Nigeria

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin

Last quarter of 2023, 7th October to be precise, the patience of Palestinians on the forceful occupation and increasing encroachment of Israel in the Gaza Strip, Westbank, and East Jerusalem reached the breaking point, as the voice and heartbeat of Palestine in the Gaza Strip, Hamas, launched a devastating attack on Israel in the occupied areas. The coordinated attack was said to bypass Israeli intelligence and caught their security off guard. But in a swift reaction, Israel has since been responding brutally, threatening the annihilation of not only Hamas but Palestinians in Gaza.

This article is the second from my reading of the book that Dr Muhsin Ibrahim generously shared: They called me a lioness.

 As far back as the beginning of the 19th century, the geopolitical entity now known as Israel did not exist. Instead, the Jewish population was scattered globally (this is a topic for another day); their population would be dispersed across Europe, America, and even our continent, Africa, as some reports claim. 

The clamour for Israel to settle in Palestine first gained traction after the First World War. When the Ottoman Empire collapsed, the control over Palestine fell under British rule.  Regardless of how one will view the situation,  the genesis of the Palestine-Israel turmoil must go back to the British. Because they sought both the help of Israel and Palestine during the war,   promising  Israel to establish a state for them on one hand and agreeing to get independence for Palestine from the Ottoman Empire on another, the British eventually sided with Israel.

So, in 1917, the British issued the Balfour Declaration, pledging to establish “a national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. This marked (substantially) the beginning of a series of ongoing conflicts between Israel and Palestine.

 The Second World War saw the Zionist movement get even more traction.  According to Hitler’s fascist ideology, for humanity to attain Utopia, all forms of inefficiency must be removed, including problematic races and even physically or mentally challenged individuals. In Hitler’s vision, Israel fell in the former category,  so they have to be eradicated. In this regard, about six million Jews had been said to have met their brutal end. The individuals with discounts, either physically or mentally, should also have allied nations to thank for ending the fascism ideology; had Hitler succeeded, it would have been the beginning of their eradication, too.  But for Palestine, their predicament increased. Hundreds of thousands of Holocaust survivors fled Europe, with tens of thousands seeking refuge in Palestine.

It appears that Hitler’s apprehension against Israel had some element of truth because all European countries closed their doors to Jews both before and after the World War. The Jewish population seemed a burden, and the world grappled with an approach to address the puzzle.

In 1947, the United Nations formalised Zionism by approving a plan to partition Palestine into a Jewish state and a Palestinian state, with Jerusalem remaining under international control. This marked a triumphant year for Israel, the culmination of the Zionist struggle. Conversely, for Palestinians, it was a time of national mourning and sadness.

A whole new chapter of the standoff between Israel and Palestine would ensue as Arab nations united against Israel to stop the partition. However, the coalition achieved limited success, with only Jordan managing to capture East Jerusalem and the West Bank and Egypt taking control of Gaza after the 1948 war; Palestinians referred to this war as the “Nakba” or catastrophe, reflecting the extent of devastation that was inflicted on them by Israel.

Again, in the 1967 war, known as the Six-Day War, Israel got the upper hand, capturing Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem and initiating what Palestine currently fights with their heart in their mouth: the military occupation of Palestinian territories. In this process, Israel implemented various methods to relegate Palestinians to second-class status, including the construction of a separation wall, the issuance of green identification cards, and the assignment of white license plates to Palestinians, a sort of apartheid-style.

The fact that both Israel and Palestine are descendants of a common ancestor, Abraham, with the former tracing their lineage through Isaac and the latter through Ishmael, is significant and, at the same time, intriguing. To paraphrase former US president W. J. Clinton, dear brothers and sisters Shalom, sheathe the sword and make a sacrifice to accept the common deal beneficial to both sides like the one Nigeria offered.

 Through the then Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, Nigeria gave the suggestions: “We encourage Israel to take concrete steps to freeze and reverse all settlement-related activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. On their part, Palestinian leaders must also signal their readiness to return to the negotiating table, and we reaffirm our unwavering support for a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine existing side-by-side in peace.” 

Bilyamin Abdulmumin is a doctoral researcher in chemical engineering at ABU Zaria.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu 

Street begging is the act of soliciting favours, often in the form of money, without the expectation of reciprocation, typically occurring in motor parks, markets, or densely populated areas.

