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 Aliyu Idris

Engausa is a new emerging phenomenon that involves code switching and code mixing in English and Hausa. It’s a creative bilingual blend encompassing importance, uniqueness, and sending a message using a fusion of two popular languages (Hausa and English). It’s another genre of poetry and writing with its peculiarities. Its linguistic efforts are not to create a phenomenon that is Hausa or English but to create a genre that’s genuinely “Engausa.”

Khalid Imam and Ola Ifatimehin worked to establish a new writing phenomenon in the atmosphere of writing. After submission, they edited the ENGAUSA poetry anthology titled KWARAPTION.

Kwaraption Engausa Anthology is a poetry anthology comprising fifty-one poems penned by forty-five teeming poets. Various notable works of art have been produced on corruption in Nigeria. The poems in this anthology were written in various styles, from traditional to experimental, and they reflect the diverse voices and experiences of the poets.

One of the anthology’s strengths is its focus on Engausa poetry. Engausa is a hybrid form of poetry that blends Hausa and English languages. It is a relatively new and still evolving form of writing. The anthology features several poems in Engausa, allowing readers to experience this unique and dynamic form of writing.

The poems provide readers with a vast knowledge of Nigerian richness and valuable resources, but they’re not properly managed and are embezzled due to corruption. They also portray corruption as a major hindrance to the country’s progress, lament the nation’s current status, and inquire when corruption will end. The poems highlight many causes of corruption and its consequences.

The poets come from various backgrounds and experiences, and their poems reflect this diversity. The anthology features poems from established and emerging poets, which shows diversity in the anthology.

They try to display the pervasiveness of corruption in all parts of the country. Clearly, corruption was endemic but has now metamorphosed into an unending pandemic that continues to destroy the nation’s advancement. Several instances of the poem address corruption in different sectors of life, ranging from offices to hospitals to markets to politics to schools.

Kwaraption Engausa: An Anthology of Poems is a valuable contribution to Nigerian and Hausa literature and literature at large. It is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary Nigerian poetry or the Engausa form of poetry as a newly branded way of writing.

Aliyu Idris wrote via aliyuidris063@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A windstorm in Sokoto State, Nigeria, has displaced at least 50 households in the Shagari and Wamakko local government areas.

The Director of Disaster Management, Umar Isa, confirmed that some victims have lost their homes entirely and are now staying with relatives or in temporary accommodations.

According to Isa, the ministry had contacted the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) over the issue.

He also noted that there were no reports of flooding in the state, despite predictions that some areas would experience flooding.

The state government has been conducting awareness campaigns to prevent flooding in prone areas.

The windstorm has caused significant damage, and the affected households are in need of assistance.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rains from Sunday to Tuesday across the country.

According to NiMet’s weather outlook, thunderstorms are expected on Sunday with rains over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe, and Yobe States during the morning hours.

Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over the entire northern region, with rains over the North Central region in the morning hours and moderate thunderstorms with rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Benue, and Kogi states.

The agency also predicted morning thunderstorms on Monday with rains over parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kaduna, Borno, Taraba, and Katsina States.

Moderate thunderstorms are expected later in the day over parts of Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Yobe, Adamawa, and Katsina States.

Rains are also expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory and Plateau states during the morning hours.

On Tuesday, morning thunderstorms are predicted with rains over parts of Yobe, Adamawa, Borno, and Taraba States.

Thunderstorms are expected over the entire northern region later in the day, with rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, and Kwara states with cloudy skies over the remaining states during the morning hours.

NiMet advised the public to take adequate precaution as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.

The agency also advised residents to avoid flood-prone areas as high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities could occur due to downpours.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The leadership of the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., paid a familiarisation tour to the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company in Lagos on Saturday. 

The familiarisation visit, which was at the invitation of the Dangote Group, was initially planned to take place jointly with the leadership of the Senate on June 3, 2024.

However, the leadership of the National Assembly had to put the visit on hold to meet with the leadership of the organised labour on the strike it embarked on at the time. 

The Senate leadership has since embarked on the visit separately, while the House leadership has slated July 20 for its own. 

