, by default, adherents and promoters of this movement.

Moreover, in the process of mass mobilization, it seems that people are to be made fully aware that this movement is purely a self-rescuing mission and a liberation effort. It is not a venture that one can invest financially in the typical fashion of Nigerian politics, aiming to reap personal benefits after an election victory. It is neither a soft machine nor a cheap ride on whose back one can mount and easily grab power. It promotes selfishness and displays arrogant romance with authority and privileges invested in public office holders. It is instead a clarion call for those who are willing to put a stop to a dangerous political trend which, if allowed to go unmitigated, will deprive the posterity – the future citizens of this nation – of the residual right to live, breathe and move about freely in their land.

It remains a question, I am sure, with youth leaders to deliberate on whether the struggle will adopt one of the existing political parties or push to create a new, special party, with mainstream party structures from grassroots to higher levels, which will identify with the cause of youth as movers and engines that steer and spearhead the liberation struggle. One of the possible effective platforms to gauge the movement’s strength may be adopting an existing party or forming a new party that will field candidates to contest in the 2027 general elections.

However, I also have a firmer belief that this movement should not just be well-conceived and rapidly embraced by the masses but only have a brief influence that will wane and fizzle out quickly. This is very possible when things are hastily done, especially if the ideology of the struggle is not yet fully understood and inculcated in the minds of the majority of Nigerians. I am sure the brains behind this nascent movement are aware of the inevitable possibility of corrupt politicians hijacking the likely fruit-yielding struggle or covertly infiltrating it to impede and sabotage its progress. I am also conscious that pioneers of this struggle are erecting insurmountable forts that will resist all forms of internal and external intimidations and temptations.

Meanwhile, I strongly recommend that while the leadership of this struggle continues to enlighten Nigerians and encourage them to embrace its ideologies and identify with and support its cause, the forthcoming 2027 elections may be utilized as an experimental ground to test the public understanding and acceptance of its mission, but which should be done on a purely nonpartisan basis. By this, I mean that the movement shall publicize its aims, objectives, principles, and priorities and open its doors to every politician willing to contest for an elective post.

The politician must be ready to comply with all the movement’s missions and can ultimately work towards ensuring that it realizes its vision of creating an egalitarian society in which a poor man will have a say in how he is governed and his social, educational, and economic rights, which guarantee his healthy and meaningful survival, are protected.

Any politician who is set to promote these values and can sincerely commit himself to these ideals and sacrifice the last drop of blood in him is eligible and can present himself to the movement for support. A contract agreement of a promissory note shall be written and documented by the movement on behalf of Nigeria’s populace, which employs such politicians through an electoral process. The agreement must explicitly state that if the politician breaches any terms after being elected, he may be liable for prosecution, besides public wrath that drastically affects his future political ambitions.

The movement has to work assiduously to screen willing contestants without any prejudice to the party on whose platforms they contest. After that, it will make the public fully aware of the agreement it entered with contestants and the detailed clauses and terms contained in the contract, including penalties in case elected officials fail to uphold and keep their campaign promises. 

In this way, the movement will be able to, through the successful candidates whose election it actively supports, infiltrate state and national assemblies, thereby producing determinate, resolute, patriotic, populist and incorruptible legislators who have no business in their legislative chambers than to uphold the rule of law and ensure that executive councils implement policies and execute programs and projects that positively serve Nigerians. This means that a massive reform and nonviolent political revolution can be prosecuted mildly as the youth movement succeeds in hijacking and dominating the second arm of government, thus reviving the constitutional roles and responsibilities legislative assemblies are expected to discharge rather than becoming appendages of the executives. If this mission triumphs, it will expose the opportunist camp among politicians who will hopefully be rendered a minority and target of the electoral wrath of Nigerian citizens.

If the mission of the youth movement is fully understood and wholly embraced by the majority of Nigerians, particularly if it becomes the only most guaranteed and safest winning platform during elections but also an unprecedented movement that liberates ordinary Nigerians, its ideals and objectives will permeate the ranks of the executive and be easily upheld by various types of people in every sector including royal and traditional societies, technocrats, civil servants, members of the academia, legal industry, private and group entities.

Ironically, this may be the trial stage in the display of commitment and maintenance of integrity and principles needed. Scaling through this situation will be a grand marker of a democratic triumph that will go down in history as one of the greatest and most progressively fruitful political revolutions to have been demonstrated by the “Giant of Africa” throughout the region’s postcolonial period. 

A sizable number of Nigerians among ordinary citizens, religious scholars, politicians, academics and intellectuals, journalists, community leaders, public office holders, businessmen, retired military officers, human rights activists, private organizations and all kinds of people within the civil society who are equally worried over Nigeria’s situation and are especially concerned with the plight of the masses and will be much willing to bring their wealth of experience and expertise to promote the cause of this struggle. I do not doubt that the founders of this movement are aware of them, and I am optimistic that the youth movement will carry them along without regard for their age or social status.

