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Showing posts with label Opinion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Opinion. Show all posts

Trump Slams Nigeria with 14% Tariffs Over Ban on American Goods

Trump Slams Nigeria with 14% Tariffs Over Ban on American Goods

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By: Manoah kikekon 


U.S President Donald Trump [Photo credit: Britannica]


U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 14% tariff on Nigerian exports, retaliating against the country’s restrictions on 25 categories of American products, including food and pharmaceuticals.


In a move that has intensified global trade tensions, President Trump announced new tariffs targeting Nigeria, citing "unfair" trade barriers imposed by the African nation. The decision follows Nigeria’s import ban on key U.S. goods, which the Trump administration claims harms American businesses.  


The United States Trade Representative (USTR) outlined Nigeria’s import restrictions as the primary reason for the new tariffs. Nigeria’s ban affects 25 product categories, including beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and spirits—limiting opportunities for U.S. exporters.  


“Nigeria’s policies create significant trade barriers, costing American businesses revenue and market access,” the USTR stated. The administration argues that Nigeria maintains an average 27% tariff on U.S. goods, justifying Trump’s retaliatory measures.  


Trump’s sweeping tariffs have sent shockwaves through the global economy, triggering sharp declines in stock markets worldwide. Within 24 hours of the announcement, the world’s top 500 billionaires lost a combined $208 billion—the fourth-largest single-day drop in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index history.  


Countries like China and Canada have already retaliated, with Beijing imposing a 34% tariff on U.S. goods and restricting exports of rare earth minerals, pharmaceuticals, and food products. Analysts warn that the escalating trade war could further destabilize the global economy.  


With Nigeria now facing higher U.S. tariffs, experts speculate whether the West African nation will reconsider its import bans or seek alternative trade partnerships. As tensions rise, businesses on both sides brace for the financial fallout.  


Will Nigeria back down, or will this trade standoff deepen? The world watches as Trump’s aggressive trade policies continue reshaping global commerce.  


By: Manoah kikekon 


U.S President Donald Trump [Photo credit: Britannica]


U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 14% tariff on Nigerian exports, retaliating against the country’s restrictions on 25 categories of American products, including food and pharmaceuticals.


In a move that has intensified global trade tensions, President Trump announced new tariffs targeting Nigeria, citing "unfair" trade barriers imposed by the African nation. The decision follows Nigeria’s import ban on key U.S. goods, which the Trump administration claims harms American businesses.  


The United States Trade Representative (USTR) outlined Nigeria’s import restrictions as the primary reason for the new tariffs. Nigeria’s ban affects 25 product categories, including beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and spirits—limiting opportunities for U.S. exporters.  


“Nigeria’s policies create significant trade barriers, costing American businesses revenue and market access,” the USTR stated. The administration argues that Nigeria maintains an average 27% tariff on U.S. goods, justifying Trump’s retaliatory measures.  


Trump’s sweeping tariffs have sent shockwaves through the global economy, triggering sharp declines in stock markets worldwide. Within 24 hours of the announcement, the world’s top 500 billionaires lost a combined $208 billion—the fourth-largest single-day drop in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index history.  


Countries like China and Canada have already retaliated, with Beijing imposing a 34% tariff on U.S. goods and restricting exports of rare earth minerals, pharmaceuticals, and food products. Analysts warn that the escalating trade war could further destabilize the global economy.  


With Nigeria now facing higher U.S. tariffs, experts speculate whether the West African nation will reconsider its import bans or seek alternative trade partnerships. As tensions rise, businesses on both sides brace for the financial fallout.  


Will Nigeria back down, or will this trade standoff deepen? The world watches as Trump’s aggressive trade policies continue reshaping global commerce.  


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Tinubu’s Swift Action Saved Rivers State from Chaos Amid Fubara-Wike Feud: Presidency

Tinubu’s Swift Action Saved Rivers State from Chaos Amid Fubara-Wike Feud: Presidency

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By: News Peddlers 


Bola Tinubu, Nyesom Wike and Sim Fubara 


Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, has credited the president’s decisive declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State with preventing the region from descending into chaos and destruction. 


The move came amid a fierce power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and loyalists of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, whose supporters were described as “combatants refusing to allow reason to prevail.”  


In an op-ed shared on his social media page, Onanuga detailed how the political crisis between Governor Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, aligned with Wike, had already sparked violence. He warned that the situation could have escalated further, endangering lives and crippling Nigeria’s economy.  


“Imagine a Rivers State where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hesitated to declare a state of emergency. The political standoff between the State Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara could have continued and degenerated into violence,” Onanuga stated.  


He painted a grim picture of what might have unfolded: impeachment threats leading to attacks on lawmakers by the governor’s supporters, militants targeting critical oil infrastructure, and sensational media coverage inflaming tensions. The result, he argued, would have been paralyzed governance, shuttered schools and hospitals, and fleeing investors, with devastating human and economic consequences.  


Onanuga praised President Tinubu for acting swiftly to declare a state of emergency, which included suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers for six months. He emphasized that the decision was made in the best interest of Rivers State residents, who had become collateral damage in the political feud.  


“Rivers was in a grave situation, as the combatants refused to allow reason to prevail. The President took action in the best interest of the people of the state, who had become victims of the warring politicians—the people they elected to serve them. President Tinubu needed to act. He chose prevention over cure,” Onanuga explained.  


He highlighted the positive outcomes of Tinubu’s intervention, noting that political tensions have eased, sensational headlines have subsided, and stakeholders are now working toward lasting peace under the guidance of a newly appointed administrator.  


Onanuga addressed critics who questioned the necessity of the state of emergency, arguing that waiting for a full breakdown of law and order would have been disastrous.  


“Critics who argue the crisis ‘did not yet warrant’ emergency rule ignore a stark truth: waiting for the breakdown of law and order to escalate into anarchy before acting is like withholding firefighters until a house burns to ashes,” he said.  


Last Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all elected officials. This move has sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians questioning the legality of suspending elected state officials.  


Despite the controversy, the National Assembly ratified the state of emergency through a voice vote. However, this method has drawn criticism, with many arguing that such a significant decision required a more transparent and rigorous process, such as a recorded two-thirds majority vote. 

By: News Peddlers 


Bola Tinubu, Nyesom Wike and Sim Fubara 


Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, has credited the president’s decisive declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State with preventing the region from descending into chaos and destruction. 


The move came amid a fierce power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and loyalists of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, whose supporters were described as “combatants refusing to allow reason to prevail.”  


In an op-ed shared on his social media page, Onanuga detailed how the political crisis between Governor Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, aligned with Wike, had already sparked violence. He warned that the situation could have escalated further, endangering lives and crippling Nigeria’s economy.  


“Imagine a Rivers State where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hesitated to declare a state of emergency. The political standoff between the State Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara could have continued and degenerated into violence,” Onanuga stated.  


He painted a grim picture of what might have unfolded: impeachment threats leading to attacks on lawmakers by the governor’s supporters, militants targeting critical oil infrastructure, and sensational media coverage inflaming tensions. The result, he argued, would have been paralyzed governance, shuttered schools and hospitals, and fleeing investors, with devastating human and economic consequences.  


Onanuga praised President Tinubu for acting swiftly to declare a state of emergency, which included suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers for six months. He emphasized that the decision was made in the best interest of Rivers State residents, who had become collateral damage in the political feud.  


“Rivers was in a grave situation, as the combatants refused to allow reason to prevail. The President took action in the best interest of the people of the state, who had become victims of the warring politicians—the people they elected to serve them. President Tinubu needed to act. He chose prevention over cure,” Onanuga explained.  


He highlighted the positive outcomes of Tinubu’s intervention, noting that political tensions have eased, sensational headlines have subsided, and stakeholders are now working toward lasting peace under the guidance of a newly appointed administrator.  


Onanuga addressed critics who questioned the necessity of the state of emergency, arguing that waiting for a full breakdown of law and order would have been disastrous.  


“Critics who argue the crisis ‘did not yet warrant’ emergency rule ignore a stark truth: waiting for the breakdown of law and order to escalate into anarchy before acting is like withholding firefighters until a house burns to ashes,” he said.  


Last Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all elected officials. This move has sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians questioning the legality of suspending elected state officials.  


Despite the controversy, the National Assembly ratified the state of emergency through a voice vote. However, this method has drawn criticism, with many arguing that such a significant decision required a more transparent and rigorous process, such as a recorded two-thirds majority vote. 

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LASU Professor criticises IBB's book, call it self-appraisal, that will re-opene old wounds

LASU Professor criticises IBB's book, call it self-appraisal, that will re-opene old wounds

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By: Manoah kikekon 

Prof. Adewunmi Falode 

Professor Adewunmi Falode, Professor of History and International Studies and Director Centre for Peace and Security Studies at Lagos State University, has criticised the recent book “A Journey in Service”, authored by former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, stating that the book is only a self-appraisal that seeks to distance the former military head of state from his foibles when he was in power.


Professor Falode told Vanguard that in the book, IBB portrayed himself as a helpless individual who was caught in the web of a tempest, but he only succeeded in re-opening old wounds, especially as the former head of state knew the major actors are no longer around to dispute his narratives.


His words; “I find it interesting that the man enjoys buck-passing. He blamed everyone except himself. He portrayed himself as a helpless individual caught in a tempest. It was as if there were principalities above him, and there was nothing he could do. Of course, we know that to be a fallacy. A president has enormous powers.


“I am not talking about just any president, but a military president, a dictator! For him to now say it was Sani Abacha or one judge who was responsible for the annulment of the June 12 election, is to shift the blame. “Moshood Kashimawo Abiola is long gone. Most of the major actors in this event are no longer alive. All the living people, who played different roles at the time were at his book launch, smiling with him; he’s blaming people, who are no longer here. 70% of Nigeria’s population wasn’t even around when these events took place. It’s for us, the older generation, to ask the right questions, ‘Why is this man not telling the truth?’


“Because we were living witnesses to these events. We knew the part this man played in the annulment of the June 12 election. He took no responsibility for what happened and now he’s blaming the dead people, who can’t counter whatever he’s saying.


“The dead can’t refute anything he says about them. Sani Abacha isn’t here to tell us what he’s saying isn’t true. Most of the major actors aren’t alive either, so there’s no accountability. How can he call Abiola his dear friend, his best friend, and yet not allow him to become president? He pushed everything onto Abacha.


“And of course, he justified the killing of Mamman Vatsa, who was his best friend. Vatsa was the best man at his wedding if I remember correctly. He even said they wore the same shirt. He tried to justify the killing by saying that in the military, death is the consequence of coups, so that’s why he had to kill Vatsa. That’s the man. He justified everything. He justified everything that happened. It’s like he’s trying to tell everyone that his hands are clean and that he didn’t do anything wrong.”


On the 30-year delay before the writing of the book, Professor Falode said, “It is not important. We need more of this in Nigeria. You see when we do research or write dissertations, we talk about primary and secondary sources. You use one to fact-check the other. I mean, it’s an autobiography. You don’t expect him to call himself a sinner or tell you that he’s going to hell. He has the right to write whatever he wants in that book. It’s his own God-given right. It’s his book. We historians have the right to fact-check him. Despite the fact that he’s trying to lionize his administration during that period, there are some nuggets, some bits of historical facts that we can still distil from the autobiography. That’s why this work is welcome.


“In fact, we would be happy if every former Nigerian president could account for their stewardship, even if belatedly. We could use that to build a comprehensive history of events in Nigeria. That’s the job of a historian, not a storyteller. Once we analyse and synthesise all this, we’ll be able to get to the truth. So, if former President Muhammadu Buhari writes his own book, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is a prolific writer, writes his, and former President Goodluck Jonathan writes him, we can start from there.


“Then, from these books, historians can sit down and do their job. We can reconstruct or construct the events that happened in Nigeria in that era. It’s an autobiography, so you expect some level of bias, which isn’t a big deal for historians.” On whether the book will end the long-standing controversies around the former military president’s legacy, he noted, “Even 90% of Nigerians are already lambasting the man, calling him a liar, using his favourite nickname, ‘Maradona’ or ‘Dribbler.’ The man is never straightforward. There is no closure.


“In fact, he opened more cans of worms. The interesting thing is that he mentioned other important actors in Nigeria’s political drama, and we can use their accounts to corroborate or refute some of the assumptions. “I think the man is opening more wounds than trying to heal them. Again, as historians, we’re not interested in what’s right or wrong. We’re not being judgmental. That’s his version of events. Our job is to reconstruct or extract the truth from multiple sources, including those that are still alive. The problem with Nigerian history, as I always say, is that you never get the full truth until the principal actors are dead. It’s only when people like Obasanjo, Danjuma, and others die—maybe even after Buhari’s death—that those who are afraid to speak will finally tell the truth.


“The book is all about the blame game. He blames everybody but exonerates himself. He tries to claim that he’s a child of circumstance. How can a soldier, someone who kills people—not just in general—be faint-hearted? Your job is to have a heart of steel. It wasn’t his fault. There was nothing he could do. In fact, he even tried to intercede on behalf of Abiola. It was Abacha who stabbed Abiola in the back. This man simply crafted a fantastic story."


By: Manoah kikekon 

Prof. Adewunmi Falode 

Professor Adewunmi Falode, Professor of History and International Studies and Director Centre for Peace and Security Studies at Lagos State University, has criticised the recent book “A Journey in Service”, authored by former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, stating that the book is only a self-appraisal that seeks to distance the former military head of state from his foibles when he was in power.


Professor Falode told Vanguard that in the book, IBB portrayed himself as a helpless individual who was caught in the web of a tempest, but he only succeeded in re-opening old wounds, especially as the former head of state knew the major actors are no longer around to dispute his narratives.


His words; “I find it interesting that the man enjoys buck-passing. He blamed everyone except himself. He portrayed himself as a helpless individual caught in a tempest. It was as if there were principalities above him, and there was nothing he could do. Of course, we know that to be a fallacy. A president has enormous powers.


