Nigeria

By Abba Ado

I believe the Ministry for Science, Technology and Innovation is not a graveyard ministry where no development or policies will bring positive and sustainable achievement to our state or country. I learned that many people think science and technology are not among the portfolios that can contribute immensely to economic development and growth. 

The Ministry is designed to promote education, scientific research, and development at the state and national levels and evaluate their impact on society. Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) play a significant role in addressing issues such as agriculture, sustainability, food security, climate change, healthcare, and education. 

Recently,  Kano State Governor Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf announced his cabinet reshuffle, changing the commissioner for Higher Education to the Ministry for Science and Technology. Some people were mildly upset, while others mocked the commissioner and even underestimated the ministry for political reasons. 

Nigeria has a massive gap in STI policy, and we need to address it to achieve sustainable economic growth. We alsoneed to start relying on technological innovations to solve our existing problems. 

We need an effective policy to help our scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs develop and commercialise their products. With this, we can start exporting our products, and at the same time, our currency will add value.

I hope the newly assigned commissioner for the Ministry for STI will work hard and implement the “Triple Helix” concept, a collaborative model between industries, academia, and government to promote technological innovations and economic growth. As a commissioner, his duties are to facilitate knowledge from the universities to the industries and eventually to progress it to the society for commercialisation. 

Since 1949, China has focused on Science and Technology, and its economic development has been remarkable. The country has implemented effective policies to exploit local innovation and facilitate its commercialisation. 

Domestic companies like Moonlight Communication should not be taken for granted. We urgently need to optimise their efforts, and the government needs to engage heavily and provide strong networking, which can transform our sustainable development. 

Afri Venture Capital is another opportunity to leverage as a commissioner for STI to establish networking and investment; interestingly, this company has launched its funding opportunities in Kano State.  

I advise the newly appointed commissioner to ignore any discouragement from the naysayers who think his assignment to the Ministry for STI has downgraded him. He should focus on providing a suitable platform for huge investment in research and development in our domestic institutions in Kano State and translating this research into a usable product. 

It might not be easy, but it is possible with hard work and perseverance. As an economist who can think critically, I believe he can easily integrate STI with economic development to help Kano State. This new role will undoubtedly contribute to solving the state problems of energy, climate change, agriculture, and healthcare.

Abba Ado wrote via abbaadomusa0@gmail.com.

By Anwar Usman

Prof. Mustapha Nasir Malam, a senior lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Bayero University, Kano, spoke about the importance of leadership and reputation management, especially during challenging periods.

He explained this during a quarterly professional development lecture organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Kano State Chapter.

He explained how quality leadership plays a significant role in shaping an organisation and society. He noted that “good leadership enables a leader to build a good reputation and earns the respect of his subordinates”.

Malam described the qualities of a leader as self-confident, innovative, and having any other attributes that may give the leader an added advantage.

He further asserts that reputation management is crucial and takes a long time to build, citing some countries that excel in it. He also used the #EndBadGovernance, the SAMOA deal agreement, and the recent controversy between the Nigerian junta and Nigeria to highlight how these incidents negatively affected Nigeria’s reputation.

Dr Sule Y. Sule, a program discussant and lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Bayero University, has explained how improper reputation management strategies have affected the Nigerian government’s reputation and will take a long time to fix.

He called on the government to strengthen its communication capabilities by employing strategic communication strategies to maintain the country’s reputation and image.

Various lecturers from the Department of Mass Communication, the national spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service, public relations practitioners, the publisher of PR Nigeria, students, and media personalities attended.

By Salihi Adamu Takai

I was at Zakir Naik’s lecture on “The True Religion on Earth,” which concluded in the last few days, standing with brothers Uzairu and Abul-Khair, medical students at King Ceasor University, Uganda. As I was standing in my full Hausa dress with a match-colour cap, an old man saw me

“Assalamu alaikum”, the man greeted me. He was interested in discussing my dress with me. He asked me, “Are you a Nigerian?” I replied, “Yes, I am.” He said, “You must be from Kano State.” Yes, I am from Kano. “Masha Allah,” he said, excitedly.

As I was fully attentive to him, he told me how he knew Kano and its relevance in Islamic history in Uganda. He told me he knew about Kano in two ways: its impact on Islamic history in Uganda and its being the centre of commerce for decades back then. 

“I have constantly visited Kano for thirty years since the state retained its centre of commerce. I exported textiles from there to Uganda, which we found so cheap. In those days, there were many mills producing cotton fabrics. The Trans-Saharan trade fueled Kano’s textile industry, bringing cotton and other raw materials from North Africa”, the man reminisced. 

