Opinion

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

When asked about the Boko Haram bloodbath in Maiduguri between 2012 and 2014, my mind reflects on the gory scenes of manslaughter, unrest, indescribable fear, hopelessness, mourning, massive burials, decaying bodies on the streets, roadblocks, military presence, economic downturns, and many other paroxysms of agony that still traumatize me from time to time, especially when I remember the productive people and opportunities I have lost.

This is to remind our fellow youths what life would be like if the enemies within and outside succeeded in mobilizing innocent young people to collapse Nigeria under the guise of protesting against government policies they perceive as unfriendly to their well-being. If people eat once daily now and move freely in some areas within the country, chances are that some would spend days and nights hungry and unable to move freely even within their vicinities if the protest held as planned. I would never wish this for my enemies, let alone my loved ones.

In a viral video, the acclaimed leader and organizer of the planned nationwide August protest, Comr. Murtala Garba said that he had withdrawn from the planned protest after realizing that some unpatriotic power mongers and anti-peace agents were financing it at the expense of peace and unity of the nation.

He said, “Everybody knows that we are pro-North and are always ready to stand for the region’s interest. We started planning for the protest during the Ramadan period when we went to the market to shop and realized that the price of a bag of sugar had unbelievably increased. That was when we realized that the removal of subsidy by this government would predictably lead to a high cost of living, so we started criticizing it on various social media platforms across Africa. We started getting support from Nigerian diasporans, largely from America, China, and other Arab countries.”

The activist confessed that a high-profile individual from the southern part of Nigeria had invited him and fifty-two individuals to Port Harcourt for a meeting on the planned nationwide August protest.

“We spent a day in Port Harcourt and then moved to Delta State, where we spent six days. We planned for the peaceful protest to take place across the 36 states of the federation, but they started telling us that they only wanted us to do it in selected states of the North comprising Kaduna, Abuja, and Jos because they trusted us. They went on to tell us that they wanted us to block roads, adding that they would link us up. That got me thinking about those youths who are better than us in the country, yet we don’t know them.

“Honestly, they gave us money, and we collected it, returned to our region, and some of our elders started talking to us about it and succeeded in convincing us to suspend the protest, not because we are happy with the government’s policies but because of its foreseen consequences considering the forces behind it.”

Mr. Garba did not list the names of the people who invited him to Port Harcourt, perhaps out of fear of the unknown. However, he concluded by asking the government to heed the calls to reconsider the fuel subsidy removal, mentioning that some powerful Nigerians are planning to topple the government.

“They revealed the total number of police and other security forces in the Villa and promised to provide adequate manpower to support them and overwhelm the security forces. The protest is shaky and cruel to the nation. Therefore, I distance myself from it.”

Those of us from Maiduguri will never want to experience the taste of war. Some people wish for Nigeria to go to war, forgetting that no West African country can accept us as refugees if we break due to our overwhelming population that surpasses half of the entire population of West Africa.

Politics aside, I am disappointed that a former Minister called Barr. Solomon Dalung is shamelessly offering to lead the protest despite coming from a fragile state where ethno-religious crises claim lives from time to time, depriving the state of peace and unity. I am sure his declaration is insincere, exploiting the present economic hardship for political relevance in the sight of the masses.

Coming to the North, those Kano TikTok influencers are ignorant of the protest they were calling for because they seem to be unaware that Kano remains the only state in the North where people enjoy relative peace despite the power tussle going on between Emir Sanusi (enthroned) and Emir Bayero (dethroned). Businesses are going about smoothly, and farmers access their farmlands fearlessly, unlike Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Borno, where farmers write their wills every day before going to their farms.

Recently, a few energetic guys came to me saying people like me should lead the protest, given our influence on young people in our various states. I allowed them to land, and I asked if they knew who planned the protest, why the protest, and what it aimed to achieve. They couldn’t answer me, looking sorry and confused. Unfortunately, a lot of young people are like that. They don’t even know what they are protesting against and are used and dumped by enemies within.

Some readers may ask about the solution to the economic hardship facing Nigerians since we unapologetically condemn the planned protest and urge like-minded individuals to shun it.

In my opinion, the solution is near, as our Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries will soon start operations. This will reduce the cost of production and transportation, thereby lowering commodity prices by default. The inflation is caused mainly by transportation, which costs marketers twice the purchasing amount.

Therefore, I kindly call on the government to expedite the realization of the refinery projects and commence operations as soon as possible. This is the only realistic and achievable approach to ameliorating living standards in the country.

Lawan Bukar Maigana wrote via lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com.

By Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu

I was not a History student but a student of history. My interest originated in my father, Dr. Muhammad Uba Adamu, a historian who really believed in the discipline. Further, it was a real anomaly in my education—that turned out fine for me—that although I was a science student in high school, we studied history in our set due to the lack of a physics teacher, which was just as well. I tried a semester of physics after high school, but I could not hack it. 

To me, history was better than Physics, which was and still is excellently boring. With History, I understood myself and my culture and could safeguard my heritage. With Physics, I would be forced to cram useless formulas, which I was led to believe were the intellectual heritages of dead White scientists. 

Despite being housed in the Faculty of Education, Bayero University Kano, since July 22, 1980, as a Graduate Assistant, I found myself drawn to History. It helped that the late Prof. John Lavers, who taught my father, was there. His purchase of an Amstrad desktop computer in around 1989, and my being the only person on the campus who mastered it, created a Moebius strip where I was teaching Prof. Lavers how to use it! Eventually, I had to come in contact with Prof. Philip Shea, who also knew my father as an administrator. 

My subsequent interactions with Prof. Lavers, Prof. Shea, and later Prof. Murray Last put me at an intersection of historical immersion. They further fuelled my interest in historical studies and anything related to Kano’s history. I started teasing Philip by calling him ‘Uncle Philip’, which he found irritating as he did not want to seem ‘old’. This was more so due to his closeness to my father. When in 2002 or thereabouts, my father publicly presented (I refuse to allow it to be ‘launched’) his book Confluences and Influences, Philip Shea wrote the review and read it during the presentation. 

With Philip Shea, life in Kano was not just economic history but also cultural history. His “Mallam Muhammad Bakatsine and the Jihad in Eastern Kano” (History in Africa 32 (2005), 371-383) is a brilliant appendix to the Kano Chronicle in the sense of filling in a lot of gaps not in the Chronicle. For one, it gave us a microscopic view of how a Joɓawa clan member, Malam Bakatsine from Takai town, mobilised the jihad forces fuelled by his understanding of Islam. 