“I am not talking about just any president, but a military president, a dictator! For him to now say it was Sani Abacha or one judge who was responsible for the annulment of the June 12 election, is to shift the blame. “Moshood Kashimawo Abiola is long gone. Most of the major actors in this event are no longer alive. All the living people, who played different roles at the time were at his book launch, smiling with him; he’s blaming people, who are no longer here. 70% of Nigeria’s population wasn’t even around when these events took place. It’s for us, the older generation, to ask the right questions, ‘Why is this man not telling the truth?’


“Because we were living witnesses to these events. We knew the part this man played in the annulment of the June 12 election. He took no responsibility for what happened and now he’s blaming the dead people, who can’t counter whatever he’s saying.


“The dead can’t refute anything he says about them. Sani Abacha isn’t here to tell us what he’s saying isn’t true. Most of the major actors aren’t alive either, so there’s no accountability. How can he call Abiola his dear friend, his best friend, and yet not allow him to become president? He pushed everything onto Abacha.


“And of course, he justified the killing of Mamman Vatsa, who was his best friend. Vatsa was the best man at his wedding if I remember correctly. He even said they wore the same shirt. He tried to justify the killing by saying that in the military, death is the consequence of coups, so that’s why he had to kill Vatsa. That’s the man. He justified everything. He justified everything that happened. It’s like he’s trying to tell everyone that his hands are clean and that he didn’t do anything wrong.”


On the 30-year delay before the writing of the book, Professor Falode said, “It is not important. We need more of this in Nigeria. You see when we do research or write dissertations, we talk about primary and secondary sources. You use one to fact-check the other. I mean, it’s an autobiography. You don’t expect him to call himself a sinner or tell you that he’s going to hell. He has the right to write whatever he wants in that book. It’s his own God-given right. It’s his book. We historians have the right to fact-check him. Despite the fact that he’s trying to lionize his administration during that period, there are some nuggets, some bits of historical facts that we can still distil from the autobiography. That’s why this work is welcome.


“In fact, we would be happy if every former Nigerian president could account for their stewardship, even if belatedly. We could use that to build a comprehensive history of events in Nigeria. That’s the job of a historian, not a storyteller. Once we analyse and synthesise all this, we’ll be able to get to the truth. So, if former President Muhammadu Buhari writes his own book, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is a prolific writer, writes his, and former President Goodluck Jonathan writes him, we can start from there.


“Then, from these books, historians can sit down and do their job. We can reconstruct or construct the events that happened in Nigeria in that era. It’s an autobiography, so you expect some level of bias, which isn’t a big deal for historians.” On whether the book will end the long-standing controversies around the former military president’s legacy, he noted, “Even 90% of Nigerians are already lambasting the man, calling him a liar, using his favourite nickname, ‘Maradona’ or ‘Dribbler.’ The man is never straightforward. There is no closure.


“In fact, he opened more cans of worms. The interesting thing is that he mentioned other important actors in Nigeria’s political drama, and we can use their accounts to corroborate or refute some of the assumptions. “I think the man is opening more wounds than trying to heal them. Again, as historians, we’re not interested in what’s right or wrong. We’re not being judgmental. That’s his version of events. Our job is to reconstruct or extract the truth from multiple sources, including those that are still alive. The problem with Nigerian history, as I always say, is that you never get the full truth until the principal actors are dead. It’s only when people like Obasanjo, Danjuma, and others die—maybe even after Buhari’s death—that those who are afraid to speak will finally tell the truth.


“The book is all about the blame game. He blames everybody but exonerates himself. He tries to claim that he’s a child of circumstance. How can a soldier, someone who kills people—not just in general—be faint-hearted? Your job is to have a heart of steel. It wasn’t his fault. There was nothing he could do. In fact, he even tried to intercede on behalf of Abiola. It was Abacha who stabbed Abiola in the back. This man simply crafted a fantastic story."


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National Greed: The invisible hand that chokes progress

National Greed: The invisible hand that chokes progress

No comments

By: Grace Ezekiel


Nigeria map and Electricity poles 



Nigeria, often celebrated as "The Giant of Africa," boasts rich natural resources, a dynamic population, and a strategically favorable geographical position. 


While the country possesses immense potential, it also faces several challenges, including underdevelopment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and unemployment. 


Among these issues, one significant factor is "National Greed," which has affected various aspects of the nation's political, social, economic, and electoral frameworks.


In light of these challenges, the importance of electricity becomes increasingly evident. The national grid is intended to be the backbone of Nigeria’s power sector, playing a vital role in linking energy produced in power plants to households, businesses, and industries.


However, the current state of the Nigerian national grid reveals opportunities for improvement.


It is crucial to address inefficiencies and frequent outages to better meet the energy demands of the nation and unlock its full potential for growth and development.


 By investing in and modernizing this essential infrastructure, Nigeria can pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.


"National Greed refers to the prioritization of national interests over the well-being of the populace, often driven by a desire for economic dominance, resource exploitation, and political power." 


As Dr. Joseph Stiglitz, an economist and Nobel Laureate, states, "National Greed is a phenomenon where a nation’s pursuit of self-interest and wealth maximization leads to the exploitation and harm of its own citizens, other nations, and the environment" (Oxford Encyclopedia of International Relations).


The history of national greed in Nigeria is complex, rooted in the country’s colonial past, governance issues, and economic structures.


This greed manifests as systemic corruption, resource exploitation, and governance practices that prioritize personal gain over public welfare. 


Since the discovery of oil in the 1950s, Nigeria's economy has heavily relied on crude oil exports, which account for over 90% of foreign exchange earnings. 


Instead of using this wealth to diversify the economy or invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, successive governments and elites have diverted substantial portions of oil revenues for personal enrichment.


National greed has influenced policy decisions, such as prioritizing oil extraction over agricultural development, which was once Nigeria's economic backbone. 


It has fostered a rent-seeking culture, where political and economic elites focus on controlling resource flows rather than creating value or improving governance.


On a societal level, this mismanagement has normalized corruption and eroded public trust in institutions. 


Citizens often view politics as a means of personal wealth rather than public service, perpetuating cycles of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment.


The consequences of national greed in Nigeria are severe and affecting the country's economy, governance, social cohesion, and development: Economic Stagnation and Underdevelopment. 


It has led to the misallocation of revenues, particularly from oil, leaving critical sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, education, and healthcare underfunded. 


Wealth is concentrated among elites, while the majority of Nigerians live in poverty, with limited access to essential services. 


The failure to diversify the economy has made Nigeria vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices, leading to economic instability.


Morealso, Inequality; Nigeria is one of the most unequal countries in the world. 


The combined wealth of the five richest Nigerians ($29.9 billion) could eliminate extreme poverty nationally, yet over 112 million Nigerians live in poverty. 


Between 1960 and 2005, approximately $20 trillion was embezzled from public funds—an amount surpassing the GDP of the United States in 2012.


According to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian Finance Minister and development economist, “Corruption is something that eats at the fabric of the economy and the society. 


It diverts resources that should be used for schools, hospitals, roads, and other public services.” This highlights how corruption driven by greed prevents equitable development in Nigeria.


Richard Joseph, a political sociologist, states, "Prebendal politics in Nigeria fosters corruption as officials use state resources to satisfy their personal networks of supporters, perpetuating inequality and weakening the state."


 His concept of prebendalism underscores how greed is institutionalized in Nigeria’s governance structure.


The Niger Delta serves as a glaring example of how greed drives environmental destruction. Nnimmo Bassey, a Nigerian environmentalist, criticizes the exploitation of natural resources without accountability to the environment or local populations, stating, 


"The government and oil companies prioritize profit over people, leaving communities with polluted lands and waters.


"As one of the largest oil exporters globally, Nigeria plays a critical role in the energy market. 


Corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector lead to production inefficiencies and supply disruptions, affecting global oil prices. 


Frequent pipeline vandalism and oil theft reduce Nigeria’s output, creating market volatility. 


If Nigeria fails to address corruption and inefficiency, it risks losing its position as a regional leader in Africa, potentially leading other nations to favor more stable and transparent partners, thereby reshaping geopolitical alliances.


Addressing national greed requires systemic and cultural changes that promote transparency, accountability, and equity.


Combating national greed is a multi-faceted challenge that needs comprehensive efforts from all sectors of society.

By: Grace Ezekiel


Nigeria map and Electricity poles 



Nigeria, often celebrated as "The Giant of Africa," boasts rich natural resources, a dynamic population, and a strategically favorable geographical position. 


While the country possesses immense potential, it also faces several challenges, including underdevelopment, insecurity, poverty, corruption, and unemployment. 


Among these issues, one significant factor is "National Greed," which has affected various aspects of the nation's political, social, economic, and electoral frameworks.


In light of these challenges, the importance of electricity becomes increasingly evident. The national grid is intended to be the backbone of Nigeria’s power sector, playing a vital role in linking energy produced in power plants to households, businesses, and industries.


However, the current state of the Nigerian national grid reveals opportunities for improvement.


It is crucial to address inefficiencies and frequent outages to better meet the energy demands of the nation and unlock its full potential for growth and development.


 By investing in and modernizing this essential infrastructure, Nigeria can pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.


"National Greed refers to the prioritization of national interests over the well-being of the populace, often driven by a desire for economic dominance, resource exploitation, and political power." 


As Dr. Joseph Stiglitz, an economist and Nobel Laureate, states, "National Greed is a phenomenon where a nation’s pursuit of self-interest and wealth maximization leads to the exploitation and harm of its own citizens, other nations, and the environment" (Oxford Encyclopedia of International Relations).


The history of national greed in Nigeria is complex, rooted in the country’s colonial past, governance issues, and economic structures.


This greed manifests as systemic corruption, resource exploitation, and governance practices that prioritize personal gain over public welfare. 


Since the discovery of oil in the 1950s, Nigeria's economy has heavily relied on crude oil exports, which account for over 90% of foreign exchange earnings. 


Instead of using this wealth to diversify the economy or invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, successive governments and elites have diverted substantial portions of oil revenues for personal enrichment.


National greed has influenced policy decisions, such as prioritizing oil extraction over agricultural development, which was once Nigeria's economic backbone. 


It has fostered a rent-seeking culture, where political and economic elites focus on controlling resource flows rather than creating value or improving governance.


On a societal level, this mismanagement has normalized corruption and eroded public trust in institutions. 


Citizens often view politics as a means of personal wealth rather than public service, perpetuating cycles of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment.


The consequences of national greed in Nigeria are severe and affecting the country's economy, governance, social cohesion, and development: Economic Stagnation and Underdevelopment. 


It has led to the misallocation of revenues, particularly from oil, leaving critical sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, education, and healthcare underfunded. 


Wealth is concentrated among elites, while the majority of Nigerians live in poverty, with limited access to essential services. 


The failure to diversify the economy has made Nigeria vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices, leading to economic instability.


Morealso, Inequality; Nigeria is one of the most unequal countries in the world. 


The combined wealth of the five richest Nigerians ($29.9 billion) could eliminate extreme poverty nationally, yet over 112 million Nigerians live in poverty. 


Between 1960 and 2005, approximately $20 trillion was embezzled from public funds—an amount surpassing the GDP of the United States in 2012.


According to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian Finance Minister and development economist, “Corruption is something that eats at the fabric of the economy and the society. 


It diverts resources that should be used for schools, hospitals, roads, and other public services.” This highlights how corruption driven by greed prevents equitable development in Nigeria.


Richard Joseph, a political sociologist, states, "Prebendal politics in Nigeria fosters corruption as officials use state resources to satisfy their personal networks of supporters, perpetuating inequality and weakening the state."


 His concept of prebendalism underscores how greed is institutionalized in Nigeria’s governance structure.


The Niger Delta serves as a glaring example of how greed drives environmental destruction. Nnimmo Bassey, a Nigerian environmentalist, criticizes the exploitation of natural resources without accountability to the environment or local populations, stating, 


"The government and oil companies prioritize profit over people, leaving communities with polluted lands and waters.


"As one of the largest oil exporters globally, Nigeria plays a critical role in the energy market. 


Corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector lead to production inefficiencies and supply disruptions, affecting global oil prices. 


Frequent pipeline vandalism and oil theft reduce Nigeria’s output, creating market volatility. 


If Nigeria fails to address corruption and inefficiency, it risks losing its position as a regional leader in Africa, potentially leading other nations to favor more stable and transparent partners, thereby reshaping geopolitical alliances.


Addressing national greed requires systemic and cultural changes that promote transparency, accountability, and equity.


Combating national greed is a multi-faceted challenge that needs comprehensive efforts from all sectors of society.

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Most road accidents are caused by human factors: Minister

Most road accidents are caused by human factors: Minister

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By: News Peddlers 


Accident used to illustrate the story

Mr. Saidu Alkali, Minister of Transportation, says statistics have revealed that over 90 percent of road traffic crashes (RTCs) in Nigeria were caused by human factors.


Mr. Alkali made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during the Federal Road Safety Corps' (FRSC) 2024 annual safety manager retreat.


The minister mentioned human factors such as negligence, exhaustion, and failure to follow safety protocols.


He urged FRSC personnel to work with police to ensure a unified approach to road safety.


The minister stated, "Together, we can foster a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future for fleet management in Nigeria."


Mr Alkali said it was important to remind stakeholders that safety was a shared responsibility, and that it required all hands on deck.


"We must understand that we are here to save lives, reduce risks, and create a future in which technology and human ingenuity work in tandem.


"The road ahead may be difficult, but it is also filled with numerous opportunities.


"By embracing innovation and prioritising safety, we can make 2024 a watershed moment in driver management and fleet safety," he stated.


