By Igbojekwe Uzoamaka

The indiscriminate sale of sedatives to drug abusers by some medicine vendors in Nigeria is a growing concern. This illicit trade is contributing to the country’s alarming rate of drug abuse, which has far-reaching consequences, including kidnapping, banditry, and other negative activities.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) management must collaborate with health practitioners to organize campaign awareness programs to educate those who have unintentionally fallen into drug abuse. This is crucial in addressing the root causes of the problem and providing support to those affected.

Moreover, there is a need to monitor the operation of pharmacies and patent medicine stores across all states and local government areas of the federation. This will help to prevent the diversion of controlled substances and ensure that medications are dispensed responsibly.

The menace of drug abuse in Nigeria has taken a multi-dimensional approach, and it requires a collective effort to address its evil effects. All Nigerians must join hands to fight against drug abuse and promote a healthier and safer society.

In addition to the drug abuse problem, Nigeria is also grappling with the issue of water scarcity. Despite huge investments in the water sector by the government and international organizations, many residents in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, are struggling to access clean, potable, and affordable water.

To address these challenges, the government and relevant stakeholders must work together to develop effective strategies for addressing drug abuse and water scarcity. This can be achieved through increased funding for public health programs, improved regulation of the pharmaceutical industry, and investments in water infrastructure and sanitation facilities.

Ultimately, it is crucial for Nigerians to recognize the interconnectedness of these issues and work collectively to address them. By doing so, we can build a healthier, safer, and more prosperous society for all.

Igbojekwe Uzoamaka, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Amina Abubakar Fugura

As Muslims, we believe that the Qur’an is the final and most sacred book revealed by Allah to humanity. It is a book of guidance, light, and healing, and it serves as a source of mercy and wisdom for all believers. In this article, we will explore the significance of the Qur’an and its importance in the lives of Muslims.

The Qur’an is described in the Holy Book itself as a guidance, light, and a cure for what is in the breasts of men. It is a book that provides solutions to all the problems that humanity faces, and it offers guidance on how to live a righteous and virtuous life. The Qur’an is also a source of comfort and solace, providing reassurance and hope to those who are facing difficulties and challenges.

As Muslims, we believe that the Qur’an is the word of Allah, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the angel Gabriel. It is a book that has been preserved in its original form, and it remains a source of inspiration and guidance for millions of people around the world.

The importance of the Qur’an cannot be overstated. It is a book that provides guidance on all aspects of life, from the simplest matters of personal hygiene to the most complex issues of international relations. It is a book that teaches us how to live in harmony with ourselves, with others, and with the natural world.

In addition to its spiritual significance, the Qur’an is also a book of great literary and historical importance. It is a book that has shaped the course of human history, inspiring countless generations of scholars, scientists, philosophers, and artists.

In conclusion, the Qur’an is a blessed book that provides guidance, light, and healing to all who read it. It is a book that has been preserved in its original form, and it remains a source of inspiration and guidance for millions of people around the world. As Muslims, we are encouraged to read and reflect on the Qur’an, and to follow its teachings in our daily lives. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world and our place in it, and we can live a life that is guided by the principles of justice, compassion, and mercy.

Amina Abubakar Fugura, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Hannatu Adarji Patrick

I write this letter to call the attention of Nigerian graduates to the urgent need to learn veritable and viable skills. The realities of today’s world have shown that academic certificates alone are no longer sufficient to guarantee a meaningful livelihood. The growing rate of unemployment in Nigeria calls for a rethink of how young graduates prepare themselves for life after school.

Every year, thousands of students graduate from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country. Unfortunately, the labour market cannot absorb them all. The available jobs are too few, and competition is fierce. Those who rely only on their certificates without developing practical, marketable skills often find themselves stranded, frustrated, and disillusioned.

It is no longer news that many young Nigerians roam the streets with impressive degrees but little to show in terms of personal enterprise. Some spend years submitting applications that yield no results. Others become dependent on their families, while a few give in to despair. The question that every graduate must ask is: *what can I do with my own hands that can sustain me, even if no one gives me a white-collar job?*

Skill acquisition is the surest answer to that question. Beyond academic knowledge, every graduate needs to learn something practical that the society demands. Skills such as digital technology, software development, photography, tailoring, catering, welding, shoemaking, agriculture, or even content creation can open unexpected doors of opportunities. Many Nigerians who embraced skills early now employ others, including degree holders.

