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RESILAC: Turning the tide against poverty in Borno

by Content Admin
written by Content Admin

By Abdullahi Mohammed

A recent study shows that of the 1.1 billion people living in multidimensional poverty, almost half a billion live in countries exposed to violent conflict.

The research, conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), said it had become imperative to accelerate action to support such people.

“We need resources and access for specialised development and early recovery interventions to help break the cycle of poverty and crisis,” the UNDP report said.

In Nigeria, the European Union (EU) and French Development Agency (FDA’s) co-funded project, “Inclusive Economic and Social Recovery around Lake Chad (RESILAC) 2”, is breaking waves in the fight against poverty in Borno.

In the RESILAC 2 National Steering Committee 2nd meeting in Borno on Nov. 14, stakeholders highlighted how the intervention projects being executed by Action Against Hunger and CARE International, among other civil society organisations, had effectively waged the war against poverty.

The stakeholders expressed delight over the progress so far achieved in the implementation process.

The meeting also underlined the progress made by Borno in the implementation of the respective action plans at the inaugural of the project in April.

Dr Sampson Ebimaro, the RESILAC’s National Steering Committee Chairman, thanked stakeholders for their active participation in the field visit earlier before the commencement of the meeting, which he said had offered them a first-hand view of the progress made in the implementation of the project.

Ebimaro, also an acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, pointed out that the visit had further provided valuable insight into how the intervention was shaping lives, fostering economic opportunities and rebuilding hope among conflict affected communities.

The chairman commended RESILAC’s of steady progress in strengthening local governance structure and supporting youth and women enterprises toward promoting inclusive recovery and environmental resilience.

He described the aforesaid as a reflection of the stakeholders’ shared determination.

“This tangible result lesson underscored effectiveness of collaboration among government, donors, implementing partners and the enduring resilience of the propl4e of the Lake Chad region.”

Ebimaro, who was represented by Mr Abdullahi Yakubu, Deputy Director and Head of Bilateral Cooperation at the Ministry, provided further insights.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, remain fully committed to sustaining and strengthening this partnership.

“Our collective objective is to align humanitarian and development effort with national priorities, particularly in areas of livelihood, recovery, social cohesion and peace building.

“The ministry will continue to promote a comprehensive approach to resilience building, ensuring that the gains made through the resilience cycle are integrated with broader national frameworks and inclusive growth and sustainable development,” he said.

The EU’s representative at the meeting, De Luca Maassimo, also expressed happiness over the progress made.

“I am very excited about the development so far and quite optimistic about the further off-take of the project in the coming months.

“I am aware of the challenges, but still comforted by the quality of the work carried out by our implementing partners and I think the situation is always evolving.

“I think that this is an element of this project that I would like to emphasise, meaning the assessment of the situation in the field, especially for most vulnerable people in,” he said.

For Sally Ibrahim, the representative of AFD, the stakeholders’ meeting “is an important step for the programme and for the impact that the programme is hoping to achieve by the end of its implementation period.”

In his submission, Mr Thierno Diallo, the Country Director, Action Against Hunger, Nigeria (ACF), said that the project was timely and capable of reducing poverty in Nigeria if sustained.

He insisted that RESILAC was specially designed as a regional programme to address the root cause of poverty in conflict affected communities.

Diallo said that was why the five year project was co-designed by the communities, the local authorities, the state authorities and chaired the implementation by the federal ministry of budget and economic planning.

The country director said the meeting was part of the process for its implementation so that the stakeholders could come and see the progress of the project as it were.

Mr Isa Haladu, the Borno Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, advocated a stronger cooperation among the stakeholders for better results.

Halidu, who was represented by Habu Yajiwa, the Borno Focal Person on Social Investment Programme, urged the implementing partners to remain focused in order to achieve the objectives of the programme.

The project, which targeted 36,000 Nigerians, mostly in Borno, was later expanded to Yobe.

Zainab Abubakar, one of the beneficiaries, who was financially empowered via RESILAC to start-up poultry with 100 birds after undergoing special training, shared her success story on how she built a house from her savings in the business.

Abubakar, a widow, expressed her gratitude to the co- founders, implementing partners and the Nigerian Government for giving her the opportunity to become self-reliant.

According to her, she is happily feeding and supporting her children’s education without tears.

By many accounts, thousands of vulnerable Nigerians are gradually gaining their financial and economic freedom via the RESILAC project within a short time of its start-up. (NANFeatures)

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Echoes from Anambra: Tackling scourge of vote buying in Nigeria

by Content Admin
written by Content Admin

By Francis Onyeukwu

By most accounts, voter-inducement and vote buying were rife at the Nov. 8 Anambra governorship election.

Election monitors reported incidents of vote buying in many polling centres during the exercise—a recurring menace in Nigeria’s electoral system.

More so, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said three suspects were arrested for vote buying in various parts of the state.

Political analysts believe that vote buying is central to the problems currently plaguing Nigeria’s democracy.

They say that vote buying is the key reason why political office holders do not render quality service after winning positions, as many resort to recouping their investments instead of providing infrastructure and other dividends of democracy.

The Anambra governorship election was contested by 16 political parties and almost all the candidates spoke to the media complaining of vote buying.

The incumbent Governor, Prof. Chukuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who was declared winner of the contest by INEC after polling a total of 422,664 votes, was among the first to raise the alarm.

Soludo decried the incidents of vote buying reported in some polling units in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state.

He made this known after he voted at Polling Unit 002, Ofiyi Square, Umueze, Isuofia Ward 13, Aguata Local Government Area, at exactly 1:20 p.m. on Saturday.

“I have been getting numerous calls from across the state. I think it is been relatively peaceful and going smoothly.

“Though there are some glitches at polling units in Olumbanasa in Anambra West, where the BVAS reportedly did not work as expected, on the average, the election is going well.

“The only concern we have received is in one or two places in Nnewi South where we understand that there has been massive vote buying. Some voters are being paid as much as N15,000,” he said.

The Labour Party’s candidate, Dr George Moghalu, also alleged vote buying and frowned at the danger it portended to the electoral process.

Moghalu, who spoke shortly after casting his vote at Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi, urged INEC to rise to its responsibility of making the process credible.

He also alleged voter apathy, attributing it to people’s lack of confidence in the electoral process.

“I am not impressed; there were no issues of glitches, at least for now.

“As we go along to monitor the process, we will confirm. In terms of voting, there is improvement against previous elections.

“I cannot say it is free and fair because if you monetise a process, you weaponise poverty; what is free about it?

“There is no doubt there is low voter turnout and that has been the trend,” he said.

On his part, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Anambra, Mr Nicholas Ukachukwu, alleged widespread vote buying at the election.

Ukachukwu made the allegation shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 012, Umudimala Amaihe Hall, Osumenyi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state.

The APC candidate specifically accused the ruling APGA of vote buying across all polling units.

“From what I have been hearing, there has been reports of hitches and security challenges but largely, there have been vote buying.

“That has become the biggest menace that will witch hunt this country to a standstill. It will come to a point where leaders, who have the opportunity to be in power, will not be able to do anything,” he said.