The FRSC corps marshal, Shehu Mohammed, emphasised in his remarks that safety managers were professionals who had a responsibility to their employers to ensure organisational advancement.


The FRSC head stated that the corps relied on them to maintain the highest level of professionalism.


"To achieve this, fleet operators must improve safety practices and ensure the comfort of their passengers and customers while adhering to traffic regulations.


"This also includes provisions from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).


He stated that passengers and customers have the right to report any kind of unsatisfactory service to the FCCPC for action.


The head of the FRSC emphasised the importance of adhering to other Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS) regulations regarding efficient vehicle maintenance and appropriate passenger manifest administration.


"On the other hand, articulated vehicle operators must ensure proper cargo latching, whereas twist locks should be used for container trucks in transit to prevent fall off.


"Wet cargo operators must ensure the use of safety valves. Safety managers are therefore urged to treat these issues as critical in ensuring fleet safety," he said.


The FRSC boss believed that with a concerted effort and careful implementation of the recommended practices, crashes on Nigerian roads could be eliminated someday.


(NAN)

By: News Peddlers 


Accident used to illustrate the story

Mr. Saidu Alkali, Minister of Transportation, says statistics have revealed that over 90 percent of road traffic crashes (RTCs) in Nigeria were caused by human factors.


Mr. Alkali made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during the Federal Road Safety Corps' (FRSC) 2024 annual safety manager retreat.


The minister mentioned human factors such as negligence, exhaustion, and failure to follow safety protocols.


He urged FRSC personnel to work with police to ensure a unified approach to road safety.


The minister stated, "Together, we can foster a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future for fleet management in Nigeria."


Mr Alkali said it was important to remind stakeholders that safety was a shared responsibility, and that it required all hands on deck.


"We must understand that we are here to save lives, reduce risks, and create a future in which technology and human ingenuity work in tandem.


"The road ahead may be difficult, but it is also filled with numerous opportunities.


"By embracing innovation and prioritising safety, we can make 2024 a watershed moment in driver management and fleet safety," he stated.


The FRSC corps marshal, Shehu Mohammed, emphasised in his remarks that safety managers were professionals who had a responsibility to their employers to ensure organisational advancement.


The FRSC head stated that the corps relied on them to maintain the highest level of professionalism.


"To achieve this, fleet operators must improve safety practices and ensure the comfort of their passengers and customers while adhering to traffic regulations.


"This also includes provisions from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).


He stated that passengers and customers have the right to report any kind of unsatisfactory service to the FCCPC for action.


The head of the FRSC emphasised the importance of adhering to other Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS) regulations regarding efficient vehicle maintenance and appropriate passenger manifest administration.


"On the other hand, articulated vehicle operators must ensure proper cargo latching, whereas twist locks should be used for container trucks in transit to prevent fall off.


"Wet cargo operators must ensure the use of safety valves. Safety managers are therefore urged to treat these issues as critical in ensuring fleet safety," he said.


The FRSC boss believed that with a concerted effort and careful implementation of the recommended practices, crashes on Nigerian roads could be eliminated someday.


(NAN)

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ActionAid proffers solutions to election challenges in Nigeria

ActionAid proffers solutions to election challenges in Nigeria

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 By: Manoah Kikekon



A civil society group, ActionAid Nigeria, has suggested various amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 and ways to make electioneering process better in Nigeria.


This was disclosed on Wednesday at a one-day meeting titled: Citizens' capacity building on the electoral act, judicial processes, and political processes, held at Ikeja, Lagos State.


At the meeting involving over 50 participants from various parts of the state, participants pointed out various shortcomings of the 2023 elections and the electoral act 2022 and suggested ways to make the subsequent election better.


The participants suggested that:


1. There should be clear provisions for People With Disabilities PWD in the electoral act.

2. The electoral act should accommodate poling units where violent occurred and state what should be done in such cases.

3. The seating government should not appoint judges, and the CJN

4. INEC should be more independent to enhance total transparency.

5. The government should intensify awareness as to why people should be part of the election process.

6. Nigerians should be able to vote anywhere, regardless of where their voter card is registered.

7. Security in the poling unit should be improved to build the confidence of the people.

8. The government should make sure those who violated electoral laws are brought to book.


Adesuwa Iluobe, a lawyer who anchored the meeting, said there is a need for Nigerians to know the laws guiding the electoral process and its aftermath, as this will help Nigerians better understand the outcome of election petitions.


Adding that "the citizens have a role to play in the election petition process, and this will be possible when they know the laws guiding the process, as judges will not judge based on social media evidence or comments,"


"The amendment process of the electoral act should start now to avoid various lacunae or omissions that were discovered in the 2022 electoral act," she added.


ActionAid in 2023 Election


ActionAid deployed 510 observers across the country during the February 25, 2023, general election, and reports were compiled indicating various shortcomings of the INEC and security officers.


Part of the observations included cases of late arrival of INEC staff and election materials, arrival of INEC staff at polling units without security personnel, and reported cases of disruption and violence in some polling units in Kogi, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, and Enugu states, as well as the FCT.


The report read in part, “Our field observation reveals the following: Evidence of late arrival of INEC staff and election materials in many polling units, with some polling stations opening as late as 11.30am, such as in Rivers State, Ward 17 under Obio/Akpor LGA, and Okumagba II in Warri South, Olodi Primary School, Delta State, at 2.30pm.


“Reported cases of disruptions and violence in Dekina LGA, Kogi State, and in Ikpanya Ward in Ibio Ibom LGA of Akwa Ibom where thugs disrupt and destroy electoral materials. Ballot boxes in two polling units in Mafoluku by Ijaiye area, Lagos, were reportedly burnt, and some INEC’s ad hoc staff were assaulted for reportedly being involved in some electoral offences, leading to disruptions in some polling units in places like Abakpa, Enugu State, and Lugbe in FCT.


“Regrettably, the voter turnout for the election was low; it is obvious that voter apathy has set in given what happened during the last election."


2023 Presidential Election Petition


After the 2023 general election, former Lagos governor Bola Tinubu won 37 percent of the vote, beating Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party to secure the presidency of Africa’s most populous nation. This was disputed, and petitions were filed in court.


Nigeria’s presidential election tribunal ruled on Wednesday that Nigeria’s main opposition parties failed to prove claims of electoral malpractice against the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in February’s disputed elections.


“This petition is hereby declared unmeritorious,” one of the judges said, as the tribunal rejected the opposition challenge to Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s win in the presidential election.

 By: Manoah Kikekon



A civil society group, ActionAid Nigeria, has suggested various amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 and ways to make electioneering process better in Nigeria.


This was disclosed on Wednesday at a one-day meeting titled: Citizens' capacity building on the electoral act, judicial processes, and political processes, held at Ikeja, Lagos State.


At the meeting involving over 50 participants from various parts of the state, participants pointed out various shortcomings of the 2023 elections and the electoral act 2022 and suggested ways to make the subsequent election better.


The participants suggested that:


1. There should be clear provisions for People With Disabilities PWD in the electoral act.

2. The electoral act should accommodate poling units where violent occurred and state what should be done in such cases.

3. The seating government should not appoint judges, and the CJN

4. INEC should be more independent to enhance total transparency.

5. The government should intensify awareness as to why people should be part of the election process.

6. Nigerians should be able to vote anywhere, regardless of where their voter card is registered.

7. Security in the poling unit should be improved to build the confidence of the people.

8. The government should make sure those who violated electoral laws are brought to book.


Adesuwa Iluobe, a lawyer who anchored the meeting, said there is a need for Nigerians to know the laws guiding the electoral process and its aftermath, as this will help Nigerians better understand the outcome of election petitions.


Adding that "the citizens have a role to play in the election petition process, and this will be possible when they know the laws guiding the process, as judges will not judge based on social media evidence or comments,"


"The amendment process of the electoral act should start now to avoid various lacunae or omissions that were discovered in the 2022 electoral act," she added.


ActionAid in 2023 Election


ActionAid deployed 510 observers across the country during the February 25, 2023, general election, and reports were compiled indicating various shortcomings of the INEC and security officers.


Part of the observations included cases of late arrival of INEC staff and election materials, arrival of INEC staff at polling units without security personnel, and reported cases of disruption and violence in some polling units in Kogi, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, and Enugu states, as well as the FCT.


The report read in part, “Our field observation reveals the following: Evidence of late arrival of INEC staff and election materials in many polling units, with some polling stations opening as late as 11.30am, such as in Rivers State, Ward 17 under Obio/Akpor LGA, and Okumagba II in Warri South, Olodi Primary School, Delta State, at 2.30pm.


“Reported cases of disruptions and violence in Dekina LGA, Kogi State, and in Ikpanya Ward in Ibio Ibom LGA of Akwa Ibom where thugs disrupt and destroy electoral materials. Ballot boxes in two polling units in Mafoluku by Ijaiye area, Lagos, were reportedly burnt, and some INEC’s ad hoc staff were assaulted for reportedly being involved in some electoral offences, leading to disruptions in some polling units in places like Abakpa, Enugu State, and Lugbe in FCT.


“Regrettably, the voter turnout for the election was low; it is obvious that voter apathy has set in given what happened during the last election."


2023 Presidential Election Petition


After the 2023 general election, former Lagos governor Bola Tinubu won 37 percent of the vote, beating Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party to secure the presidency of Africa’s most populous nation. This was disputed, and petitions were filed in court.


Nigeria’s presidential election tribunal ruled on Wednesday that Nigeria’s main opposition parties failed to prove claims of electoral malpractice against the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in February’s disputed elections.


“This petition is hereby declared unmeritorious,” one of the judges said, as the tribunal rejected the opposition challenge to Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s win in the presidential election.

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United States sends a delegation to AFCON 2023

United States sends a delegation to AFCON 2023

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By: News Peddlers


AFCON


The United States has announced that it will send a delegation to attend the African Cup of Nations, which begins this weekend in Côte d'Ivoire.


The delegation of "Sports Envoys and U.S. Officials," as announced by the State Department on Thursday, will attend the continent's largest sporting event.


The envoy was organised by the President's Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States (PAC-ADE), in collaboration with the Global Engagement Centre (GEC) and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).


Two-time WNBA All-Star and ESPN host Chinenye Ogwumike, four-time Olympic gold medalist Lisa Leslie, U.S. Women's National Soccer Team star Crystal Dunn, GEC's Principal Deputy Coordinator Daniel Kimmage, and PAC-ADE Executive Director Deniece Laurent-Mantey are among the delegation members.


The team will use "the strength of the African diaspora" to "showcase U.S. investments in Côte d'Ivoire and strengthen cultural and economic ties between African communities, the global African diaspora, and the United States," according to the statement.


During their stay in Abidjan, the delegation intends to meet with government officials, international partners, civil society members, and Ivoirian youth. Using the unifying power of sports, the team hopes to strengthen ties between Americans and Africans, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.


As the 24 teams compete for the trophy, the United States expressed its best wishes, recognising the tournament's importance in promoting African unity and cooperation.


By: News Peddlers


AFCON


The United States has announced that it will send a delegation to attend the African Cup of Nations, which begins this weekend in Côte d'Ivoire.


The delegation of "Sports Envoys and U.S. Officials," as announced by the State Department on Thursday, will attend the continent's largest sporting event.


The envoy was organised by the President's Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States (PAC-ADE), in collaboration with the Global Engagement Centre (GEC) and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).


Two-time WNBA All-Star and ESPN host Chinenye Ogwumike, four-time Olympic gold medalist Lisa Leslie, U.S. Women's National Soccer Team star Crystal Dunn, GEC's Principal Deputy Coordinator Daniel Kimmage, and PAC-ADE Executive Director Deniece Laurent-Mantey are among the delegation members.


The team will use "the strength of the African diaspora" to "showcase U.S. investments in Côte d'Ivoire and strengthen cultural and economic ties between African communities, the global African diaspora, and the United States," according to the statement.


During their stay in Abidjan, the delegation intends to meet with government officials, international partners, civil society members, and Ivoirian youth. Using the unifying power of sports, the team hopes to strengthen ties between Americans and Africans, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.


As the 24 teams compete for the trophy, the United States expressed its best wishes, recognising the tournament's importance in promoting African unity and cooperation.


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The Voodoos in Global Politics: The Traditions of the Few By: Hontonnu Moses

The Voodoos in Global Politics: The Traditions of the Few By: Hontonnu Moses

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By: Hontonnu Moses

Hontonnu Moses


In your wildest dream, or occasionally, have you ever wondered or given a thorough and carefully accessed thought of politics beyond your shallow narratives? It's a complex and perhaps complicated phenomenon to see how world politics delves into political practices to unravel and seal agreement among the few powerful state actors or gladiators, representing or acting on behalf of the world in general.

 

Today, world politics seems more interesting in the eyes of global state actors and non-state actors because they tend to play diplomacy just to compromise or protect their own interests, as global politics doesn't give room for permanent friendship and enemies. This implies that, in international relations or in global politics, your permanent friendship now might turn out to be your worst enemy. In essence, a friendship that later becomes irrelevant and useless will probably be thrown out of the circle because there are no benefits to enjoy from him or her, and the relations among both may not be cordial. Over time, their friendship might turn out to be hostile while fighting to protect an individual's interests.

 

Global politics remains at the centre of political discourses because of the way and manner in which it is played, not just among the politically weak set of individuals but among historians, experienced political gladiators, intellectuals with different political capacities, diplomats, and political experts.

 

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria fueled the first world war of 1914–1918 into a dramatic episode among countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Pacific.

 

The outbreak of this world gave rise to many international bodies to help play a formidable role among the countries that were affected. The inability of League of Nations that came during the first world war, whose purpose was to put a halt to conflict and promote peace and unity, was rendered aborted, and for that reason, it was changed to the United Nations during the second world War II.


How would you imagine global politics without technocrats and intellectuals who are powerful politically and economically, inestimable calibres of actors that belong to the political voodoo in search of influence and world power, having the key to lock and unlock doors?