This meeting taught me a lot of knowledge, which I could say is of non-fortune because I understood that my state has missed what can’t be recovered quickly. 

Gradually, the things the state was known for started to escape from it — right from when it lacked a well-focused leader who could maintain what it had then — thinking that a title could be helpful in the future. 

The headline is the “Reform Tax Bill,” which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu proposed to the National Assembly. The bill aims to favour a state with many factories. Unfortunately, Kano is no longer such a state. The industries established by colonial masters and maintained by the founding fathers have been neglected and abandoned by northerners. The textile industry has declined, relying on importation. So unfortunate!

Salihi Adamu Takai wrote via salihiadamu8888@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has dismissed allegations by Niger’s military leader, General Abdulrahman Tchiani, that Nigeria is aiding France in efforts to destabilize Niger.

General Tchiani alleged that Nigeria was establishing a military camp, codenamed “Canada,” in the Munguno-Baga area of Borno State near the Niger border, where French troops were reportedly stationed.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu described the allegations as unfounded, pointing out Nigeria’s history of resisting foreign military presence.

“Even England, which colonized Nigeria, never stationed soldiers here. When France sought to bring troops, we declined. Why would we agree now?” he asked.

He called on Niger’s leadership to resolve its issues with France directly rather than involving Nigeria, emphasizing that Nigeria remains committed to regional unity and cooperation, free from external interference.

Tchiani further accused Nigeria of hosting French forces near Lake Chad and claimed Nigerian officials were training fighters in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states to undermine Niger’s stability.

Ribadu vehemently denied these allegations, urging independent verification by journalists and the public.

“Our shared enemy is terrorism, not each other. We must unite to secure our communities and resist external interference,” Ribadu stated.

Tensions between Nigeria and Niger have escalated since the military government in Niamey accused Nigeria of sheltering officials from the former Bazoum administration and collaborating with foreign powers.

Despite repeated denials, the strained relationship between the two nations persists.

By Uzair Adam 

A video depicting Nigerian and French troops unloading supplies in a coordinated manner has garnered significant attention on social media.

The Daily Reality reports that the footage has sparked controversies surrounding France’s alleged intentions in Nigeria.  

The controversy intensified after Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, dismissed claims that the country had ceded any part of its territory to France. 

Idris issued a statement on Thursday addressing allegations that Nigeria was conspiring with France to destabilize the Niger Republic through terrorism.  

Mahdi Shehu, a public affairs commentator, had previously alleged plans to establish a French military base in northeastern Nigeria. 

He claimed the plans gained traction after Femi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), reportedly hosted French soldiers.  

In a video accompanying Shehu’s since-deleted social media post, Nigerian troops were seen offloading supplies, including bags of rice, from trucks while French soldiers unloaded a cargo plane. 

The scene included vehicles, personnel in uniform, and a bus displaying a French flag. In the video, a Nigerian soldier stated that the troops had recently left a counterterrorism training centre.  

However, investigations by TheCable revealed that the video has been online since January 2013. 

According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), the footage shows ECOWAS troops, including 156 Nigerians, arriving at Senou International Airport in Bamako, Mali. 

The mission was part of a regional peacekeeping effort to stabilize Mali during a crisis.  

Reacting to Idris’ statement, Shehu urged the government to halt its denials. 

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s defence headquarters dismissed the allegations as “baseless.”  

The resurfaced video highlights the challenges of misinformation in public discourse, underscoring the need for careful verification before making conclusions or spreading claims.

By Ibraheem A. Waziri

Lately, I have been reflecting deeply on Islam and its legacies, particularly in light of the growing rhetoric against democracy by some Northern Nigerian Islamists. Among them are both young and experienced clerics, such as the recently banned Muhammad Muhammad of Niger State and Shaykh Dr Idris of Bauchi, who appeared to endorse the same ideals. 

My reflections have led me to conclude that there is little justification for condemning democracy and the freedoms it provides, nor for advocating or mobilising for physical jihad in today’s world.  

When we examine the origins of Islam, we find that during the early days of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) mission in Mecca, his primary focus was the establishment of a peaceful society where his message could be conveyed freely. Allah states in the Qur’an:  

“So remind, [O Muhammad]; you are only a reminder. You are not over them a controller.” (Qur’an 88:21-22).  

This underscores that Islam flourishes in environments of peace and freedom, where individuals can practice their faith openly without coercion. Such conditions allow Allah’s promise to manifest naturally:

“Indeed, Allah will fulfil His purpose. Allah has set a measure for all things.” (Qur’an 65:3).  

