Nigeria

By Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani

On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu presided over a significant Council of State meeting. Former Presidents, Vice Presidents, a former Chief Justice of the Federation, and several key ministers were in attendance. The highlight of the meeting was the President’s stance that Nigeria’s democracy must not be undermined. “Any change of government must be through the ballot box, not through violence, insurrection, or any other unconstitutional means,” he asserted. This is a position I, along with all patriots, fully support.

However, while the President’s commitment to democracy is commendable, his economic policies must reflect the urgency and needs of the people. The excuse of “fixing the economy” cannot be used to justify slow progress. Nigerians expect the leadership to hit the ground running from day one. The Council of State must convey the truth to the President: the nation is in a precarious state, and decisive, people-centred action is required.

Today, wealth in Nigeria is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a select few. At the same time, the majority struggle without access to necessities like quality education, healthcare, housing, and employment. It’s not that Nigerians envy the success of the rich; instead, they want access to the essentials for a decent life.

Unfortunately, greedy leaders deliberately subject many ordinary citizens to hardship. Endemic corruption has become the norm, and the promise of equal opportunities seems like a distant dream despite the blessings of natural resources across the six geopolitical zones.

Poverty remains a pervasive issue. Nigeria is rich with potential—oil and gas in the South, commerce in the Southeast, and fertile land in the North. There is no excuse for hunger or deprivation. The government should prioritize modern farming systems, where a single machine can achieve in an hour what once took a thousand hands.

State governors must fully support federal initiatives, but these efforts must go beyond the token gestures like distributing rice, which too often ends up siphoned off by officials or recycled into the market. Nigerians are not beggars; we have the talent and drive to achieve greatness, but we need an enabling environment, affordable fertilizers, and access to reliable electricity.

The time for excuses is over. The government must adjust to the realities on the ground. Removing fuel subsidies and floating the naira has brought unbearable hardship to ordinary people. These policies need to be revisited. We elected this government to make Nigeria work for everyone, not just the privileged few. A stitch in time saves nine: adjust the policies before it’s too late.

Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani wrote from Galadima Mahmoud Street, Kasuwar Kaji Azare, Bauchi State.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has appointed Ado Inuwa as the new Controller of the Kano State Command.

Prior to his new role, Inuwa served as the Controller of Corrections in Jigawa State, according to a statement released on Wednesday by SC Musbahu Lawan Kofar Nasarawa.

During the handover ceremony, Inuwa urged officers and personnel of the command to extend their full cooperation in achieving the objectives of both the command and the service.

He succeeds CC Sulaiman Muhammad Inuwa, who retired after 35 years of dedicated service.

Inuwa expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received and encouraged staff to work collectively in supporting both inmates and those on non-custodial sentences.

He also called on other security agencies in the state to collaborate in strengthening Kano’s security.

By Uzair Adam

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the Bill for the establishment of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).

The announcement was made during a workshop on gender mainstreaming in efforts to prevent the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across Nigeria and the West African sub-region, held on Tuesday in Abuj.

Represented by Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of External Affairs at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Ribadu emphasized that the president’s assent marks a key step in curbing the spread of illegal arms in the country.

The legislative backing, he explained, will empower the centre to take more coordinated and impactful actions.

Ribadu also highlighted the significance of incorporating gender perspectives in efforts to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, stressing that women and children are disproportionately affected by armed conflicts.

He referenced international frameworks such as the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which advocates for protecting women from conflict-related harm while promoting their involvement in peacebuilding and security measures.

The National Coordinator of NCCSALW, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Johnson Kokumo, outlined recent achievements of the centre. Among them, the retrieval of a large cache of illegal arms from the Nigeria Customs Service on July 1, and the arrest of 10 individuals involved in illegal arms smuggling.

The suspects are currently being prosecuted under various national laws.Kokumo also reported that the centre has recovered over 3,000 decommissioned or obsolete small arms and nearly 27,000 rounds of ammunition from government agencies.

These will be permanently destroyed later this quarter as part of an arms destruction exercise. He underscored the importance of addressing illegal arms flow both nationally and internationally, noting that it contributes to violence and insecurity globally.

He further emphasized the necessity of adopting a gender-sensitive approach in controlling small arms and light weapons, calling it both a moral and strategic imperative given the severe impact of armed conflict on vulnerable populations.

The workshop marks a significant step in ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into arms control strategies at both national and regional levels.

By Uzair Adam  

President Bola Tinubu announced on Monday that the Federal Government would set up a disaster relief fund to provide assistance to Nigerian citizens affected by floods and other natural disasters. 