Walter Rodney, an historian who wrote the book "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa," was later assassinated by his own people in his hometown, Georgetown, Guyana, South America. He wasn't part of the political voodoo nor a serving servant; he was totally against European domination and subjugation in Africa, and his reactions and revelations were clearly put into writing.


Undoubtedly, global actors who had in the past hijacked the superpower still belong to the political voodoo, a minority group of the powerful set of individuals, the traditions of the few. These people hold the global key to lock and unlock. They decide for the whole world, they turn the face of the world in any direction they want. They don't care if their interest would hurt the world; they are ready to strike anyone who is an encumbrance on their way to actualizing their interest. The global economy lies in their decision, and the global development lies in their hands.


The Voodoos in Global Politics! The traditions of the few. 


You may begin to rack and crack your brain trying to understand what this short piece is driving at, but it's not meant for everyone; it's only meant for a few wise individuals.


Man lives with politics every day, and we cannot sideline politics, or else the world would only be static and tasteless. Life is politics, and politics is life.

By: Hontonnu Moses

Hontonnu Moses


In your wildest dream, or occasionally, have you ever wondered or given a thorough and carefully accessed thought of politics beyond your shallow narratives? It's a complex and perhaps complicated phenomenon to see how world politics delves into political practices to unravel and seal agreement among the few powerful state actors or gladiators, representing or acting on behalf of the world in general.

 

Today, world politics seems more interesting in the eyes of global state actors and non-state actors because they tend to play diplomacy just to compromise or protect their own interests, as global politics doesn't give room for permanent friendship and enemies. This implies that, in international relations or in global politics, your permanent friendship now might turn out to be your worst enemy. In essence, a friendship that later becomes irrelevant and useless will probably be thrown out of the circle because there are no benefits to enjoy from him or her, and the relations among both may not be cordial. Over time, their friendship might turn out to be hostile while fighting to protect an individual's interests.

 

Global politics remains at the centre of political discourses because of the way and manner in which it is played, not just among the politically weak set of individuals but among historians, experienced political gladiators, intellectuals with different political capacities, diplomats, and political experts.

 

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria fueled the first world war of 1914–1918 into a dramatic episode among countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Pacific.

 

The outbreak of this world gave rise to many international bodies to help play a formidable role among the countries that were affected. The inability of League of Nations that came during the first world war, whose purpose was to put a halt to conflict and promote peace and unity, was rendered aborted, and for that reason, it was changed to the United Nations during the second world War II.


How would you imagine global politics without technocrats and intellectuals who are powerful politically and economically, inestimable calibres of actors that belong to the political voodoo in search of influence and world power, having the key to lock and unlock doors?


Walter Rodney, an historian who wrote the book "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa," was later assassinated by his own people in his hometown, Georgetown, Guyana, South America. He wasn't part of the political voodoo nor a serving servant; he was totally against European domination and subjugation in Africa, and his reactions and revelations were clearly put into writing.


Undoubtedly, global actors who had in the past hijacked the superpower still belong to the political voodoo, a minority group of the powerful set of individuals, the traditions of the few. These people hold the global key to lock and unlock. They decide for the whole world, they turn the face of the world in any direction they want. They don't care if their interest would hurt the world; they are ready to strike anyone who is an encumbrance on their way to actualizing their interest. The global economy lies in their decision, and the global development lies in their hands.


The Voodoos in Global Politics! The traditions of the few. 


You may begin to rack and crack your brain trying to understand what this short piece is driving at, but it's not meant for everyone; it's only meant for a few wise individuals.


Man lives with politics every day, and we cannot sideline politics, or else the world would only be static and tasteless. Life is politics, and politics is life.

Tags:

Insecurity: Late Buharin Daji, Governor Dauda Lawal Dare's Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Abdulmalik Gajam, and Banditry in Zamfara State

Insecurity: Late Buharin Daji, Governor Dauda Lawal Dare's Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Abdulmalik Gajam, and Banditry in Zamfara State

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By Ahmed Musa






Let me go down the lane of historic memory of how banditry activities began in the north-west bandit-ridden Nigerian state of Zamafara.

 

A popular Hausa proverb once said, " MAI DOKAR KWANA BAYA ANGAJE" literally meaning '(He who says others should not sleep, shouldn't be found dozing off)'

 

In fact, my heart bleeds since I heard Abdulmalik Gajam, one of Dauda Lawal Dare's cabinet members that decide the fate of the innocent, vulnerable and good people of Zamfara State, saying that the immediate past governor of Zamfara State, Hon. (Dr.) Bello Mohammed Matawllen Maradun MFR, purchased and distributed Hilux cars to bandits. He went on to say that former Gov. Matawalle gave asylum to bandits.

 

My heart bleeds, particularly when it goes down the memory lane of the genesis of the mayhem and the sorrow that banditry has brought to innocent lives across north-western Nigeria.

 

People may not have forgotten so soon the case of the first person who was arrested when banditry started in 2011/2012 in Zamfara State, when His Excellency Ambassador Gajam was the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. Abdulmalik Gajam was a young boy then, so he might not have been in the picture of this story; otherwise, he will regret raising the issue of the fight against banditry in Zamfara State. 

 

I, therefore, simply want the Hon. Commissioner for Budget and Planning to find out who that person who was first arrested with an AK-47 and other ammunition was.

 

Again, I would like to ask Hon. Abdulmalik Gajam, the Dauda Lawal Dare's administration spokesperson, to tell the world who Buharin Daji is to Gajam's family.

 

If I may help out in case he does not know, Buharin Daji and Ambassador Gajam, who is a father to Hon Abdulmalik Gajam, are of the same parent.

 

But for Buharin Daji, who is an uncle to Dauda Lawal Dare's spokesperson, the people of Zamfara in particular and Northern Nigeria in general wouldn't have known what banditry and bandits are.

 

The sadness and sorrow, the pains and agony bandits have brought to millions of people across north-western Nigeria emanated from the Gajam family with the activity of Buharin Daji.

 

Not until recently, when former Gov Matawalle took the bold steps, resulting from his wisdom to strategically plan, prepared, and executed far-reaching decisions to tackle insecurity in the state, which His Excellency Gov Dauda Lawal Dare is now copying without wisdom, culminating into huge failure of his government to fight the escalating security challenges in the state, bandits would have completely taken over the whole of Northern Nigerian. 

 

Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kebbi States would never forget so soon the atrocities committed by Buharin Daji, whose name spread like wildfire before now, especially for killing, kidnapping, raping, cattle rustling, and the collection of ransoms from innocent villagers. Banditry in the state was initiated, organized and executed by Hon. Gajam's uncle before he was killed on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 by one of his former boys, Dogo Gide and his decomposed body brought to Gusau, the state capital, on March 9.

 

Abdulmalik Gajam's uncle promised to commit the deadliest horror to the entire northwestern Nigeria before he was gunned down by one of his rival bandits Dogo Gide, following a disagreement on sharing formula for rustled cows. 

 

Gajam, being a young man without prerequisite knowledge and experience in governance, just like his principal, should desist from fighting the former Gov. Bello Matawalle, abandoning the basic responsibility of government, which has caused further damage to the lives and properties of innocent people across villages and towns in Zamfara State. 

 

I, therefore, urge Gov. Dauda Lawal Dare to focus on the fight against banditry in Zamfara State rather than concentrating on the battle he cannot win.

 

Ahmed Musa is a public affairs commentator and writes from Zamafara.

By Ahmed Musa






Let me go down the lane of historic memory of how banditry activities began in the north-west bandit-ridden Nigerian state of Zamafara.

 

A popular Hausa proverb once said, " MAI DOKAR KWANA BAYA ANGAJE" literally meaning '(He who says others should not sleep, shouldn't be found dozing off)'

 

In fact, my heart bleeds since I heard Abdulmalik Gajam, one of Dauda Lawal Dare's cabinet members that decide the fate of the innocent, vulnerable and good people of Zamfara State, saying that the immediate past governor of Zamfara State, Hon. (Dr.) Bello Mohammed Matawllen Maradun MFR, purchased and distributed Hilux cars to bandits. He went on to say that former Gov. Matawalle gave asylum to bandits.

 

My heart bleeds, particularly when it goes down the memory lane of the genesis of the mayhem and the sorrow that banditry has brought to innocent lives across north-western Nigeria.

 

People may not have forgotten so soon the case of the first person who was arrested when banditry started in 2011/2012 in Zamfara State, when His Excellency Ambassador Gajam was the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. Abdulmalik Gajam was a young boy then, so he might not have been in the picture of this story; otherwise, he will regret raising the issue of the fight against banditry in Zamfara State. 

 

I, therefore, simply want the Hon. Commissioner for Budget and Planning to find out who that person who was first arrested with an AK-47 and other ammunition was.

 

Again, I would like to ask Hon. Abdulmalik Gajam, the Dauda Lawal Dare's administration spokesperson, to tell the world who Buharin Daji is to Gajam's family.

 

If I may help out in case he does not know, Buharin Daji and Ambassador Gajam, who is a father to Hon Abdulmalik Gajam, are of the same parent.

 

But for Buharin Daji, who is an uncle to Dauda Lawal Dare's spokesperson, the people of Zamfara in particular and Northern Nigeria in general wouldn't have known what banditry and bandits are.

 

The sadness and sorrow, the pains and agony bandits have brought to millions of people across north-western Nigeria emanated from the Gajam family with the activity of Buharin Daji.

 

Not until recently, when former Gov Matawalle took the bold steps, resulting from his wisdom to strategically plan, prepared, and executed far-reaching decisions to tackle insecurity in the state, which His Excellency Gov Dauda Lawal Dare is now copying without wisdom, culminating into huge failure of his government to fight the escalating security challenges in the state, bandits would have completely taken over the whole of Northern Nigerian. 

 

Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Kebbi States would never forget so soon the atrocities committed by Buharin Daji, whose name spread like wildfire before now, especially for killing, kidnapping, raping, cattle rustling, and the collection of ransoms from innocent villagers. Banditry in the state was initiated, organized and executed by Hon. Gajam's uncle before he was killed on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 by one of his former boys, Dogo Gide and his decomposed body brought to Gusau, the state capital, on March 9.

 

Abdulmalik Gajam's uncle promised to commit the deadliest horror to the entire northwestern Nigeria before he was gunned down by one of his rival bandits Dogo Gide, following a disagreement on sharing formula for rustled cows. 

 

Gajam, being a young man without prerequisite knowledge and experience in governance, just like his principal, should desist from fighting the former Gov. Bello Matawalle, abandoning the basic responsibility of government, which has caused further damage to the lives and properties of innocent people across villages and towns in Zamfara State. 

 

I, therefore, urge Gov. Dauda Lawal Dare to focus on the fight against banditry in Zamfara State rather than concentrating on the battle he cannot win.

 

Ahmed Musa is a public affairs commentator and writes from Zamafara.

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Property Owners Lament Ahmed Tajudeen, Notorious Land Grabber's Atrocities, Threaten the Life of Baba Adinni of Eti Osa

Property Owners Lament Ahmed Tajudeen, Notorious Land Grabber's Atrocities, Threaten the Life of Baba Adinni of Eti Osa

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By: Bolaji Israel|Fashina Shakiru




The residents of Ojomu community, Ajiran land, in Eti Osa local government of Lagos State, are living in constant fear due to the activities of violent land grabbers.


These land grabbers operate with impunity, using threats, intimidation, harassment, forceful seizure of lands, and even resorting to violence and sometimes murder. Despite possessing all the required official documents, they resell the land to multiple unsuspecting buyers. The situation has escalated to the point where innocent lives are being lost and human rights are being violated.


Curiously, the Lagos State Anti-Land Grabbing Law Sections 2 and 4 clearly criminalise the use of threats to secure entry to land for oneself or anyone, stipulating a fine of 5 million naira maximum and a five-year prison term or both.


The lack of proper enforcement of the existing laws has, however, left the victims looking to the government for urgent assistance.


It was gathered that even traditional authorities are not spared as the hardline marauders are emboldened by support allegedly received from police, top government officials, and personnel of the Ministry of Lands to get security protection and procure forged documents.


One victim, Dayo Joshua, shared his harrowing experience in Chevy Estate, Ajiran. In 2012, he acquired land, obtained all necessary papers, erected a fence, put up a gate, and employed a security guard to properly secure the property. However, he was called in 2021 while at work that some people on the orders of Frank Enem, also known as Frajek, were bulldozing his fence. Frajek is known to move around with a police escort. Joshua ran to the police in Zone 2, and both parties were ordered to maintain the status quo. While the police investigation lasted for about a year, Frajek never honoured invitations.


In August 2022, on the day both parties were invited for a final resolution, while Joshua was waiting in Zone 2, Frajek was on the property in company of police officers from Alagbon Ikoyi, beating up guards and building on the land.


Despite complaints at Ikoyi, construction continued while Joshua kept going to court to seek justice.  This is just one example of the rampant abuse of power by land grabbers in the community.


For Joshua, he will not back down but continue to explore all judicial means to get justice though so discouraging and hard to be law-abiding in view of the circumstances. "I can't be pushed aside, I will pursue this matter to the last in court and seek justice."


Recognizing the need to address this issue, the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has raised the alarm and called for action. Comrade Alex Omotehinse, the president of CHSR, highlighted the need to end the abuse of human rights and the violation of laws in Lagos State.


Sources said the gang of land grabbers, led by one Mr. Ahmed Tajudeen and Mr. Wasiu Akinsemoyin, aka WAAB, operate in blatant disregard for the traditional authorities of Ajiran land and the laws of Lagos State. They bypass legitimate land documentation and ignore valid agreements between landowners and the bona fide families in the Ojomu community.