Eventually, somehow or another, the British Council Kano engaged me as the Chairman of the Centre for Hausa Culture, which we established in 2003 to facilitate a series of Hausa traditional concerts on their behalf. I invited Philip to one of them on March 8, 2006, and had to drive him to the venue because he was virtually colour-blind at night and found it difficult to drive—too many full headlights, he told me.

I was, therefore, shocked when I learned of Philip Shea’s passing away barely a month later on April 5, 2006. I was in Saly, Senegal, for a Volkswagen Foundation activity then. It was a sad moment for me, for Philip was a truly wonderful person. I really doubted if he had any intentions of leaving Kano—so ingrained he was in the very social and economic fabric of Kano. He was involved in almost every activity of the Kano State Government, during which we always sat next to each other. 

For instance, he actively participated in the 2003 conference celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the late Emir of Kano, HRH Alhaji (Dr) Ado Bayero. A proceeding of the conference, which I edited and for which he let the Communique team, was later published. He was also a prominent participant at the National Conference on 200 Years Since the Uthman Dan Fodio Jihad in Kano held at the Kano State History and Culture Bureau, Kano, Nigeria, 27-29 July 2004.

Philip was also a familiar face in quite a few Kano markets; his speciality was economic history. For instance, I met him several times when I visited the Garu market in Kumbotso. He was not actually buying anything but moving from stall to stall, observing, listening, and noting. He used to be followed by a gaggle of kids, but they eventually became used to him and left him alone. I, on the other hand, visited the market because my better half dragged me against my will, wish and desire for her to buy Kayan miya (groceries) as they were cheaper in that market – and I had to drive through a slowly flowing river Panshekara to get to the market!

For me, observing Philip in that market was a front-row lesson on Ethnography: to truly understand the flow of events, you need to be there—on the ground—not from afar. His writings on the economic history of Kano and, indeed, Hausa land, therefore, had a solid base. 

He published several articles in Nigerian and international journals on, among other subjects, the development of the dyeing industry in precolonial Kano, rural production, indirect rule, and the central Sudanese silk trade. His unpublished doctoral dissertation, “The Development of an Export-Oriented Dyed Cloth Industry in Kano Emirate in the Nineteenth Century” (Wisconsin, 1975), has become one of the most cited works on dyeing and textiles in Africa and a reference text in discussions of indigenous African textile practices.

Philip had mentored many generations of Historians. It was only befitting, therefore, that the whole constellation of Philips students and associates gathered together to honour his intellectual contribution to the economic history of northern Nigeria. This was realised in Economic and Social History of Northern Nigeria: Revisiting Milestones and Exploring New Frontiers: Essays in Honour of the late Professor Phillip James Shea. 

The book was ‘launched’ on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the Dangote Business School auditorium, Bayero University Kano New Campus. Despite it being a Sunday (and overcast), the hall was reasonably filled with many people—and not the ‘student fillers’ either, since although the university resumed classes on Monday, July 15, 2024, students have not fully resumed. 

The book, edited by his students led by Prof. Mohammed Sanni Abdulkadir, Samaila Suleman and Kabiru Haruna Isa and published by Aboki Publishers), is undoubtedly a heavy reading with 874 pages. Divided into six sections with 40 papers, it covers a massive ground, from Environment to Riots, Slavery, Reforms, Settlement, to Migration. 

I will not even presume to review this book – leaving it to voracious readers like Shamsuddeen Sani to do that when he gets his stethoscope on a copy! There were standout papers. Murray Last’s “Note on the Economy of 19th Century Warfare in Hausaland” reminds us of the links between social disruptions and economic growth – even over a hundred years ago. Or the one about the brown sugar industry in Maƙarfi by Shehu Tijjani Yusuf. Want to learn about donkey trade (yes, donkeys!)? Then Abubakar Tukur Mohammed will guide you. Salafism and Social services are treated by one of what I term the ‘Zafafa Goma’ intellectual cluster of BUK, Kabiru Haruna Isa. And so on. 

No one, no book, no writer is perfect. My grouse? In this constellation of economic coverage, not one single paper has dealt with media and popular culture. Music (traditional and Afropop), Books (in whatever form), Films (love, hate, but can’t ignore Kannywood), and Media (Radio, TV, Newspapers, Social Media) were all seemingly ignored, as if economic history is only rooted in the past and only on commodities. And yet, one of the attention-grabbing parts of the book was ‘New Frontiers’. It seems that such a frontier was not to look ‘back to the future’. Oh, there is a paper on multinational publishers (Sani Yakubu Adam), but it was on the English book trade!

Warts and all, this book is, in my view, the most comprehensive summary and, at the same time, introduction to the uninitiated of the subject matter so far in our history. It is also a befitting reminder of the legacies of one of our time’s most important economic historians. 

By Abdullahi Muhammad Amir

Weeks ago, the media aides of the Niger state Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, were all over social media sharing stories and clips of the Governor’s promise of the sum of N200,000 to each corps member posted to the state under the Batch B stream one. 

It is commendable that the Governor allocated N5 billion to construct the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) State Permanent Orientation Camp located at Paiko. The camp has been in a decrepit state for quite some time. 

According to the story, the Governor also gave the over one thousand corps members in batch B stream one a trailer of rice and 20 cattle as a state bonus. These are all good gestures.

However, I feel there are more important things to do than promise such a large amount of money to Corp members when the rate at which hunger escalates is beyond our imaginations, coupled with the insecurity that has bedevilled and still bedevils the state. 

We now live in a society with no other level than the grassroots. The government has failed to see or is negligent about people in need; they are the unseen hands in society, yet they are there and deserve to be seen.

I am not against what the governor did, but instead of nurturing a mature tree, it is better to turn a seed into a tree.  The government can create more opportunities for people in need to acquire skills that will make them productive and improve their living standards.

The government can increase facilities in hospitals and even set up business ventures for the indigenous youths who are wallowing in the street and unemployed. One can go on and on; there’s no shortage of what to do, and that is better than giving out cash tokens to youths, for which the federal government has already taken care of their feeding, welfare, and accommodation for this period. 