The prevalence of street begging has become widespread across various cities in our country, particularly in the northern regions, where beggars have formed a nuisance.

Some beggars adopt a persistent approach, approaching motorists during traffic delays and creating disturbances along major highways. A significant contributing factor to this issue is the economic downturn, resulting in the closure of industries and factories, leaving many without alternative means of livelihood.

Some able-bodied individuals opt for begging rather than engaging in profitable ventures, choosing an easy life over hard work. This phenomenon is exacerbated by factors such as poverty, illiteracy, and societal influences that fail to provide proper orientation.

Addressing the street begging menace requires a collaborative effort from the government, society, and other organisations. Legislation should be enacted to penalise able-bodied individuals found begging, while those with disabilities should receive appropriate care.

Economic improvement is crucial, necessitating the reopening of closed industries and the establishment of new ones to combat unemployment. Revitalising the agricultural sector can offer additional job opportunities, reducing the number of youths resorting to begging.

By implementing and sustaining these measures, the street begging menace can be effectively curbed and eventually eradicated from our society.

Usman Muhammad Salihu writes from Jos, Nigeria and can be reached at muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Kikelomo Adewale Adeniyi, the President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), has outlined a bold vision aimed at empowering 100,000 women and combating drug abuse in Nigeria. 

Speaking at the relaunch of COWA in Abuja on Thursday, February 15, 2024, Mrs.

Kikelomo Adeniyi underscored the association’s determination to support the Federal Government’s efforts in empowering women, addressing drug addiction, and fostering job creation. 

The event, attended by members, stakeholders, government officials, business leaders, and diplomats, served as a platform to reaffirm COWA’s commitment to empowering women and children while launching an intensive campaign against drug abuse. 

Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi sought the support of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Bola Tinubu, to enhance women’s well-being and empowerment across the nation.

She also expressed alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ initiative, identifying it as a catalyst for COWA’s primary projects. 

Highlighting concrete initiatives, Mrs. Adeniyi announced the launch of a pilot programme to empower 1,200 women, with plans to extend support to over 100,000 women by the end of 2024.

Additionally, she revealed plans to establish a state-of-the-art Skills Acquisition Center in Abuja, providing vocational training and retraining for COWA members. 

Furthermore, Mrs. Adeniyi stated COWA’s commitment to providing food and humanitarian aid to 100,000 disadvantaged individuals nationwide by the year’s end. 

The relaunch ceremony also served as a fundraising platform, aiming to garner support from corporate entities and individuals to implement COWA’s programs effectively. 

Mrs. Adeniyi outlined plans to establish Nursery, Primary, and Secondary Schools in border communities and urban areas, providing affordable education to the children of Customs officers. 

In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, lauded the progress of COWA and commended Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi and her team for their dedication.

He highlighted the inclusion of women in crucial positions within the Nigeria Customs Service as a significant achievement in achieving gender balance. 

CG Adeniyi reiterated the NCS’s commitment to supporting COWA’s initiatives, including building schools, assisting widows, and conducting medical outreach programs in border communities. 

He affirmed the NCS’s unwavering support for COWA’s revival and relaunch, expressing confidence in the association’s positive impact on the organization and the community at large.

By Ibrahim El-mu’azzam

It’s a very hard moment for Nigeria. It’s really unbelievable and unbearable to the extent that many Nigerians have forgotten the sweetness of life. Everything is turning from liquid to concrete. We are even getting used to it, only that we are poor in strength to withstand it.

Today, a Nigerian has taken the insecurity problem, with all its significance less valuable. The government has completely abandoned many people to their fate. It isn’t that we have removed the “in” from the “insecurity” but we are more focused on the gunmen and kidnappers that have all of us; hunger and poverty.

Everything is tough! Citizens are losing hope. To some, it’s lost already. Many prefer death than this tense navigation, in a country that we all know and believe to have excess and abundance of what is needed in terms of wealth and resources. We are very far from thinking of saving, everyone is after what he can get not even today but now.

Inflation has blocked the passage of oxygen to the lungs of Nigerians, removed food from their throats and chased away any positive thoughts from their mind. It’s onto the eyes and ears that people are seeing nothing but what suits and relieves them. The translation of this is that unlawful will be lawful, the strong will rule and the society will turn to a jungle.