The Deputy Governorship Candidate of APC, Sen. Uche Ekwunife, also added her voice in condemning what she termed widespread vote buying during the exercise.

Ekwunife said that in spite repeated warnings by the INEC and security agencies against electoral malpractices, vote buying still took place on a large scale.

She described the development as a dangerous setback for Nigeria’s democratic process and a betrayal of the people’s will.

“Many voters in the state were pressured through financial inducements into voting against their conscience.

“It is disheartening that instead of allowing the people to freely choose their leaders, some political actors have chosen to corrupt the process with money.

“This kind of monetisation of democracy must stop if we truly want progress in Anambra and Nigeria at large,” she said.

Mr John Nwosu, candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) also condemned the alleged vote buying and selling during the exercise.

Nwosu expressed concern over what he called the ‘increasing incidence of vote trading, describing it as a ‘grave threat’ to democracy and the will of the people.

He alleged that huge sums of money were deployed to polling units in Nnewi to undermine his chances in the election.

“I had rather stand by integrity and lose honourably than buy votes to win,” he said.

Former Gov. of Anambra, Mr Peter Obi, attributed the widespread vote buying and selling reported in the state election to bad governance.

Obi made the remarks at Polling Unit 019, Agulu, in Anaocha Local Government Area after casting his vote at the ongoing Anambra governorship election.

He expressed concern over the scale of vote buying, which he said ranged between N15,000 and N30,000.

“It is sad that bad governance is fueling vote buying and selling.

“For an unemployed youth who sells his vote for N30,000, what will he be paid next month when there is no election?

“By selling your vote, you are selling no school, no hospital, no jobs and selling away your future; this is worrisome,” Obi said.

The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) that monitored the election including the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) and Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room corroborated the views of the candidates that vote buying and apathy were rampant during the exercise.

Prof. Ernest Aniche, at Election Analysis Centre, CDD-West Africa, spoke during the preliminary report on the election after monitoring the process in the 21 Local Government Area.

Aniche said that the election raised concerns about voter apathy, low electoral competitiveness and the fragility of key electoral institutions.

He blamed the apathy on public distrust in INEC post-2023, fears of violence or manipulation and intra-party divisions.

“Party agents offered voters N10, 000 and N5, 000, depending on the location; for example, in Achina and in Aguata LGA, agents distributed N5, 000 and N2, 000 payments to voters.

“In Anambra South, similar patterns were recorded; at Ichi in Ekwusigo LGA, and Achina in Aguata LGA, with agents distributing cash payments ranging from N2,000 to N5,000 in rooms,’’ he said.

In addition, Yiaga Africa, European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) II and other partner organisations, equally raised concerns over voter turnout and vote buying.

The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, and Ms Asabe Ndahi of the Kukah Centre, identified vote buying and low turnout as recurring issues observed during the election.

Mr Paulchuks Umenduka, Director, Woman and Family Advancement Initiative (WAFAI), Anambra, an NGO, warned that vote buying would expose the country to grievous dangers.

“In Anmabra, there are people called conversers they embark on house-to-house visits to bargain with voters before the day of election.

“The converser will tell the voter to use smarter phone and snap the ballot paper as evidence to enable him be paid after voting their candidate.

“This development had resulted to the desperation both young and old exhibit during elections lately,’’ Umenduka said.

He cited the case of a 96-year-old woman, Mrs Elizabeth Onike, who was reported weeping because she was denied voting right at Umudim Akasi Polling Unit 019, Agulu Ward 8, Anaocha Local Government Area.

“At polling unit 005 Enugwu-Ukwu Community in Njikoka area of Anambra, confusion that ensued as a result of struggle to vote caused the fainting of the INEC presiding official, Miss Blessing Egoigwe and her subsequently rushed to hospital.

“I can tell you that all these acts of desperation were not for patriotic desire for people to perform their civic duties, but due to the pecuniary interest,’’ he said.

He said if Nigerians must enjoy the full gains of democracy, in which elected officials perform their duties and corruption eliminated, vote buying and other electoral frauds must be tackled headlong.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, adjudged the election to be peaceful and without tangible hitches after she monitored the exercise in some polling units in Uruagu Ward 2 in Nnewi area.

Worthy of note, the Anambra governorship election was adjudged very peaceful as there were no reports of violence across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

Ultimately, it is the view of critical stakeholders that concerted and conscious efforts should be made towards stamping out vote buying from Nigeria’s electoral system.(NANFeatures)

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FG Impoverishing Nigerians With Vicious Policies: From Electricity to Fuel,  Masses Are Bleeding

by Editor
written by Editor

By Chibuike Nwabuko

The Nigerian government has declared war not on corruption, not on insecurity, not on mismanagement, but on the very people it swore to protect. From one poorly thought-out policy to another, the Federal Government (FG) has chosen to tighten the noose around the necks of ordinary Nigerians, particularly in essential sectors like electricity, fuel, kerosene, and diesel. Instead of governance, what we have is a systematic, deliberate impoverishment of the masses.

Let’s start with electricity—a lifeline for households and small businesses. In a disturbing development on Kubwa, Abuja, a disturbing anomaly occurred recently that lays bare the silent extortion Nigerians are being subjected to. In September, ₦8,000 could fetch about 143.7kwh of electricity. Today, that same amount fetches just 93.7kwh—a staggering 50kwh reduction and no one informed the people, no notice was given, no justification offered. This isn’t just an anomaly; it’s a blatant slap in the face of citizens struggling to survive. This is just one example and a tip of the iceberg in a sea of opaque and punishing energy policies designed to drain the people, not empower them.

Meanwhile, fuel prices have skyrocketed following the removal of subsidies. The FG insists it’s saving money, but where is the money going? The life of the citizenry is not improving, healthcare remains a mess, education is gasping for air, and food inflation has reached unbearable levels. Instead of relief, what Nigerians are witnessing is a government on a borrowing spree; approaching every willing loaning institution or nation while offering no transparent investment or long-term plan in return. It’s a vicious cycle: we suffer the consequences, they spend in silence.

If this isn’t a betrayal of public trust, what is?

While the masses bleed at the pumps and electricity meters, the very people in power, the elite government officials and ministers are caught in one scandal after another. Funds are looted, contracts are padded, and resources meant for public good are diverted into private accounts. Yet, no one is sacked. No one is probed. No meaningful anti-corruption campaign has surfaced. These people, many of whom have built mansions across Nigeria; properties that remain unoccupied face no consequences. The idea of a property tax on these underutilized, suspiciously acquired assets is non-existent in the government’s agenda. Instead, they focus on draining every last kobo from the sweat of the poor.

Even kerosene and diesel, once considered alternatives for the average Nigerian, have become luxuries. Prices are beyond the reach of the common man. Small businesses are shutting down. Families are reverting to firewood in urban centres. What decade are we living in?

This government keeps repeating the tired excuse of “subsidy removal is for long-term gain,” but the truth remains that the suffering is here and now, and no one is seeing or feeling the benefits. Instead of cutting the cost of governance, filled with bloated allowances, convoys, foreign trips, and luxury lifestyles, they have chosen to cut the lifeline of the Nigerian people.