I rest my opinion on the point that Governor Bago is one of the best-performing governors so far, but I still feel they are not reaching people in need, and there are more ways to use revenue than giving it as a token.

Abdullahi Muhammad Amir wrote this article from Newgate University Minna, Niger State.

Company: Blackville Media

Director: Prince Daniel (Aboki)

Producers: Aliyu Ahmad, Egor Efiok, Bature Zambuk, Shehu Bala Kabara

Language: Hausa

Cast: Adam A. Zango, Ghali Abdallah DZ, Auwalu Isma’il Marshall, Fatima Muhammad, Maryam Usman Shuaibu, Mukhtar Aminu etc.

Release date (Nigeria): 19-7-2024

It’s no longer news that TV series have recently dominated the Kannywood filmmaking sphere. However, Prince Daniel Aboki produced an epic period film titled Mai Martaba in a bold move to revitalize the film industry. The film, roughly based on the popular Arewa Radio drama series Kasar Jallaba, has generated immense excitement among fans eager to see the gripping story come alive on screen.

Made on a sweeping budget of over ₦125 million, Mai Martaba surpassed Nanjala (which had a budget of over ₦65 million) to become Kannywood’s most expensive production. But does it justify this substantial investment? I watched it on Sunday, and here is my review.

Mai Martaba is an exciting tale of a succession struggle among competing claimants for the throne of the Jallaba kingdom. The storyline unfolds through an omniscient narrator, beginning with a few flashbacks of the kingdom under the previous reign of the Agadashawa dynasty. Now occupied by the Jallabawa clan, a sacred decree secures the throne.

Before death, each king must name a successor from within the clan, ensuring the Agadashawas would never return to power. King Mu’azu honoured this legacy by naming Sanaya (Auwal Ismail Marshall) his heir, with a written agreement that Sanaya would one day pass the crown to Mu’azu’s son, Magajin Gari (Ghali Abdallah DZ). But Sanaya breaches the agreement and crowns his daughter, Princess Sangaya (Fatima Muhammad), as his successor, setting the stage for an intense power struggle.

Will Magajin Gari reclaim his birthright? Who is the other claimant to the throne? Can a female monarch win over the hearts of the Jallaba people? Find out in the cinemas.

The movie is generally captivating. However, with a short runtime of less than 90 minutes, the screenplay fails to do complete justice to the compelling story. It features little action scenes and ends quickly when it is supposed to be at its climax. For instance, there is a brave bandit kingpin, Shugaba (Adam A. Zango), whose brother was killed in the kingdom. He is in alliance with Magajin Gari. Driven by revenge, the two could have been shown in a fierce battle against the Jallaba kingdom, adding a dramatic action sequence to the film.

Also, as an adaptation of the Kasar Jallaba radio serial, apart from the setting and select character names, Mai Martaba shares minimal similarity with the original sourcing material. It’s somewhat like the American TV series House of the Dragons, where King Viserys appointed his female child, Princess Rhaenyra, as heir to the throne. The theme of ‘succession war’ is also prominent in many other local and international movies.

However, Mai Martaba remains a satisfactory period drama, boasting a spectacular setting and near-authentic period costumes. It may not be the most engaging Kannywood epic, but it could be the best in general production quality. Its exceptional cinematography and technical excellence is a breakthrough in the Hausa film industry. I salute the director, executive producer, and all other crew members.

The cast should also not be forgotten. Though it consists of new actors, they deliver impressive performances with good dialogue rendition. Ghali Abdallah DZ stands out as the ambitious Magajin Gari, plotting political machinations to get the throne. As Princess Sangaya, Fatima Muhammad was not given much scope but showed confidence in every scene she featured. Adam A. Zango (Shugaba) and Auwal Ismail Marshall (Sarki Sanaya) also deliver solid performances, fitting their roles perfectly.

Overall, Mai Martaba sets a benchmark for cinematic excellence in the Kannywood film industry. It’s a lavish epic film that justifies its hefty price tag. I strongly recommend it. Rating: 3.5/5.

Habibu Maaruf Abdu wrote from Kano. He can be reached via habibumaaruf11@gmail.com.

By Usman Abdullahi Koli, ANIPR

A renowned scholar, Thomas Paine, once said, “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” This statement perfectly suits the relentless efforts of Honorable Musa Azare, the caretaker chairman of Katagum Local Government Area (LGA) in Bauchi State. Hon. Azare’s leadership is marked by extraordinary impacts, demonstrating his dedication to transforming lives and communities through selfless service. His name is etched in the hearts of many for his commitment to the welfare of his people, making him a standout leader in Bauchi State.

Hon. Musa Azare’s journey into public service is a testament to his dedication to positive development in Katagum LGA. Despite opposition and challenges, he remains undeterred in his mission to bring about meaningful change. Born and educated in Bauchi State, Hon. Musa attended several institutions, acquiring extensive knowledge, technical skills, and practical experience. His background laid a solid foundation for his leadership, allowing him to address the diverse needs of his community effectively.

As the caretaker chairman of Katagum LGA, Hon. Azare has initiated and completed numerous projects, significantly improving the lives of his people. His contributions to the local government are vast and varied, ranging from providing healthcare facilities to launching cervical cancer vaccination, where his daughter Halima was the first to be vaccinated in Katagum LGA. According to the Secretary of the hospital, a donation of N500,000 to Azare General Hospital in the Hospitals Revolving Fund (HRF) had reached N4m.

Renovation of classrooms distribution of free uniforms to hundreds of primary school pupils of Central Primary School, Azare. The construction of a feeder road at Azare Main Market was previously flooded with water every rainy season. The market was nearly dead due to the problem of inaccessibility, especially during the rainy period—construction of the 4.5 km Dagaro-Zindi road in the Chinade District of the local government.

Drilling new boreholes and water projects in Madangala, under the Azare District of Katagum. Renovation of several damaged hand pump boreholes in Madara District. These projects, executed with high standards, ensure lasting benefits for the communities, proving his judicious utilization of funds and commitment to sustainable development. Hon. Musa Azare is widely recognized for his exceptional leadership qualities.

He is a visionary leader known for his strategic planning and effective implementation of policies that address the core needs of his local government. The Police Divisional Officer (DPO) in Katagum LGA received torchlights, sticks, and whistles for distribution to various security and quasi-security organizations to boost night patrol in the Katagum local government area. His ability to mobilize resources was vital in the equitable and transparent distribution of the FG/State Government-assisted palliative to cushion the effect of removing petroleum subsidy.