Everything is drastically increasing price, and there is no control. You can buy a commodity for ₦10 and in an hour or less, it will be ₦20. Both the parties in the markets aren’t smiling, the transaction is dark as it’s done without pleasure.

Maize, rice, beans, millet, corn and even cassava are above the purchase of a common man, not to talk of meat, fish, milk or sugar. “Balance diet” has since been replaced with “living diet” in Nigeria. People today eat not to be satisfied but to retain their consciousness.

Where on earth can a Nigerian put his humble self?

Everywhere, everybody, this is the discussion, especially family men. These are usually family men with something, no matter how little, doing, what is your thought on those who will wake up in the morning without a single direction to follow?

Begging is now very normal and common, and no one questions. You will hear a person swearing that he and his family haven’t eaten for so long. Food, to pass through the throat and relieve hunger is now the problem of a Nigerian, in fact, a Northerner for that matter.

You will visit a house and come out no one will say “Please eat this”. Wives and children are no longer selecting food. It has reached to the extent that some humans are now eating the foods of animals.

I had to stop and rehear a statement yesterday when I heard someone begging people in a mosque to PLEASE BUY WHAT HE IS SELLING. He sells Qur’an and some other small Islamic books; Ƙawa’idi, Akhdari…, and similar stuff. He stood after Magrib prayer begging; “Don Allah a zo a yi min ciniki, don girman Allah”. For the first time in my life, I come across such type of begging.

I continue to ask myself, please where is the sympathy of our leaders? Where is the empathy of our producers and marketers? Where are the price-controlling institutions? Where are the leaders and where is the government as a whole? Please why are we going through this much? Who have we offended and what has been our offence? Please, are Nigerians entitled to suffering and discomfort? Where are we heading to?

It’snt long that we voted with the hope that things would be softened, pains would be relieved, and tears would be wiped, but the absolute reverse is the case. More and more terrific we are getting every day.

The government is careless. The budget has no direct aiding attention to the common Nigerians. Billions are spent on useless renovations, change of vehicles and leisure trips, but not a single unit directly for the common man of the nation.

And upon all these, one beautiful thing is that no one protested, broke any law, or did something illegal, yet. A Nigerian, as strong as he is isn’t so much complaining of the commodity prices, but the money to buy them. You will always hear; “Allah Ya ba mu abin saya”. See this extreme humbleness, humility and positivity.

To be honest, every Nigerian deserves an award of commendation. We have been navigating through a tough situation with increasing anger and frustration, yet quiet, peaceful, and even managing a fake smile. Weldone fellow countrymen, it’s getting over, it’s getting better, soon by the grace of God.

We urge, with a very loud voice, every Nigerian leader, scholar, producer, marketer, and every other stakeholder to remember that he or she will be accountable for this before God. He or she shall be fully responsible for the dying Nigerians, especially those who have what to do but chose not to do it.

Every stakeholder, from community leaders, councilors, religious figures, schoolers, elders, marketers, and others at the community level, moving to the local, state, to national level, this is the task now! People, move to them. Disturb them until we get their attention.

The government should as fast as possible intervene in these ravaging problems and provide solutions. Aid and humanitarian activities should be given extra priority under trusted custodians. If there is a need, I believe Nigerians will agree to the relocation of any project fund to address this problem. The government should reconsider its decision on the removal of fuel subsidy and all other subsidies it is removing. Nigerians are dying! Focus on Nigerians, focus on their condition, Nigeria will be better. PLEASE ITS URGENT!

Ibrahim El-mu’azzam
elmuazzammail@gmail.com

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Bola Tinubu has embarked on an official visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 37th ordinary session of the assembly of the African Union (AU) heads of state and government. 

President Tinubu arrived in Ethiopia on Thursday night, touching down past 10 p.m.

Accompanying him on the trip is a delegation of ministers and other high-ranking government officials. 

The Presidency had previously announced Tinubu’s participation in the summit, where he is set to engage in discussions with other African leaders on various pertinent issues. 

These discussions include deliberations on institutional reforms within the African Union, strategies for peace and security across the continent, as well as focused dialogues on thematic concerns like climate change. 

Furthermore, President Tinubu will be involved in shaping the African Union’s agenda and priorities within the framework of the G20, underscoring the continental body’s stance on global issues. 