The real tragedy is that many Nigerians have become numb to this suffering. But we must not stay silent. The government must be called out for what it is doing, which is weaponizing poverty through reckless economic decisions, indifference to accountability, and the total absence of empathy.

This is not governance. This is punishment.

Enough is enough. The Federal Government must stop impoverishing Nigerians and start doing the job it was elected to do: protect, provide, and prosper the people, not punish them.

Mr. Chibuike Nwabuko – an Economist, Political Analyst and Good Governance Crusader writes in from Abuja. He can be reached on [email protected].

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Is poverty fueling mental health breakdowns?

by Content Admin
written by Content Admin

By Abiemwense Moru

Poverty is a global menace distressing millions of people, depriving them the essentials of living and increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts.

It is not merely a lack of income; it is a deep, suffocating force affecting mental health, dignity, and life itself.

For millions, it creates a silent path towards despair.

In Nigeria, the Federal Government, among other measures, recently unveiled a programme to directly support a minimum of 1,000 economically active people in each ward across Nigeria in order to reduce poverty at the grassroots level.

Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, provided some insights.

“Having stabilised the macro-economy, the next step is to drill development down to the lowest levels so that, in all 8,809 wards, we can stimulate economic activity that will generate employment, reduce poverty, enhance food security, and strengthen social protection,” Bagudu said.

Nonetheless, Andrew Mamedu, Country Director at ActionAid Nigeria, said poverty stretched beyond empty wallets.

“It affects access to health, education, and mental well-being, leaving people emotionally and physically drained in ways that are not always visible.”

As of 2023, the World Bank reported nearly 104 million Nigerians living in poverty—that is almost half of the population, up from 40 per cent in 2018, an alarming 24 million increase.

Urban poverty rose from 13 to 20 million people, while rural poverty surged from 67 million to 84 million.

But income tells only part of the story; UNICEF’s 2023 report revealed that 18 per cent of Nigerians live in severe poverty, while 33 per cent are multidimensionally poor, facing multiple deprivations like housing, healthcare, and education.

“Poverty in Nigeria is thus about more than money, it is about opportunity, dignity, and the mental scars left on those with limited options.

“These are the realities ActionAid sees daily.”

In Aug. 2024, ActionAid Nigeria unveiled a 10-year strategy: “Citizens’ Action to End Poverty and Injustice.”

It targets structural inequality and aims to empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

More so, ActionAid leads the End Austerity Campaign, bringing together youth, civil society, and rights groups to resist economic policies that cripple essential public services and deepen mental and financial hardship.

“These efforts are crucial, because behind the numbers is a worsening crisis.

“We are seeing the emotional toll of poverty become a public health issue, especially with rising suicide rates.”

Nigeria faces rising suicide numbers, with the WHO estimating that around 15,000 people die by suicide every year; this is likely an underestimate due to stigma and poor reporting mechanisms.

Conversations about mental health remain taboo in many communities.

As a result, many Nigerians, especially young people, suffer in silence and isolation, unable to find outlets for their distress.

A 2021 study found those aged 25 to 34 were the largest group of reported suicides; their struggles were both financial and emotional, rooted in hopelessness, pressure, and unmet societal expectations.

Common triggers for suicidal thoughts include unemployment, debt, and the inability to meet family needs.

For many, the mental burden of survival in today’s Nigeria is relentless and crushing.

Mental health professionals report that more people now express despair linked to finances; many admit they feel life is not worth living, as economic instability suffocates their ambitions and confidence.

Reports show that only 10 per cent of Nigerians who need mental health care can access it.

Nigeria has one of the lowest levels of mental health coverage globally, leaving millions without the support they urgently need.

Smaller African nations like Lesotho allocate more to mental health; Lesotho dedicates about five per cent of its health budget to mental health services.

Nigeria, in spite of being Africa’s largest economy, spends far less.

“This is not just about money, it is about value; if we continue to sideline mental health, we are telling Nigerians their lives don’t matter; that has to change.”

Experts say for some young people, suicide becomes a tragic response to economic suffering.

Poverty, in this sense, is not just a condition; it becomes a mental and emotional death sentence carried quietly by millions.

Mamedu said that ActionAid worked in marginalised communities where exclusion was greatest.

“We see the human face of poverty, families with no support, youths with no prospects; yet, we also see incredible resilience.

“By working directly with such communities, we make sure that the national conversation on poverty is grounded in real-life struggles, not just in boardroom statistics.”

To tackle this crisis, Mamedu believes Nigeria must adopt a two-pronged approach.

“We need inclusive economic policies and investment in mental health. It’s the only way forward, Mamedu said.”

Ephraim Audu, a development economist, cannot agree more.

“Between 20 to 30 per cent of Nigerians now face mental health challenges linked to economic hardship.

“This is a national emergency.”

According to a 2025 World Bank report, more than 106 million Nigerians now live below the extreme poverty line.

Afrobarometer also found that 79 per cent of Nigerians experienced high levels of lived poverty in 2024.

“Inflation, weak currency, low wages, and joblessness have eroded household stability. Many people can no longer meet basic needs, and that takes a huge psychological toll.

“This is not just financial strain, it is emotional warfare.

“People are being crushed under the weight of unmet needs and mounting obligations they cannot fulfill.’’

Economically, Audu said individuals were rational agents trying to maximise well-being.

“But when income collapses, stress and despair take over; people begin to feel worthless and stuck.

“Poverty erodes more than income, it destroys dignity.

“Business failure, job loss, and mounting debt produce a dual burden, economic stress and mental trauma.”

Audu also highlighted what economists call the frustrated expectations gap.

“Young people are told education and hard work pay off; but the system is broken, so they feel betrayed and lost.

“Many youths seek escape through migration, popularly known as ‘Japa’; however, high visa costs and bureaucratic blocks create new frustration, deepening their sense of helplessness and failure.

“Suicide becomes, for some, a perceived way out; we see this globally, suicide rates tend to rise during economic downturns, and Nigeria is no exception.”

Audu called for integrated policy action.

“We need economic stabilisation, job creation, and robust mental health systems. Piecemeal solutions won’t work in this kind of multidimensional crisis.”

Specific steps Audu recommends include: Macroeconomic Stabilisation: Tackle inflation, stabilise the naira, and create decent jobs to reduce household financial pressure and restore confidence in the economy.

“Social Protection–Expand welfare programmes, including targeted food subsidies and unemployment benefits, to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable.

“Mental Health Integration–we must embed mental health services in primary healthcare and train frontline workers to spot distress early.

“Youth Employment–Public-private partnerships can help create digital and vocational opportunities to keep youths engaged and hopeful,” Audu said.

Dr Adedotun Ajiboye, Chief Clinical Psychologist at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, said suicide had become a major public health concern.

“We are seeing the consequences of ignoring mental health.”

According to WHO, Nigeria’s suicide rate stands at 17.3 per 100,000 people.

“That is one of the highest rates in Africa; the numbers are alarming.”

Ajiboye said that studies showed 21.6 per cent of undergraduates in Lagos had suicidal thoughts.

“Among those diagnosed with depression, over half reported contemplating suicide; that is terrifying.”

