Nigeria

By Uzair Adam 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed optimism about brighter prospects for Nigerians in 2025 in his New Year message. 

He highlighted economic improvements, such as reduced fuel prices, strengthened foreign reserves, and increased foreign investments, and attributed them to his administration’s efforts.  

Tinubu acknowledged challenges like high food and drug costs and pledged to tackle inflation, aiming to lower it from 34.6% to 15%. 

He announced plans to expand credit access by establishing a National Credit Guarantee Company to begin operations by mid-2025 to boost economic growth and support underserved groups.  

The president called for unity, urging Nigerians to avoid divisive tendencies and remain focused on building a prosperous nation. 

He reaffirmed his commitment to reforms, emphasising his goal of achieving a one trillion-dollar economy.

By Anwar Usman

The Nigeria Police Force, Federal Capital Territory Command, recovered a total of ₦409,992,000 from criminals during various operations in 2024.

A breakdown of the recovered sum, according to the command’s scorecard made available to journalists on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, revealed that ₦36,850,000 was recovered from kidnapping suspects; ₦68,552,000 from armed robbery suspects; ₦19,590,000 from burglary cases and ₦285,000,000 from fraud cases.

Also, in 2024, Adeh stated that 1,426 cases were reported, leading to the apprehension of 1,077 suspects.

According to the scorecard, fraud cases were the most reported, with 385 cases and 422 suspects arrested. This was followed by armed robbery, with 268 cases and 132 suspects arrested.

One-chance robbery ranked third, with 263 cases leading to 71 arrests. Car theft came next, with 127 cases and 64 suspects arrested. Kidnapping took the top five position with 104 cases, resulting in the arrest of 216 suspects.

“For cybercrime, 32 cases were reported, and 15 suspects were arrested. For homicide, 68 cases were reported, leading to 78 arrests. Burglary saw 73 cases, with 20 suspects arrested, while cultism recorded 38 cases, leading to 59 arrests,” the scorecard stated.

The report also indicated that 376 firearms, including 13 AK-47 magazines and 187 rounds of live ammunition, were recovered.

The report further revealed that “Seventy-three vehicles were recovered from car theft cases, 24 from one-chance robbery cases, and two from cultism cases. The above statistics show a 15.1% reduction in crime incidents within the FCT, recorded between 2023 and 2024. Additionally, 68 kidnapping victims and 19 one-chance robbery victims were rescued”.

While highlighting the command’s readiness for 2025, Adeh explained that efforts would focus on enhancing community policing and conducting targeted operations.

“Building on the successes of 2024, the Command will intensify: Community policing engagements—intelligence-led policing strategies. Targeted clearance operations and public enlightenment initiatives were used to address the evolving security demands of the FCT.

“With a significant reduction in crime rates and a stable, peaceful atmosphere in the FCT, the Command is committed to sustaining the momentum in fighting against criminal activities,” she said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), an organisation focused on investigating global corruption and crime, has announced the list of the top individuals involved in corruption for the year 2024. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ranks third on this list.

OCCRP conducted this selection by gathering votes from people around the world to identify those who have significantly promoted corruption, dishonesty, and increasing poverty in their countries.

In this year’s list, President Tinubu secured the third position, following the former president of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. The president of Kenya, William Ruto, received the most votes. 

However, the prestigious “Person of the Year” award was given to former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is said to have fled to Russia after years of plundering his country’s wealth.

By Uzair Adam

International human rights organization Amnesty International has accused the Nigerian military of attempting to conceal the deaths of civilians in two Sokoto State communities during a December 25 operation targeting Lakurawa terrorists.

The Daily Reality reports that the airstrike, conducted in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in the Silame Local Government Area, resulted in the deaths of at least 10 citizens.

The Defence Headquarters attributed the fatalities to a secondary explosion at a terrorist logistic base, but Vice President Kashim Shettima apologized to the victims’ families.

The incident adds to a troubling history of military airstrikes unintentionally killing civilians, with Amnesty International estimating a total of 436 civilian deaths over the past eight years.

Amnesty International’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, condemned the Sokoto bombing and accused the military of disregarding human lives. He called on the Nigerian government to conduct an independent investigation.

“The Nigerian military must hand over all records related to the airstrike to the Attorney General’s office for an impartial investigation,” Sanusi stated. “Failure to hold the military accountable only perpetuates impunity and endangers more lives.”

Sanusi urged President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent inquiry into the incident, ensuring justice for the victims and their families.

He reiterated the need for fair trials and compensation for those affected. Amnesty International also highlighted previous airstrikes in various states, including Borno, Zamfara, and Kaduna, which have collectively claimed hundreds of civilian lives.

Despite repeated assurances to minimize civilian casualties, these incidents continue to occur, raising concerns about the military’s operational protocols and accountability.