It was said that the gang threatened the life of Alhaji Yekini Bakare, Balogun Ajironland, and Baba Adinni Eti-Osa Mosque recently over a land-grabbing matter.


According to the source, "On two occasions, the said Tajudeen had mobilized thugs to the house of Alhaji Yekinni Bakare, threatening to kill him if he continues to stand their way over falsification of land documents and forging of signatures of both the Oba of Ojomu land and Alhaji Y.O Bakare,  who are both signatories of all land documents in the Ojumu environment that stretches from Femi Okunnu at Jakande roundabout down to VGC, extending to the other side of Orchid road".


Emboldened by the unchecked impunity spree, thugs were said to have written unlawful inscriptions and notices on various genuinely allotted property, scaring away rightful owners as frantic efforts to get the state government's intervention proved abortive. Some residents were even given a barbaric eviction notice.


Findings also revealed that the violent thugs chase away genuine owners of property, hijack it and sell it to a second party, supervise hurried construction, and sale to the third party in a bid to complicate things and circumvent the process of justice. As such, over 150 cases of litigation abound in court with related patterns.


These activities not only violate the rights of the rightful landowners but also undermine the authority of the traditional institutions vested in the office of Ojomu of Ajiran Land, Oba Tijani Akinloye (Sateru II).


The CHSR has however demanded that both the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force put an end to the harassment and intimidation faced by authentic landowners in Ojomu community.


The CHSR also urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to reverse the situation by restoring peace of mind to residents and honour and pride to the legally recognized custodians of the culture and heritage of Ajiran land.


“Just like the various petitions by concerned community stakeholders and victims of unlawful activities of land grabbers in Ajiran Land provided insights into the magnitude of the challenge, CHSR also worried that land grabbers are becoming more entrenched than hitherto imagined in spite of a Task Force established to nip the menace in the bud.


“We are saddened by the killing, on Tuesday, April 18, of Sheriff Salami, in cruel circumstances suspected to be a fallout of the deceased’s opposition to activities of land grabbers in the community.


“We call on the Lagos State government and the police to probe the death of Sheriff Ishola Salami, who was the son of the late Bashorun of Ajiran Land, Chief Ishola Salami. We demand justice for the deceased Sheriff Ishola Salami, who left behind three daughters and an aged mother.


“CHSR is, however, more concerned that most of the land being forcibly confiscated by these land grabbers are legally and validly documented by the original owners, most of whom are in possession of genuine Deeds of Assignment and with full authorisation of the relevant families from whom the lands were purchased.


Mr. Ahmed Tajudeen, who claims to be an indigene of the community, has denied being a land grabber.

By: Bolaji Israel|Fashina Shakiru




The residents of Ojomu community, Ajiran land, in Eti Osa local government of Lagos State, are living in constant fear due to the activities of violent land grabbers.


These land grabbers operate with impunity, using threats, intimidation, harassment, forceful seizure of lands, and even resorting to violence and sometimes murder. Despite possessing all the required official documents, they resell the land to multiple unsuspecting buyers. The situation has escalated to the point where innocent lives are being lost and human rights are being violated.


Curiously, the Lagos State Anti-Land Grabbing Law Sections 2 and 4 clearly criminalise the use of threats to secure entry to land for oneself or anyone, stipulating a fine of 5 million naira maximum and a five-year prison term or both.


The lack of proper enforcement of the existing laws has, however, left the victims looking to the government for urgent assistance.


It was gathered that even traditional authorities are not spared as the hardline marauders are emboldened by support allegedly received from police, top government officials, and personnel of the Ministry of Lands to get security protection and procure forged documents.


One victim, Dayo Joshua, shared his harrowing experience in Chevy Estate, Ajiran. In 2012, he acquired land, obtained all necessary papers, erected a fence, put up a gate, and employed a security guard to properly secure the property. However, he was called in 2021 while at work that some people on the orders of Frank Enem, also known as Frajek, were bulldozing his fence. Frajek is known to move around with a police escort. Joshua ran to the police in Zone 2, and both parties were ordered to maintain the status quo. While the police investigation lasted for about a year, Frajek never honoured invitations.


In August 2022, on the day both parties were invited for a final resolution, while Joshua was waiting in Zone 2, Frajek was on the property in company of police officers from Alagbon Ikoyi, beating up guards and building on the land.


Despite complaints at Ikoyi, construction continued while Joshua kept going to court to seek justice.  This is just one example of the rampant abuse of power by land grabbers in the community.


For Joshua, he will not back down but continue to explore all judicial means to get justice though so discouraging and hard to be law-abiding in view of the circumstances. "I can't be pushed aside, I will pursue this matter to the last in court and seek justice."


Recognizing the need to address this issue, the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has raised the alarm and called for action. Comrade Alex Omotehinse, the president of CHSR, highlighted the need to end the abuse of human rights and the violation of laws in Lagos State.


Sources said the gang of land grabbers, led by one Mr. Ahmed Tajudeen and Mr. Wasiu Akinsemoyin, aka WAAB, operate in blatant disregard for the traditional authorities of Ajiran land and the laws of Lagos State. They bypass legitimate land documentation and ignore valid agreements between landowners and the bona fide families in the Ojomu community.


It was said that the gang threatened the life of Alhaji Yekini Bakare, Balogun Ajironland, and Baba Adinni Eti-Osa Mosque recently over a land-grabbing matter.


According to the source, "On two occasions, the said Tajudeen had mobilized thugs to the house of Alhaji Yekinni Bakare, threatening to kill him if he continues to stand their way over falsification of land documents and forging of signatures of both the Oba of Ojomu land and Alhaji Y.O Bakare,  who are both signatories of all land documents in the Ojumu environment that stretches from Femi Okunnu at Jakande roundabout down to VGC, extending to the other side of Orchid road".


Emboldened by the unchecked impunity spree, thugs were said to have written unlawful inscriptions and notices on various genuinely allotted property, scaring away rightful owners as frantic efforts to get the state government's intervention proved abortive. Some residents were even given a barbaric eviction notice.


Findings also revealed that the violent thugs chase away genuine owners of property, hijack it and sell it to a second party, supervise hurried construction, and sale to the third party in a bid to complicate things and circumvent the process of justice. As such, over 150 cases of litigation abound in court with related patterns.


These activities not only violate the rights of the rightful landowners but also undermine the authority of the traditional institutions vested in the office of Ojomu of Ajiran Land, Oba Tijani Akinloye (Sateru II).


The CHSR has however demanded that both the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force put an end to the harassment and intimidation faced by authentic landowners in Ojomu community.


The CHSR also urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to reverse the situation by restoring peace of mind to residents and honour and pride to the legally recognized custodians of the culture and heritage of Ajiran land.


“Just like the various petitions by concerned community stakeholders and victims of unlawful activities of land grabbers in Ajiran Land provided insights into the magnitude of the challenge, CHSR also worried that land grabbers are becoming more entrenched than hitherto imagined in spite of a Task Force established to nip the menace in the bud.


“We are saddened by the killing, on Tuesday, April 18, of Sheriff Salami, in cruel circumstances suspected to be a fallout of the deceased’s opposition to activities of land grabbers in the community.


“We call on the Lagos State government and the police to probe the death of Sheriff Ishola Salami, who was the son of the late Bashorun of Ajiran Land, Chief Ishola Salami. We demand justice for the deceased Sheriff Ishola Salami, who left behind three daughters and an aged mother.


“CHSR is, however, more concerned that most of the land being forcibly confiscated by these land grabbers are legally and validly documented by the original owners, most of whom are in possession of genuine Deeds of Assignment and with full authorisation of the relevant families from whom the lands were purchased.


Mr. Ahmed Tajudeen, who claims to be an indigene of the community, has denied being a land grabber.

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Gbajabiamila and his faceless enemies By: GBOLAHAN ODUSANYA

Gbajabiamila and his faceless enemies By: GBOLAHAN ODUSANYA

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By: GBOLAHAN ODUSANYA


Femi Gbajamiala


Powerful offices come with so many dramas. How you wiggle out and play the politics is left for you and your tactical thinking squad. 


Hon Femi Gbajamiala, the former fourth most powerful man in the last dispensation and now the current Chief of Staff to the People’s President, sure has so many enemies that are faceless and cannot come out boldly to face him. 


The enemies are hiding behind blogs and creating a dichotomy between the Executive and Party Faithfuls. 


The current Brouhaha that brought this to fore was the appointment that came last week that saw an alleged name being short-listed, it is nonsensical

to note that if you are a nominee of an Appointee. 


The appointee will definitely pray that the prayer being answered by the Mr President from what the Sahara Reporter carried. So Glaring that the story had many fallacies because there was no iota of truth, that the President was annoyed with the list sent to the press. 


This clearly could have been authenticated with the way Mr President withdraw appointments, If Mr President was not happy, would have said his mind outright. 


It is glaring that the People that lost out from the power play that produced Him As Chief Of Staff are clearly not happy. And likewise, it is obvious that those waited and believe all slots should be filled with Yoruba people are gunning for his jugular. 


Will it be beneficial if that seat is lost to a wrong hand? It is always better to eschew bitterness and have the spirit of sportsmanship.


That so many people don’t have access to see Mr President again. People have not come to reality that President Bola Tinubu is no longer the same as Political Leader. 


He is now the President of both APC/PDP and all Nigerians. Not a President of South West alone!

 

By: GBOLAHAN ODUSANYA


Femi Gbajamiala


Powerful offices come with so many dramas. How you wiggle out and play the politics is left for you and your tactical thinking squad. 


Hon Femi Gbajamiala, the former fourth most powerful man in the last dispensation and now the current Chief of Staff to the People’s President, sure has so many enemies that are faceless and cannot come out boldly to face him. 


The enemies are hiding behind blogs and creating a dichotomy between the Executive and Party Faithfuls. 


The current Brouhaha that brought this to fore was the appointment that came last week that saw an alleged name being short-listed, it is nonsensical

to note that if you are a nominee of an Appointee. 


The appointee will definitely pray that the prayer being answered by the Mr President from what the Sahara Reporter carried. So Glaring that the story had many fallacies because there was no iota of truth, that the President was annoyed with the list sent to the press. 


This clearly could have been authenticated with the way Mr President withdraw appointments, If Mr President was not happy, would have said his mind outright. 


It is glaring that the People that lost out from the power play that produced Him As Chief Of Staff are clearly not happy. And likewise, it is obvious that those waited and believe all slots should be filled with Yoruba people are gunning for his jugular. 


Will it be beneficial if that seat is lost to a wrong hand? It is always better to eschew bitterness and have the spirit of sportsmanship.


That so many people don’t have access to see Mr President again. People have not come to reality that President Bola Tinubu is no longer the same as Political Leader. 


He is now the President of both APC/PDP and all Nigerians. Not a President of South West alone!

Tags:

Nigeria must clarify its National interest first, exit ECOWAS: LASU Don

Nigeria must clarify its National interest first, exit ECOWAS: LASU Don

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By: News Peddlers

Prof. Adewunmi Falode 


A Professor of International relations, Adewunmi Falode in Lagos State University, LASU, has stressed the need for the Federal Government to prioritise good policy execution in Nigeria's international relations.


Falode emphasised the importance of recognising and clarifying the country's national interests as a first step towards developing a strong foreign policy.


"The greatest mistake is prescribing; you don't prescribe, You can't have a good foreign policy if you can't articulate your national interests," he said.


"When we know our national interest, then we deploy an approach to achieve this national interest, focusing on the things that will make Nigeria great."


Professor Falode advocated that Nigeria withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), emphasising the importance of prioritising and safeguarding the nation's interests.


He emphasised that a solid understanding of Nigeria's national interests would allow for more effective use of skills and resources.


Security, economic development, and national integration, according to the distinguished scholar, are critical components that will help Nigeria's advancement.


He emphasised the significance of prioritising the preservation of these variables and the importance of understanding that in international relations, interest takes precedence over altruistic endeavours.


Falode viewed foreign policy as an instrument with a definite goal when describing its aim.


He said, "If you don't know what it is used for, it becomes useless."


He went on to say that unless there is a clear definition of national interest, the people will suffer. As a result, he advised that Nigeria define its interests and employ suitable methods.


As the discussion over Nigeria's foreign policy continues, it is critical that the Federal Government heed the counsel of experts like Professor Falode, and assuring a well-defined and meticulously implemented approach that promotes the nation's interests and produces practical results.



By: News Peddlers

Prof. Adewunmi Falode 


A Professor of International relations, Adewunmi Falode in Lagos State University, LASU, has stressed the need for the Federal Government to prioritise good policy execution in Nigeria's international relations.


Falode emphasised the importance of recognising and clarifying the country's national interests as a first step towards developing a strong foreign policy.


"The greatest mistake is prescribing; you don't prescribe, You can't have a good foreign policy if you can't articulate your national interests," he said.


"When we know our national interest, then we deploy an approach to achieve this national interest, focusing on the things that will make Nigeria great."


Professor Falode advocated that Nigeria withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), emphasising the importance of prioritising and safeguarding the nation's interests.


He emphasised that a solid understanding of Nigeria's national interests would allow for more effective use of skills and resources.


Security, economic development, and national integration, according to the distinguished scholar, are critical components that will help Nigeria's advancement.


He emphasised the significance of prioritising the preservation of these variables and the importance of understanding that in international relations, interest takes precedence over altruistic endeavours.


Falode viewed foreign policy as an instrument with a definite goal when describing its aim.


He said, "If you don't know what it is used for, it becomes useless."


He went on to say that unless there is a clear definition of national interest, the people will suffer. As a result, he advised that Nigeria define its interests and employ suitable methods.


As the discussion over Nigeria's foreign policy continues, it is critical that the Federal Government heed the counsel of experts like Professor Falode, and assuring a well-defined and meticulously implemented approach that promotes the nation's interests and produces practical results.