In another study in Southwest Nigeria, Ajiboye found 20 per cent of youths had suicidal ideation, and about 12 per cent had attempted suicide in the previous year.

“The trends are consistent and very worrying.”

“The more severe the depressive symptoms, the more likely suicidal thoughts become.

“Among those with severe depression, the rate of suicidal ideation jumps to 83.3 per cent.”

Ajiboye cited multiple risk factors: “Low self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, drug abuse, poor academic performance, and of course financial pressure–these are all red flags we see every day.”

He said that hanging and poisoning accounted for more than 80 per cent of suicide methods in Nigeria.

“These deaths are preventable. But only if people have access to help, and feel safe seeking it.”

Ajiboye is also the founder of the Hope Initiative for Mental Wellness and Anti-Drug Society, an NGO focusing on awareness.

He said mental health education must start from schools and communities.

“Awareness is key; we must reduce stigma and normalise conversations about mental illness; people must know it is okay to ask for help,” Ajiboye said.

As Mamedu, Audu, and Ajiboye all stressed, poverty damages both body and mind, often with irreversible consequences.

Experts say only a holistic approach, economic stabilisation, social protection, and mental health investment, can bring meaningful change.(NANFeatures)

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Israeli strike on Doha, Gaza crisis: Nigeria as voice of peace

by Content Admin
written by Content Admin

By Emmanuel Yashim

Israel’s strike on Doha, Qatar, that killed senior Hamas negotiators, including Khalil al-Hayya, has shaken Middle East diplomacy and raised questions about Qatar’s role as a mediator in the Gaza war.

The attack, confirmed by Israeli officials, occurred as Hamas leaders were reportedly reviewing fresh U.S. proposals for a ceasefire and hostage release.

For years, Qatar has positioned itself as a safe venue for adversaries to hold peace talks.

It hosted U.S.-Taliban negotiations and, more recently, indirect talks between Israel, Hamas, and Western intermediaries.

Doha’s neutrality was central to ceasefire diplomacy after Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, assault on Israel.

By striking in Doha, Israel undermined that assumption.

Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani condemned the strike as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and a threat to regional peace.

He emphasised that the attack jeopardised ongoing hostage negotiations and vowed to continue Qatar’s mediation efforts in spite of  the setback.

“By hitting in Qatar, Israel has punctured the idea that Doha was a protected space for dialogue,” a Western diplomat said.

The Gulf state, which hosts a major U.S. base and invests heavily in Western economies, now faces pressure over whether it can continue as mediator, proponents of international affairs, say.

Amidst all of this, Nigeria has emerged as a strong advocate for peace and diplomacy.

The Nigerian Government, in statement from the Foreign Affairs ministry, strongly condemned the strike, describing it as a violation of international law.

Nigeria, therefore, called on Israel to respect Qatar’s sovereignty and international law.

Nigeria added that the attack poses grave concerns for regional stability in the Middle East.

Amb. Suleiman Dahiru, a veteran career diplomat who served Nigeria as ambassador to Sudan Permanent Representative to the United Nations, described the attack as “criminal” and a deliberate disruption of peace efforts.

“America confirmed that it had been alerted by Israel of the attack, but it didn’t prevent Israel from carrying it out,’’ he said.

He said it was disappointing that the Arab world had failed to stand firmly with Palestine.

Nigerian foreign affairs experts emphasise that targeting mediators risks prolonging the Gaza conflict and worsening civilian suffering.

Nigeria’s position reflects its long-standing commitment to mediation and conflict resolution in Africa and beyond.

Through its condemnation and engagement, Nigeria positions itself as a crucial mediator and advocate for stability – championing diplomacy, humanitarian relief, and conflict resolution at a global level.

Analysts highlight that as a trusted voice in international forums, Nigeria can influence efforts to revive ceasefire talks and advocate for humanitarian access in Gaza.

Observers believe that the timing of the strike further complicates diplomacy.

That is more so as U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, appointed by President Donald Trump, had been struggling to revive talks.

Al-Hayya was Hamas’s lead negotiator and his death leaves a gap in the process. Speculation on social media suggested that the U.S. proposals may have been used to draw leaders into one place, though no evidence has been presented.

Western officials privately acknowledge that the talks are now “in ruins.” Without a credible mediator, the prospects of a truce or hostage deal appear remote.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has presented the Doha strike as part of Israel’s campaign to ensure Hamas leaders “never sleep easy.”

He urged Palestinians to embrace Trump’s plan and reject Hamas.

Yet in Gaza, where more than 60,000 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced, such appeals carry little weight.

Israel’s military ordered the evacuation of Gaza City just hours before the Doha operation, a move affecting up to a million people.

Humanitarian agencies have warned that the forced displacement will deepen famine conditions and civilian suffering.

More than half a million people in Gaza are trapped in famine, marked by widespread starvation, destitution and preventable deaths, according to a new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis released in August.

This situation pushed the FAO, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO to jointly release a statement, reiterating the call for immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access to curb deaths from hunger and malnutrition

Nigerian experts stress that without renewed diplomatic engagement, civilian suffering will escalate and prospects for compromise will diminish further.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, faces international legal scrutiny: the International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for his arrest over alleged war crimes, and the International Court of Justice is reviewing genocide allegations.

However, his right-wing coalition is pushing in the opposite direction, calling for annexation of occupied West Bank territory as recognition of Palestinian statehood gathers support abroad.

The strike marks Israel’s second high-profile assassination outside Gaza in under a year, following the July 2024 killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Unlike Iran, however, Qatar is a close U.S. ally.

The White House issued a rare public rebuke, calling Qatar “a valued partner.”

Analysts say Washington wants to preserve its strategic relationship with Doha but is unlikely to apply strong pressure on Netanyahu.

The Israeli leader appears to be calculating that U.S. backing, particularly from Trump, will shield him from significant fallout.

Beyond Gaza, the Doha strike raises concerns about the erosion of diplomatic sanctuaries.

If Hamas negotiators are unsafe in Qatar, other mediation venues may face similar risks.

“This makes diplomacy far harder anywhere in the region,” said one analyst.

The timing also intersects with a looming diplomatic showdown at the United Nations, where countries including the UK, France, Canada, and Australia plan to recognise Palestinian independence later this month.

Israeli nationalists are urging Netanyahu to counter the planned recognition of Palestinian independence by annexing more West Bank land.

The future appears to be uncertain as the Doha operation signals that Israel intends to press its campaign across multiple fronts, regardless of the diplomatic costs.

For Palestinians, the humanitarian crisis has deepened, while for Qatar, its carefully cultivated neutrality is under strain, and without doubt, for international diplomacy, the strike casts doubt on whether safe spaces for negotiation still exist.

Foreign affairs pundits, including Nigerian experts, say that with ceasefire talks frozen, civilian suffering escalating, and regional tensions mounting, the Gaza conflict appears set to intensify, leaving few avenues for compromise.

They urge coordinated international action to safeguard mediators, protect civilians, and restore trust in diplomacy – viewing Nigeria’s stance as a crucial African perspective on the escalating crisis. (NANFeatures)

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Lowering bank charges to boost Nigeria’s cashless future

by Content Admin
written by Content Admin

By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

At exactly 8 a.m. in Ilorin’s bustling Yoruba Road market, Madam Feyisara Solade faced a dilemma that captures the crisis at the heart of Nigeria’s cashless drive.