Graduates must understand that the global economy is changing. The age of oil wealth and government jobs is fading fast, while the knowledge and creative economies are rising. Nations now reward innovation, entrepreneurship, and resilience more than mere certificates. Nigeria cannot be an exception, and her graduates must adjust accordingly.

It is also important to stress that learning a skill does not diminish the value of one’s degree. Rather, it enhances it. A graduate of engineering who also learns carpentry or metalwork is far more resourceful than one who waits endlessly for an engineering job. A graduate of English who also learns publishing, editing, or graphic design can create multiple income streams. Education and skills should complement each other.

Moreover, employers themselves now look beyond certificates when hiring. They want problem solvers, creative thinkers, and innovators. A graduate who demonstrates practical competence stands out more than one who merely quotes theories from textbooks. Skills sharpen critical thinking, instil discipline, and provide a sense of independence that certificates alone may not offer.

Dear Nigerian graduates, it is time to rise above excuses and face reality. The government may provide some jobs, but it cannot employ everyone. Waiting endlessly for opportunities is a dangerous gamble. The future belongs to those who take initiative, who refuse to be idle, and who create value through the mastery of viable skills.

Parents and educational institutions also have a role to play. Schools must integrate vocational training into their curricula, while parents should encourage their children to explore talents beyond the classroom. Society at large must begin to respect artisans, entrepreneurs, and skill-based workers as much as professionals in traditional fields.

In conclusion, this letter is not to discourage academic pursuit but to remind Nigerian graduates that degrees alone are not enough in the present world. Certificates may open doors, but skills sustain livelihoods. The graduates who will thrive in today’s Nigeria are those who combine knowledge with practical ability. To every graduate out there, my message is simple: learn a skill today, and secure your tomorrow.

Hannatu Adarji Patrick, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Martha Adamu

I write to call the attention of the newly established National Almajiri Commission and other relevant agencies saddled with the responsibility of tackling the crisis of out-of-school children. The issue has lingered for too long and demands urgent, pragmatic action if Nigeria is to make meaningful progress in education and human development.

For decades, the North has struggled with the twin challenge of the Almajiri system and the rising number of children who are completely out of school. This has created a dangerous cycle of illiteracy, poverty, and social vices. Every street corner in many northern cities tells the same story: barefooted children, bowls in hand, begging for alms instead of sitting in classrooms.

According to UNICEF reports, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with over 10 million children excluded from basic education. A significant percentage of these children are from the northern part of the country. This reality is not only a unfortunate but also a time bomb that threatens national security, peace, and development.

The Almajiri system, once rooted in noble intentions of imparting Islamic education, has today become synonymous with neglect, child labour, and poverty. Many parents, unable to cater for their children, send them off to distant towns under the care of teachers who lack the resources to provide proper welfare. The result is a generation of children abandoned to hunger, street begging, and exploitation.

The consequences of this neglect are glaring. Many of these children grow up without formal education, lacking the skills necessary to compete in today’s world. Worse still, they become easy recruits for criminal gangs, violent groups, and extremist movements. Nigeria cannot afford to ignore the dangerous implications of having millions of idle, uneducated, and hopeless youths roaming the streets.

The creation of the National Almajiri Commission is a welcome development, but it must not become another toothless bureaucracy. The commission must develop a clear strategy to integrate Quranic education with modern subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and vocational training. This will give the children both spiritual grounding and the practical skills needed to survive in today’s society.

Government at all levels must also invest massively in building functional schools across the North. The lack of infrastructure is one of the reasons many children remain out of school. Where schools exist, they are often overcrowded, understaffed, and poorly equipped. Education must be made accessible, attractive, and affordable for every child.

Equally important is the role of parents. Many parents deliberately withdraw children from school, either due to poverty, cultural beliefs, or ignorance. Sensitisation campaigns are necessary to change attitudes and emphasise the importance of education. No society can progress when its children are left behind.

Religious and traditional leaders must also rise to the occasion. For too long, the Almajiri menace has been treated with silence or indifference. Leaders who wield influence in communities must use their voices to advocate reforms, encourage enrolment in schools, and support initiatives aimed at ending child neglect.