Ismail writes from the Advancing Education and Research Center (Rabat) and is reachable via ismailiiit18@gmail.com.

By Rabiu Musa

The removal of fuel subsidy has become increasingly problematic for the masses. The declaration was made by Bola Ahmad Tinubu on 29 May 2023, during the inaugural speech as Nigerian president.

On the occasion, the president said, “We commend the decision of the outgoing administration in phasing out the petrol subsidy regime, which has increasingly favoured the rich more than the poor. Subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources. We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions.”

As a result, several filling stations, not less than 24 hours after the president declared an end to fuel subsidy, saw the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, soared to N600 per litre from N195/l in many parts of the country.

This also triggered a 100 per cent hike in transport fares, and queues in filling stations worsened because many stations were shut down. The situation has become unbearable for many citizens due to government policies drastically affectingtheir livelihoods. The surge in hardship has been linked to rising insecurity and widespread hunger, leaving millions in dire circumstances.

Poverty in the country is escalating at an alarming rate, and many people can no longer afford necessities like food, healthcare and education. Civil servants, for instance, are forced to sell their cars or abandon them entirely due to skyrocketing and unstable fuel prices.

The government has introduced various palliative measures to relieve vulnerable citizens and ease their hardship. However, These poverty alleviation schemes are far from sufficient to address the root causes of economic distress many Nigerians face.

The former head of state, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, recently expressed concern over this approach, stating that palliative measures alone are not the answer to the hardship and will continue to urge the government to address the hardship confronting the people. He said this during a visit from a delegation of Campaign for Democracy (CD), a Civil Society Organization (CSO) hosted in Minna, Niger State. He emphasised the need for the government to find more sustainable ways to alleviate the economic struggles of the people.

In an estimation of  216 million Nigerians population, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s palliative distribution efforts are not enough to address the depth of poverty and hunger affecting the masses. The key questions are: Will these palliative measures truly alleviate the hunger people are experiencing? Are the goods and support reaching the most vulnerable citizens? 

Numerous reports of corruption and mismanagement in the distribution of palliatives have been published. For example, a report published by Punch Newspaper on September 5, 2023, highlighted that the Department of State Services arrested some Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency officials for allegedly diverting palliatives meant for vulnerable citizens.

The government should rethink its policy-making process and prioritise the needs of the poor before implementing any new actions. One crucial step would be to create an enabling environment that attracts investment, which can, in turn,positively impact the lives of citizens. Achieving this requires adopting a flexible and inclusive approach to policy-making

—one that genuinely considers the welfare of the masses.

Rabiu Musa wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano. He can be reached via musarabiu913@gmail.com.

By Mohammed Dahiru Aminu

The frustration and anger I feel towards Air Peace is overwhelming. Their constant disregard for their customers and audacity to offer solutions that, in essence, put more financial burden on those they have already wronged, makes me question why they are allowed to operate at all. The situation becomes even more infuriating when one considers the role of Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, who seems oblivious to the glaring issues within the country’s aviation sector. It feels as though both Air Peace and the government are working in tandem, not to improve the system, but to continually frustrate passengers, leaving them with little to no recourse for the mess they create.

A perfect example of this was my recent experience with Air Peace. I had a scheduled flight to Asaba, which they cancelled at the last minute without providing a valid reason. Instead of promptly offering a genuine resolution, they sent me an email offering to reroute or reschedule the flight at no additional cost. It sounded fair at first, but upon requesting a new flight, they had the audacity to ask for more money! It’s almost laughable, but this is the reality Nigerian travelers have to deal with daily. I reminded them of their earlier promise, insisting that I shouldn’t be charged extra for rescheduling, as it was their fault in the first place. In response, they reluctantly offered me a flight on Sunday – a full three days later – provided I refused to pay the extra fee. In what world is it acceptable to offer a flight three days after the scheduled date and expect the customer to be satisfied? I had urgent matters to attend to in Asaba, and they wanted me to wait until Sunday!

When I finally decided that I couldn’t wait for their arbitrary flight offers, I requested a refund, only to be told I would need to wait 21 working days to get my money back. Twenty-one working days! The audacity of this airline to take people’s money, fail to provide the service paid for, and then expect them to wait almost a month to receive a refund is mind-boggling. If I didn’t want to wait that long, they gave me the option to “expedite” the refund within 48 hours – at a cost, of course. In my case, I was told to pay 57,600 naira to expedite the refund for both myself and another passenger. It was clear to me that this entire scenario was not just an unfortunate incident, but a well-rehearsed scam designed to squeeze more money from already frustrated passengers.