The overarching theme of this year’s summit is ‘Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.’ 

This theme reflects the collective commitment of African nations towards enhancing educational opportunities and outcomes across the continent. 

In addition to his engagements at the AU summit, President Tinubu will also participate in an extraordinary summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in his capacity as the chairman of the regional body. 

This dual representation underscores Nigeria’s active role in both continental and regional initiatives aimed at fostering cooperation and development across Africa.

By Iranloye Sofiu Taiye (Optimism Mirror)

In today’s society, the value placed on labour appears to be diminishing, leading to job seekers being labelled as lacking vision. The prevailing mindset prioritises monetary gain over the intrinsic significance of the work itself and fails to question the ethical implications of wealth accumulation.

Throughout the annals of history, labour has consistently been regarded as noble, transcending various economic systems such as feudalism, the industrial revolution, legitimate trade, slave trade, colonialism, and the post-colonial era. Regardless of the prevailing economic orientation, whether capitalist, socialist, or communist, the consensus remains that individuals must sell their labour, skills, or ideas to earn a commensurate wage, stipend, or salary.

Selling one’s labour is undeniably the most legitimate means of earning a living. However, it is worth pondering why employment has become synonymous with working exclusively in corporate organisations. It is both peculiar and disconcerting that those engaged in seemingly menial jobs, such as shop attendants, cashiers, bolt drivers, waitresses, security personnel, graphic designers, and others, are frequently dismissed and their contributions overlooked.

In reality, the services provided by these individuals are indispensable to our collective well-being as a society. Imagine a world devoid of bricklayers, furniture makers, plumbers, teachers, tailors, farmers, and countless others—can we guarantee survival under such circumstances? This serves as a stark reminder to anyone engaged in any form of work that they should consider themselves honourable contributors to the fabric of society.

Regrettably, our society is currently grappling with the pervasive issue of the “get-rich-quick” syndrome, which is predominantly prevalent among the youth. Parents, religious leaders, friends, and elders openly encourage and support their offspring to pursue wealth by any means, irrespective of the nobility of the endeavour. Labour is now seen as optional, and the value of hard work has been overshadowed.

Consequently, we find ourselves in a problematic situation where numerous graduates, lacking practical work experience, wander the streets searching for white-collar jobs that offer exorbitant salaries. They are unwilling to consider jobs that would cover their basic expenses and provide personal growth and development opportunities. It is vital to acknowledge that not everyone is destined to be an entrepreneur or business owner—some individuals will sell their expertise, labour, and creativity to others. CEOs and business leaders require a workforce to carry out essential production activities.

Nevertheless, loving and appreciating the value of one’s work is imperative and essential. No one should succumb to intimidation, bullying, or dehumanisation for engaging in an honest means of livelihood, as long as it is legitimate. It is of utmost importance to recognise that the dignity and worth of work extend far beyond the confines of corporate offices.

Significantly, we must re-evaluate our societal perceptions of work. We must wholeheartedly embrace the notion that all forms of labour contribute to the well-being of our communities. By cherishing and honouring our work, regardless of its nature or scale, we can foster a society that recognises and respects the nobility of every individual’s contribution.

Iranloye Sofiu Taiye (Optimism Mirror) is a political/public affairs analyst, writer, public speaker and youth advocate. He can be reached via iranloye100@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service has come up with a strategic alliance with the West Africa Security Project (WASP) to boost trade. 

The collaboration, announced on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, aims to equip customs officers with enhanced security awareness for more efficient trade facilitation. 

Speaking at the meeting held at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, hailed the partnership as a important step towards combating smuggling and illegal trafficking.

Emphasising the significance of the initiative, CGC Bashir underscored its potential to empower officers to execute their security duties effectively. 

Outlined within the collaboration are various benefits, including cargo profiling, handling of small arms and light weapons, and participation in global shield programmes targeting chemical and radioactive elements.

CGC Bashir also highlighted the opportunity for resource-sharing among stakeholders to foster synergy. 

According to the CGC, “there is an existing project managed by the world bank that looks at the Lagos-Abidjan corridor whose aim is to promote trade facilition. Bringing in this new project that looks at the security aspect will boost our performances and potent a lot of opportunities for us.”

“We will be able to account for 60% of the GDP if we are able to cooperate effectively. This project requires the cooperation and collaboration of all the Customs administrations involved,” he added. 