The refurbishing of local government buses to ease transportation of people and the construction of the palace of the District Head of Chinade was done in collaboration with the Bauchi State Government. Honourable Musa garnered support from various stakeholders and has been instrumental in driving the development agenda of Katagum LGA. Beyond his administrative acumen, Musa is a humanitarian at heart. His philanthropic efforts extend to all corners of the LGA; he donated 4,000 varieties of trees to the JIBWIS campaign against environmental degradation. Providing financial assistance, food supplies, and essential services to the less privileged.

He focuses on empowering vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and the elderly, through skill acquisition programs and microfinance initiatives, enabling them to become self-reliant and contribute positively to the community. His love for his people is evident in his inclusive approach to governance. He embraces individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of their religious, tribal, or regional backgrounds.

The open-door policy of Honorable Musa Azare ensures that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed. This approach has fostered a sense of unity and belonging among the residents of Katagum LGA. A key aspect of his leadership is his prudent management of public funds. Unlike some leaders who divert resources for personal gain, Hon. Azare ensures that every Naira is spent transparently and efficiently. His focus on accountability and integrity has successfully completed several high-standard projects that stand the test of time.

This judicious use of funds has earned him the trust and respect of his constituents, solidifying his reputation as a leader who truly serves the people. Recognizing the vital role of education in societal transformation, he has prioritized educational development in Katagum and its environs. He has spearheaded initiatives to renovate dilapidated schools, provide learning materials, and offer scholarships to deserving students. Hon. Azare’s commitment to healthcare is evident through his efforts to enhance medical facilities and services within the local government. He has facilitated the construction and renovation of health centres, ensuring they are well-equipped to serve the community’s needs.

His social welfare programs also provide critical support to vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly, promoting a healthier and more equitable society. Hon. Musa’s relentless dedication has not gone unnoticed. He is often described as a leader who selflessly prioritizes his people’s needs, sacrificing his comfort for their well-being. A constant smile and open-handed generosity have won over even his harshest critics, earning him respect and admiration. He stands as a beacon of hope and an exemplary leader in Bauchi State and across Nigeria.

Katagum Local government, under the leadership of Hon. Azare, was honoured with the award for Best Local Government in Documentation by New Incentives; All Babies Are Equal Initiative (NI-AVAE). This recognition was due to the LGA’s outstanding performance in data documentation, accurate registration of children under one year, reduction of zero-dose cases, effective data recording, and consistent cash payments to caregivers. The award included a financial incentive of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira, highlighting the exceptional dedication and commitment of the Director of Katagum LG Primary Healthcare Department, Malam Jibril Muhammad Inuwa, and his entire staff. Therefore, Hon. Azare’s strategic vision and support have been essential in achieving this milestone, reflecting his steadfast commitment to improving healthcare and routine immunization in various communities.

His dedication to youth empowerment is further exemplified by vocational training programs that equip young people with marketable skills, ensuring they have the tools to build prosperous futures. He embodies the true essence of transformative leadership. His dedication to advancing his community, his humanitarian efforts, and his prudent financial management have impacted Katagum LGA. His enduring legacy will continue to inspire future generations, guiding them towards a brighter and more prosperous future. He is well-bred and had sufficiently sipped from the fountain of life to give back to society with interest. What more would one ask for?

Usman Abdullahi Koli wrote via mernoukoli@gmail.com.

Your Excellency Sir,

Northern Nigeria has been enmeshed in two major crises for about a decade and a half. The first was Boko Haram, born and bred in the North East. From their confrontation with the police to the execution of their leader, Boko Haram grew to become a terror group unprecedented in Nigeria’s history. The most unfortunate thing is that Boko Haram associated themselves with Islam even though most of their heinous attacks were targeted at Muslims.

The failure of Goodluck Jonathan’s government to end the Boko Haram insurgency led to a consensus among Nigerians to disallow him from getting a second shot at the presidency. He lost the 2015 election to your friend and party member, General Muhammadu Buhari. 

Throughout his campaign for the presidency, Buhari promised to end the scourge of Boko Haram and return normalcy to the North East. What he ignored, but he was not supposed to ignore, given his security background, was another crisis rearing its ugly head in the North West. 

Non-Fulani Nigerians were setting up cattle farms in city suburbs and gradually establishing themselves in the cattle farming business, which the Fulani were known for. This did not go down well with some Fulani, who began to form groups to attack such farms and rustle the cows. Anyone who resisted was killed. Since such non-Fulani cattle farmers were relatively small in number, it was soon over with them, and cattle rustling was extended to fellow Fulani, most of whom were law-abiding.

In no time, cattle rustling turned into banditry and kidnapping. Armed chair analysts with little knowledge of what was on the ground began to create conspiracy theories. Some blamed it on Niger Delta militants. Others said it was foreigners from sister West African countries. 

As of 2015, when President Buhari assumed office, the crisis could easily be nipped in the bud. A handful of cattle rustlers/bandits could easily be identified, arrested and punished. Unfortunately, Buhari did not do it either because he was not being correctly briefed or because he was out of sympathy for his kinsmen, who were the culprits.

In October 2016, some governors, notably of Zamfara and Katsina, invited the bandits’ leaders for a peace agreement. That was after they had killed countless numbers of innocent citizens. The villagers in the two states were told to accept the criminals as their brothers or face the wrath of the state. They had no choice.

The peace accord did not last long before the bandits resumed their crimes, which worsened by the day. Banditry continued to thrive under the Buhari administration, and in 2019, he directed the Governors of the affected states to dialogue with the bandits. The governor of my state of Katsina, looking vividly frustrated, told the bandits before press cameras that he was meeting them at the directive of Mr. President. 

A few months after the 2019 accord, Masari told the world that the bandits had reneged on the peace pact. According to him, they were not people to be trusted.

A point of note in the peace accords of 2016 and 2019 was that none of the bandit leaders were citizens of any foreign country. They were all Nigerians, and all of them were Fulani. This invalidates the false belief that the bandits are foreigners or were from another tribe in the south. Most of those hardened criminal lords are still moving about unscathed in villages and forests of Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Sokoto and Niger states. They have been granting press interviews and meeting people like Sheikh Ahmad Gummi, which proves that the government is very aware of their locations and identities. 