By Adamu Abdullahi 

As Nigeria’s capital city, FCT Abuja needs a university other than the University of Abuja, established in 1988, to cater to the increasing number of people seeking university education within the territory and in Nigeria at large.

Establishing the Federal Capital Territory University of Science and Technology, Abaji would provide the legal framework to close the knowledge gap in science and technology.

FCT is the fastest-growing city in Africa, with only one federal university and no single polytechnic. The FCT find it challenging to study, yet the federal government has only a name to change in the federal capital instead of commissioning the one that the weed snake has taken over. 

What reduction of congestion will change the educational sector of FCT? Will the rename accommodate our prospective admissions seeker seeking to study for their ambitious course? Has the renamed university had all the courses that will interact with the international community to study in Nigeria?

Universities can be viewed as brands, much like corporations. Just as corporate brands maintain their identities over time, educational institutions rely on stable branding for recognition and credibility. 

A troubling precedent is set when university names are changed impulsively—particularly to honour politicians. This practice undermines the integrity of these institutions and can create significant confusion, particularly in the global context.

For instance, renaming the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University raises several important concerns. Many foreign employers and academic institutions may now struggle to recognise the new name, which could impact their perceptions of the institution’s legitimacy and reputation.

The sudden name change may also confuse prospective employers, who might not be familiar with the new name but have been aware of the previous branding.

Moreover, graduates of these renamed institutions face a unique dilemma. They are handed Certificates that no longer align with the name they are familiar with from their years of study. This disconnect between the institution they attended and the name that appears on their degrees can lead to questions about the validity of their education and qualifications. 

It can also complicate further academic pursuits and job applications, as they may confront scepticism from potential employers or institutions unaware of the name change.

In essence, this practice of renaming universities to immortalise political figures can have far-reaching consequences. It disrupts the continuity and coherence of an educational brand built over the years, potentially diminishing the value of the degrees it confers and creating unnecessary barriers for its graduates in the competitive global job market.

Adamu Abdullahi wrote via nasabooyoyo@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Mahdi Shehu, a political activist and commentator from Kaduna.

He was arrested following allegations that he spread a video of French soldiers on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

According to reports, the video shows Shehu claiming that the Nigerian government is planning to establish a French military base in the North West, a claim that has been denied.

Mahdi is currently in DSS custody in Kaduna, and there is a possibility he will soon be charged in court.

The DSS stated that they discussed the credibility of the video with Mahdi before his arrest, but the conversation did not lead to a resolution.

However, security agents have been instructed to respect his rights while in custody.

By Isyaka Laminu Badamasi 

The Inspector General of Police’s concerns and warning against the unorganised distribution of palliatives and relief items that led to confrontation and stampede come at the right time. His calls on groups, individuals, and NGOs planning to distribute alms to the needy to ensure proper planning to avoid stampedes and unnecessary confrontations among citizens seeking assistance are commendable.

During the two unfortunate events at Maitama, Abuja and Okija in Anambra state, several persons lost their lives. Many injured with different degrees of injuries receive treatment at other health facilities where the IGP reiterates the force’s commitment to supporting efforts to create a safer and more structured environment for aid distribution in our communities to prevent future tragedies and ensure such processes are seamless.

To achieve a tragedy-free engagement, philanthropists should collaborate with relevant stakeholders in organising such gatherings. These include security organisations, religious groups, community leaders, and civil society organisations.They should also leverage technology to achieve a hitch-free and transparent selection of beneficiaries and relief distribution. 

Crowd management experts and safeguard specialists are very key in the actualisation of a seamless approach; these could be found in many government and private organisations such as the Nigerian Police as highlighted above, NEMA/SEMA, International relief organisations working at different IDP camps, decades involved in this special tasks in the country.

According to online resources on crowd management and safety, emergency preparedness and management are key, access control, crowd density, and surveillance are paramount, barrier fencing, communications and risk assessment, as well as post-events analysis, knowing your crowd and their dynamics, and positioning security personnel in strategic locations are key to achieving a safer and more effective event organisation.

Organisers of such events should choose spacious, open areas with minimal obstacles and should be scheduled when the crowd is likely to be smaller; this is where the religious and community leaders will come in by submitting the lists of the vulnerable people who primarily benefited from such relief.

The order by the Inspector General of Police to investigate the circumstances that led to the two unfortunate tragedies is commendable. This highlighted the command’s commitment to ensuring safer and better ways to avoid the sad incident in the future, 

Leadership at all levels needs to see the importance and urgency of developing policies and programs to cushion Nigerians’ hunger and poverty levels; this can go a long way in reducing the number of people from trooping to alms distribution events. It will enable them to tread cautiously and prioritise their safety to avoid unforeseen calamities, as the IGP emphasises.