Air Peace has gained notoriety for such antics. They cancel flights at the last minute, take people’s money, and then offer empty promises of rescheduling or rerouting without any intention of making things right. What’s worse is that even when they claim you can reroute at no additional cost, it’s almost guaranteed that they’ll come up with some excuse to demand more money from you. And if you’re foolish enough to agree to their terms, what’s the guarantee that they won’t cancel the new flight too? Air Peace is, quite frankly, a disgrace. They offer the option to upgrade to business class, but that, too, is a gamble. Why should anyone believe that they won’t cancel a business class flight just like they do with economy class? The sheer disrespect for passengers is alarming.

As if this wasn’t bad enough, when you finally ask for your money back, they will delay the process as much as they can. Twenty-one working days is an absurd amount of time to wait for a refund, especially when they were so quick to take the money. And yet, if you want it faster, they are more than happy to extort you for it. This isn’t just incompetence. This is robbery. Air Peace is nothing more than a predatory company taking advantage of the lax regulatory environment in Nigeria’s aviation sector. They thrive on making the lives of Nigerians more miserable while pocketing our hard-earned money.

I am still waiting to see if they will honor their promise to refund my money in 48 hours after paying the expedited refund fee. But based on the stories I’ve heard from other passengers, I have little hope. Many have told me that Air Peace rarely refunds the full amount they owe, and they always have some excuse ready as to why they can’t pay it all back. I’m beginning to realize that I may be one of their latest victims in a long line of passengers they’ve scammed.

But let’s not forget that the real issue here isn’t just Air Peace. It’s also the Nigerian government’s blatant failure to regulate and monitor the aviation industry. If Air Peace were operating in a properly regulated environment, they would have been shut down a long time ago. Their level of unprofessionalism and blatant disregard for their customers would never be tolerated in any serious country. But in Nigeria, they continue to operate with impunity, because the government is either too incompetent to do anything about it, or worse, they are complicit.

Take our current Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, for example. He was recently captured in a video, arguing that Nigeria cannot allow a foreign airline to operate its national carrier because, in his words, Nigeria is “bigger” and “more ambitious” than Togo. The sheer absurdity of this statement is enough to make anyone’s blood boil. How can you claim that Nigeria is more ambitious than Togo when our aviation sector is in complete shambles? There’s nothing ambitious about having an airline like Air Peace dominate our domestic routes, cancelling flights at will, and treating passengers like garbage. Keyamo’s arrogance and delusions of grandeur are exactly why the Nigerian aviation sector remains so backward. Our leaders refuse to confront the reality of their failures, choosing instead to make foolish comparisons with other African nations in a vain attempt to maintain their egos.

Perhaps if I had been on Air Peace’s London flight, I might have received better treatment. It seems Air Peace and their Aviation Minister patron, Festus Keyamo, are only concerned about flights to more prestigious destinations like London. Domestic passengers? We’re mere afterthoughts. But this is what happens when a country’s leadership is out of touch with the needs of its people. Festus Keyamo and Air Peace are two sides of the same coin, united in their incompetence and arrogance, while ordinary Nigerians suffer in silence. It’s high time we, the people, demand better. Enough is enough.

Mohammed Dahiru Aminu (mohd.aminu@gmail.com) wrote from Abuja, Nigeria.

By Haroon Aremu

Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), two titans in Nigeria’s oil sector, have become unwitting pawns in a high-stakes game of greed, corruption, and control that threatens forever to alter the landscape of the country’s economy. 

The fallout from this secretive manipulation could send shockwaves across Nigeria and the global oil market. But the question remains: how deep does the corruption run, and who pulls the strings?

As Nigerians struggle with fuel scarcity and skyrocketing prices, a disturbing reality emerges—those tasked with managing the nation’s resources deliberately keep refineries inoperative, creating bottlenecks to enrich themselves. At the heart of this heist lies an even more sinister story: a calculated move by a select few to dominate and monopolise Nigeria’s oil industry by manipulating state-owned enterprises and private ventures like Dangote’s Refinery.

Is the NNPC’s Shady $2.76 Billion Stake in Dangote Refinery a marriage of convenience?

In 2021, when the NNPC acquired a 20% stake in Dangote Refinery for a staggering $2.76 billion, many believed it was a monumental step towards bolstering Nigeria’s refining capacity. But beneath the surface, critics questioned the logic of the government investing public funds into a private venture while neglecting its decrepit refineries, which had been left to rot due to years of corruption and mismanagement. 