Moreover, the programme entails the active engagement of field officers in brainstorming sessions and knowledge exchange to identify smuggling routes and minimise illicit activities.

Terry Wall, the project manager of WASP, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the programme’s focus on identifying high-risk cargo, providing training in the national Customs Enforcement Network (nCEN), and delivering geospatial intelligence. 

As the Nigeria Customs Service aligns with WASP, the collaboration signifies a concerted effort to fortify trade security, foster regional cooperation, and mitigate transnational threats, underscoring a commitment to safeguarding economic interests and promoting lawful commerce.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Three freshly-elected senators have officially assumed their duties in the Nigerian Senate.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio administered the oath of office to the incoming senators during a formal ceremony held in the revered Red Chamber. 

Representing distinct constituencies and political affiliations, the trio of senators emerged victorious in the recent by-elections held on Saturday, signalling a renewed sense of democratic engagement and participation.

Prince Pam Mwadkon, hailing from the Action Democratic Party (ADP), now stands as the voice for Plateau North, while Professor Anthony Ani, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), assumes responsibility for Ebonyi South.

Additionally, Mustapha Musa, also of the APC, steps into the role of representing Yobe East. 

The induction process, steeped in tradition and significance, saw the senators-elect take their solemn oath of office, affirming their commitment to upholding the Constitution and serving their constituents with integrity and diligence.

With the formalities concluded, the new senators were escorted to their designated seats, ready to embark on their legislative journey and contribute to the democratic discourse shaping the nation’s future.

By Haroon Aremu Abiodun

The issue of Police arresting gun runners is not new, but the nabbing of some gun runners by men of the Plateau State Police Command last week stands out. However, Nigerians are clamouring for more. They are equally making a case for swift prosecutions or thorough investigations of suspected criminals after their arrest.

In recent times, and under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force’s tireless efforts have been notably effective in apprehending criminals engaged in various nefarious activities across the length and breadth of the country. 

The Police Intelligence Department and Tactical Response Team last week arrested about 67 suspects, including those involved in kidnapping, gun-running, one-chance robbery, and banditry. They recovered 5,454 rounds of live ammunition, 300 live cartridges, 50 empty shells of ammunition, 68 rifles, and 33 different ATM cards. 

The feat undoubtedly is a testament to law enforcement’s dedication and strategic approach, showcasing the police force’s unwavering commitment to curbing crimes and maintaining community safety. While applauding these crime-busting accomplishments, it is crucial to consider the next steps to ensure justice serves as a deterrent to potential offenders and criminal-minded persons. 

Beyond arrests, there is a need for thorough Police investigations into the root causes and motivations for criminal activities, by Nigerian youths mostly. This will go a long way to curb the perpetration of crimes.

The delay in the immediate prosecution of arrested suspects is a matter of concern, which is not to undermine the complexities of the legal process but to emphasise the urgency in delivering justice, as prompt adjudication of cases related to criminal activities is crucial for maintaining public trust in the legal system. 

Investigating officers should adopt a meticulous approach to prevent innocent victims from being wrongfully accused. It is imperative to utilize advanced forensic techniques, gather credible intelligence, and collaborate with relevant agencies. 

A careful examination of identified evidence, coupled with the application of modern technology, will contribute to a more accurate and unbiased investigation process. Regardless of the influence and power a criminal may wield, justice should be made to prevail. 

It should be glaringly emphasised that no individual, no matter how influential, should be above the law. Law enforcement agencies should remain committed to upholding justice, irrespective of external pressures.

The fight against crime is not, and will never be a stroll in the park. But it is winnable, especially by the time crime offenders are diligently prosecuted, to send a strong message to their ilks.

Haroon Aremu, a NYSC member with PRNigeria center Abuja.

By Uzair Adam Imam

President Tinubu is scheduled to travel to Senegal on Monday in response to the ongoing political crisis gripping the West African nation.

As reported by the Western Post, Tinubu, who also serves as the Chairman of ECOWAS, aims to engage in discussions with President Sall to advocate for upholding the country’s constitution and preventing Senegal from descending further into crisis.

One of the key objectives of Tinubu’s visit is to urge for the immediate conduct of presidential elections, highlighting the importance of restoring stability and democratic processes in Senegal.