Nigeria

By Anwar Usman

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, over his alleged failure to prosecute contractors who received over N167bn from 31 ministries, departments, and agencies for projects that were never executed.

The lawsuit, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos (suit number FHC/L/MISC/121/2025), also listed the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, as a respondent.

This was contained in a press release on Sunday titled, “SERAP Sues Tinubu Over Failure to Prosecute Contractors in N167bn Project Fraud in MDAs.”

The release, signed by Deputy Director, SERAP Kolawole Oluwadare, urges the court to compel Tinubu to direct the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to publicly name the contractors involved and ensure their prosecution.

The organisation is also seeking a court order that’ll force Edun to publish details of the projects, together with their locations, the amounts received by each contractor, and the identities of the shareholders.

SERAP further argued that “The allegations of corruption involving these contractors have continued to impair, obstruct, and undermine the access of poor Nigerians to essential public goods and services”.

According to SERAP, the 2021 Audited Report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on November 13, 2024, revealed that 31 MDAs collectively paid over N167 billion for projects that were never carried out.

SERAP further reiterated that allowing companies and contractors to go away with public funds unpunished amounts to a grave violation of the Nigerian Constitution, anti-corruption laws, and international obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

“Holding these contractors accountable would help prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in public spending,” SERAP stated.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

Why are the Nigerians not having enough food to eat? Why? That is the question we need to answer. Statistics paint a grim picture and the anecdotal evidence is there. We have working farmers but numbers say people are not eating well.

The above was paraphrased from the address of the Chairman, Media Trust Group, at the 22nd Daily Trust Dialogue and Presentation of Unsung Heroes, themed “Food Security: Availability or Affordability?” held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja on 23 January 2025. One does not need an emeritus to explain the reasoning behind the choice of theme.

As an individual with a background in agriculture, I have often had serious discussions with two close friends about the true value of our certificates. If we cannot make a tangible impact on curbing hunger, which continues to plague Nigerians, then what is the point? The alarming statistics of hunger and malnutrition only paint a bleaker picture each year.

We never really take into account other graduates from different subsectors of agriculture, but we somehow always come to the conclusion that we are part of the reason millions of Nigerians go hungry, and we hope to make a difference in the near future, dumping the noise and swinging into real action.

It is this very concern that drives my desire to attend conferences or dialogues like the aforementioned, but circumstances did not permit it. Thankfully, technology has been birthed and it came to the rescue. The organisers provided live coverage across Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom, which I was able to access, allowing me to participate in the programme, albeit not until the very end.

It was a session to examine the current state of affairs and an open floor for discussion on how to make food available and affordable. Pundits brainstormed Nigeria’s vast fertile land, large bodies of water and adequate rainfall in each geopolitical zone, suitable for various crops and rearing animals, explored and seeked to decode how despite these rich agrarian factors hunger perseveres when there should be no correlation at all.

Farmer-herder clashes, a misunderstanding that has escalated from cultivated lands to homes, affecting innocent women and children, were deliberated upon, along with their impact on optimum crop production. In my view, our inability to properly harness pasture and rangeland is a contributory factor.

To put things into perspective, in a class, we studied over ten plants that, when cultivated, can provide sustenance for our livestock. This not only helps resolve clashes, but also reduces competition for valuable food resources between humans and domesticated animals, until we achieve self-sufficiency.

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) foods was another talking point. Exploring and tweaking specific genetic traits for better quality in other plants or animals is not new in agriculture. Before we sort ethical issues surrounding GMOs for long term solution on food availability, attention must be paid on short term remedy for same, and affordability.

Post harvest spoilage or waste was another concern. Even as these food items, especially perishables, are not sufficiently abundant, during harvest, a lot go to waste without arriving markets. What does this tell us? There is the ability to produce sufficiently but, as a nation it becomes imperative to invest in processing and storage infrastructure to arrest the issue of availability and affordability, it is basic economic principle of demand and supply.

Insecurity remains the bane of farmers. Many have abandoned their lands in order to remain alive, frankly, no one blames them. In offering solution, President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) said there is a need to defoliate forests in Nigeria which serves as safe haven for criminal elements – bandits, Boko Haram, ISWAP and Lakurawa alike.