Was this a genuine attempt to revive the oil sector or a well-disguised ploy to channel public funds into private pockets? The decision becomes even more dubious when you consider that NNPC’s refineries have been operating at less than 20% capacity for years despite repeated promises of rehabilitation. 

These non-functioning facilities force the nation to import most of its fuel, which conveniently benefits the very cabals that control the import contracts. As these refineries remain dormant, Dangote’s refinery, with its projected 650,000 barrels per day capacity, is positioned to monopolise the market once it becomes fully operational. 

Was the NNPC’s investment a masterstroke of collusion to further empower this monopoly? I wonder if Dangote’s unholy alliance with the government is a favouritism or Strategic Investment.

Aliko Dangote’s influence in Nigeria’s political sphere is well-known. His ability to secure favourable policies has long raised eyebrows. Many believe his success is due as much to his business acumen as his close ties with top government officials. Recent import restrictions, for instance, have practically handed the domestic market to Dangote.

Dangote Refinery’s development, delayed since its original 2016 completion date, has ballooned in cost from $9 billion to over $19 billion. Was this financial mismanagement, or were there deeper, darker forces at play—possibly designed to funnel excess funds into the hands of corrupt officials?

As the cabal’s grip tightens, their influence on oil prices becomes increasingly evident. Dangote’s market dominance will give him unprecedented pricing power. But with such control comes the risk of manipulation. 

The refinery’s vast production capacity could easily be used as leverage to influence oil prices, both domestically and internationally. Many fear prices will be artificially inflated, maximising Dangote’s profits while further squeezing Nigerian consumers.

This scenario becomes even more plausible given the NNPC’s deep involvement in the refinery. With its 20% equity stake, NNPC’s role in pricing decisions cannot be overlooked. Will this be another case of public officials prioritising their private interests at the expense of national development?

As domestic pressures mount and whispers of foreign market dominance grow louder, one question looms: will Dangote begin prioritising foreign buyers over Nigeria’s fuel needs? 

With access to international markets offering better returns and more stable pricing, there is growing concern that the refinery may abandon the local market in favour of more lucrative exports. This could leave the country in an ironic situation, producing refined oil but still unable to meet domestic fuel needs, leading to ongoing scarcity and high prices despite local production.

If the cabals continue manipulating the domestic oil market, forcing prices to unsustainable levels, Dangote might have little choice but to look beyond Nigeria’s borders. 

The timing of the refinery’s commencement raises even more questions. As Nigeria grapples with the controversial removal of its long-standing fuel subsidy, many speculate that this policy shift is designed to align with the Dangote Refinery’s launch. With subsidies removed, domestic fuel prices are expected to skyrocket, conveniently paving the way for Dangote to step in as the dominant player, reaping the rewards of higher prices.

While the government frames subsidy removal as a necessary economic reform, many Nigerians view it as another instance of policies being shaped to benefit the few at the expense of the many. The alignment of these policies with the refinery’s launch timeline is too coincidental to be ignored.

The potential for Dangote’s monopoly to distort the Nigerian oil market. With NNPC’s refineries effectively sidelined and the cabals controlling much of the nation’s oil wealth, Dangote stands poised to dominate every facet of the industry—from refining to distribution. However, monopolies rarely benefit consumers, particularly in essential industries like oil.

As Nigeria’s oil sector hangs in the balance, powerful forces are clearly at play. The cabals’ influence, Dangote’s political connections, and NNPC’s complicity have all converged to create a complex web of corruption, exploitation, and control. 

Will Nigeria’s oil wealth finally be harnessed for the benefit of its people, or will the cabals and monopolies continue to enrich themselves at the expense of the masses? 

One thing remains certain: the truth behind the Dangote Refinery’s rise and NNPC’s role in it could be the bombshell that blows the lid off one of Nigeria’s biggest corruption scandals yet.

Haroon Aremu is a passionate writer and Mass Communication graduate, currently serving as an NYSC member. With a focus on national development, he is keen on leveraging his expertise to drive positive change and welcomes opportunities in public policy, media, and development sectors. He wrote in via exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Rabi Ummi Umar

A reality check is not a punishment but a reminder to refocus. – Unknown. 

Monday is the day of the week that people generally dislike. It is usually laden with the stress of getting to work early and getting the job done. I contend I have grown past the assertion that all days of the week are the same to me. Some think Mondays set the tone for the week. 

As I finished up my work for the day, feeling a sense of reprieve, I began browsing through various travel apps in search of a ride home. It is always like this when I finish my 9-to-5 weekday. Only this time, it was different. Rides were scarce, and frustration started to creep in as it also started to rain cat and dog.

The driver arrived, and I hastily exited the building to meet him outside. Upon reaching the vehicle, we exchanged pleasantries as I promptly fastened my seatbelt and leaned against the window, savouring the decidedly cold air while simultaneously trying to make sense of the chaos surrounding me.