Tags:

Strategies For Implementing Physical Development Plans In The FCT: Prof. Adamu Ahmed

Strategies For Implementing Physical Development Plans In The FCT: Prof. Adamu Ahmed

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By: Professor Adamu Ahmed, FNITP 


FCT Abuja


Cities in nearly all countries are responsible for a large share of global economic growth and job creation. Their contribution to global wealth has been variously documented (World Bank, 2010).


But cities can also be liabilities, presenting endless problems of inefficiency, squalor, inequality, and crime. The planning of cities has taken a dramatic turn in recent years, informed by the need to improve economic competitiveness. But beyond plans, cities need implementation strategies. While well-prepared urban development plans are necessary, careful implementation is what is required to make them functional, sustainable, and productive (Ingram, 1980).


Abuja, conceived as a showpiece of elegance, has failed to deliver during implementation. Delayed delivery of the city raises questions regarding the adequacy of the implementation strategy for the plan, in addition to the urgency for corrective action through innovative strategies. These are also issues shared with other development plans in the FCT. What went wrong? Why is there an urgency to correct the shortcomings; what is the context within which this can be addressed?


And how else can this be achieved? The paper addresses these issues and sets a general context within which subsisting challenges can be resolved, with particular reference to the experience of the Federal Capital City, Abuja.


CITIES AND THE NEED FOR PLANNING
Economic growth and job creation are accounted for by cities in nearly all countries across the world. Cities are important loci for transformational change by bringing together the potential of many people, businesses, and new forms of mobilization.


Their contribution to global wealth has been variously documented (World Bank, 2010), in addition to the opportunities they offer for improved health care, housing, and safety. But cities can also be liabilities, presenting endless problems of inefficiency, squalor, inequality, and crime.


Urban planning, which seeks to reconcile these conflicting and often contending issues has variously been viewed as the making of an orderly sequence of actions that can lead to the achievement of some specified or stated goals (Nathaliga, 2015). It provides a framework that helps urban leaders and the administration transform their stated vision of livability, prosperity, and equity into reality (Cirolia, 2017).


According to (UN- Habitat, 2014), the outcome of the planning process
culminates in the development of the comprehensive master plan, a document that estimates the city’s future population, socioeconomic conditions, and infrastructure needs alongside the design of land use for future development. Faludi (1973) views planning as having concern for legislation and policy, statutes, regulations, rules, and codes to influence land use. It deals with the type, location, and amount of land needed to carry out different functions of the city. Master plans generally envision a
future state for a given space, and what it will take to achieve that vision.


The rigidity of the comprehensive land use plan and its overtly overbearing
focus on spatial order has been its major drawback.


In recent years, Strategic Planning has come to be seen by practitioners as an essential requirement in planning the modern city, arguing that the traditional master plan alone, initially viewed as a silver bullet to a city’s success, can and in many cases does actually deter growth and prosperity.


As an action-oriented process, Strategic Planning determines the direction of development of a city not in spatial form but in the context of its current profile of strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities. By providing the larger picture, strategic planning pulls all the necessary levers that support economic growth thereby helping cities become more strategic about investments and growth and helping them harness the economic potential of urbanization rather than just preparing
to accommodate the process.


When prepared, the City Development Strategy (CDS), the product of strategic planning, helps the city allocate resources strategically, attract capital, and discipline its use, in addition to clarifying the vision for the city’s future, building necessary partnerships, anticipating future shocks, and planning for growth.


Dubai is an exceptionally successful city, reaching growth rates in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at unheard-of rates and, for the most part, flexibly developing outside the constraints of the rigidity of a master plan.


BEYOND THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN: IMPLEMENTATION MATTERS

Well-prepared urban development plans are necessary, but careful implementation is required to deliver functional, sustainable, and productive cities (Ingram, 1980).


Implementation of urban development plan proposals has direct implications for the quality of urban growth and development. According to Choguill (1987), plans that do not produce tangible change represent little more than a waste of planning resources. Where resources are scarce, the choice of implementation strategy becomes the most crucial issue in the process of plan preparation.


The 2nd Nigeria National Development Plan (1970) acknowledges that "implementing a plan is as important as, if not more important than, drawing up the plan". With the best planning technique, experience has shown that there is usually a gap between plan formulation and plan implementation.


In most third-world countries, poor implementation has left a landscape littered with unimplemented plans and partially completed projects that ought to have been finished except for the flaws in the implementation strategy.


Several issues define the quality of plan implementation, including the existence of a vibrant, robust, and well-coordinated network of institutions and information systems, legal protection of the plan, regulatory measures of land use controls (zoning and building regulations and development control), capital enhancement programmes, land and property tax policy, proposals for land resource mobilization/acquisition, and stakeholder partnerships and networking.


Plans also need translation into actionable development projects and investment programmes. The investment programme presupposes that the broad policies in connection with various proposals are fixed, and a list of urgent works according to their priorities, accompanied by estimates of work, has been determined along with a financial programme.


Because it takes many years to complete the works contemplated in the master plan, the expected expenditure will have to be distributed over several years and with modifications. Responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the master plan needs to also be clearly spelt out and could be the local or state government, an agency, or a corporation with the leadership of a planner and a team membership of experts in engineering, architecture, etc.


Many plans fail to achieve their objectives at all or on target can be explained by many of these considerations/factors.


Many plans for new cities fail at the action or implementation stage, the point where plans are programmed to become fully realized. Examples of plans that have underachieved include Yamasukro in Code’dvoire, Dodoma in Tanzania, and Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.


ABUJA MASTER PLAN AND THE FAILURE OF IMPLEMENTATION

Building new cities comes with three advantages, and questions arise as to whether Abuja has earned any. First, building on unoccupied land allows for seamless implementation because special interests have not yet taken root. Second, creating new cities allows key infrastructure to be built and better urban planning practices to be employed before residents arrive, which ensures efficiency and lowers the cost of providing public services.


Third, a blank slate approach to governance offers an opportunity to establish new flexible administrative, regulatory, and governance structures from scratch without importing cumbersome bureaucratic practices and policies of existing planning institutions elsewhere.


What, then, are the implementation failures of the Abuja master plan that shortchange the advantages of its establishment? What are also the indicators of failure? And under what circumstances did Abuja lose those advantages?


First, land speculation and the agitation by indigenous populations in the FCT region have become deeply entrenched in the politics of land acquisition and development, a situation explained by inconsistencies in the implementation of compensation and resettlement programmes.


Squatter settlements continue to emerge and are expanding as a result. The slow pace of implementation is what allowed special interests to take root. Second, contrary to expectations, key infrastructure and services proposed in the plan were not implemented early, ahead of population movement into the city.


Because of the catch-up the city had to do early in its development, infrastructure fell behind and needed to be better delivered.


Housing delivery was affected in the same way as social services, including waste management and water supply. Under pressure from population growth, the provision of services similarly became fragmented and uncoordinated, contrary to the provisions of the plan.


There were also challenges of disorganized, inefficient, and poor transportation systems. Third, the catch-up development programmes did not allow for better urban planning practices to be curated into the planning and implementation process from the beginning.


The expected outcomes of this were inefficient land management and development control practices, leading to arbitrary land use conversions, encroachments into green areas, spawl and leapfrog developments, and the creation of certain districts unknown to the plan.


IMPLEMENTATION FAILURE FROM THE BEGINNING: UNDERSTANDING THE SHORTCOMINGS OF PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

The shortcomings of the implementation of the Abuja master plan can generally be linked directly with failure of implementation strategies and indirectly with the technical inadequacies of the master plan that the implementation strategy was meant to address.


Determinants Linked to Implementation Strategies

The Land Question

Generally, an important requirement of development plan implementation is the timely reservation of land for the road system, open spaces, and public amenities, which cannot be provided for at a later date, but this has not been the case.


The approach employed for land acquisition has never been sufficiently addressed except on the assumption that the entire territory has been reserved and gazetted for development in the Federal Capital City.


Keeping an area, the size of the FCT under control without a formal ‘land banking’ strategy has been a technical challenge for the oversight functions of the URP and the Development Control Departments. The inability to implement a transparent compensation and resettlement programme is an added constraint. Both of these provided the background to encroachments into planned corridors meant for critical infrastructure.


Weak governance institutions for coordinating implementation. The role and responsibilities of stakeholders in implementation were never clearly spelt out, but perhaps it is the creation of a local government within the capital city to share in the responsibility of developing Abuja that takes the city many years back into the past.


Institutional and staff alignment, including collaboration between different stakeholder groups, has been a major challenge as a result. In 2004, the AMMC was created to address this by providing a centralized platform for coordination and management, but this has not been sustainably implemented.


Absence of Implementation Strategy An obvious shortcoming of the plan implementation process has been the absence of an implementation strategy beyond what is described in the master plan.


The assumption that a separate, more detailed strategy would be developed to support the master plan did not materialize. Creating a plan with a high chance of implementation requires a strategy early on that can hold all the moving parts/complexities together and clearly delegate and assign responsibilities.


An important requirement here is the need to view the larger plan as something that can be broken down into smaller, achievable goals and targets.


Priority classification of projects in the master plan was also not done in sufficient detail by phases and by responsibility to implementation agencies (including private and corporate sectors).


Having an implementation strategy means creating achievable actions that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timebound (SMART).


When plans are not operationalized, that’s when the classic case of "documents on a shelf" arises.


Lack of Data for Monitoring and Evaluation Successful implementation requires the collection, analysis, and interpretation of large amounts of information to inform the decision process.


Without adequate and relevant data, it has been generally difficult to measure specific progress, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions. Except for academic studies (Jibrin, 2012; Mubidiyu (2014); Bello (2012); Kanu (2012); Madu (2014); and Isiyaku (2012), the level of implementation of the master plan has been merely speculative.


Inadequate Finance The assumption that the plan would be financed wholly by the public sector was a decision made in error. Internal revenue was not considered of any sufficient importance, in the same way that private sector finance, market borrowing, institutional finance, and grants and aid were downplayed.


Determinants Linked to Shortcomings in Planning

The question as to whether the Abuja master plan was implementable has not often been asked but needs to be asked. Africa has a history of building new capital cities, mostly primarily to serve administrative functions and as a showcase of national prestige. Similar to other cities before it, Abuja was conceived to serve the bureaucratic needs of government and to be funded mainly by the public sector.


There was little role left for the private sector and much less for civil society. The assumption that there would be sufficient government funding for the plan did not happen, and with the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) of the World Bank well in place in the mid-80s, the initial development pace and enthusiasm for implementing the plan faded.


With hindsight, therefore, the criticism can be linked to the plan’s lack of sustainability, inclusion, and affordability, situations that also raise concern as to whether the plan was indeed citizen-centred and sufficiently rigorous in its prediction of medium and long-term events with the potential of affecting implementation.


Without a review of the master plan, many of these technical shortcomings were responded to spontaneously and in a way that affected the quality of implementation. There are also related shortcomings in the economic strategy for the new City.


The economic role and function of the city are not generally defined in the plan, leading to its being described as a city without an economic purpose.


Although the plan is an excellent representation of urban design, today’s new generation of cities is established with economic purpose and strategy to have any meaningful chance of implementation.


They are established to accommodate an expanding technology ecosystem and offering opportunities that incentivize private investment and productivity.

By: Professor Adamu Ahmed, FNITP 


FCT Abuja


Cities in nearly all countries are responsible for a large share of global economic growth and job creation. Their contribution to global wealth has been variously documented (World Bank, 2010).


But cities can also be liabilities, presenting endless problems of inefficiency, squalor, inequality, and crime. The planning of cities has taken a dramatic turn in recent years, informed by the need to improve economic competitiveness. But beyond plans, cities need implementation strategies. While well-prepared urban development plans are necessary, careful implementation is what is required to make them functional, sustainable, and productive (Ingram, 1980).


Abuja, conceived as a showpiece of elegance, has failed to deliver during implementation. Delayed delivery of the city raises questions regarding the adequacy of the implementation strategy for the plan, in addition to the urgency for corrective action through innovative strategies. These are also issues shared with other development plans in the FCT. What went wrong? Why is there an urgency to correct the shortcomings; what is the context within which this can be addressed?


And how else can this be achieved? The paper addresses these issues and sets a general context within which subsisting challenges can be resolved, with particular reference to the experience of the Federal Capital City, Abuja.


CITIES AND THE NEED FOR PLANNING
Economic growth and job creation are accounted for by cities in nearly all countries across the world. Cities are important loci for transformational change by bringing together the potential of many people, businesses, and new forms of mobilization.


Their contribution to global wealth has been variously documented (World Bank, 2010), in addition to the opportunities they offer for improved health care, housing, and safety. But cities can also be liabilities, presenting endless problems of inefficiency, squalor, inequality, and crime.


Urban planning, which seeks to reconcile these conflicting and often contending issues has variously been viewed as the making of an orderly sequence of actions that can lead to the achievement of some specified or stated goals (Nathaliga, 2015). It provides a framework that helps urban leaders and the administration transform their stated vision of livability, prosperity, and equity into reality (Cirolia, 2017).


According to (UN- Habitat, 2014), the outcome of the planning process
culminates in the development of the comprehensive master plan, a document that estimates the city’s future population, socioeconomic conditions, and infrastructure needs alongside the design of land use for future development. Faludi (1973) views planning as having concern for legislation and policy, statutes, regulations, rules, and codes to influence land use. It deals with the type, location, and amount of land needed to carry out different functions of the city. Master plans generally envision a
future state for a given space, and what it will take to achieve that vision.


The rigidity of the comprehensive land use plan and its overtly overbearing
focus on spatial order has been its major drawback.


In recent years, Strategic Planning has come to be seen by practitioners as an essential requirement in planning the modern city, arguing that the traditional master plan alone, initially viewed as a silver bullet to a city’s success, can and in many cases does actually deter growth and prosperity.