The House leadership arrived in Lagos on Friday ahead of the familiarisation visit. Speaking when the leadership was conducted around the facility by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Speaker Abbas noted that the tour was part of the continuous efforts to understand and support key industries within our nation’s economy. 

“The purpose of this visit is to provide the House Leadership and the relevant oil and gas committees with an in-depth understanding of the nature, scope, and activities of the Dangote Refinery. This initiative aligns with our legislative agenda, which aims to support the President’s Renewed Hope agenda, focusing on economic transformation, growth, and development. 

“This familiarisation tour underscores our commitment to engaging with and supporting critical sectors that drive our economy. Also, this visit provides valuable insights that will inform our legislative measures and decisions. 

“We remain dedicated to fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and development, ensuring that our legislative actions align with the broader goals of national progress as articulated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.  

He said, “We are acutely aware of the challenges facing the private sector in Nigeria, including regulatory hurdles, infrastructure deficits, and access to finance. The House of Representatives is committed to addressing these issues and improving the ease of doing business in our country. 

“We are working diligently to create a more business-friendly environment through legislative reforms that streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance transparency. Our goal is to make Nigeria an attractive destination for both local and international investors. 

“Together, we can drive Nigeria forward, harnessing the full potential of our resources and talents. I look forward to continued collaboration and a prosperous future for our great nation.” 

He said the Dangote refinery “symbolizes not only the strength and potential of Nigerian industry but also the dedication and vision of one of our most esteemed business leaders, Mr. Aliko Dangote.

“However, the journey does not end here. There is always more we can do together to bolster our economy. I encourage Dangote Group to continue exploring avenues to complement government initiatives. By investing in renewable energy, enhancing corporate social responsibility programs, and fostering innovation through research and development, Dangote can further solidify its role as a key player in our economic landscape.” 

The Speaker was in company of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere; Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo; Deputy House Leader, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims; Deputy Whip, Hon. Adewumi Onanuga; Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda; Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa; Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki, and Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. George Ozodinobi. 

Also in the delegation were the chairmen of relevant oil and gas committees and their deputies.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The highly anticipated movie ‘Mai Martaba’ (Your Highness) premiered in Kano on Friday, drawing a large crowd of enthusiastic fans. 

The film, directed by Prince Daniel (Aboki), is a historical epic showcasing northern Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

Produced with a budget of over N25 million, ‘Mai Martaba’ features a cast of 500 actors, including Kannywood stars Adam A. Zango, Shugaba, Ghali Abdullah DZ, and Muktar Aminu Haruna. 

The movie tells the story of an ancient kingdom’s rise and fall, exploring themes of power, love, greed, and betrayal.

According to the producer, Prince Daniel Aboki, the movie aims to bridge the gap between Kannywood and global filmmaking standards. 

With 99.9% of the actors being new entrants, Aboki believes this move will expand the value chain of the creative industry in northern Nigeria.

‘Mai Martaba’ has already been nominated for international awards, including the Septimius Awards in Amsterdam. 

The movie’s success was believed to be a testament to the growing talent and innovation in the Kanywood film industry.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has expressed concern over the severe economic hardship currently affecting Nigeria and has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about the potential collapse of the nation. 

Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the National Coordinator of CNG, voiced these concerns during a press briefing in Abuja, warning that the situation “portends imminent danger.”

Charanchi emphasized the importance of addressing the escalating hardship that has permeated every segment of Nigerian society, noting that life has become highly unbearable for the majority of citizens. 

He stressed that the CNG felt obligated to bring this alarming danger to President Tinubu’s attention, pointing to the potential for a massive revolt against the government.

Charanchi also criticized former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu for worsening the country’s economic situation, making life even more difficult for the vast majority of Nigerians, especially the poor.

He stated, “The suffering of Nigerians is palpable across every stratum. The CNG holds the present and previous governments responsible for creating this dire situation for Nigerians.”

He stated that the current economic indices and data from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicate that 133 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty, with 20 million people, mostly young and within the productive age bracket, either completely unemployed or underemployed. 

Charanchi highlighted the growing disillusionment among the populace with the government’s economic policies and institutions, which poses a significant danger to the country.