The National Orientation Agency, established to communicate government policies, stay abreast of public opinion, and promote patriotism and national unity, should, as a matter of public interest, develop a sensitisation program, specifically on the Nigerian government’s health and safety measures. This could be achieved through Drama, Skits,and Jingles, leveraging the FRCN radio stations and civil society organisations nationwide to achieve the desired objectives.

Our condolences go to the families and relatives of those who lost their loved ones during the unfortunate incident and to those injured, wishing them a quick recovery.

Isyaka Laminu Badamasi is the Bauchi State Coordinator for the Youths O’clock Nigeria.

By Adamu Isah Babura

I want to congratulate Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad on her promotion to the exalted rank of Professor by the Governing Council of Bayero University, Kano.

Prof. Suwaiba is a pioneer. After 20 years in academia, she became the first female professor from Babura, Jigawa State. She progressed from Graduate Assistant to Professor, holding leadership roles like Head of the Science and Technical Education department and Director of the Gender Studies unit.

Her expertise extends beyond the university. She served as the Provost of Jigawa State College of Education. Currently, she holds the esteemed position of Minister of State for Education, Federal Republic of Nigeria, leveraging her vast experience to shape the country’s education landscape.

Prof. Suwaiba, the current Nigerian Minister of State for Education, is an exemplary academic and a shining star in the field of science education. Her unwavering dedication, unrelenting passion, and uncompromising commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students, colleagues, and the academic community at large.

As a renowned scholar, Professor’s contributions to her field of Science Education have been groundbreaking, insightful, and profoundly impactful. Her research has not only advanced our understanding of critical issues in the education sector but has also informed policies, practices, and innovation.

Prof. Suwaiba, a gifted teacher and mentor, inspires generations of students to pursue excellence and cultivate a love for learning. Her rare ability to connect with, listen to, and guide students nurtures their growth and earns her deep admiration and gratitude from all who learn from her.

Throughout her illustrious career at Bayero University, Kano, and outside, Professor Suwaiba has demonstrated remarkable leadership. She collaborates with colleagues, institutions, and communities to advance the cause of education, promote social justice, and foster a culture of inclusivity, equity, and excellence.

As we celebrate Prof. Suwaiba’s achievements at this incredible milestone, we honour her remarkable accomplishments,character, values, and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in education. She is a true treasure, a beacon of hope, and an inspiration.

Adamu Isah Babura wrote from Bayero University, Kano, via adamubabura@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Kwara State Police Command has successfully rescued 13 individuals abducted by armed assailants while traveling to a wedding in Kogi State.

The operation, conducted in collaboration with personnel from the Oke-Ero Local Government Security Initiative, was confirmed in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Saturday in Ilorin.

According to DSP Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation underscores the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining security in the state.

She explained that the rescue followed a distress call received on December 21, 2024. Acting on credible intelligence and with support from local informants, security operatives identified the kidnappers’ hideout in the Idofin-Igbana area.

“The kidnappers, numbering six and some dressed in military uniforms, engaged the operatives in a gun battle.

“However, they were overpowered by the superior firepower of the security team, forcing them to flee with injuries and abandoning their captives,” the statement read.

The rescued victims include three females and 10 males from locations such as Odo-Owa in Oke-Ero Local Government Area, Ilorin, Ogbomoso, and a group of trailer drivers en route to Kogi.

While two of the victims sustained minor gunshot wounds, all 13 individuals received medical attention, were stabilised, and later reunited with their families.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, commended the resilience and swift action of the operatives, noting the importance of community collaboration in combating criminal activities.

The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and called on the public to provide timely information that could aid in curbing crime.

By Uzair Adam

The Presidential Emergency Action on Climate Change Initiative (PEACCI) organized the maiden edition of the Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II Climate Action Cup on Sunday at the Race Course Field, Kano.

The event, aimed at promoting awareness of climate change, featured a football match and a symbolic tree-planting ceremony.

Edidiong Etefia, the Director General of PEACCI, highlighted the importance of the initiative.

“This event is not just a football match but a tribute to Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, a visionary leader who believes in empowering Africans to address the challenges of climate change,” she said.

The football tournament targeted under-13 players to emphasize their role in securing a sustainable future.

Etefia explained, “We believe that the future belongs to these children. By involving them in such initiatives, we’re making them aware of the importance of tree planting, renewable energy, recycling, proper waste management, and climate-smart agriculture.”

During the event, participants planted a tree as a symbolic gesture, underscoring the need for millions more to combat climate change.

Etefia noted, “This is just the beginning. The children who planted this tree today have taken a bold step towards saving their future. We hope their actions inspire others to join this cause.”

The event concluded with medals and awards presented to participants, reinforcing the message that the activity was a community service initiative rather than a competition. Etefia added, “There were no losers today because everyone who participated contributed to a vital cause—saving our planet.”

PEACCI hopes the Climate Action Cup will serve as a platform to inspire more young people and communities to take responsibility for combating climate change, ensuring a healthier and sustainable future for generations to come.