Addressing this menace also requires economic empowerment. Poverty is at the root of the problem. Many families send their children to beg simply because they cannot provide food, clothing, and shelter. Empowering households with jobs, microloans, and skills training will reduce the burden and keep children in school.

Another critical step is the enforcement of child rights laws. Nigeria has the Universal Basic Education policy, but its implementation remains weak. States must enforce compulsory education and punish parents or guardians who neglect their children’s education. Without enforcement, policies remain mere paperwork.

Civil society organisations and international partners also have a role to play. Collaboration is key in building model schools, providing teacher training, and supporting child welfare. With proper synergy between government, NGOs, and communities, the tide can be turned.

The media must equally sustain the spotlight on this issue. The plight of the Almajiri and out-of-school children should not only make news during special events but remain a central theme in public discourse. Awareness is the first step towards action.

In conclusion, Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable development while millions of its children are excluded from education. The Almajiri crisis and the epidemic of out-of-school children must be treated as a national emergency. Education is the foundation of progress, and leaving children on the streets is nothing short of mortgaging the country’s future.

The time to act is now. The National Almajiri Commission and all stakeholders must rise above lip service and deliver real, tangible solutions. The future of the North—and indeed Nigeria—depends on it.


Martha Adamu, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Aliu Loveth Boluwatife

In recent years, loan applications have flooded Nigeria’s financial space, offering quick access to credit with just a few clicks. At first glance, these apps appear to be a lifeline for individuals and small businesses struggling to meet urgent financial needs. However, beneath this surface of convenience lies a troubling reality: loan apps are causing more harm than good to Nigerians.

The rise of loan apps coincided with a period of economic hardship, rising inflation, and shrinking employment opportunities. Many citizens turned to these platforms out of desperation, hoping to find short-term relief. Instead, they found themselves trapped in cycles of debt, harassment, and public humiliation.

Most loan apps in Nigeria operate without proper regulation, taking advantage of weak financial oversight. They charge exorbitant interest rates, often hidden behind glossy advertisements promising “instant loans with no collateral.” By the time unsuspecting borrowers realise the true cost, they are already buried in unpayable debt.

Beyond high interest rates, loan apps are notorious for violating privacy rights. Many of them gain access to users’ contacts and personal data. When borrowers miss repayments, these companies resort to shaming tactics by sending defamatory messages to friends, family members, and colleagues. This invasion of privacy is not only unethical but also illegal.

The psychological toll of these practices cannot be overstated. Countless Nigerians have suffered depression, anxiety, and even contemplated suicide because of the harassment from loan app operators. What started as a financial service has become a weapon of intimidation and abuse.

Another critical issue is the lack of accountability. While banks and licensed financial institutions are regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), many loan apps operate outside official frameworks. This leaves victims with little recourse when they face exploitation. Law enforcement agencies are often slow to act, giving these apps more room to exploit the public.

The culture of quick loans also discourages financial discipline. Easy access to cash tempts many to borrow beyond their means. Instead of solving problems, they accumulate more debt, deepening financial instability both at the household and national levels.

Some loan apps even engage in money laundering and other fraudulent practices. Without strong monitoring, these platforms could become breeding grounds for criminal activities disguised as financial services. This poses a wider risk to Nigeria’s economic and security environment.

For Nigeria to protect its citizens, urgent action is needed. The government should consider an outright ban on unlicensed loan apps. Any financial service provider must be properly registered, monitored, and bound by clear rules that protect borrowers from exploitation.

In addition to banning predatory platforms, regulators should strengthen microfinance institutions and licensed banks to provide accessible and affordable credit. Nigerians need genuine solutions, not traps. If regulated institutions are empowered, citizens can get loans at fair interest rates without fear of harassment.

Public awareness campaigns are also crucial. Many Nigerians fall victim to loan apps because they do not fully understand the terms and risks. Educating the public on financial literacy will help reduce the demand for exploitative services.

The judiciary, too, has a role to play. Cases of harassment, defamation, and privacy breaches should be prosecuted swiftly to set a strong precedent. Victims must know that the law is on their side, and perpetrators must understand that Nigeria will not tolerate such abuse.

International cooperation is equally important. Many of these loan apps are backed by foreign companies that exploit Nigeria’s weak regulatory environment. Stronger cross-border partnerships can help track, sanction, or block such platforms from operating in the country.