My frustration mounted as we remained stuck around the office vicinity, surrounded by a series of sounds. Cars honked incessantly, drivers venting their frustration at the gridlocked roads, and some bumped into each other. It was not difficult to guess that their anger was from waiting in long queues at the filling stations and the urge to make some money before the end. Should this be our reality? 

Meanwhile, commuters on the road struggled to secure a ride home because some who own vehicles have abandoned them. Hawkers shouted and called out to prospective customers to patronise them. The standard of living is expressly high; they are fighting tooth and nail to feed their families. Should this be our reality?

Nigerians have gone from one issue to the other, but the most recent and important is the fuel hike, which most Nigerians rely on. This has affected so many lives, from pedestrians and drivers to heads of households and children. Should this be our reality? 

Many people are suffering, even dying. You can hardly make ends meet even with your money; imagine not having any for basic necessities. The question of “Renewed Hope” still lingers in the hearts of Nigerians as we are forced to adapt to every unfavourable situation. Should this be our reality? 

Citizens have gone from hoping for renewed hope to just wanting to be alive. Things have taken extreme turns, and no one even knows where we are heading. Talk more about the final destination. Should this be our reality? 

As I watched these events unfold in just minutes, road traffic getting worse and rain still drizzling, my mind jolted back to Maiduguri. The people are still struggling with the damage to so many lives and properties. How pathetic, I thought. Should this be their reality? 

How are they coping? How are they coming to terms with this loss? Do they have shelter to take refuge under when it pours like this? I tried to put myself in their shoes, and this exercise only made me even more appreciate all I have now. 

Earlier, I was scrolling through my TikTok app and stumbled upon a shocking sight: suspected bandits doing a ‘giveaway’ on TikTok. My jaw dropped. We have all been forced to familiarise ourselves with the unsettling reality that terrorists have a presence on social media. Still, the audacity of openly carrying out such an act is genuinely alarming. It seems they no longer have any regard for authority. Should this be our reality? 

I went onto ‘X’ to clear my head after what I had just witnessed, and lo and behold, someone had already tweeted about it. They wrote, “Bandits dey do giveaway for TikTok, God which kind country you put me so.” I could not resist tapping into the replies, and while some were humorous, they only pointed out that we were doomed. Should this be our reality? 

Many people find it funny; some even want to participate because the country is tough. But this is highly concerning. Our reality is so concerning. Are we really succumbing to these? Should this be our reality? 

This is the state of the nation—Nigeria. As the quote above suggests, a reality check is not a reprimand but a chance to recalibrate. Therefore, it is time for the government and citizens to work together for a better reality!

Rabi Ummi Umar is an intern at PRNigeria and a student at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. She can be reached at rabiumar058@gmail.com.

By Ibrahim Aliyu Gurin 

Boat accidents in Nigeria are tragically frequent, especially in regions with limited transportation options. In states like Niger, Kebbi, and Adamawa, where rural communities depend on boats for daily travel, the risks are high. Overloading, poor safety measures, and weak enforcement of regulations are the leading causes, leaving many families devastated.

On one fateful day, farmers, eager to beat an approaching storm, crowded into a boat to head home. Among them were women and children, holding on to hope as the sky darkened. But their fears came true. Halfway through the journey, strong winds capsized the overloaded boat, and chaos broke out. Screams echoed as men, women, and children fought to stay afloat. Twenty people went missing, lost to the river’s depths.

In a desperate attempt, a mother tried to save her infant by holding the child above water. She drowned, but a diver managed to rescue the baby—a small miracle amidst the tragedy. Others were less fortunate. Adamu Mai-nama lost his wife, two children, sister, and in-laws. “They’re all gone,” he mourned, his voice heavy with grief.

This heartbreaking scene repeats itself across Nigeria every year. Boats, essential for transport in areas with limited roads, become death traps due to overloading, faulty maintenance, and weak safety enforcement. According to data provided by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), between January 2018 and October 2023, Nigeria recorded 1,204 deaths from boat accidents, averaging about 17 fatalities per month. These incidents occurred in 25 states, with Niger State having the highest number of deaths at 275.

Overloading remains a critical issue as boat operators prioritise profit over safety. Many vessels are dangerously overcrowded, and passengers, lacking alternatives, are forced to risk their lives. In countries like Bangladesh, strict enforcement of passenger limits has reduced boat accidents. Nigeria could benefit from similar regulations, cracking down on operators who ignore safety rules.

Compounding the problem is the poor condition of many boats. They are often old, poorly maintained, and lack essential safety equipment like life jackets. Passengers board these vessels with little choice but to rely on luck. Rising water levels and stronger storms, driven by climate change, further heighten the danger. 