The President made this declaration during his visit to Borno State, where he sympathised with the government and people affected by flooding in various areas due to the overflow of Alau Dam.  

He noted the urgency of the fund, citing the unpredictability of climate change and the increasing vulnerability of many regions across the country. 

President Tinubu noted that the Federal Government would collaborate with the private sector to establish the relief fund.  

He was accompanied by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who expressed the National Assembly’s willingness to work with the Executive in establishing the fund. 

During his visit, Tinubu also stopped by the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn El-Kanem, an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at the Government Secondary School in Maiduguri, and toured the flood-affected areas. 

“After visiting the Shehu of Borno and the IDP camp, I’ve been reflecting on how to address disasters like this and the broader effects of climate change. 

“There must be a disaster relief fund. I plan to involve the private sector in helping to rebuild the affected areas. If we allocate a small percentage of FAAC to the disaster relief fund, it will strengthen our sense of unity and responsibility,” Tinubu said.  

Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the governors who provided support to Borno State, including Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo. 

He also praised the efforts of various ministries, agencies, security forces, particularly the military, and international organizations working on evacuating victims and offering relief in the state.

By Nasidi Ibrahim Saal

The Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) Kano chapter conducted its Annual General Meeting and elected new executives, as enshrined by its laws. 

The chairman is expected to have two years in office, while the other exco members have one year, with the exclusion of Office 1 as a permanent seat constitutionally reserved for the outgoing chairman.

The chairman of the Election, Engr Balarabe Inuwa Abdullahi, while addressing the media at the venue (Ministry of Works Kano state), stated that the election was conducted successfully.

The newly elected offices are chairman, vice chairman, secretary, assistant secretary, and financial secretary are:

Engr. Usman Hamza Ibrahim

Engr. Asma’u Ja’afar Baba

Engr. Mudashir Sunmonu

Engr. Auwal Rabiu

Engr. Ramadan Nura Abdullahi,

Engr Muhammad Mukhtar Sakurai and Engr Dr Umma Abdullahi occupied the treasurer and technical secretary positions, respectively.

The outgoing chairman, Engr Lawan Usman Isah, thanks the electoral committee and the outgoing exco for their diligent work discharging their duties.

The occasion was graced with the esteemed presence of dignitaries, including the Representative of the National Chairman of NIMechE, Engr George,Engr Prof.A A Adamu, and Engr Dr.Aminu Sabo.

 By Kasim Isa Muhammad

As I walked into the Potiskum Specialist Hospital in the Potiskum local government area of Yobe State on September 14th, 2024, I was filled with a sense of hope and urgency.

My niece, suffering from sickle cell disease, was in dire need of medical attention. Her condition was worsening by the day, and I knew that timely intervention was crucial. 

But what I witnessed that day was a distressing scene. The waiting area was packed with people, all waiting to see a doctor.

The air was thick with anxiety and frustration, and I could sense the desperation in the eyes of those around me.

The wait was agonisingly long. We spent three consecutive hours waiting for a doctor to arrive, watching as the minutes ticked by at a glacial pace. 

My niece was profusely crying due to the excruciating pain she was enduring, and I felt helpless as I tried to comfort her.

When the doctor finally arrived, the sense of relief was palpable. But as I looked around, I realised that the workload was simply too much for him to handle alone.

The hospital was understaffed, and it showed. Potiskum, as the most populous local government area of Yobe State, deserves better. Its hospital should be equipped to handle the needs of its people, but the lack of enough hospital personnel is a major hindrance. 

As I left the hospital that day, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of frustration and helplessness. But I knew I had to speak out, for the sake of my niece and the countless others who deserve better.

The lack of sufficient health personnel at the hospital has far-reaching consequences. It not only affects the patients but also the doctors and nurses who are overworked and undervalued. 

Governor Mai Mala Buni, we urge you to take immediate action and employ the numerous jobless health workers in our state to cater to the growing population of Potiskum.

It is unacceptable that our hospitals continue to struggle with inadequate staffing despite the abundance of qualified and eager healthcare professionals seeking employment. 

The current staffing crisis is not only detrimental to the well-being of patients but also puts an unbearable burden on the existing healthcare workers.

They are overworked, undervalued, and at risk of burnout, which ultimately affects the quality of care they can provide. By hiring more health workers, Governor Buni, you will not only be addressing the critical staffing shortage but also injecting life into the local economy. 

These new employees will contribute to the state’s economic growth, support their families, and stimulate community development.

Furthermore, employing local health workers will ensure cultural sensitivity and a deeper understanding of the community’s specific needs. They will be better equipped to address the unique health challenges facing Potiskum’s population. 