He alluded to the fact that his idea may not sit well with climate change and environmental enthusiasts but stood firmly by this suggestion. This idea may not necessarily be out of place when we zoom our lens to realities of food availability and affordability. What I must add, if this is not welcomed, stakeholders should have a round table talk on other ways to save lives and tackle food insecurity without defoliation.

Present during the dialogue was the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha. Among a lot of things he said Nigerians are tired of saying the country has “potential”, stressing that it is time to ”activate” it. Although we must know the potentials before attempting to activate, his assertion is oncourse, our potentials have since been established.

According to him, policies should address the issue where people produce for only family consumption with little to sell while also highlighting the need to change the way we do things in the agricultural sector, for us to get a different outcome. Rightly captured but do average farmers have at their disposal sophisticated tools to produce for family and market? our practice is still largely primitive you know.

I am a believer that every citizen has a role to play for the betterment of Nigeria but importantly, leadership bears greater responsibility therefore, I was happy the Minister and a representative of the Speaker of House of Representatives – both in positions to “make things happen” – were present or represented among other stakeholders.

Overall, the dialogue was critical, informative, and enlightening, but we hope to see where we go from here in our efforts to make food available and affordable.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja and can be reached on: dahirulawal90@gmail.com

By Suleiman Ahmed 

In today’s communication landscape, mass communication and journalism are often used interchangeably, particularly by those with little or no knowledge of both fields. This misconception leads to questions about their definitions, similarities and distinctions. While both are components of the media, they represent distinct concepts. 

Mass communication involves reaching diverse audiences through various media channels, such as radio, television, newspapers, websites, and social media. Journalism is a specific practice within mass communication that focuses on gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information.

According to Little John and Foss, mass communication is a “process whereby media organisations produce and transmit messages to a large public and the process by which those messages are sought, used, understood and influence the audience.”

McQuail states that mass communication is “only one of the processes of communication operating at the society-wide level, readily identified by its institutional characteristics.” It involves creating, transmitting, receiving, and analysing messages through mass media.

Mass communication aims to share information with a broader audience and influence societal norms, behaviour, and attitudes. It has a wider audience and covers various topics like entertainment, education, advertising, public relations, etc. Mass communication content is informative, educative, persuasive, or entertaining. It is mostly designed to capture attention, encourage specific actions, or elicit emotional responses. 

A professional in mass communication can work in various industries, including entertainment, business, politics, health, and agriculture, by creating content that will encourage the audience and serve a specific objective. Mass communication has a broad spectrum of mediums, including television, radio, newspapers, and magazines.

In contrast, journalism is a subset of mass communication. It focuses mainly on gathering and reporting news about events, issues, and topics that are of interest to the public. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) defines journalism as the “work of journalists, media workers, and social media producers who gather, process, and distribute news and related content.” 

Meanwhile, journalist Robert Niles sees journalism as a “form of writing that tells people about things that happened, but that they might not have known about already.” Journalism seeks to report the truth and provide accurate, fair, and thorough information. It includes analysis, uncovered facts, and insights into relevant stories.

Unlike mass communication, journalism encourages critical thinking and discussion among readers, listeners, and viewers. It is guided by strong ethical guidelines to ensure credibility, objectivity, and accountability. Journalism is mostly involved in reporting, editing, and producing news content for media organisations such as radio, television, newspapers, magazines, and other news platforms.

In conclusion, while mass communication and journalism are interconnected, they belong to distinct fields and have different objectives. Mass communication serves a broader purpose by Engaging a heterogeneous audience through various media to convey messages. On the other hand, journalism is a discipline dedicated to accurately reporting facts and information. Journalism plays a crucial role in informing the public and fostering democratic participation.

Suleiman Ahmed wrote from Bayero University, Kano, and can be contacted via suleson94@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Aisha Maikudi as Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, now renamed Yakubu Gowon University.  

Her dismissal was announced just hours after she presided over the institution’s matriculation ceremony. 