As an action-oriented process, Strategic Planning determines the direction of development of a city not in spatial form but in the context of its current profile of strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities. By providing the larger picture, strategic planning pulls all the necessary levers that support economic growth thereby helping cities become more strategic about investments and growth and helping them harness the economic potential of urbanization rather than just preparing
to accommodate the process.


When prepared, the City Development Strategy (CDS), the product of strategic planning, helps the city allocate resources strategically, attract capital, and discipline its use, in addition to clarifying the vision for the city’s future, building necessary partnerships, anticipating future shocks, and planning for growth.


Dubai is an exceptionally successful city, reaching growth rates in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at unheard-of rates and, for the most part, flexibly developing outside the constraints of the rigidity of a master plan.


BEYOND THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN: IMPLEMENTATION MATTERS

Well-prepared urban development plans are necessary, but careful implementation is required to deliver functional, sustainable, and productive cities (Ingram, 1980).


Implementation of urban development plan proposals has direct implications for the quality of urban growth and development. According to Choguill (1987), plans that do not produce tangible change represent little more than a waste of planning resources. Where resources are scarce, the choice of implementation strategy becomes the most crucial issue in the process of plan preparation.


The 2nd Nigeria National Development Plan (1970) acknowledges that "implementing a plan is as important as, if not more important than, drawing up the plan". With the best planning technique, experience has shown that there is usually a gap between plan formulation and plan implementation.


In most third-world countries, poor implementation has left a landscape littered with unimplemented plans and partially completed projects that ought to have been finished except for the flaws in the implementation strategy.


Several issues define the quality of plan implementation, including the existence of a vibrant, robust, and well-coordinated network of institutions and information systems, legal protection of the plan, regulatory measures of land use controls (zoning and building regulations and development control), capital enhancement programmes, land and property tax policy, proposals for land resource mobilization/acquisition, and stakeholder partnerships and networking.


Plans also need translation into actionable development projects and investment programmes. The investment programme presupposes that the broad policies in connection with various proposals are fixed, and a list of urgent works according to their priorities, accompanied by estimates of work, has been determined along with a financial programme.


Because it takes many years to complete the works contemplated in the master plan, the expected expenditure will have to be distributed over several years and with modifications. Responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the master plan needs to also be clearly spelt out and could be the local or state government, an agency, or a corporation with the leadership of a planner and a team membership of experts in engineering, architecture, etc.


Many plans fail to achieve their objectives at all or on target can be explained by many of these considerations/factors.


Many plans for new cities fail at the action or implementation stage, the point where plans are programmed to become fully realized. Examples of plans that have underachieved include Yamasukro in Code’dvoire, Dodoma in Tanzania, and Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.


ABUJA MASTER PLAN AND THE FAILURE OF IMPLEMENTATION

Building new cities comes with three advantages, and questions arise as to whether Abuja has earned any. First, building on unoccupied land allows for seamless implementation because special interests have not yet taken root. Second, creating new cities allows key infrastructure to be built and better urban planning practices to be employed before residents arrive, which ensures efficiency and lowers the cost of providing public services.


Third, a blank slate approach to governance offers an opportunity to establish new flexible administrative, regulatory, and governance structures from scratch without importing cumbersome bureaucratic practices and policies of existing planning institutions elsewhere.


What, then, are the implementation failures of the Abuja master plan that shortchange the advantages of its establishment? What are also the indicators of failure? And under what circumstances did Abuja lose those advantages?


First, land speculation and the agitation by indigenous populations in the FCT region have become deeply entrenched in the politics of land acquisition and development, a situation explained by inconsistencies in the implementation of compensation and resettlement programmes.


Squatter settlements continue to emerge and are expanding as a result. The slow pace of implementation is what allowed special interests to take root. Second, contrary to expectations, key infrastructure and services proposed in the plan were not implemented early, ahead of population movement into the city.


Because of the catch-up the city had to do early in its development, infrastructure fell behind and needed to be better delivered.


Housing delivery was affected in the same way as social services, including waste management and water supply. Under pressure from population growth, the provision of services similarly became fragmented and uncoordinated, contrary to the provisions of the plan.


There were also challenges of disorganized, inefficient, and poor transportation systems. Third, the catch-up development programmes did not allow for better urban planning practices to be curated into the planning and implementation process from the beginning.


The expected outcomes of this were inefficient land management and development control practices, leading to arbitrary land use conversions, encroachments into green areas, spawl and leapfrog developments, and the creation of certain districts unknown to the plan.


IMPLEMENTATION FAILURE FROM THE BEGINNING: UNDERSTANDING THE SHORTCOMINGS OF PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

The shortcomings of the implementation of the Abuja master plan can generally be linked directly with failure of implementation strategies and indirectly with the technical inadequacies of the master plan that the implementation strategy was meant to address.


Determinants Linked to Implementation Strategies

The Land Question

Generally, an important requirement of development plan implementation is the timely reservation of land for the road system, open spaces, and public amenities, which cannot be provided for at a later date, but this has not been the case.


The approach employed for land acquisition has never been sufficiently addressed except on the assumption that the entire territory has been reserved and gazetted for development in the Federal Capital City.


Keeping an area, the size of the FCT under control without a formal ‘land banking’ strategy has been a technical challenge for the oversight functions of the URP and the Development Control Departments. The inability to implement a transparent compensation and resettlement programme is an added constraint. Both of these provided the background to encroachments into planned corridors meant for critical infrastructure.


Weak governance institutions for coordinating implementation. The role and responsibilities of stakeholders in implementation were never clearly spelt out, but perhaps it is the creation of a local government within the capital city to share in the responsibility of developing Abuja that takes the city many years back into the past.


Institutional and staff alignment, including collaboration between different stakeholder groups, has been a major challenge as a result. In 2004, the AMMC was created to address this by providing a centralized platform for coordination and management, but this has not been sustainably implemented.


Absence of Implementation Strategy An obvious shortcoming of the plan implementation process has been the absence of an implementation strategy beyond what is described in the master plan.


The assumption that a separate, more detailed strategy would be developed to support the master plan did not materialize. Creating a plan with a high chance of implementation requires a strategy early on that can hold all the moving parts/complexities together and clearly delegate and assign responsibilities.


An important requirement here is the need to view the larger plan as something that can be broken down into smaller, achievable goals and targets.


Priority classification of projects in the master plan was also not done in sufficient detail by phases and by responsibility to implementation agencies (including private and corporate sectors).


Having an implementation strategy means creating achievable actions that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timebound (SMART).


When plans are not operationalized, that’s when the classic case of "documents on a shelf" arises.


Lack of Data for Monitoring and Evaluation Successful implementation requires the collection, analysis, and interpretation of large amounts of information to inform the decision process.


Without adequate and relevant data, it has been generally difficult to measure specific progress, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions. Except for academic studies (Jibrin, 2012; Mubidiyu (2014); Bello (2012); Kanu (2012); Madu (2014); and Isiyaku (2012), the level of implementation of the master plan has been merely speculative.


Inadequate Finance The assumption that the plan would be financed wholly by the public sector was a decision made in error. Internal revenue was not considered of any sufficient importance, in the same way that private sector finance, market borrowing, institutional finance, and grants and aid were downplayed.


Determinants Linked to Shortcomings in Planning

The question as to whether the Abuja master plan was implementable has not often been asked but needs to be asked. Africa has a history of building new capital cities, mostly primarily to serve administrative functions and as a showcase of national prestige. Similar to other cities before it, Abuja was conceived to serve the bureaucratic needs of government and to be funded mainly by the public sector.


There was little role left for the private sector and much less for civil society. The assumption that there would be sufficient government funding for the plan did not happen, and with the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) of the World Bank well in place in the mid-80s, the initial development pace and enthusiasm for implementing the plan faded.


With hindsight, therefore, the criticism can be linked to the plan’s lack of sustainability, inclusion, and affordability, situations that also raise concern as to whether the plan was indeed citizen-centred and sufficiently rigorous in its prediction of medium and long-term events with the potential of affecting implementation.


Without a review of the master plan, many of these technical shortcomings were responded to spontaneously and in a way that affected the quality of implementation. There are also related shortcomings in the economic strategy for the new City.


The economic role and function of the city are not generally defined in the plan, leading to its being described as a city without an economic purpose.


Although the plan is an excellent representation of urban design, today’s new generation of cities is established with economic purpose and strategy to have any meaningful chance of implementation.


They are established to accommodate an expanding technology ecosystem and offering opportunities that incentivize private investment and productivity.

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The World at Its Vulnerability By: Hontonnu Moses

The World at Its Vulnerability By: Hontonnu Moses

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By: Hontonnu Moses 

 

Hontonnu Moses


Sardonically, the world has not been emancipated or freed from the age-old phenomena that have come to inhabit our society.


The unimaginable chaos or rancour that has painted and dotted every part of our  society, has ignited fear in the hearts of the masses.


Does our clamour for peaceful co-existence among fellow countrymen still hold a high priority in our minds as to how an ideal society should be promoted, or has it probably been misplaced?


In view of the rising trend of political and social unrest, the world is responding to a threat to peace and orderliness in the society of men.


I will borrow these words from sociology that say the world is changing in a linear, dialectical, and cyclical pattern.


However, there is no doubt that the world is ever changing, and as this change is surfacing across the whole earth, it also comes with a wave of vulnerability, constituting shocks and strains within and beyond our immediate environment.


Historically, the world has incurred countless wars, causing so many irreparable loss of lives and property. The first world war of 1914–1918 and the second world war of 1939–1945 are widely known and prevalent in several academic and social discourses.


There were several wars that came to play in many countries, like Cuba, where a young and selfless Fidel Castro led the struggle to ousted the regime of Batista Fulgencio several years ago; also, the Russia-Ukraine War, the second Congo War, the Afghanistan War, the Yemen Civil War, the Syria War, and many others.


It's interesting to note that, man is the product of society, and society is the product of man. This implies that, we cannot isolate "man" from "society" and "society" from "man".


However, social institutions, social structures, social values, norms, and orders are by-products of man. In the same vein, the wars and commotions between nations do not just come to play, they are influenced my man, caused by many factors, including political, economic, socio-cultural, and many others.


Conclusively, the world has encountered so much social and political unrest for several centuries, where countries in Africa, Eastern Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and many others were dominated by some superpowers like the USA, Russia, France, Britain, Germany, and many others.


These countries were monopolised economically and politically, war was only their best option to break out from their colonisation!


More importantly, there's a need for world leaders, international institutions, or organisations to know that settling disputes and promoting peace among nation-states shouldn't always be a demonstration of military power if truly the world still wants peace and unity.




Hontonnu Moses, is a Political analyst, a Graduate of Political science.

By: Hontonnu Moses 

 

Hontonnu Moses


Sardonically, the world has not been emancipated or freed from the age-old phenomena that have come to inhabit our society.


The unimaginable chaos or rancour that has painted and dotted every part of our  society, has ignited fear in the hearts of the masses.


Does our clamour for peaceful co-existence among fellow countrymen still hold a high priority in our minds as to how an ideal society should be promoted, or has it probably been misplaced?


In view of the rising trend of political and social unrest, the world is responding to a threat to peace and orderliness in the society of men.


I will borrow these words from sociology that say the world is changing in a linear, dialectical, and cyclical pattern.


However, there is no doubt that the world is ever changing, and as this change is surfacing across the whole earth, it also comes with a wave of vulnerability, constituting shocks and strains within and beyond our immediate environment.


Historically, the world has incurred countless wars, causing so many irreparable loss of lives and property. The first world war of 1914–1918 and the second world war of 1939–1945 are widely known and prevalent in several academic and social discourses.


There were several wars that came to play in many countries, like Cuba, where a young and selfless Fidel Castro led the struggle to ousted the regime of Batista Fulgencio several years ago; also, the Russia-Ukraine War, the second Congo War, the Afghanistan War, the Yemen Civil War, the Syria War, and many others.


It's interesting to note that, man is the product of society, and society is the product of man. This implies that, we cannot isolate "man" from "society" and "society" from "man".


However, social institutions, social structures, social values, norms, and orders are by-products of man. In the same vein, the wars and commotions between nations do not just come to play, they are influenced my man, caused by many factors, including political, economic, socio-cultural, and many others.


Conclusively, the world has encountered so much social and political unrest for several centuries, where countries in Africa, Eastern Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and many others were dominated by some superpowers like the USA, Russia, France, Britain, Germany, and many others.


These countries were monopolised economically and politically, war was only their best option to break out from their colonisation!


More importantly, there's a need for world leaders, international institutions, or organisations to know that settling disputes and promoting peace among nation-states shouldn't always be a demonstration of military power if truly the world still wants peace and unity.




Hontonnu Moses, is a Political analyst, a Graduate of Political science.

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Meet Dr. Iziaq Salako, Ogun ministerial nominee; medical doctor, three-time commissioner, and political strategist

Meet Dr. Iziaq Salako, Ogun ministerial nominee; medical doctor, three-time commissioner, and political strategist

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By: Rasaq Omitogun


Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako


Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the pioneer President of Majo Noble Club of Ayetoro (MANCA) is a Public Health Physician, health activist, politician, public analyst, community mobilizer, writer, and radio presenter. He holds an MBBS degree from the University of Lagos and Master in Public Health from Lagos State University. He is a certified colposcopist and sinologist.


He has worked in many institutions, including the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Onicha General Hospital, Ebonyi State, St. Raphel Hospital, Lagos, Mucas Hospital, Lagos, and the Lagos State Health Service Commission, where he rose to the position of Senior Medical Officer before exiting the organisation to pursue other visions.


Due to his community activities and impactful youth mobilisation efforts, Salako was appointed a commissioner in Ogun State in 2007 without being a member of any political party.