The first instances of physical jihad in Islamic history were acts of self-defence prompted by aggression against the early Muslim community. Even the campaigns against the Persian and Roman Empires were primarily preemptive, aimed at securing the survival of the nascent Muslim polity against formidable adversaries.  

Closer to home, the renowned 19th-century jihad of Shaykh Uthman Bin Fodio in Hausaland was not launched until his students faced severe threats and persecution from the rulers, who sought to prevent them from freely practising their religion. This historical context highlights that jihad has historically been reactive, not offensive, and born out of necessity rather than choice.  

Similarly, the historical example of the Mongol Empire, which conquered large parts of the Muslim world, demonstrates Islam’s transformative power. Despite the initial devastation, peace was eventually restored. As the Mongols settled and engaged with Islamic teachings, they embraced Islam. This illustrates the enduring strength of Islam’s principles when conveyed in a peaceful and conducive environment.  

In contemporary times, a comparable trend is evident. While the colonial era brought conquest and turbulence, democracy and freedom of choice have facilitated a relatively peaceful global environment. This peace has enabled a surge in the appreciation of Islam’s teachings, as seen in the increasing number of reverts worldwide. Allah reminds us:

“When the victory of Allah has come, and the conquest and you see the people entering into the religion of Allah in multitudes, then exalt [Him] with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance.” (Qur’an 110:1-3).  

Today, Islam is the fastest-growing religion worldwide, a testament to its universal appeal and the truth of Allah’s promise. In light of these realities, is there any justification for militant jihadist movements in the modern era? Especially now, with social media and other platforms offering unparalleled opportunities to spread knowledge, values, and Islamic teachings globally?  

I firmly believe that the focus of our time should be on intellectual and spiritual jihad — investing in research, education, and content creation that addresses the challenges and opportunities of our era. Allah emphasises the power of wisdom and thoughtful persuasion in spreading His message:  

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.” (Qur’an 16:125).  

This is the jihad of our age: to understand and teach Islam in ways that resonate with the modern world, using peaceful means to inspire hearts and minds toward the truth. 

May Allah guide us on the best paths and strengthen our resolve in this noble endeavour, amin.

By Uzair Adam

An early morning airstrike on Wednesday in Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa communities of Sokoto State has left 10 civilians dead, with conflicting narratives emerging from local authorities and the military.

The incident, which occurred around 6 a.m., involved military jets targeting bandits in the Silame Local Government Area.

However, the bombs reportedly hit civilian areas, killing livestock and injuring residents.

Hon. Abubakar Gitta Rana, chairman of the local council, described the strike as a tragic mistake, accusing the military of attacking innocent villagers.

“This was an erroneous assault on our people, and it has brought immense grief to the affected families,” he said.

In a sharp contrast, the Joint Task Force (JTF) North West, under Operation Fasan Yamma, maintained that the operation specifically targeted Lakurawa terrorists and did not harm civilians.

A statement by Lt. Col. Abdullahi Abubakar defended the airstrike, warning against misinformation propagated by terrorist collaborators.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu, alongside prominent figures including Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Labour Minister Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, visited the affected areas to console the bereaved families.

He also participated in the funeral prayers of the deceased, labeling the incident a regrettable error.

“The jets were on a mission to eliminate criminal groups but mistakenly bombed innocent civilians. This is deeply unfortunate, and a thorough investigation will ensure such errors do not occur again,” Governor Aliyu assured.

The Sokoto State Government announced a N20 million relief package and 100 bags of foodstuffs for the affected families.

Additionally, medical expenses for the injured will be covered.

The incident has reignited debates over the precision of military operations in counterterrorism and the need for greater accountability.

By Hussein Adoto 

After the palliative distribution tragedy in Nasarawa, I published an article in a national newspaper where I noted that “distribution events, especially those intended to provide aid or relief, tend to draw large crowds, making effective crowd control essential.” 

However, the Nasarawa tragedy wasn’t the first. I wrote: “In February, the Nigerian Customs Service had to suspend its sale of seized bags of rice after seven people died at one of its centres in Yaba, Lagos. Some two years ago, 31 people died at a stampede at the King’s Assembly in Rivers State during the distribution of palliatives to church members; seven more were injured.” I wrote that in March this year.

We are now in December and have recorded at least three stampedes in one week. First is the one that consumed 35 kids in Ibadan. On Saturday, another stampede was recorded in Maitama, Abuja, where at least 10 people died trying to get food. In Okija, Anambra state, three people died due to another stampede. They all went for bags of food and returned home in body bags. Sad.