Civil society organisations and the media should also remain vigilant. By exposing the harmful practices of loan apps, they can pressure policymakers to take decisive action. Stories of victims must not remain hidden—they should be amplified to drive reform.

Still, Nigeria must balance the need for financial inclusion with the protection of citizens’ rights. Quick loans may appear to solve short-term problems, but if left unchecked, they create long-term damage.

The time has come for Nigeria to act boldly. Predatory loan apps are not a symbol of progress but of exploitation. By banning them and strengthening legitimate financial institutions, Nigeria can protect its people, restore dignity to its financial system, and lay the foundation for a more secure and inclusive economy.

Aliu Loveth Boluwatife, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Lovelyn Emmanuel

Education is a fundamental right for every individual, and without it, ignorance thrives. The true purpose of education is not merely to expand intellectual knowledge but to mold individuals into productive, self-reliant, and responsible members of society. It should empower citizens with the tools needed to contribute meaningfully to national growth and personal development.

Unfortunately, Nigeria’s education system has placed disproportionate emphasis on academic qualifications, often sidelining practical learning. Most institutions are built around theory-driven academic programmes, while real-world career skills—essential for survival in today’s competitive labour market—receive little or no attention.

The consequences of this imbalance are visible in the growing unemployment crisis. Over the last decade, the number of jobless youths has risen sharply. In fact, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, once warned that this trend is likely to worsen in the years ahead. Many university graduates leave school with degrees but lack the practical skills and competencies required to thrive in a rapidly changing society.

This is why vocational education must be fully integrated into the Nigerian curriculum. Students should be equipped with hands-on skills alongside their academic studies to ensure they can navigate economic realities. Ideally, vocational training should start from childhood, giving young people time to nurture and refine practical abilities as they mature. Early childhood centres and primary schools could help set this foundation.

A widespread misconception is that vocational education is only for those who cannot afford “standard” schooling. This is entirely false. In reality, vocational skills are valuable for everyone. Acquiring such skills does not only enhance employability but also provides alternative sources of income. In an economy where traditional job opportunities are shrinking, skills can be a lifeline.

The gap in vocational training remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria today. Around the world, education is gradually shifting from paper-based qualifications to skill-based expertise that can be applied in the workplace. Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind. Vocational and technical training should be reimagined as a pathway to professional growth.

Lovelyn Emmanuel, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Esther Remilekun Abidoye

Climate change is no longer a distant concern; its effects are increasingly visible in every part of Nigeria. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, desertification, floods, and droughts are disrupting lives, threatening livelihoods, and weakening the nation’s environment, economy, and public health.

While every segment of society feels these impacts, young people are among the most affected. This is because many depend directly on natural resources and environmental stability for their daily survival and future prospects. Yet, Nigerian youth also hold the greatest potential to lead the fight against climate change due to their energy, numbers, creativity, and adaptability.

Mobilizing Youth for Climate Action

Governments, NGOs, and research institutions can play a vital role in empowering young Nigerians to take action. One effective way is through awareness campaigns. Youth are the most connected demographic in today’s digital world, with social media providing an accessible platform to share information, educate communities, and advocate for change. By equipping young people with knowledge and communication tools, they can become powerful voices spreading climate awareness across Nigeria.

Sustainable Agriculture and Green Jobs

Another promising avenue is sustainable agriculture. Training and equipping youth with eco-friendly farming techniques can help reduce environmental degradation while generating income. With proper funding, access to modern tools, and technical support, young farmers can adopt climate-smart practices that boost food security, create jobs, and protect the ecosystem. Both urban and rural youth stand to benefit from such programs, making them central to Nigeria’s environmental and economic resilience.

Tree Planting and Environmental Stewardship

Youth involvement in tree-planting initiatives can also promote environmental protection and wealth creation. Communities could designate land for economic tree planting, allotting small plots to individuals or groups of young people. Over time, these trees would not only enrich biodiversity and combat desertification but also provide financial returns when mature. Greening Nigeria’s cities and towns through such schemes can transform urban landscapes, generate employment, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship.