A loyal customer, Bilikis Ibrahim, wanted to pay N50,000 by transfer for goods.

But for Solade, every digital payment eats into her slim profit margins.

Therefore, she had insisted on receiving only cash payments for purchases of N10,000 and above due to the multiple charges.

These charges include electronic money transfer levies, commission on transfers, and value-added tax, among others, often imposed on users of digital payment platforms in the country.

However, her long-time customer insisted on making a transfer for goods worth almost N50,000 without adding up these charges.

In the end, Solade had no option but to rescind her decision for a customer she said had been a patron for years.

“I had no choice than to accept the payment mode, notwithstanding my previous stand.

“This is because she is one of my loyal customers and I cannot count the number of referrals I have gotten through her.

“But if I am to look at it holistically, it was not to my advantage at all. I just did it to retain an old customer,” the trader said.

This quiet frustration is becoming the norm for small-scale traders in Kwara, who feel trapped between holding onto customers and losing hard-earned income to mounting bank charges.

Her neighbour, Madam Taiwo Jolayemi, has devised her own survival strategy.

She accepts transfers only under N10,000 without complaint, but for anything above, she insists customers pay extra.

“I ran into a loss when the policy was introduced because the N50, N100 means a lot in this business. I prefer to hold onto my cash because withdrawing money when needed will amount to additional charges again,” she said.

Even civil servants, who are not traders, are learning to “game” the system.

At the Federal Secretariat in Ilorin, Mr Lawrence Philips said he often breaks large transfers into multiple N9,999 payments to dodge the N50 Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL).

“The banks keep operating as if they have a target to meet. Once you initiate a transfer, you are surcharged, and the receiver is also surcharged. That’s unfair.

“Even when you use USSD, you pay N6.98, and sometimes the transaction fails but the deductions remain. It enriches the banks and government but impoverishes customers,” he lamented.

For Miss Perpetua Collins, a Level 8 officer, the charges are no longer a nuisance, but a burden.

“I calculated my charges for one month and they totaled nearly N15,000. That’s someone’s food budget. It makes poor people poorer, because you lose more money keeping it in the bank than spending it,” she bemoaned.

When the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced the cashless policy in 2012, the goal was clear: reduce cash dependency, encourage digital payments, and deepen financial inclusion.

The surge in cash dealings had created multiple challenges, including high handling costs, security risks, and inefficiencies within the payment system.

The policy was therefore designed to reduce dependence on physical cash and promote the use of electronic payment channels as safer and more efficient alternatives.

It also aimed to modernise Nigeria’s financial sector in line with global practices.

Before its rollout, however, the Nigerian economy was still overwhelmingly cash-driven.

Estimates showed that about 90 per cent of all transactions were conducted using physical money.

By 2023, the policy seemed to be working.

Nigeria recorded N600 trillion in electronic transactions, up 55 percent from the previous year.

Financial analysts insist that more digital transactions lead to better financial inclusion and a stronger economy.

Notwithstanding these benefits, multiple transaction levies, charges, and taxes tell another story about the adoption of this component of digital public infrastructure.

These charges include the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), stamp duty, ATM withdrawal fees, and other bank charges such as account maintenance fees, interbank transfer fees, SMS alerts, USSD usage, and ATM card replacement.

For a transfer of N10,000, there is a N50 EMTL charge on part of the receiver, notwithstanding the varied transfer commission on the sender.

Similarly, stamp duty on deposits, account maintenance fees, USSD charges (N6.98 even for failed transactions), ATM withdrawal fees, and card issuance and maintenance all add up.

For instance, in June and July 2025 alone, the EMTL generated N29.1 billion and N37.6 billion respectively, according to Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) figures.

This money comes from Nigerians like Solade and Jolayemi, whose margins can hardly bear the weight.

What was once hailed as progress has become, in the words of experts, a hidden tax on the poor.

Nearly 15 years into the introduction of the policy, statistics show that the adoption rate has grown exponentially.

According to CBN, around 60 percent of Nigeria’s population participated in digital payments in 2023, alongside a surge in online banking and e-commerce.

Records also show that electronic transfers dominate the market, driven by platforms like NIBSS Instant Payments (NIP), and the introduction of the eNaira aims to further expand digital adoption, especially among the 18–34 age group.

The reason behind this surge is clear: Nigerians now find it easier, more convenient, and safer to carry out transactions electronically.

However, these benefits come at a price that is increasingly unaffordable for the very people the policy aims to uplift.

The electronic transfer charges are generating revenue for the government, but at the expense of ordinary citizens.

A taxation expert, Prof. Khadijah Yahaya, Coordinator of the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT) in Kwara, warned that while charges like the EMTL may boost government revenue, they risk reversing gains in financial inclusion and digital payment adoption.

“It has positive effects in terms of revenue generation for the banks and indirectly for the federal government.

“It enhances digital infrastructure because monies collected from e-banking charges can be used to develop digital systems, supporting behavioural change toward digitalising the economy.

“Nonetheless, the negative impacts are high because the charges are numerous,ranging from SMS alerts, transfer charges, money receipt charges, account maintenance fees, VAT, ATM withdrawal fees, among others.

“This will make it less appealing for people to digitalise their transactions; they will prefer to hold onto their cash,” she said.

She explained that business people with tight profit margins prefer cash, which erodes trust in the financial system.

“They will not want to embrace the cashless policy. As such, there will be an increase in cash transactions, and unclear multiple charges can further erode trust in the financial system,” she said.

Yahaya advocated a policy reflection to harmonise e-charges so the burden of a cashless economy is not placed on the masses.

“There is a need to create awareness and ensure transparency about the charges. Let the people have value for what they are paying for.

“When there is value for the service, people will be ready to pay, but when trust is lost, people will not yield,” she posited.

Sharing a similar view, Mr Emeka Nsikak, a renowned financial expert, said, “Charging both the sender and receiver amounts to double taxation.

“When you tax people heavily without tangible benefits in roads, water, electricity, it becomes problematic”.

Nsikak acknowledged that electronic payments reduce the high cost of printing naira notes and help businesses access credit.

He insisted, however, that reforms are overdue.

“The CBN must not allow banks to profit endlessly at customers’ expense. Charging for ATM card issuance and then still charging ‘card maintenance’ is wrong. Even SMS alerts are the bank’s responsibility, not the customer’s”.

As Nigeria pushes to expand its digital public infrastructure, experts warn that rising charges could push millions back into the informal cash economy.

For Solade in Ilorin, the question is not about national policy but survival. Every N50, every N100 shaved off her earnings makes the difference between restocking her stall or stalling her business.

In conclusion, Stakeholders warn that Nigeria’s cashless economy cannot thrive if digital transactions remain costly.