According to the Marine Crafts Builders Association of Nigeria, over the past decade, Nigeria has seen approximately 3,130 boat accidents, leading to over 3,133 deaths. Regular inspections and better boat maintenance are urgently needed.

The dangers of drowning also extend beyond boat accidents. The World Health Organization reported that drowning deaths in Nigeria reached 6,584 in 2020, accounting for 0.44% of total deaths, with a drowning mortality rate of 2.17 per 100,000 people. This staggering number highlights the broader issue of water safety and the need for comprehensive measures to protect lives.

When accidents happen, the country’s rescue efforts are often too slow to be effective—poor funding and inadequate equipment delay response times, costing lives. Investing in better rescue units, equipment, and training responders is essential. However, prevention through stronger safety measures is the most effective solution.

Public awareness campaigns are also crucial. Many passengers don’t realise the dangers of overcrowded boats or the importance of life jackets. Localised safety education, led by community leaders, can make a significant difference.

Countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh have shown that strict regulations and public education can reduce boat mishaps. Nigeria can make its waterways safer by modernising boats, enforcing safety standards, and raising awareness. Unfortunately, the lack of enforcement in remote areas undermines these efforts. While states like Lagos have made progress, others, such as Niger, Kebbi, and Adamawa, need to implement stronger oversight and inspections.

The tragedies we see on Nigeria’s waterways are preventable. They result from neglect of safety regulations, boat maintenance, and human life care. We must act now to prevent more families from suffering: enforce safety rules, improve boat conditions, strengthen rescue operations, and educate the public.

The mishaps on Nigeria’s waterways don’t have to keep happening—they can be stopped. Every life lost shows the price we pay for ignoring safety. We know what needs to be done, but we keep doing nothing. How many more children need to lose their parents? How many more families must suffer before we take action?

The next boat accident could happen anytime. Will we wait for more lives to be lost, or will we make the changes needed to save them? The choice is ours, and lives depend on it.

Ibrahim Aliyu Gurin writes from Bayero University, Kano, via ibrahimaliyu5023@gmail.com.

By Ishaq M. Sani

 To surmount all challenges, the good people of Zaria deserve the best leadership at the local government executive council. Therefore, it’s imperative to bring in competent, young, and vibrant representation to the good people of Zaria local government. 

The good people of Zaria equally need a leader who can foster a harmonious synergy between the local, state, and federal governments, paving the way for remarkable achievements, transformative development, and a brighter future—a leader with a proven track record of driving impactful changes and advancing grassroots priorities. With Engr Jamil piloting the affairs of the cosmopolitan Zaria, an era for Pressing forward in the direction of progressive outcomes and solid attainments for the good people of Zaria is possible. 

However, Jaga’s socio-political background and mentorship from both the executive governor, Mal Uba Sani, and the speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas, as Deputy chief of staff, have instilled in him the values of honesty, inclusivity, and open-mindedness to diverse views, contributing to effective governance. 

Ahead of the October Kaduna LGA elections 2024, a vote for Engr Jamil is a victory for addressing critical issues relating to Human Capital Development, Infrastructure Development, Security, Agriculture, Environmental management, Climate change, greenfield initiatives, Trade and Investment, and Robust Citizen engagements.

His focus on human capital development emphasised this: Engr Jamil is set to ensure education/scholarship, health, and social investment. He has tagged “Education: Knowledge and Skills Acquisition for the Future.” He is also Ensuring that scholarship opportunities are expanded to less privileged students to support lifelong learning. 

Elucidating impacting measures, combined with a continuous programme to improve teachers’ quality and teaching standards to ensure that basic education investments produce the desired learning outcomes in line with the sustainedmanifesto of his excellency Mal Uba Sani. Moving further, Zaria needs a well-equipped leader to support entrepreneurship in ICT, which is necessary for stimulating innovation and economic growth. 

Focus on Health ensures access to quality care in the health sector to consolidate the remarkable achievements recorded by Sen Mal Uba Sani, the state government leader, and Speaker Abbas’s critical interventions. Zaria looks forward to robust social investment through social welfare and liberating empowerment through dedicated funds for women and youth. 

The Zaria infrastructural development is also expected to focus on investment in sustainable environmental infrastructure such as water supply, sewage and solid waste management, and adequate infrastructure such as culverts, drainage and connecting roads/bridges for job creation, taking centre stage. 

The mission is to collaborate with the neighbouring LGAs and state and federal governments to continually improve the quality of connecting roads and ensure the expansion of the local electricity infrastructure, especially across Dembo, Wucicciri, and Dutsen Abba, among others. 