I cannot speak for other Nigerians. But for me as a person, I voted for you in the 2023 elections for two reasons. One. You are a Muslim. A Muslim is just as a leader and nice as a companion. If all Muslim leaders were to rule according to the teachings of Islam, even their enemies would beg Muslims to stand for elections, so they vote them to power. Two. Neither you nor your running mate are Fulani. With this, some of us believe Buhari’s sympathy for his kinsmen would not be there.

You are entering your second year, and banditry is only worsening. What struck me most about your approach to banditry are the latest revelations by a young Islamic scholar, Sheikh Munir Adam Koza. According to Sheikh Koza, he was among the many young influential Islamic scholars invited for a meeting by some defence officials of your government. With financial reward, they were requested to propagate the following in their preachings.

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

2. Call on the government to dialogue with bandits and give them political appointments.

3. That the current Governors of Zamfara and Katsina are wrong to have set up security outfits to confront bandits.

Sheikh Koza, who expressed his disagreement at the first meeting, was not invited to subsequent meetings.

The fact that Islamic scholars are actively preaching the above items testifies to the veracity of Sheikh Koza’s statements.

The first question I raised when I saw the video clip was whether you are aware of this action taken by your appointees. It would be a monumental mistake to say since the insecurity is taking place in the North, you have now appointed Northerners to solve “their” own problem.  Nigerians voted for you, not Ribadu, Badaru, Matawalle or any of those. You are thus accountable to Nigerians, and before God for any action your government takes.

With all the due respect of a loyal citizen, I would like to call on your Excellency to come clean about this action allegedly taken by officials of your government. Taking appropriate action against the said Government officials would go a long way toward consolidating the confidence ordinary citizens like me have in your government. 

Most importantly, we want an end to banditry. It can be ended, Mr. President.

Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia wrote via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Kabir Fagge Ali

Sir, Nigeria has been plagued by various security challenges for over a decade, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and separatist agitations. Despite high expectations from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the situation has deteriorated further, with increased abductions and ransom demands. According to a recent report, 3,707 citizens have been killed and 3,238 abducted between May 2023 and now.

The worsening security situation can be attributed to several factors, including under-resourced and poorly equipped security forces, corruption, high unemployment, poverty, weak governance structures, and a lack of political will.

However, it is encouraging to note that President Tinubu’s administration is adopting a comprehensive approach to address insecurity through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The strategy focuses on strengthening security forces, enhancing intelligence capabilities, and fostering regional and international collaboration.

According to the feeler from ONSA, the administration has increased funding and provided modern equipment and comprehensive training programs to enhance the operational capacity of the military, police, and other security forces.

Additionally, we were told that the administration has prioritised addressing economic factors contributing to insecurity, investing in education, healthcare, and job creation to mitigate the underlying causes of crime and violence. Efforts to combat corruption within the security sector have also been intensified, and regional security cooperation has been enhanced through diplomatic engagements with neighbouring countries.

I strongly believe that a comprehensive and multifaceted approach is required to effectively address Nigeria’s security challenges. This includes reforming and adequately equipping security agencies, enhancing accountability, investing in economic development programs, building trust between security forces and local communities, establishing effective mechanisms for resolving disputes, and implementing judicial reforms.

The government must also demonstrate strong political will, consistent policies, adequate funding, and transparency. Citizens must also recognise that security is a collective responsibility, not just the responsibility of security forces.

It is indisputable that President Tinubu’s administration has shown a commitment to addressing insecurity. Still, more must be done to restore public trust and confidence in the government’s ability to protect the nation. With a comprehensive approach and collective effort, Nigeria can overcome its security challenges and ensure peace and stability for its citizens.

Kabir Fagge Ali, a youth corps member with PRNigeria Centre, wrote via faggekabir29@gmail.com.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana 

According to a report by the World Health Organization, Nigeria, after India, has the highest number of maternal mortality in the world. The report shows 788 women and children deaths per hundred thousand’ in India, and 540 women and children ‘per thousand’ died in Nigeria.

Other countries with high maternal, neonatal, and stillbirth rates are Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Afghanistan, and the United Republic of Tanzania.

‘About 57,000 mothers died from pregnancy and complications during childbirth in 2023 alone,’ said Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, at a public health function.

Unfortunately, the frequent loss of lives among pregnant women in Nigeria, particularly Northern Nigeria, remains an issue of concern. This gives Nigeria a poor global ranking.

Pate explained that the Federal Government was committed to drastically reducing maternal mortality through the new Safe Motherhood Strategy. He noted that the central government will take actionable steps and cascade the strategies to state and local governments, targeting at least seven million pregnant women.

“The aim is to ease six million new births by activating the Decentralised Facility Financing package, establishing robust collaboration with health NGOs, community leaders, and media to boost awareness campaigns.” 

Sequel to the Health Minister’s lamentation, the Girl Child Concerns (GCC), in collaboration with the Borno State Government through the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP), has trained 300 Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) on Basic Emergency Obstetric Care and Early Neonatal Care in Borno State.

The Chief Adviser and Coordinator for Sustainable Development, Partnerships, and Humanitarian Support to the Governor of Borno State, Dr. Mairo Mandara, stated that the training aimed to improve maternal and child health services across the state. The training was conducted in three zones of the state. Each zone underwent one week of theoretical training followed by one week of clinical training. 

The training for Borno Central was held on May 27, 2024, for Borno North on June 3rd, and for Borno South on July 1st, with each zone being exposed to theoretical and clinical aspects of the training.

Dr. Mandara emphasized the governor’s commitment to ensuring quality health services for the resilient people of Borno State, especially the locals, given the magnitude of the challenges they face due to the terrorist activities of Boko Haram insurgents in their communities.

Dr. Mina Endeley from the Namu Project in the UK and Oluwaseyi Akinlaja from Princes Alexandra Hospital Trust in the UK have also joined the training, leading a practical session on successful delivery and universal approaches to handling emergency cases.

Endeley at MCH Biu Local Government Area practically taught non-medical attendants the concepts of basic life support, including managing catastrophic bleeding in the community.

The participants practised approaching the scene safely, calling for help, managing catastrophic bleeding, and reviewing the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation using a mnemonic we created.