Technology and Renewable Energy Innovation

Nigeria’s tech-savvy youth can further drive progress through innovation in renewable energy. Training young people to design, fabricate, and maintain solar or wind-powered systems can create new green industries. This approach not only addresses energy challenges—especially with frequent power outages and the removal of fuel subsidies—but also encourages local manufacturing and entrepreneurship. Despite challenges like fluctuating fossil fuel prices and material shortages, the growing awareness and acceptance of renewable energy across Nigeria point to an opportunity for youth-led innovation.

In conclusion, engaging youth in climate action is not just a strategy; it is a necessity. By investing in awareness, sustainable farming, tree planting, and renewable energy initiatives, Nigeria can harness the power of its young population to tackle climate change head-on. Empowered youth bring creativity, energy, and determination, ensuring that environmental protection becomes a shared mission for a sustainable future. Through these collective efforts, Nigerian youth can truly become the driving force behind a greener, more resilient nation.

Esther Remilekun Abidoye, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Godwin Philip Malgwi

Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads, facing the looming threat of a severe food crisis that could destabilize its economy, security, and social fabric. Without prompt, coordinated, and strategic intervention, the nation risks sliding into widespread food shortages, skyrocketing prices, and an unhealthy reliance on imports.

A major driver of this crisis is the growing trend of farmers abandoning the cultivation of vital cereal crops such as maize, rice, millet, and sorghum. The causes are clear: the costs of essential agricultural inputs—fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and improved seed varieties—have soared beyond what most smallholder farmers can afford. Combined with rising inflation and limited access to agricultural credit, many have been forced to scale back or quit farming entirely.

The situation is further compounded by the declining market value of locally grown cereals. For many farmers, production costs now exceed potential profits, largely due to the unchecked importation of cheaper food products that saturate local markets and undermine domestic production. This double blow—high input costs and weak returns—is eroding farmers’ morale and threatening the foundation of Nigeria’s food system.

To its credit, the Tinubu administration has made progress in improving security, reopening key markets in northern Nigeria, and restoring access to farmlands previously abandoned due to insurgency. However, these gains must be consolidated through urgent, decisive measures that revitalize the agricultural sector and restore farmers’ confidence.

A critical first step should be the subsidization of essential farm inputs to reduce the financial strain on farmers and encourage continuous cultivation. In addition, the government should introduce a national grain-purchasing program to buy surplus cereals from farmers holding unsold stocks from previous harvests. This initiative would help stabilize market prices, stimulate rural economies, and demonstrate tangible support for local producers.

Equally vital is the revitalization of agricultural extension services. Many farmers still lack access to modern farming techniques, climate-smart practices, and efficient post-harvest handling methods. Strengthening these services would enhance productivity and reduce losses across the agricultural value chain.

Furthermore, key government programs like the **Presidential Fertilizer Initiative** and the **Anchor Borrowers’ Programme** must be not only revived but restructured. Transparency, accountability, and inclusivity should be the guiding principles—ensuring that these interventions truly benefit smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, who are the backbone of Nigeria’s food production.

Ignoring these warning signs would be both an economic and security blunder. A food-insecure Nigeria is a vulnerable Nigeria. History has shown that hunger and poverty often fuel unrest, migration, and instability—consequences that are far costlier than proactive investment in food security.

As Nigeria’s population continues to grow, so too will the demand for food. Ensuring agricultural resilience and self-sufficiency must therefore remain at the heart of the nation’s development strategy. Strengthening food security is not just an economic imperative—it is essential for Nigeria’s stability, prosperity, and survival.

Godwin Philip Malgwi, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Godwill Nandul Ponman

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, continues to grapple with daunting security challenges that directly undermine its development prospects. From terrorism and banditry to kidnappings and communal clashes, insecurity has created ripple effects across the economy, stifling growth, discouraging investment, and deepening poverty. For the nation to achieve sustainable economic progress, addressing these threats must remain a top priority.

The impact of insecurity on Nigeria’s economy is far-reaching. It has resulted in devastating loss of lives and property. Communities are destroyed, families are displaced, and businesses are forced to close, translating into enormous human and economic costs. In addition, insecurity disrupts day-to-day economic activities. Agriculture—the backbone of Nigeria’s economy—is particularly vulnerable, with farmers often unable to access their lands due to attacks. Similarly, trade and commerce suffer frequent interruptions, weakening productivity and slowing down growth.