Furthermore, it promotes environmental conservation and sustainability, protecting Zaria’s natural resources and ensuring the sustenance of the conditions for economic dynamism through investments, vibrant commercial activities, skills development, and job opportunities.

However, like many other local governments, Zaria has been one of the hotbeds of security threats in Zone 1 of Kaduna state in the last eight years, with attacks happening on a regular basis. I commend the Governor and the honourable speaker for their robust efforts in maintaining the peace and stability of the state within their first year in office. 

Moreover, Engr. Jamil is expected to ensure a secure, peaceful, and united Zaria LGA. Effective collaboration between the state and federal government will ensure the deployment of security personnel and equipment for adequate security in the local government. Deep intelligence gathering through collaboration with traditional, religious, and community leaders will support security agencies. 

In light of the preceding, the competitive advantage of Zaria’s growth potential in the agricultural sector is viable through effective utilisation of agro-ecological zones, rising youthful population, irrigated farming opportunities while transitioning from subsistence to commercial agriculture and leveraging linkages with local manufacturing in the promotion of agri-business.   

Finally, Zaria envisions a leader who is committed to providing all-inclusive and diverse representation, Feedback mechanisms, and accountability processes, ensuring effective engagement with all communities for equity, responsiveness, collaboration, and accountability; this is possible when Engr Jamil is given the mandate. 

 Join Engr Jamil Ahmad Muhammad on this great journey…

Ishaq M. Sani writes from the office of the APC chairmanship Candidate, Zaria local government. Strategic communication directorate

By Aminat Adebesin Adebisi 

Nigeria, known for its vibrant culture and resilient people, is grappling with a pressing concern: mental health issues. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse affect millions, particularly the youth. Despite alarming statistics, the topic remains shrouded in stigma and silence.

Personal Experience

I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of mental health stigma. A close friend struggled with depression for months, hiding her pain behind a mask of smiles. For her, seeking help felt like a sign of weakness, and she wasn’t ready to open up. As I watched the twinkle in her eye fade, I wondered how I could have helped her escape the darkness.

Alarming Statistics

According to a 2019 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability in Nigeria, with 1 in 5 Nigerians suffering from mental health disorders. The National Mental Health Survey (2018) reveals that 22% of Nigerians experience depression, while 30% struggle with anxiety.

Barriers to Seeking Help

Limited awareness, stigma, and entrenched cultural beliefs hinder individuals from seeking help. In Nigeria, voicing mental health concerns can lead to gossip, judgment, or even rejection. This silence forces many to suffer in isolation.

Breaking the Silence

To combat the rising rates of depression, we must take the following steps:

• Establish Support Groups: Create social support networks with trusted, informed individuals to encourage open conversations.
• Raise Awareness: Leverage organisations like the Nigerian Mental Health Association, the Federal Ministry of Health, and media outlets to promote understanding of mental health issues.
• Integrate Education: Incorporate mental health education into school curricula to empower students and reduce stigma from a young age.
• Engage Community Leaders: Collaborate with community leaders and influencers to promote discussions around mental health.
• Improve Accessibility: Develop affordable and accessible mental health services to ensure that help is within reach for everyone.

Together, we can create a Nigeria where mental health discussions are embraced with empathy rather than met with stigma. By breaking the silence, we can offer support and hope to those affected, fostering a healthier, more understanding society.

Aminat Adebesin wrote via adebesinaminat2018@gmail.com.

By Khaleed Suleiman Abdul

We thank Allah for a life well spent. Indeed, from Allah we come, and to him we shall return. Professor Musa Abdu Auyo’s death is undoubtedly one of the few transitions that shocked Bayero University Kano and the entire academic circle within and outside Nigeria. 

The Comrade, as we fondly called him, was an unrepentant freedom fighter and social justice crusader. His uncommon spirit of tolerance and forgiveness earned him popularity among different classes of people. In fact, he is a man of the people, and the turnout of people from all walks of life who paid their last respects during his internment testified to that.

My first close encounter with him was when he and a few other individuals helped me secure admission into Bayero University. That was about three decades ago, 1993 – 1994, to be precise. From then on, the relationship knew no boundary and continued to wax stronger until his death.

I always recall with joy how he facilitated the securing of admission for ten qualified candidates in different departments and faculties whose credentials were forwarded to him by my humble self.

His simplicity and sense of accommodation enabled him to act or respond with dispatch to any request I put before him, particularly on student admission or counselling issues.

He once said, “As a lecturer, I don’t have much financially to give, but when it comes to securing admission or imparting knowledge to people, I must do my best”.

Comrade was always ready and willing to help you irrespective of your tribe, religion, class, or age. He believed that society must change positively through education and the creation of public awareness. 

His exemplary, simple lifestyle contributed immensely to our conduct. 