Oluwaseyi Akinlaja from Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust, UK, explained the labour mechanism: how a baby is delivered as it passes through the pelvis into the birth canal and is born by expulsion. This was done to enable CHEWs to visualize the birth process so that they could make early referrals when necessary.

She exposed the participants to the seven steps/processes that a baby passes through before delivery, namely engagement, descent, flexion, internal rotation, extension, external rotation, and extension.

On his part, the Emir of Biu, Maidala Mustapha Umar Aliyu II, described the combined efforts of the organization—GCC—and Borno State Government as a “timely homily” and expressed readiness to support the effort in every way possible.

The lead facilitator of the training, Hadiza Yahaya, has expressed satisfaction with the performance of the participants during the training and expressed hope that the CHEWs will help greatly in the fight against maternal mortality. 

The training offered to Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) in Borno State is expected to result in each participant putting the knowledge into practice and witnessing a drastic reduction in maternal mortality in the state.

Lawan Bukar Maigana is the Communication Officer for Girl Child Concerns, GCC, and can be reached via email at lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com.

By Yahaya T. Baba, PhD

Allah (SWT) is indeed the ultimate source of human life; to Him, we shall all return at His appointed time. It is a promise from the supreme being that every life must taste death. All human beings, regardless of their belief system, recognise death’s sanctity. Life without death makes no meaning. However, the meaningfulness of death to mankind fits only a few logically justifiable circumstances. These circumstances may include but are not limited to old age, terminal illness and death sentence for capital offences. Other than these and similar circumstances of the transitional nature of human life, human beings are fond of describing death as tragic, sudden, untimely, devastating and destructive. 

The nature of ill-feeling about death makes mourning habitual to mankind. Across cultural divides, therefore, the dead are mourned regardless of the natural or unnatural circumstances surrounding their death.  People who are in their prime times and full of life are usually heavily and severely mourned after their death. This is because their death is considered sudden, premature, and even truncated to their path of personal growth and development and their contributions to the growth and development of other people, communities, and humanity. This explains why mourners always refer to these kinds of deaths as tragic and devastating, comparable to even disasters of monumental scales. 

Someone’s death could mean the creation of a vacuum that is challenging and sometimes impossible to fill. This feeling after death is more familiar to teachers and scholars, particularly in sane societies. The death of scholars and intellectuals truly creates a vacuum that is difficult to fill. This is why rational societies pay great attention to their teachers’ and scholars’ livelihood, safety and security for long life in anticipation of prolonged and continuous service to humanity. 

In Nigeria, however, this category of people is among the least catered for. A good number of them in Nigeria, out of sheer neglect, die in mysterious circumstances, which is unacceptable in modern societies. Some had succumbed to death from common, avoidable, curable and manageable ailments. Others are victims of epidemics, pandemics, traffic accidents, plane crashes or violent crimes such as armed robbery, terrorism, insurgency, communal clashes and armed banditry. 

The Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, has, in recent times, lost a number of its top and seasoned academics to some of these unnatural causes of death. The long list of deceased Professors at the University in recent times includes, among others, Prof. Usman Argungu of the Biological Sciences, Prof. Aminu Isiyaka Yandaki of the History Department, Prof. Y.Y. Ibrahim, Islamic Studies Department, Lawal Abubakar, Nasiru Muhammad and A.I. Yakubu all of whom were Professors in the Faculty of Agriculture. Others include Prof. Bello Agaie of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Majeed of Biological Sciences and Professors Nasir Mukhtar Gatawa and Shehu DanHassan, both of the Department of Economics, as well as Prof. Mamman Audu Wasagu of the Faculty of Education, who died in a ghastly traffic accident. The last but one in this count was Prof. Muhammad Sani Sagir of the Physics Department in the Faculty of Physical and Computing Sciences. 

These seasoned and veteran scholars passed on in the last five or six years. In all of these episodes of recurring deaths, the University community was thrown into mourning and bewildered by the seeming value deficits of academics in Nigeria, mainly because of the circumstances of their death. Some died from a protracted illness, while the death of others has been termed as sudden and devastating. Some of these veterans succumbed to the COVID-19 pandemic, while others died as a result of the complications of their health condition during the ASUU prolonged industrial actions of 2020 and 2022.  

These professors died at a point in their academic career that was considered evolving, prime, or even the most productive in their professional cycle. They all left behind indelible marks in their respective teaching, research, mentorship and community service disciplines. Since the year 2020, year after year and sometimes within intervals of a few months, the academic community at the Usmanu Dnfodiyo University has been grieved and saddened by the deaths of not just its members but some of the finest and academically most productive elements among them. 

Since this tragic cycle of recurring deaths of scholars from this university, I have dedicated a little time in the past. I paid tributes through short but glowing testimonials of the deceased to show respect to people who served the knowledge industry with enthusiasm and dedication. However, instead of this sad moment being irregular, it is almost becoming recurring. At a point, my pen dried up, and the appetite to bid our veterans farewell diminished due to one death too many. 

However, this short break of tributes ended with the shocking news abruptly of the tragic death of Prof. Yusuf Sa’idu, who was, until his death, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation and Development of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. From the time the news of his death was broken to the confirmation of the news up to the period of his funeral and the third-day Fiidda’u (prayer) in his remembrance, I have been engulfed in sober moments of reflections on his life, career and relationship with the people. 

My encounters with him at different times over the years and the testimonies of various people about his life influenced my decision to bid him farewell with a tribute befitting of his personality and life. The caption of this tribute truly reflects my understanding of Prof. Yusuf Sai’idu and the people’s testimonies about him. He was indeed an icon of scholarship and an embodiment of humility that has been tragically and suddenly lost to annihilators, breaded by structural injustice, aided by insensitive and incompetent rulers and officials at all levels of politics and governance in Nigeria.

The dying moments of the afternoon of Monday, the 24th day of June 2024, were intense grief for the family, colleagues, relatives, friends, students and well-wishers of the late iconic scholar and humble personality. For those who got the news earlier, their hearts melted with shock and bewilderment. The news thus spread quickly like wildfire. It eventually became a Black Monday in the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto and the academic community in Nigeria. There were calls everywhere probing the sources and spuriousness of the news. All callers were anxiously hoping that the news could be fake or a mistaken identity but to no avail. It eventually dawned on us that the devastating news was real and the worst had happened. How I got the message was immensely grieving and tormenting. 