Another key consequence of insecurity is its impact on investment. Both domestic and foreign investors naturally seek stable environments to channel their resources, but persistent unrest creates a climate of uncertainty that discourages capital inflows and limits development opportunities. Furthermore, the government spends heavily on security operations, stretching limited resources. Funds that should be invested in education, healthcare, and infrastructure are instead redirected to military and security interventions, slowing down development in critical sectors.

Resolving these security issues is essential for creating an enabling environment for economic transformation. One critical step is addressing poverty and unemployment, which fuel crime and unrest. Expanding economic empowerment programmes, creating jobs, and investing in skills development will help reduce the desperation that drives young people toward violent groups. When citizens are economically engaged, the lure of joining criminal gangs or insurgent movements diminishes significantly.

Another equally important measure is strengthening security governance. This requires reforming security institutions, improving intelligence gathering and coordination, and equipping personnel with the training and resources needed to act effectively. Better governance and accountability within security agencies will translate to quicker, more decisive responses to threats and a stronger overall security architecture.

Community engagement must also be considered a crucial pillar of any security strategy. Building trust between local communities and security agencies through grassroots partnerships, dialogue, and community policing fosters cooperation. When citizens feel included and protected, they are more likely to share vital information, collaborate in maintaining peace, and support government initiatives aimed at securing their environment.

Regional and international cooperation is equally vital. Many of the security threats confronting Nigeria, including terrorism, arms trafficking, and organized crime, are transnational in nature. Close collaboration with neighbouring countries and global partners strengthens border protection and helps to disrupt cross-border criminal networks. Without such partnerships, national efforts remain limited in their impact.

The economic benefits of resolving insecurity are enormous. A safer Nigeria will naturally attract both foreign and domestic investment, enabling new industries to emerge and existing businesses to expand. Enhanced security also creates an environment where commerce can thrive, agriculture can flourish, and productivity can rise. In addition, reducing the need for excessive security spending allows government resources to be redirected toward development priorities such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Stability therefore not only promotes peace but also creates fiscal space for long-term growth. It provides the foundation for sustained economic reforms and fosters an environment where human capital can be developed and innovation encouraged. Countries that have achieved economic stability after addressing security challenges prove the connection between peace and prosperity.

Rwanda stands out as an example where post-conflict security reforms and community-based initiatives created a safer environment that contributed to impressive economic growth. Similarly, Ghana’s relative stability has helped it attract foreign investment and achieve steady development over the years. These cases highlight the fact that security is not merely a national concern but a prerequisite for broader economic progress.

Nigeria can achieve the same results. With the right policies, genuine political will, and committed partnerships, the country can overcome its insecurity challenges and lay the foundation for a more stable and prosperous future. The journey will not be easy, but the benefits far outweigh the costs of continued insecurity.

Moving forward, it is essential that Nigeria develops a comprehensive national security strategy that directly tackles the root causes of insecurity while simultaneously strengthening security institutions. This must include a renewed focus on intelligence gathering, better coordination among agencies, and increased investment in training and equipment for security personnel. At the same time, greater engagement with communities will ensure that local populations remain active participants in the quest for peace.

Collaboration with neighbouring states and international partners must also remain a priority. Nigeria cannot operate in isolation in the fight against terrorism and cross-border crime. Shared intelligence, joint operations, and stronger diplomatic ties will strengthen the overall security framework and boost the chances of success.

Conclusively, peace and stability are not just security goals but economic imperatives. Nigeria’s path to prosperity depends on its ability to secure its people, protect its resources, and build an environment where development can truly thrive. Without addressing insecurity, all other economic reforms will remain fragile and unsustainable. Security must therefore be seen as the cornerstone upon which the nation’s long-term growth and stability are built.


Godwill Nandul Ponman, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Ugochukwu Ugwuanyi

Kanye West, better known as Ye, is an American songwriter and rapper with 24 Grammy Awards under his belt. Some comments he made several months ago have resurfaced on social media when his daughter disclosed her ambition to be a pastor. The convenient coincidence seemed more like a ploy by dark forces to dampen the impact of the piercing message delivered by Northwest, the child of Kanye and Kim Kardashian. 