They added that reducing excessive charges, harmonising fees, and ensuring transparency will protect citizens, build trust, and boost adoption nationwide. (NANFeatures)

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Self-Serving Democracy: How Nigeria’s Political Elite Made Public Office a Path to Wealth Accumulation

by Editor
written by Editor
By Chibuike Nwabuko
In Nigeria’s long and often turbulent democratic journey, a worrying trend has taken root and matured: the self-serving culture of political elites who, after manipulating democratic institutions at the state level for personal gain, have now taken their strategies to the national stage.
These individuals, recall, many of them former governors, crafted laws to secure lifelong pensions and lavish benefits for themselves while in power.  Today, they dominate Nigeria’s federal executive and legislative arms and continue to institutionalize the same practices on a national scale.
This issue was recently brought to the fore by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who publicly condemned the practice, describing it as “outright abuse of power” and “an affront to democratic principles and the suffering masses.” Speaking at a public event recently, Obasanjo didn’t mince words as he lambasted the current political elite for legalizing corruption and turning democracy into a self-enrichment scheme. More damning, however, was his assertion that many of the individuals currently holding key positions in Nigeria’s political leadership ought to be behind bars, not in public office.
In sane climes, those who manipulated the system to secure these outrageous pensions for themselves should be in jail. But instead, they are in the Senate, in the ministerial cabinet, and even occupying strategic roles where they continue to feed fat on the commonwealth.
Recall that the phenomenon began in the early 2000s when several governors across Nigeria, toward the end of their tenure, began pushing through life pension laws with the cooperation or coercion of their respective State Houses of Assembly. These laws often guaranteed former governors access to state-funded houses, fleets of cars, domestic staff, and millions in annual allowances, all at taxpayers’ expense.
Critics at the time raised concerns about the morality and legality of these benefits, especially in states struggling to pay civil servants’ salaries. But those concerns were largely ignored. In many cases, legislators, some allegedly induced with monetary incentives, passed these pension bills with little to no debate.
Fast forward to today, many of the same former governors who authored or benefited from these controversial pension laws now hold key positions in Nigeria’s National Assembly or federal executive. They wield considerable influence in shaping national policy and increasingly, in determining their own pay and perks.
Of Nigeria’s 109 senators in the 10th National Assembly, nearly 20 are former governors. Many others are ex-deputy governors or former state assembly speakers who helped rubber-stamp those very pension laws. Some now chair influential Senate committees overseeing finance, appropriation, or constitutional amendment—positions from which they can help institutionalize similar reward systems at the federal level.
“It’s a tragic cycle,” says Dr. Chika Onuoha, a political analyst based in Abuja. “These politicians used state legislatures like personal rubber stamps to legalize greed. Now, they’re at the center of national policymaking, doing the same thing, just with bigger budgets.”
Former President Obasanjo’s remarks were not just a criticism; they were a searing indictment of a political culture that enables impunity. According to him, a significant number of those who now occupy leadership positions have cases that should have landed them in prison, were Nigeria’s justice system functioning as it should.
“It is a shame that we call them leaders today. Some of these people have looted their states dry, crippled institutions, and instead of paying for their crimes, they are rewarded with higher offices,” Obasanjo lamented.
He pointed out that the practice of using legal frameworks to institutionalize personal benefits while the majority of Nigerians live in hardship is both morally and democratically bankrupt.
Although some civil society organizations have taken the matter to court and even secured favorable judgments declaring these pensions illegal,implementation remains elusive. In 2021, a Federal High Court in Lagos ruled that such pension laws were unconstitutional and ordered state governments to stop payments. Yet many states, such as Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers, continue to fund these packages, emboldened by the political clout of their beneficiaries.
Even in states where the laws were repealed, such as Zamfara and Imo, reversals came only after public outrage or changes in political leadership. But without a national policy or enforcement mechanism, the problem persists.
The irony of Nigeria’s situation is hard to ignore: the same politicians who strangled state legislatures to secure lifelong privileges now lead the charge in Abuja to define what federal lawmakers and political appointees should earn. In doing so, they perpetuate a system where public office becomes a ticket to perpetual luxury, while infrastructure crumbles and unemployment soars.
Public outcry over these entitlements often falls on deaf ears. And with no strong legislative opposition or executive check—given the elite camaraderie within the corridors of power, reform remains a distant hope.
Therefore, as the 2027 general elections draw closer, the question facing Nigeria is not just who will lead, but what values those leaders will bring. Will they continue the tradition of self-reward and entitlement? Or will there be a shift toward accountability, public service, and sacrifice?
“The future of Nigeria depends not on what politicians take, but on what they are willing to give,” says Dr. Onuoha. “We need a new generation of leaders who see public office as service, not as spoils of war.”
Until then, Nigeria remains caught in a loop—a democracy in name, but one where the lines between public service and personal enrichment grow ever more blurred.
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Thirsty lands across the river: Story of Gakem, Bekwarra, Cross River

by Content Admin
written by Content Admin

By Cecilia Odey

Cross River is arguably one of the lushest states in the country with its rain forest, rivers and grassland vegetation.

Bekwarra Local Government Area (LGA) of the state is rich in agricultural resources; its agri-based population is resilient.

However, one thing is lacking–access to clean and potable water.

To the average people living in the area, getting clean and potable water is a daily struggle.

From Gakem to Ijibor all in Bekwerra LGA and beyond, families rely on shallow wells, murky streams, and rainwater collection for survival.

The question on everyone’s lips remains: will help ever come?

For 56 year-old Ms Lydia Johnson, a mother of seven in Gakem, the journey to fetch water starts before sunrise.

“If we do not wake up early, the stream gets crowded; sometimes we wait for over two hours.

“At times, we travelled all the way to Abuochiche to buy water from Ushie borehole, using vehicles,” she said.

Her story is echoed across communities in Bekwarra, where children miss school and women suffer from carrying heavy containers over long distances to and from water sources.

Ogbago Idiku, a member of Gakem village, narrated her experience during her mother burial, where visitors who travelled home with her for mommy’s burial were denied of breakfast due to lack of water to cook that fateful morning.

Idiku said efforts to get some water the evening before the D-day was not successful.

She said she went as far as Benue in search of water tanker to supply her portable to be used during the burial, all efforts were abortive.

“I know my people suffer a lot because of water especially during dry season but that burial experience was what I can never forget,” she said.

More so, Mr Ushie Ojim, lamented on the suffering of the people of Gakem and Bekwarra at large over potable water in the area.

Adams said families and the people in the community spend most of their days to search for water to cook, bath and wash as they trek long distances in search of water.

He called on good spirited persons to help the people by drilling boreholes in the Bekwarra.

The water often fetched is unsafe; cases of typhoid, cholera, and skin infections are common at the local health centres.

Yet, residents have little or no choice as there is no help for them; this is a history of broken promises.

This is not a new problem; every election circle, politicians pledge to solve the problem; but no sooner than they were elected do they renege on their promises.

For those who attempt to do something, it is half-hearted.

In 2016, a borehole project was inaugurated in Otukpru-Bekwarra under a federal rural development scheme.

It functioned for only six months before the pump broke down; it was never to be repaired.

In 2021, a Cross River House of Assembly member commenced a water reticulation project that was expected to serve five communities.

Up until date, not a single household has seen a drop of water from those pipes.