It was some minutes after the Hour of 3 pm, and I had a hard knock and a bash on my door at the same time while I was busy with my laptop. I furiously looked up to see who was, without courtesy, gatecrashing into my office. It was my Deputy Dean, Prof. Jimoh Amzat (the Great JAO), as we fondly call him. He asked frantically,  wearing grief and shocks on his face. Is it true that bandits killed the DVC Research, Innovation and Development? At a stretch, I couldn’t even figure out what he was asking or what sort of strange enquiry he was making. He repeated himself furiously with a sad voice and weak gestures. Only then did my senses reconnect, and I said how, why, where and by who. He responded that Prof. Aminu Bayawa had posted it on the RI&D WhatsApp platform. Again, the shocks in me increased, as Prof. Bayawa was a close friend of the deceased and worked directly under his office as the Director of Research, Innovation and Development. However, I quickly checked the ASUU WhatsApp platform to fact-check the story, but there was no such post then. Moments later, I saw the information posted by Prof. Sahabi Mahuta, another close friend and colleague of the deceased in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. That was enough confirmation of the tragic loss of a complete gentleman. 

After the confirmation, Prof. Jimoh lamented over and over again, “This is not how to die, Prof.” But the worst had already happened, and the reflections of the life and times of the humble Professor continued between us before we were joined by Prof. Ibrahim Dankani who came to fact-check the news. All of us were profoundly mourning and stressing the good character of our colleague. We all agreed on two of the most apparent traits of Prof. Yusuf Sa’idu: scholarship and humility. If these are not the trademarks of intellectuals, our understanding of these two qualities of his deserves special mention and acknowledgement because he embodied these virtuous attributes. 

If there is anyone in my assessment to whom I should attribute the trait of humility as his personality, I will hardly skip Prof. Saidu. This attribute has become an ascription that made his personality. The testimonials of this claim are justifiably overwhelming from different categories of people familiar with our deceased colleague. As teachers and scholars expected to symbolise humility as a guiding principle of knowledge production and advancement, Prof. Saidu has thrown us a huge challenge. He did his utmost best and lived up to the expectations of an iconic scholar, symbolising humility as an indelible trademark of a scholar. This is because knowledge and humility are inseparable. Thus, to be a scholar, one must also be humble. This is a global cultural heritage of scholarship and the teaching profession.

 It is often said that knowledge and humility are intertwined. Humility is the path to acquiring useful and quality knowledge. Most scholars are humble because humility increases the craving for new knowledge. Many scholars imbibe humility only as an inevitable virtue of knowledge-seeking individuals. Thus, in advancing scholarship, students and scholars are guided by the principle of humility. However, there is a difference between humility in pursuing knowledge and humility as a way of life. This is where Prof. Yusuf Sai’idu was exceptional and noteworthy.  

He stood out conspicuously tall among his colleagues. He wore the trademark of humility naturally in his disposition and in relations with people around him and with other people he met, even at first instances. This is a quality attested to by everyone who knew and interacted with Prof. Sa’idu.  Unlike other categories of scholars who are only humble in their path to seeking knowledge, Prof. Sa’idu carried with him the trait of humility in all ramifications of his relations with the people.   

At every contact with him, regardless of your status, low or high, he welcomes you with smiles and accommodation; he maintains such smiling postures and accommodation throughout the conversations and bids you farewell with such smiling, grinning and cheerful facial expressions. Everyone that meets him wantsto meet him again. This is regardless of the issues at stake in the conversations. This humble nature of Prof. Sa’idu didn’t compromise his steadfastness in upholding truth, rules, regulations and guiding principles in formal and informal engagements and activities. He was not economical with the truth but very diplomatic in telling the truth and insisting on the truth. If he had studied Political Science and/or Diplomacy, we could have had an excellent diplomat who could solve complex gridlocks and stalemates. Many facts about his life proved the naturality and originality of his humility.

From the brief biography of the late revered professor of biochemistry, he graduated from the top of his class in 1990, earning him the Northco Holdings Prize for being the best-graduating student in biochemistry. However, in one of my direct conversations with him, he told me how he took up an appointment as a teacher in secondary school because of his passion for the knowledge industry. He didn’t at that time push for an appointment with the University or any Higher Institution of learning but humbly pursued a career as a teacher in secondary school. He told me that he was posted to Kontagora as a teacher and gradually began to build a career there. To prove his greater thirst for knowledge and humility, he enrolled in an M.Sc programme at the University of Jos and completed it with outstanding results. In 1994, he taught at secondary school. He waited until 1998 when the opportunity presented itself for an appointment at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto 1998. 

This adventure was the countdown to a glorious academic career that came to an abrupt end on Monday,  the 24th day of June 2024, through a mysterious incident that all of us have the government of this country to blame for being insensitive, ineptitude and incompetent in the management of the affairs of the people for whom they govern on their behalf. I had interacted with him officially and unofficially for different purposes. As a member of the University Fellowship Committee, which he coordinated, as a member of the University Journals Committee and on matters of Tetfund National Research Fund  (NRF)and Institutional Based Research (IBR) as well as on different other official and unofficial matters. 

In all of my interactions with him, I saw in him a near-perfect gentleman. His humility drives smoothly every aspect of the work he led. It is, therefore, not a surprise that he became the scholar he was until his death. He is widely published and won numerous research grants, which he successfully coordinated and executed. All of us know how difficult it is to work with colleagues, particularly on research grants, but it wasn’t an issue of much concern for him. He was among the young professors at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, who presented their inaugural lectures. As a Nutritional Biochemist, Diabetics Not a Death Sentence was his topic. It attracted huge scholarly attention and instigated a series of other inaugural lectures from young Professors in the university.    This trademark is thus a great stride to emulate for academic excellence.

The humble nature of our late colleague is noticeable not only in the scholarship business. Even beyond the university, Prof. Sa’idu’s marker and identifier was humility. The congregation that attended his funeral attested mainly to this fact. Although members of the University community populated the congregation, it was nearly divided between people in town and the people in town. The community in which he lived outside the university appeared to even mourn him severely and dearly compared to his colleagues. Their testimonies about him, his humility, and his generosity were outpouring among them, as they claimed to have lost one of them who had no equal. The choice of his residence is a clear testimony of the claim made mainly by the community members. He built his house in a deep local community, reminiscent of a slum. The location of his house is even more profound than the community inhabitants. His idea was to melt in the community and contribute to the livelihood of the people of the community. He did just that. 