Maikudi’s tenure had been marred by controversy, with some lecturers alleging she held the position illegally.  

In her place, Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor for a six-month term, with a directive that she would not be eligible to apply for the substantive position when it becomes available.  

Details later…

By Ashir Abdullahi Yahaya

Recalling the writing competition in 2023 with the title Kano of My Dream and how participants showcased their skills in competing, along with presenting valuable ideas, ignited my passion for writing this article on how I would like Bauchi and its people to be in the future.

Bauchi faces severe challenges, such as attacks, corruption, social insecurity, illiteracy, debt, and a poor economy. These issues threaten the region and may worsen due to external factors. Residents are torn between praying, taking action, or focusing on family. The situation strains endurance, confusing even the most devoted supporters of Bauchi.

The state is entirely dependent on salaries. If salaries are delayed, people will walk around as if half-dead. There are no satisfactory business opportunities to support the over 8,308,800 residents (based on the estimated 2023 population following Kaduna, Katsina, Lagos, and Kano, respectively). The state’s needs are not being adequately met, and companies in the state are not functioning at all.

Bauchi, the fifth most populous, is also blessed with a large area, making it the fifth-largest among the 36 states in Nigeria. The pearl of tourism, where everyone is eager to visit its stunning natural spring water called Yankari: a large wildlife park in the southern part that contains large populations of waterbuck, African buffalo, patas monkeys, and western hartebeest, along with some of Nigeria’s last remaining West African lions, African leopards, and African bush elephant populations, but it lacks adequate care.

The educational sector faces numerous challenges, including dilapidated buildings, overcrowded classrooms, a shortage of qualified teachers, and inadequate teaching and learning facilities. These challenges bedevil the sector yet hinder its development. Moreover, rural settlers primarily grow goods for sale to outsiders and companies, often disregarding the impact on the state’s well-being. Moreover, farming is often dismissed as a viable option for most urban residents.

This, among other things, has become a trait of Bauchi’s transformation. Of course, there is always a solution—a positive solution that has refined the dream I hold dear…

In the Bauchi of my dreams, our challenges have vanished, and the state has reached exhilarating heights by allocating a significant portion of the budget to the sector that deserves it most—the education ministry. The schools have been improved, and the number of out-of-school children has been drastically reduced, bringing the total down to just 2,000 from the previous figure of 521,000.

Thanks to effective governance, agencies have been restructured, removing selfishness, self-importance, and the culture of favouritism. The emphasis is now on merit, prioritising knowledge and skills. Everything is carried out with transparency.

Social security issues have been addressed by actively engaging the youth in employment opportunities with companies and schools. Additionally, some youths are pursuing education abroad through government scholarships. As a result, nearly everyone is now employed in the public or private sector.

Furthermore, Bauchi has transformed into one of the world’s most remarkable and eye-opening cities, comparable to Istanbul in Turkey, Kyoto in Japan, and Paris in France. The key defining characteristic of the state’s landscape, Yankari National Park, has been developed, contributing significantly to GDP and surpassing the world-class Blue Hole of Jamaica. 

Attracting millions of tourists annually, it has claimed the prestigious world-class crystal-clear water award. The lush greenery and vibrant exotic flowers enchant visitors, their voices quivering with the interjections of amazement at the unparalleled natural wonder.

Eventually, the Bauchi of my Dreams distinguished itself as a place where religious tolerance, peace, unity, and emotional intelligence flourished among its residents. It separated the do’s and don’ts of peaceful coexistence, guided by the wisdom of religion (Malams). The Bauchi of my Dreams is a beacon, an antidote to the obstacles that shadow the days.

Ashir Abdullahi Yahaya teaches at Minaret International School and Giwo Science Academy, Bauchi. He can be reached via ashirayahaya6530@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Professor Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), on February 3, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje. Yusuf faces five counts of embezzlement and fraud amounting to N90,439,178.

The charges allege that between 2016 and July 2017, during his tenure as the Executive Secretary of NHIS, Yusuf misused his position to gain improper advantages. One notable charge states that he approved the purchase of a vehicle for himself at a cost of N49,197,775, which exceeded the budgeted amount of N30 million. This action constitutes a violation of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000.