Experts point to several root causes–poor maintenance culture, lack of community engagement, inadequate budgetary allocation, and weak monitoring mechanisms.

A recent WaterAid Nigeria report listed Cross River as one of the states with the lowest rural water supply coverage.

Experts say many water projects are carried out without proper feasibility studies or sustainability plans; once commissioned, they are often abandoned, leaving communities worse off than before.

This lack of potable water has affected every aspect of life, health, education, agriculture, and gender equality.

Young girls, who spend hours, fetching water, are denied their right to education; even as farmers struggle with irrigation.

Health workers report high child mortality linked to waterborne diseases.

“I lost my daughter to typhoid last year; if we had clean water, she would still be alive,” Mr Adie Eba, a farmer, said.

The state government seems to understand the dire potable water situation.

Gov. Bassey Otu recently signed nine bills into law and received a unanimous endorsement from the Cross River House of Assembly for his performance in his first two years in office.

The nine bills signed into law cut across critical sectors included the Cross River Water Supply and Sanitation Law No. 5, 2025 and the Cross River Fire Fighting and Rescue Service Law No. 4, 2024.

To this end, the Cross River State Water Supply and Sanitation Law No. 5, 2025, guarantees citizens’ access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

It also established a regulatory framework for the sector.

Policy analysts say the road to change must begin with honest governance and committed investment.

According to the experts, there is need for community-managed water schemes with trained local technicians.

They also say that solar-powered boreholes to reduce dependence on erratic power supply; transparent monitoring of water project budgets and inclusion of water access into budgets should be key elements of rural development plans.

In addition, international development partners and NGOs can play a role in addressing the challenge.

In all, stakeholders say the long-term solutions must come from within–strong resolve by the state government and responsible local leadership. (NANFeatures)

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Nigeria’s fight to eliminate hepatitis in prisons

by Content Admin
written by Content Admin

By Abujah Racheal

In Nigeria, estimates from the National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Programme (NASCP) show that 8.1 per cent of adults aged 15–64 live with hepatitis B, and 1.1 per cent with hepatitis C.

On a worrisome note, more than 80 per cent of those infected are unaware of their status, enabling the virus to spread silently, in homes, hospitals, and correctional facilities.

Public health experts say correctional centres are among the highest-risk environments for viral hepatitis due to overcrowding, unsafe medical practices, limited access to testing, and stigma.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), viral hepatitis, particularly types B and C, is a global public health threat that kills approximately 1.3 million people each year, making it second only to tuberculosis among infectious diseases.

In spite of its deadly toll, hepatitis is often overlooked, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria.

More than 91 million people in the WHO African region live with hepatitis B or C, representing 26 per cent of the global burden.

Shared razor blades, contaminated injection equipment, and poor sanitation all contribute to the spread.

When 34-year-old Malam Musa Danladi was arrested, tried and sentenced in 2022, he knew prison would be tough; but what he did not expect was that a place of punishment would become a place of diagnosis, for a disease he had never heard of.

“They called me to the clinic one morning; I was confused; the nurse said I had hepatitis B; I did not even know what that meant.”

He is one of thousands of Nigerians living with viral hepatitis, a disease that often shows no symptoms until it causes irreversible damage to the liver.

Danladi is also among the few who discovered their status within prison walls.

“We used to share everything, razors, clippers, even toothbrushes; Nobody told us we were at risk.

“Incarcerated people face a triple burden: poverty, stigma, and disease, with few resources or pathways to care,” Danladi said.

In a bid to reverse this trend, the Nigerian government, in July, unveiled  Project 365, a year-long national campaign to test, treat, and vaccinate millions of Nigerians for hepatitis, including those in prison settings.

The unveiling coincided with World Hepatitis Day, with the theme: “Hepatitis Can’t Wait- Test. Treat. Eliminate.”

According to Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria is losing between ₦10.3 trillion and ₦17.9 trillion annually to hepatitis-related productivity and healthcare costs.

“Project 365 is about saving lives and saving our economy,” he said.

Pate said that the project 365 aimed to screen every federal constituency in Nigeria, totaling 360, and to deliver curative treatment for hepatitis C as well as vaccination for hepatitis B.

He said it also sought to expand outreach to prisons, internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, rural communities, and other underserved regions.

The minister said it would ensure sustainable financing for testing and treatment, and the initiative established the Viral Elimination Fund (VEL).

Additionally, he said that the project 365 would promote local production of hepatitis diagnostics and medications, supported by tax incentives and regulatory reforms, to reduce reliance on imports.

At Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, a pilot hepatitis programme under the Viral Hepatitis Action in Correctional Services screened 830 inmates between December 2024 and June 2025.

Dr Ibrahim Ehizogie, a clinician with the Nigerian Correctional Services, said that many inmates were already infected with the disease while in custody.

Ehizogie said that the programme was now being scaled across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with a target to reach all 300 custodial centres in the country.

However, experts warn that without continued funding, education, and policy enforcement, these gains may be short-lived.

According the 2024 INHSU Global Guideline on the Elimination of Hepatitis C in Prisons, incarcerated individuals have the same right to healthcare as the general population, and that denying hepatitis services in custody violates international human rights standards.

The guideline recommends that inmates should be tested and initiated on treatment within seven days of incarceration.

It also emphasises the integration of harm reduction services, such as safe injection practices and opioid substitution therapy, to reduce transmission.

Furthermore, the guideline advocates for peer-led education and community-based screening models to increase uptake and reduce stigma, and stress the importance of ensuring continuity of care upon release, so that individuals can maintain their treatment and health outside prison walls.

Dr Mya Ngon, WHO Team Lead for Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, commended Nigeria’s efforts.

Ngon said that screening must be linked to treatment, and treatment must be linked to continuity of care, even after prison.

Since his release, Daladi has become a community advocate, telling others about hepatitis, its transmission, and the importance of testing.

“I did not die in prison; so, I want to use my voice; people need to know it is not a death sentence; you can treat it; you can live; but stigma remains.

“Some people say I brought prison sickness home; some would not even shake my hand,” he said.

According to him, at present, he works in his community to support reintegration and health education, urged the government to expand outreach to ex-inmates and low-income communities.

In spite of  the progress of Project 365, experts identify critical gaps in Nigeria’s hepatitis response; they say female inmates and pregnant women in custody are often excluded from routine hepatitis screening, leaving a critical gap in care.

Prof Taiwo Lateef, Professor at ABU and Africa Lead for Lifeline International, said that harm reduction services, such as access to sterile injecting equipment or safe drug treatment options, were largely absent in correctional centres.

In many cases, Lateef noted that the continuity of treatment after release remained uncertain, making long-term management of the disease difficult.

He said that youth offenders and first-time detainees typically received little to no education on hepatitis prevention, increasing their vulnerability.

Lateef said that Nigeria did not have a national hepatitis registry for prisons, making it challenging to track disease prevalence, monitor treatment coverage, or evaluate outcomes in custodial settings.

Dr Adebola Bashorun, National Coordinator for NASCP, said that without structured data and legal protections, prison health reform would remain incomplete.

Bashorun said that Nigeria’s hepatitis elimination strategy was ambitious and commendable.