He went on to serve in three strategic ministries of Agriculture, housing, and Health. In these ministries, he was able to introduce some innovations that promoted public health and the general welfare of the people, for which he was recognised severally by organisations and bodies like The Nigerian Tribune Newspaper, Lions International (District 404), Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association, Property and Environmental Writers Association of Nigeria, Lagos Housing Fair, Nigeria Union of Journalists, National Association of Resident Doctors (LUTH Branch) and the Yewa Traditional Council, just to mention a few. In 2020, he was appointed as the Chairman of, Ogun Hospitals Management Board and was adjudged the best government parastatal Chairman in the State in 2021 by Gateway News Magazine.


Dr. Salako was a student leader and served in several capacities, including the President, Association of Medical Students University of Lagos, Vice President, Federation of Africa Medical Students Association and Parliamentarian/Caucus Leader, University of Lagos Student Union.


He is a member, Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Medical Association.


He served as the publicity secretary of the Lagos State branch of the NMA from 1993–1994.


While serving the nation in the NYSC programme in 1994/1995, he emerged as one of the top 10 youth corps members in Old Abia State and was also awarded the Golden Handshake Award of President Jimmy Carter of the United States for his efforts at eradicating Guinea Worm in Onicha local government area of Old Abia State (Now Ebonyi).


He has been involved in many voluntary activities and currently serves as a member of the Advisory Board of Quality Management Development Institute, Lagos, Member Afisu Olabimtan Foundation, Ilaro, Secretary, Board of Trustees, HOW Foundation, Abeokuta and Secretary, Board of Trustees of Ayetoro Central Initiative for Development.


He sits on the boards of some profit-making organisations and is currently the Chairman of Klasik Healthtech and Pharma Nigeria Ltd, Remade Pharmacy and Health Stores, and SetUp Solar Nigeria Ltd.


He is a well-travelled man and has attended conferences/delivered papers in many professional fora here in Nigeria and in other countries of the world, including Accra, Ghana, London, UK, New Delhi, India, and Ottawa, Canada.


 Comrade Hennuho Rasaq Omitogun a Technologist


By: Rasaq Omitogun


Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako


Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the pioneer President of Majo Noble Club of Ayetoro (MANCA) is a Public Health Physician, health activist, politician, public analyst, community mobilizer, writer, and radio presenter. He holds an MBBS degree from the University of Lagos and Master in Public Health from Lagos State University. He is a certified colposcopist and sinologist.


He has worked in many institutions, including the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Onicha General Hospital, Ebonyi State, St. Raphel Hospital, Lagos, Mucas Hospital, Lagos, and the Lagos State Health Service Commission, where he rose to the position of Senior Medical Officer before exiting the organisation to pursue other visions.


Due to his community activities and impactful youth mobilisation efforts, Salako was appointed a commissioner in Ogun State in 2007 without being a member of any political party.


He went on to serve in three strategic ministries of Agriculture, housing, and Health. In these ministries, he was able to introduce some innovations that promoted public health and the general welfare of the people, for which he was recognised severally by organisations and bodies like The Nigerian Tribune Newspaper, Lions International (District 404), Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association, Property and Environmental Writers Association of Nigeria, Lagos Housing Fair, Nigeria Union of Journalists, National Association of Resident Doctors (LUTH Branch) and the Yewa Traditional Council, just to mention a few. In 2020, he was appointed as the Chairman of, Ogun Hospitals Management Board and was adjudged the best government parastatal Chairman in the State in 2021 by Gateway News Magazine.


Dr. Salako was a student leader and served in several capacities, including the President, Association of Medical Students University of Lagos, Vice President, Federation of Africa Medical Students Association and Parliamentarian/Caucus Leader, University of Lagos Student Union.


He is a member, Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Medical Association.


He served as the publicity secretary of the Lagos State branch of the NMA from 1993–1994.


While serving the nation in the NYSC programme in 1994/1995, he emerged as one of the top 10 youth corps members in Old Abia State and was also awarded the Golden Handshake Award of President Jimmy Carter of the United States for his efforts at eradicating Guinea Worm in Onicha local government area of Old Abia State (Now Ebonyi).


He has been involved in many voluntary activities and currently serves as a member of the Advisory Board of Quality Management Development Institute, Lagos, Member Afisu Olabimtan Foundation, Ilaro, Secretary, Board of Trustees, HOW Foundation, Abeokuta and Secretary, Board of Trustees of Ayetoro Central Initiative for Development.


He sits on the boards of some profit-making organisations and is currently the Chairman of Klasik Healthtech and Pharma Nigeria Ltd, Remade Pharmacy and Health Stores, and SetUp Solar Nigeria Ltd.


He is a well-travelled man and has attended conferences/delivered papers in many professional fora here in Nigeria and in other countries of the world, including Accra, Ghana, London, UK, New Delhi, India, and Ottawa, Canada.


 Comrade Hennuho Rasaq Omitogun a Technologist


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Green Skills For The Youth: Towards a Sustainable World

Green Skills For The Youth: Towards a Sustainable World

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 By:Augustine Mautin Kiki


Photo credit: UN Mission 


International Youth Day is celebrated globally on August 12th each year. The Initiative for celebrating the day was borne out of the desire to recognise the place of young people in sustainable development, appreciate their strengths, and redirect their invaluable abilities to meaningful development.

 

This year's celebration is centred around Green Skills for the Youth: Towards a Sustainable World. This thematic subject is quite timely in our world today, where we grapple with climate challenges that affect the fundamentals of our existence. The theme is perhaps a call to develop the necessary skills in young people to help combat the menace of climate change, which has become a major threat to world peace and development.

 

As an individual, I have been involved, since my teen years, in youthful activities in various fora, and have developed skills that focus on youth leadership and development. No doubt, my involvement in these activities has equally made me attain roles of leadership in various organisations in the larger society.

 

As various youth organisations prepare for this auspicious occasion, where we again rededicate our vows and energies to youth apostolate, I wish to join my voice as a member of several youth groups, and as an individual, to call on relevant authorities, corporate organisations, charities, and well meaning individuals to reach out to the youth at this time, support their initiatives, collaborate, and encourage them to become useful contributors to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in 2030.

 

No society can be anything meaningful without a deliberate investment in the youth.

 

Mr. Augustine Mautin Kiki

A Critic, Public Affairs Analyst and Youth Leadership Coach.

 By:Augustine Mautin Kiki


Photo credit: UN Mission 


International Youth Day is celebrated globally on August 12th each year. The Initiative for celebrating the day was borne out of the desire to recognise the place of young people in sustainable development, appreciate their strengths, and redirect their invaluable abilities to meaningful development.

 

This year's celebration is centred around Green Skills for the Youth: Towards a Sustainable World. This thematic subject is quite timely in our world today, where we grapple with climate challenges that affect the fundamentals of our existence. The theme is perhaps a call to develop the necessary skills in young people to help combat the menace of climate change, which has become a major threat to world peace and development.

 

As an individual, I have been involved, since my teen years, in youthful activities in various fora, and have developed skills that focus on youth leadership and development. No doubt, my involvement in these activities has equally made me attain roles of leadership in various organisations in the larger society.

 

As various youth organisations prepare for this auspicious occasion, where we again rededicate our vows and energies to youth apostolate, I wish to join my voice as a member of several youth groups, and as an individual, to call on relevant authorities, corporate organisations, charities, and well meaning individuals to reach out to the youth at this time, support their initiatives, collaborate, and encourage them to become useful contributors to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in 2030.

 

No society can be anything meaningful without a deliberate investment in the youth.

 

Mr. Augustine Mautin Kiki

A Critic, Public Affairs Analyst and Youth Leadership Coach.

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HON. Mobolaji Ogunlende's Cabinet Membership: A Timely Intervention For Badagry's Quest for Development By: Augustine Mautin Kiki

HON. Mobolaji Ogunlende's Cabinet Membership: A Timely Intervention For Badagry's Quest for Development By: Augustine Mautin Kiki

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By: Augustine Mautin Kiki


Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende  [Photo credit: Official Twitter page]

Badagry ranks as an important city in Lagos State and Nigeria as a nation. This assertion cannot be unconnected to its place in the annals of Nigeria's historical origins and development. In Lagos State, Badagry is perhaps the headquarters of what is known as Badagry Division today. Apart from the many historical monuments that are situated in Badagry due to its early contacts with European explorers, slave merchants, and missionaries, it's also blessed with rich cultural heritage and a people who are largely peaceful, resilient, and productive.

 


Related News:

RAK Foundation Sponsors Students Ahead JAMB

BREAKING: Mobolaji Ogunlende Discovers Gold Mine In Badagry

OGUNLENDE Donates 5000 Exercise Books To Badagry West LGA

BREAKING: RAK Foundation Sponsor And Equip Four Badagry Youths


However, the level of inclusion in the scheme of affairs and the state of infrastructure, among others, have continued to raise great concerns in the minds of many, both within and without. With the place of Badagry in the mappings of the state, one will simply expect the presence of development indicators such as quality social amenities, infrastructure, and a good standard of living of the people. Unfortunately, the city of Badagry is either denied of these, or, at best, those available have been in shambles for decades.

 

No doubt, development is not an end in itself, it's a process unending. Notwithstanding, at every stage of development, the quality of life of the people is sacrosanct. This is why social amenities and infrastructure are critical in ensuring a good standard of living of the people.

 

commissioning Borehole at Iworo Market Badagry on June 3,2023


In light of the above, Badagry needs leaders who are committed to development in all the major arms and tiers of government. Leaders whose antecedents and track records both in private and public life can earn the trust of the people. As a community that yearns for concrete development, Badagry needs people of goodwill that will skyrocket transformation in critical aspects of society.

 

It's against this background that the nomination of Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende as a member of the Executive arm of the state is not just a welcome development, it's timely for Badagry's quest for development. This assertion is indisputably factual, considering his track record and antecedents in leadership and community service. In the past years up till now, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, fondly called RAK through his foundation (RAK DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION) has continued to impact positively on the lives of many, particularly in Badagry and its environs. His philanthropic engagements cut across education, health, youth development, women empowerment, human capital development, skill acquisition, and a host of others too numerous to pen down.

 


Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende at Two Days heads of Station Retreat at Alausa-Ikeja Lagos on May 4, 2023 [Photo credit: Official Twitter handle]


It's not surprising, therefore, that about half a year before the expiration of the last administration, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, appointed him as a Special Adviser on Special Duties and InterGovernmental Relations, where he served meritoriously. No doubt, his new nomination is a confirmation of his vibrancy, resourcefulness and commitment to serving public interests. This nomination is therefore a great opportunity for Badagry to get synchronised into the scheme of things in the state administration. It will also guarantee quality representation of a people who were hitherto neglected. It's hoped with enthusiasm that this is a new dawn of meaningful inclusion, a new era of mega development, and a testament of greater heights for the people of Badagry.

 


Augustine Mautin Kiki. A Critic and Public Affairs Analyst.
 


By: Augustine Mautin Kiki


Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende  [Photo credit: Official Twitter page]

Badagry ranks as an important city in Lagos State and Nigeria as a nation. This assertion cannot be unconnected to its place in the annals of Nigeria's historical origins and development. In Lagos State, Badagry is perhaps the headquarters of what is known as Badagry Division today. Apart from the many historical monuments that are situated in Badagry due to its early contacts with European explorers, slave merchants, and missionaries, it's also blessed with rich cultural heritage and a people who are largely peaceful, resilient, and productive.

 


Related News:

RAK Foundation Sponsors Students Ahead JAMB

BREAKING: Mobolaji Ogunlende Discovers Gold Mine In Badagry

OGUNLENDE Donates 5000 Exercise Books To Badagry West LGA

BREAKING: RAK Foundation Sponsor And Equip Four Badagry Youths


However, the level of inclusion in the scheme of affairs and the state of infrastructure, among others, have continued to raise great concerns in the minds of many, both within and without. With the place of Badagry in the mappings of the state, one will simply expect the presence of development indicators such as quality social amenities, infrastructure, and a good standard of living of the people. Unfortunately, the city of Badagry is either denied of these, or, at best, those available have been in shambles for decades.

 

No doubt, development is not an end in itself, it's a process unending. Notwithstanding, at every stage of development, the quality of life of the people is sacrosanct. This is why social amenities and infrastructure are critical in ensuring a good standard of living of the people.

 

commissioning Borehole at Iworo Market Badagry on June 3,2023


In light of the above, Badagry needs leaders who are committed to development in all the major arms and tiers of government. Leaders whose antecedents and track records both in private and public life can earn the trust of the people. As a community that yearns for concrete development, Badagry needs people of goodwill that will skyrocket transformation in critical aspects of society.

 

It's against this background that the nomination of Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende as a member of the Executive arm of the state is not just a welcome development, it's timely for Badagry's quest for development. This assertion is indisputably factual, considering his track record and antecedents in leadership and community service. In the past years up till now, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, fondly called RAK through his foundation (RAK DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION) has continued to impact positively on the lives of many, particularly in Badagry and its environs. His philanthropic engagements cut across education, health, youth development, women empowerment, human capital development, skill acquisition, and a host of others too numerous to pen down.

 


Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende at Two Days heads of Station Retreat at Alausa-Ikeja Lagos on May 4, 2023 [Photo credit: Official Twitter handle]


It's not surprising, therefore, that about half a year before the expiration of the last administration, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, appointed him as a Special Adviser on Special Duties and InterGovernmental Relations, where he served meritoriously. No doubt, his new nomination is a confirmation of his vibrancy, resourcefulness and commitment to serving public interests. This nomination is therefore a great opportunity for Badagry to get synchronised into the scheme of things in the state administration. It will also guarantee quality representation of a people who were hitherto neglected. It's hoped with enthusiasm that this is a new dawn of meaningful inclusion, a new era of mega development, and a testament of greater heights for the people of Badagry.

 


Augustine Mautin Kiki. A Critic and Public Affairs Analyst.
 


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