Joined by her mother in an interview with Entreview Magazine last week, North said it is her passion to learn more about God and sharing the Gospel to help others. The teenager expressed her resolve to “tell people about God, and how problems get solved if they follow His word and His ways”. Indeed, North’s words are didactic enough to strengthen the backsliding believer. It even goes to the heart of her dad’s exasperation when he said the following: “I am a Christian, but I have my issues with Jesus. There’s a lot of stuff I went through, and I prayed but I didn’t see Jesus show up… We’re so into the belief that prayer is all we need to solve our problems. But we ain’t praying our way out of prison. These prayers ain’t working. We have to apply actual physical work.” 

If that were the way to go, Luke 18:1 wouldn’t have demanded that “Men ought always to pray and not faint.” With North asserting that people’s problems get solved when they follow God’s word and His ways, isn’t it wondrous how God has used the daughter to correct her father? From God’s Word, you will know His ways, the application of which is the solution to our problems. Let’s hope that Ye has repented of his issues with Jesus. If only he had sought to know God better, as his daughter recommended, he would have realised that nothing is as effective as prayer. That’s what the Word of God says. Let God be true and every man a liar. 

Now, many a Christian must have at one point, or another found themselves in Kanye’s quandary, thinking that this faith thing isn’t working. They must have cried their hearts out to God for intervention without answers, as if it isn’t the same God about whom Matthew 7:11 testified: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” 

Whenever there is no proof of prayer, the supplicant should, before giving up on God, check how they went about praying. With Jesus declaring in Matthew 6:7 that “when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do,” how then do you expect God to answer prayers made as animists would to their god? If He does, won’t those gods take the glory? 

The concluding part of the scripture pointedly says, “For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” To be clear, repetition of a prayer request isn’t what is being condemned here. After all, Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed three times, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). The unacceptable “vain repetitions” in reference is rendered in other translations as “babble,” “empty phrases,” “ramble”. The Contemporary English Version defines it as: “talk on and on as people do who don’t know God.” In other words, the phrase means saying many things of nothing! 

The point must be made that too much talking isn’t necessary for effective praying. Christians only betray ignorance of their identity in Christ and shallow confidence in God when they babble at the prayer altar. When they pray as if they need to convince God, it’s because they don’t see Him as their Father. This makes them beat about the bush (pardon the cliche) when they should go straight to the point. Duration doesn’t determine the potency of prayers because much of that time is usually spent blabbing.

Why use too many words to convey your plight to the God who Matthew 6:8 says already knows what’s in our hearts before we ask Him?  We shouldn’t be praying to inform God since He is more informed about our predicament and needs than we will ever know. We can barely present our causes to Him because our language of expression is deficient, hence our need for the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf (Romans 8:26). 

The saints’ approach to prayers must show their conviction that they are asking of the Lord with the capacity to meet all their needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). We don’t have to pray to convince God because He is liberal and gives liberally. James 1:5 says, “God gives generously to all without finding fault.” He is therefore kind enough to give without us asking, as has been the case with our basic needs. 

Here is something else that seems rather simplistic yet is a proven route to receiving answers to prayers: the lifting up of holy hands while praying. The same way that the stretching of arms skyward exercises the body, especially while standing, that is how it exercises your faith when done in the place of prayer, praise and worship of the Lord. Lifting holy hands isn’t merely a gesture but a spiritual signal of triumph. Since faith requires a corresponding action to deliver, outstretched arms can be the catalyst for victory.

This calls to mind what happened during Israel’s battle with Amalek as documented in Exodus 17. Israel prevailed as long as Moses’s hands were lifted, but when his hands grew weary and came down; their opponents dominated the war front. The hands of Moses were so instrumental that Aaron and Hur cleverly devised a means for Moses’s hands to be perpetually lifted. That way, the Israelites carried the day. What a winning strategy the stretching of hands towards Heaven is! 

It is the Eagle that stretches its wings that gets to soar above stormy clouds. There is a sense in Apostle Paul recommending the lifting of hands while praying (1 Timothy 2:8). The psalmist even likened the posture to evening sacrifice, which is very pleasing to the Lord (Psalm 141:2). So, before concluding like Ye that prayers don’t work, also try lifting holy hands every so often and behold the turnaround that follows! Suffice to add that this throwing up of hands also symbolises total surrender unto the Lord Almighty as admittance that one has hit their wits’ end. It is at such a point of desperation and humility that God usually steps in to save the day.

VIS Ugochukwu is a Sage, Narrative Architect and Branding Strategist who responds to feedback via X @sylvesugwuanyi.