Another count claims he held a private interest in the GK Kanki Foundation and awarded a contract worth N10,100,000 for training purportedly meant for 90 participants but only engaged 45. Additionally, Yusuf is accused of awarding a contract of N17,500,000 for media consultancy to Lubekh Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his nephew.

When the charges were read, Yusuf pleaded not guilty to all counts. Following his plea, prosecuting counsel Francis Usani requested a trial date, which the defence counsel, O.I. Habeeb, SAN, did not oppose. However, Habeeb requested that Yusuf be remanded in the custody of the EFCC.

Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu granted the request and scheduled a bail hearing for February 12, 2025, while remanding Yusuf at the Kuje Correctional Facility.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Senate of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) has commended Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, CEO of Zinox Group and Founder of konga.com, for his generous commitment of fifty million naira to enhance the university’s IT infrastructure. The commendation was issued at the 34th Senate Meeting held on Thursday, 30 January 2025, in the Senate Chambers of the university. 

The Senate acknowledged the tremendous support and commitment of the IT boss and philanthropist, who is passionateabout education and technological development in the institution and the country at large. 

Chairman of the Senate and Vice Chancellor of FUBK, Prof. MZ Umar, informed the Senate that he, along with the Chancellor of the University, HRM Eze (Dr.) Cletus I. Ilumuanya, CON, the Obi of Obinugu, recently visited Dr. Ekeh in Lagos, where he reaffirmed his commitment to providing the university with essential IT resources.

FUBK Bulletin reports that Dr. Ekeh received an honorary Doctorate from the University at the maiden combined Convocation ceremony, held on 12 October 2024.

Meanwhile, the Senate considered the Examination Results for the 2023/2024 Academic Session after Dr. Mohammed Bashar Danlami, the director of examinations and registration, presented them.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

A US-based Nigerian cardiologist, Dr. Ikenna Erinne, has reportedly died by suicide after being ordered to pay $15,000 monthly in child support. 

According to The Punch, the 36-year-old took his life on January 26, 2025, following a legal battle with his ex-wife that also led to the loss of his medical license.

Dr. Erinne is survived by his children, Ugonna and Munachi, as well as his parents and siblings. A memorial is scheduled for February 3 in Elkridge, Maryland. 

Dr. Erinne’s passing has ignited conversations on social media about how family court decisions affect mental health, particularly in Western nations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Northern Comrades Movement of Nigeria (NCMN) has strongly condemned the recent arrest and arraignment of Prof. Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and Omoyele Sowore, a 2023 presidential aspirant from the African Action Congress (AAC). 

According to the NCMN, the actions taken against Prof. Usman Yusuf, known for his outspoken advocacy for good governance, transparency, and accountability, and Sowore, a journalist and human rights activist, are part of a broader attempt by the government to suppress opposition and weaken democratic principles in the country.

Although Sowore was released on bail, the NCMN called for the immediate and unconditional release of Prof. Usman Yusuf, warning that such actions undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations. The group expressed concern that suppressing dissent could pave the way for an era of criminalising opposition voices.

The movement, led by Mal. Jabir Ibrahim Yaro emphasized the importance of protecting citizens’ rights to free speech and opposing any efforts to intimidate government critics. The NCMN further urged the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to take immediate action and ensure the protection of democratic rights.

Comrade Ahmad Ashir, the National Secretary, and Comrade Muhammad Ayuba, the NCMN spokesman, signed the press release.

The movement addressed key figures, including the President of Nigeria, the Senate President, the Attorney General, and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in a broader call for accountability.

By Maryam Ahmad

The Italian government has blocked the Chinese AI app DeepSeek due to concerns about data privacy. Garante, the country’s data protection authority, stated that the app failed to provide sufficient details on how it collects and stores user data, raising security risks.

As a result, DeepSeek has been removed from app stores in Italy but remains available in other countries. This move highlights growing global concerns about AI applications and data protection.

With AI adoption increasing in Nigeria, this development raises questions about how such apps handle user data and the need for stronger regulations to protect personal information.