We implore you, Governor Buni, to seize this opportunity to transform the healthcare landscape of Potiskum. Provide the necessary resources, and watch as our healthcare system flourishes, benefiting generations to come. 

Kasim Isa Muhammad wrote from Potiskum, Yobe State and can be reached via Kasimimuhd1999@gmail.com.

By Anas Abbas

The Nigeria Police Force has assured citizens of enhanced security measures during the 2024 Eid-el-Maulud celebrations, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

According to Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed Command Commissioners and Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General to deploy personnel and resources to high-risk areas, including major highways, places of worship, and public gathering points.

The police force has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the public and preventing crime during and after the festive period. IGP Egbetokun extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful, praying for a joyous and harmonious celebration.

The police are working in collaboration with other security agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure a secure and incident-free celebration across the country.

The Eid-el-Maulud celebration is a significant event in the Islamic calendar, and the police’s security measures aim to provide a safe environment for all Nigerians to observe the holiday.

By Anas Abbas

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Buys Petrol from Dangote Refinery at N898 per Litre, Commences Loading of 300 Trucks on Sunday.

The Daily Reality, reported that, NNPCL’s Chief Spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that the initial loading price was N898 per litre, debunking claims of N760 per litre.

As of press time, over 70 trucks had been loaded.This milestone follows the announcement by Finance Minister Wale Edun that NNPCL will be the sole off-taker of refined petrol from Dangote Refinery.

The minister revealed that diesel from the refinery would be sold in Naira to interested buyers, while PMS would be sold exclusively to NNPCL for distribution to marketers.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), led by President Tinubu, had approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira.

This initiative aims to reduce pressure on the naira, eliminate transaction costs, and improve petroleum product availability.

Implementation committees have worked tirelessly to finalize modalities, with NNPCL set to supply 385kbpd of crude oil to Dangote Refinery from October 1.

In return, the refinery will supply PMS and diesel of equivalent value to the domestic market, paid for in Naira.

The government is also establishing a one-stop shop in Lagos to streamline service provision from regulatory agencies, security agencies, and stakeholders, ensuring a seamless implementation of this initiative.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini  

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has called on the Muslim Ummah to draw inspiration and lessons from the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Maulud today.  

The Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, encouraged Muslims to imbibe the Prophet’s qualities of tolerance, humility, modesty, and honesty in their daily lives. 

He stated the importance of reflecting on the teachings of the Prophet and integrating his legacy of unity, integrity, peaceful coexistence, and love for one’s neighbor into the fabric of society.  

He stated, “As we commemorate this great and epochal day, I enjoin us to continue to demonstrate in our lives what the noble messenger of Allah bequeathed to humanity in ethos, manners, and relationships for the good of the society.” 

He highlighted the need for Nigerians to uphold these teachings as a foundation for national unity and development, saying “the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) are indispensable in the quest for meaningful development and the good management of Nigeria’s diversity.” 

The NSGF Chairman urged that the celebration of the Prophet’s birth should serve as a moment for spiritual rejuvenation and as a reminder for Nigerians to come together in prayer for unity, stability, and progress, particularly during these challenging times.  

He noted that collective faith in God and sustained prayers for peace across the nation would help achieve the aspirations of Nigeria’s founding fathers. 

The Governor also called on citizens to continue being law-abiding and to protect the peace and tranquility that Gombe State currently enjoys, urging them to shun any actions that could threaten the state’s harmonious environment.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar

Department of State Services (DSS) operatives have arrested Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow protest.

According to SaharaReporters, Sowore was arrested on Sunday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos upon his arrival in Nigeria.

Sowore’s arrest may be connected to the 10-day #EndBadGovernance protest held across the country in August.

The Take-It-Back Movement and several other civil society organisations spearheaded the protest.

Sowore is also the convener of the movement.

Another protest is being planned by organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protest — scheduled for October 1.

In a post via his X page, Sowore said he was detained by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and his passport was seized.

“I had just arrived in Nigeria from the USA to the MMIA in Lagos; upon reaching Nigerian Immigration, my passport was seized, and they told me they had orders to detain me,” he wrote.

“This is not unexpected because I have always known that It is part of the broader clampdown by the fascist Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime on dissent and their fear of the upcoming #FearlessINOctober revolt.

“In case this becomes another prolonged and protracted detention, I urge our citizens to ensure they ALL stop tyranny by all means acceptable and necessary by engaging in the planned series of direct actions slated for October 1st and beyond.”