Sadly, worsening poverty has pushed people into desperately hustling for freebies, to the point of getting stampeded. One would expect that in a war zone like Gaza, where more than 100 people were killed and 700 more injured in a stampede in March this year. Yet here in Nigeria, a country not under siege, our outcomes mirror those of a war zone.

How did we get here? This is one of the most trying periods for Nigerians, and I say this as someone who witnessed the pangs of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recession before it. Although we are told this trying time is a phase that will soon pass, it is dragging on for too long, leaving a litany of crushed souls in its wake. The palliative measures, however meagre, are welcome and necessary to ease our sore bowels. 

Still, the repeated tragedies that trail these events highlight a deeper negligence that we have normalised. Crowd control has always been our problem in Nigeria, and it doesn’t matter whether the event is a palliative distribution, a political rally, or a concert. We tend to be unruly. 

Security officials sometimes shove and cane crowds at political gatherings to make way for VIPs. I saw a video a while ago where a former governor was shoved to make way for the new one. On campuses and in open-air university programmes, the situation is similar. Students shove, push, and tug to no end. It is worse on the days of GNS exams.

Is it not this week that a video of Nigerians crowding aircraft boarding stairs emerged? Even a conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in 2022 ended in chaos as “learned” lawyers scrambled for souvenirs. Now, if we are like that on an average day, how worse can we be when we are poor, hungry, and desperate?

I’m glad the Nigeria Police Force has warned against the unorganised distribution of palliatives. Hopefully, this will tame the gathering of rabid freebie seekers and distributors. It needs to. This cycle of desperation, chaos, and death must end. We can’t keep endangering people in the name of helping them. 

Charity organisations should estimate the number of people they can serve and focus only on those people. Budgeting for 500 people while targeting thousands with publicity campaigns is risky, if not criminally negligent. By focusing on a manageable number of beneficiaries, these organisations can distribute their palliatives without dealing with an overwhelming crowd.

Secondly, they should divide the distribution into chunks. They can do this by age, gender, or community. Instead of gathering everyone, young and old, male and female, into one combustible whole, they can divide them into crowds of tens and fifty instead of hundreds and thousands. That way, even if the crowd gets unruly, the outcome won’t be as tragic as it is. 

The venue itself must also reflect proper organisation. Hosting hundreds of desperate people in a small, gated space with one or two entry and exit points is a recipe for trouble. Crowds kept in areas without shade, water, and seating will likely devolve into chaos. Therefore, managing these factors will prevent an avoidable tragedy. 

Meanwhile, we can’t rely on quick, short-lived palliatives to quench the country’s raging thirst for sustenance. To give Nigerians a modicum of respite, the underlying factors of inflation and underemployment must be addressed immediately.

As desperate times in the country make Nigerians desperate for freebies, we must not allow them to become victims of their desperation. If they don’t see the danger of being unruly, palliative distributors should anticipate and prevent that danger. This starts with treating Nigerians with dignity instead of seeing them merely as a queue to be managed.

Hussein Adoto writes from Ilorin via bellohussein210@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

A fighter jet targeting terrorists in Lakurawa on Wednesday morning mistakenly bombed two peaceful communities in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which left many feared dead and several others injured.

The affected villages, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, were hit around 7 am, according to local accounts.

The chairman of Silame LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, described the incident as devastating, and stated that the victims were innocent residents.

“The villagers were sitting peacefully when the bombs started dropping on the communities. They were innocent and peace-loving people who had no criminal record.

“It is early for me to confirm the number of people either killed or injured because we are still assessing the development,” Daftarana said.

More updates to follow.

By Uzair Adam

The Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Saleh Usman, has announced the appointment of Alhaji Alidu Shutti as the acting Secretary of the commission, effective immediately.

This follows the voluntary retirement of the former Secretary, Dr. Abdullahi Kontagora, on December 6.

In a statement released on Wednesday by Mrs. Fatima Sanda-Usara, Assistant Director of the Information and Publications Division, it was revealed that Shutti, who had served as the Director of Inspectorate and Compliance at NAHCON since 2023, would hold the acting position until a substantive secretary is appointed.

Shutti’s career with NAHCON spans from 2007 to the present, during which he has held several key positions, including Head of the Tour Operators Division, Assistant Director of the Licensing Division, and Deputy Coordinator of the Makkah Office in 2022 and 2023.

With a Masters in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies, and a Diploma in Journalism, Shutti has also enhanced his expertise in Hajj operations by attending numerous seminars in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

Known for his in-depth understanding of Hajj and Umrah operations, Shutti’s experience is expected to facilitate a smooth and successful 2025 Hajj operation.