At his residence, he built a mosque and an Islamic school where community members attend and their children are educated. He also supported the education of many children in the community whose parents were reluctant to educate their children because of poverty. At the funeral, I met one local person who lamented bitterly about the loss of Prof Sa’idu. He argued that he is a living beneficiary of Prof’s humble gestures. He said he supported him in establishing his company, volunteered as a director of the company,and was always supportive of the growth and development of the company. They built excellent relations so much that he trusted him with many dealings. This is humility beyond scholarship. Many similar conversations and testimonies were countless to the credit of this great person who left us in his prime time and when he was full of healthy life.

This tribute is indeed from one who barely knows him. I have not been close to him, but I have only had opportunities to interact with him on a few official and unofficial occasions. Even then, I learned a lot from him, and his death taught me good lessons in my academic and human career. Let me, therefore, use this opportunity to offer additional condolences to Prof. Sa’idu’s family. He left behind three wives and twenty-one children. 

The grief of his loss is weighty in your hearts. He was indeed a good and caring husband and father. You all have to take solace in the fact Prof Sa’idu lived a humble, generous, productive and exemplary life. All of you should be proud of him. The good he has done in life will come back to you indirectly. But you should follow in his footsteps and continue to fly the flag he raised of humility and hard work. Your obligation to him now is to pray for Jannatul Firdaus to be his final abode. The pains are enormous for his parents, but returning all matters to almighty Allah will comfort you. Yours is continuous prayers for his gentle soul to earn the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus. 

For the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lawal Suleiman Bilbis, no one except his immediate family is equal to you in terms of the pains of the departure of your mentee. You typically raised him as an academic son, from his undergraduate days to his maturity as a sterling scholar and at various academic and professional development levels. You provided all the necessary support for him growing up, and he has supported you in many of your academic, professional and administrative endeavours. This colossal loss is for you but shared with many within and beyond the university community. Sir, your efforts, investments and sacrifices for Prof. Yusuf Sa’idu are not in vain. You built someone that built communities. 

You should be proud of what you did and of your product. To the entire university community and, indeed, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), to which the deceased had been a loyal and committed member, the grief and sorrow is for us to endure and be energised to continue in the struggle for decent and improved conditions of service as well as a favourable and serene environment for academic excellence.

May the Almighty Allah grant the soul of Prof. Yusuf Sa’idu eternal rest, may Jannatul Firdausi be his final abode, and may the family he left behind be protected, guided and provided for by the grace and mercies of Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala, amin Ya Rabbi.

Adieu, rest in peace, our dear brother, friend, and colleague.

Yahaya T. Baba, PhD, wrote from the Department of Political Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. . He can be reached at yahaya.baba@udusok.edu.ng or tkbabayaha@yahoo.com.

 By Umar Umar Namadi

Africa faces significant challenges from declining global aid and economic transitions, as highlighted in the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) publication, “The African Union vs ‘the End of Development.'” The report stresses the urgency for Africa to achieve self-reliance, innovate financially, and ensure the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to achieve Agenda 2063. 

Navigating Reduced Global Aid:

Africa’s longstanding reliance on external aid for development is increasingly unsustainable. Recent trends show a significant reduction in aid from traditional donors. For example, UK development aid to developing nations has dropped sharply since 2019, with cuts of 55%, 49%, and 49% for Least Developed Countries, Lower Middle-Income Countries, and Upper Middle-Income Countries, respectively. This decline necessitates a strategic pivot towards self-sustaining financial strategies.

Enhancing Economic Freedom:

One effective way to mitigate the impact of reduced aid is to enhance economic freedom within African nations. Research consistently shows that countries with higher economic freedom experience more robust economic growth. Botswana is a prime example, where market-friendly policies have led to significant economic advancements. By improving economic freedom across the continent, Africa could attract essential foreign direct investment (FDI), which brings in capital, technology, and expertise critical for development.

Focusing on Education and Human Capital:

Investing in education is another crucial strategy for fostering self-reliance. The APRI report highlights the strong correlation between higher educational attainment and economic freedom. By enhancing their education systems, African nations can equip their populations with the necessary skills to drive economic growth and innovation, thereby addressing the continent’s long-term job creation needs. A well-educated workforce is pivotal for adapting to and harnessing new technologies and sustaining economic progress.

 Prioritising Strategic Autonomy and Intra-African Trade:

The successful implementation of the AfCFTA is fundamental to Africa’s economic integration and growth. This trade agreement could reduce dependence on external markets and bolster intra-African trade, leveraging the continent’s collective strengths. The African Union (AU) must prioritise AfCFTA’s implementation, ensuring it is shielded from geopolitical and economic uncertainties. By fostering intra-African trade, the continent can create a more resilient and self-sufficient economic bloc.

 Tapping into Intra-African Strengths:

Beyond the AfCFTA, Africa must look within to tap into its collective strengths. The AU should promote policies encouraging collaboration between African nations, focusing on sectors where the continent has a comparative advantage. This could include sectors like agriculture, mining, and technology. By building robust supply chains within the continent, African nations can reduce their dependence on external markets and create more resilient economies.

Innovating Financial Strategies

In the face of declining global aid, African nations must innovate their financial strategies. This could involve tapping into alternative funding sources, such as diaspora bonds, sovereign wealth funds, and public-private partnerships. Additionally, enhancing domestic revenue mobilisation through tax reforms and improved financial management can provide the necessary funds for development projects.

The Role of the African Diaspora

The African diaspora represents a significant potential source of investment and knowledge transfer. By engaging the diaspora community through targeted policies and initiatives, African nations can attract investments and leverage the expertise of Africans abroad to drive development. This includes creating favourable investment climates and incentivising diaspora engagement in local economies.

Conclusion

The future of Africa hinges on its ability to adapt and innovate in response to global challenges. African nations can chart a path toward sustainable development by promoting economic freedom, investing in education, and focusing on strategic autonomy. The AU must spearhead this initiative, proving that Africa can drive its growth despite the global narrative around “the end of development.” The continent’s progress depends on pragmatic strategies emphasising self-reliance and intra-African collaboration.

Umar Namadi wrote via namadijunior@gmail.com.