He taught us the spirit of accountability, answerability, patriotism, and sympathy in the common person.

The late academic guru was bereaved by two wives and nine blessed and educated children. One of them is completing her PhD, and others have or are doing their master’s degree and undergraduate programs in different fields of human endeavour. May God Almighty protect and guide them, ameen.

Professor Musa Auyo graduated in library and information sciences from the prestigious Bayero University Kano, received a master’s degree in the same field from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and received a PhD from BUK. He has also been a professor from the same institution lately.

He was the Head of the Department of Library and Information Sciences, Dean of the faculty of education, Bayero University librarian, one-time pioneer librarian at Federal University Kafin Hausa, and, very recently, chairman of the Board College of Education, Gumel, Jigawa State.

Despite all these academic responsibilities, the late professor still found time to belong to associations within and outside the university walls. 

I remember as a student, whenever a symposium was organised, and comrade Auyo and the likes of Prof. Ibrahim Bello-Kano (IBK), late Auwalu Umar, and Auwalu Kawu of sociology were to make a presentation, the theatre always appeared too small to accommodate the mammoth crowd of students anxious to hear words of wisdom from the effervescent cum erudite scholar.

His belief in public education and enlightenment led him to champion the establishment of the Auyo Youth Association (AYA), Hadejia Youth Organization, and Literacy Club Society of Bayero University (LICSOBUK) in which I worked closely with him to champion the cause but was short-lived immediately after we graduated.

He was a great pillar, a beacon who nurtured and groomed students and intellectuals within and outside the campus. Some of his students today are professors doing well in their chosen professions. They include professors Abbas Mai Dabino and Baffa Abubakar, to mention a few.

I recall with pride how the late Professor Auyo, as a crusader of social justice and other sound-minded intellectuals in the Senate, saved many students from rustication for merely embarking on a lack of electricity and water protest in the new campus, where the Vice Chancellor insisted that the students must be punished. 

However, these noblemen, including the late professor, stood their ground to ensure no student fell prey to victimisation.

In conclusion, filling the vacuum created by your demise will be very difficult. Your contribution to education, community development, social justice, mentoring, and nurturing within the university perimeter and across society will remain indelible in our memory.

We pray to almighty God to grant you the highest level of Jannah, peace, and everlasting Rahma in your grave until we meet and part no more. Alhamdulillahi!

Khaleed Suleiman Abdul (Sardauna of Gwagwarwa) wrote via akhaleed431@gmail.com.

By Umar Fatima Shehu

The weather and environment have hindered people’s health due to rapid rainfall, dam overflow, bushy environment, and unclean water.

According to the Reliefweb report, some states in the northern part of Nigeria have been experiencing continuous rainfall, which has caused drainage blockages, floods, crop loss, and soil erosion in states such as Kano, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Jigawa.

KANO

Obstruction of drainages, a bushy environment, and unclean water are affecting the people’s health in Kano, as there are few drainage provisions. 

At Bayero University Kano, this closure has affected the flow of waste products from the hostel latrines. The male hostels (Aliko Dangote, El-El-Kamis) and some of the female hostels are affected by this issue, which is not harmful to the health of the students residing and passing along the building.

Due to unknown circumstances, the management of the university has not been providing sufficient water to the hostels, leading to students fetching water from unclean sources such as rainwater from the rooftop of the hostel building, broken pipes surrounded by stagnant water, etc.

The closure of drainages and bushy environment has led to too much stagnant water around the university. This water helps to generate more mosquitoes and reptiles. The high rate of students visiting the school clinically is evidence of a lack of environmental hygiene. Several students have been diagnosed with malaria, fever, typhoid, cough, etc.

BORNO

The ancient city of Borno, Maiduguri, was flooded due to the overflow of the Alau Dam in Konduga. This led to home loss, missing relatives, and destruction of amenities, including health facilities.

According to a report by the Nigeria Health Watch, over 400,000 people are displaced. The state is at a high risk of infectious disease outbreaks because of camp crowdness, lack of clean drinking water, unhygienic conditions, shortage of health facilities, etc.

According to Chachu Tadicha, deputy director of program operations/humanitarian at Save the Children,” the flood has posed a serious risk to food security because crops in the field have been severely damaged. With this, there will be an increasing rate of malnutrition.”

The flood has contaminated the environment with specks of dirt from the disposals and drainages, which has caused stagnant water to serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare stated, “Chlorine tablets, anti-malaria treatment, bednet, etc., are being sent from other states to Maiduguri to address the potential increase in malaria cases.”

WAKE UP CALL

Dams and riverbank overflow caused most flood incidents. The Federal and State governments should work to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidents again in the country by ensuring the appropriate use of signed bills for their purpose.