He noted that inflation has had severe economic consequences, including substantial investment losses, business disruptions, increased poverty, and unemployment. 

He added that the insecurity has led to displacement, loss of lives and properties, and psychological trauma, adding, “The widespread hardship has eroded trust in the current government and threatens national unity, peace, and security.”

Charanchi pointed out that overall inflation has risen to 34.19% from 22.41%, a 52.6% increase, while food inflation has surged from 24.82% to 40.66%, a 64% increase within a year—the highest recorded in decades. 

He also criticized the significant rise in electricity tariffs, despite no improvement in power supply, noting that the electricity tariff has increased by an average of ₦71.59 to ₦225, a rise of over 200% for band A. Nigeria has experienced multiple national power grid collapses in the past six months, including the most recent on July 6, 2024. 

Charanchi also criticized the government’s recent announcement to distribute 880,020 bags of rice nationwide to alleviate hardship, stating that these measures are inadequate to address mass hunger affecting millions of Nigerians. 

He added that the president’s cosmetic measures are insufficient to contain the anger of the people, particularly when they are faced with economic hardships, massive hunger, and rampant poverty, while the political class lives in opulence.

By Ishaka Mohammed

The Da’wah Institute (DIN) has launched an online quiz for Nigerian Muslims to deepen their understanding of Islam and win cash prizes and laptops.

According to the Institute’s director of digital media, Teslim Adeyemo, 20 winners will emerge, with the least prizewinner receiving N50,000. Part of the statement details the prizes as follows:

“Awards await the top 20 performers as follows: 1st place (laptop + N500,000), 2nd place (laptop + N350,000), 3rd place (laptop + N150,000), 4th – 10th places (N100,000 each), and 11th – 20th places (N50,000 each).”

The top ten winners will be invited in person to the prize-giving at the Islamic Education Trust (IET) headquarters in Minna, the Niger State capital, while the rest of the winners will join virtually.

The maiden “Know Your Deen Online Quiz” is scheduled for August 25, 2024 and will be based on a book titled “Authenticity of the Qur’an: A concise analysis of arguments regarding the divine authorship and authenticity of the Muslim sacred scripture.”

Interested Muslim residents in Nigeria can register for free at https://dawahinstitute.org/online-quiz-registration/ before August 15 and download the electronic (PDF) version of the book, which has fewer than 100 pages.

The Da’wah Institute (DIN) is the research and public enlightenment department of the Islamic Education Trust (IET), a non-governmental organisation established in Nigeria in 1969.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

President Bola Tinubu said on Friday in Abuja that the federal government would ensure that investments in key sectors of the economy follow clear timelines and are impactful on the lives of citizens.  

President Tinubu, who received the management of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) led by the Chairman, Alexey Arnautov, at the State House, said the government was keen on reviving the smelter company in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State.  

“It is good to have you at this meeting. Smelter is necessary for the development of the country,’’ the President stated.  

President Tinubu reiterated the need for clear vision and detailed plans in the steel and energy sector, adding that “there must be timelines’’. 

In his remarks, the Chairman of ALSCON assured the President of the preparedness of the management to turn around the fortunes of the company within a given period by injecting $500 million.  

Arnautov said the management was aware of the centrality of aluminium in modern development, particularly for Nigeria, and would continue to support the growth of the country.  

President Tinubu directed the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, and the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Ms. Olu Verheijen, to review and provide an update on the status of ALSCON.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Federal Government has shut down an illegal gold mine site in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The move is part of the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining and reposition the sector to boost Nigeria’s economy.

The operation was carried out by the Mining marshals in Iyeh Odogbe, Isanlu community of Yagba East LGA.

The team dislodged illegal miners who had prevented lawfully authorized miners with licenses from accessing the site for 16 years.

Seven suspects leading various groups of illegal miners were arrested during the operation, which was led by Commander Attah Onoja of the Mining Marshals.

The site workers have been given five days to vacate the site, and operations to secure the area and ensure its full recovery for lawful mining activities will continue.

This crackdown comes after the Federal Government announced the arrest of eight Chinese nationals suspected of illegal mining in Abia State on July 12.