He said that success would require multisectoral partnerships, political will, and a people-first approach.

According to, Dr Titilola Munkail, Technical Officer at Africa CDC, one cannot talk about ending hepatitis if one ignores people behind bars.

Munkail said that prisons were not separate from public health.

“They are central to it,” he said.

As Nigeria races toward the 2030 elimination goal, stakeholders urge the government, civil society, and citizens to act.

They say there is need for the government to institutionalise hepatitis services in all correctional facilities and primary healthcare centres (PHCs) to ensure consistent and equitable access to care. (NANFeatures)

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Sexual Reproductive Health education: Whose responsibility?

by Content Admin
written by Content Admin

By Folasade Akpan

In many Nigerian homes, discussions around sex and reproductive health remain taboo.

Cultural and religious sensitivities often dictate who is deemed appropriate to educate adolescents on these delicate matters.

As a result, many young people are left to navigate the complex terrain of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) on their own.

This silence, according to analysts, has contributed to rising rates of teenage pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and unsafe abortions.

Data from the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), supported by the National Population Commission (NPC), revealed that 15 per cent of girls aged 15 to 19 had begun childbearing.

These figures were reaffirmed during the 2024 launch of the State of World Population (SWOP) report, which also showed a higher prevalence in rural areas compared to urban settings.

In addition, findings from the 2022 Nigeria Adolescent and Youth Health Policy Performance Scorecard, supported by the African Health Budget Network, revealed that only 34 per cent of adolescents had adequate knowledge of sexual and reproductive health topics.

The report highlighted stark disparities between urban and rural awareness levels, with many adolescents in underserved communities lacking access to comprehensive information.

In response to these challenges, the Federal Government introduced the Family Life and HIV Education (FLHE) curriculum over a decade ago.

Jointly developed by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), UN Population Fund (UNFPA), and other partners, the curriculum was designed to equip adolescents with essential knowledge and values to make informed choices.

The FLHE addresses six thematic areas: human development, personal skills, sexual health, relationships, society and culture, and HIV prevention.

Topics such as puberty, decision-making, peer pressure, safe practices, and gender roles are embedded within various school subjects, including Social Studies, Basic Science, Civic Education, and Biology, spanning upper primary through to senior secondary levels.

This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); especially SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being.

Key targets include reducing maternal mortality to fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births, ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare including family planning, and lowering adolescent birth rates.

Albeit these efforts, implementation of the FLHE curriculum has not been consistent across the country.

Resistance still exists in certain quarters, especially where topics such as condom use and sexual rights are perceived to contradict cultural or religious norms.

For example, Dr Rafee Al-Ijebuwi, Grand Mufti of Ijebu Igbo in Ogun State, emphasised that Islamic schools must adopt structured ways to deliver SRH education in accordance with Islamic values.

“The responsibility is collective, parents have the primary role; fathers for boys, mothers for girls. Then come the schools, which must provide formal education.

“Clinics and hospitals must also be ready to guide young minds,” he said.

He added that Islam permits age-appropriate sexual education prior to puberty.

“Ethics regarding sexual behaviour exist to ensure Muslims live healthy lives. If children learn early, they are less likely to face reproductive challenges later,” he added.

From the Christian perspective, Rev. Ozumba Nicodemus, National Director for Education, Youth and Women Development at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), stressed that the Church also shares in the responsibility.

“The Bible addresses sexuality and promotes values such as love, morality, and respect. Churches must help guide young people using biblical truths,” he said.

He further noted that faith-based abstinence education should be delivered in ways that equip adolescents with the knowledge needed to make responsible decisions.

“Even when we discuss contraception or unplanned pregnancy, the Church can take a compassionate, biblically grounded approach”.

For many parents like Mrs Monica Moru, SRH education begins at home.

“I started talking to my daughter about her body parts at the age of two. I explained menstruation, how to use pads, and reminded her she’s loved. That way, no stranger’s words will confuse her,” she said.

This early intervention aligns with findings from a 2024 study titled “Sexual and reproductive health information needs: an inquiry from the lens of in-school adolescents in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria” (published in BMC Public Health).

The study explored how adolescents access and perceive SRH information.

Many respondents expressed a preference for receiving information from parents or trusted adults, but cited barriers such as fear, shame, and fear of punishment.

Interestingly, 61 per cent of respondents preferred school counselors or trained teachers, citing confidentiality, approachability, and competence.

Blessing Okoro, a 17-year-old student in Jikwoyi, Abuja, shared her experience.

“My mother will shout if I ask her about sex, but the school nurse explains how our bodies work and how to protect ourselves”.

Experts argue that schools offer a more structured and professional platform for SRH education, especially where parental guidance is limited.

At a recent policy dialogue on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) organised by Nigeria Health Watch, stakeholders noted the need for cross-sectoral collaboration.

Mallam Ghali Talle, Assistant Director of Education for Health and Wellbeing at the Federal Ministry of Education, said: “We have provided the FLHE policy to promote education and self-awareness among youths.

“Through school assemblies and peer-led sessions, we teach them to identify risk behaviours and protect themselves”.

He added that efforts are ongoing to link schools with health services.

“We are training providers who can offer youth-friendly counselling and care. Education must serve as a vaccine to protect them”.

Meanwhile, Vivienne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, emphasised the foundational role of parents.

“If I don’t answer my child’s questions, they will get that information somewhere, possibly wrongly. Parents must see themselves as the first line of protection”.

In spite some progress, many adolescents still face major challenges in accessing SRH services.

Issues such as lack of privacy, fear of judgement, and stigma continue to deter them from visiting health facilities.

Dr Binyerem Ukaire, Director of the Department of Family Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, recently called for increased investment in adolescent-friendly services.

“We must build capacity for counselling. No single institution can do this alone. Parents, teachers, health workers, and religious leaders all have a role to play,” she said.

As Nigeria works toward achieving its 2030 goals, experts agree that what is needed is coordinated, inclusive, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive SRH education.

By breaking the silence and bridging knowledge gaps, the country can empower its youth to make informed decisions, laying the foundation for a healthier and more informed future. (NANFeatures)

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Obudu Mountain Resort: Posers on sustainability

by Content Admin
written by Content Admin

By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

Donald Duke, a former Governor of Cross River, once described the Obudu Mountain Resort as the “best piece of real estate in the country”.

Obudu Mountain Resort, a  popular destination for tourists, is located in Obudu Plateau in the Northern part of Cross River.

The resort, also known as Obudu Cattle Ranch, has a rich history dating back to 1949, when Scottish rancher, Mr Mark Cogley, first explored the mountain ranges.

Credited with being the brain behind the modernisation of the resort, Duke said apart from enjoying good weather, Obudu was one of the largest tropical forests in West Africa.

“It has some unique wildlife animals that can only be found in the state.

“What is needed is a public-spirited person who had all it take to restore the lost hope,’’ he said.

Nestled in the scenic mountains of Cross River, the resort was once a shining star of Nigerian tourism; it was indeed Nigeria’s most popular and sort after luxurious resorts.

The resort is known for its scenic beauty and various recreational activities.

Key features of the Mountain Resort include a cable car, a canopy walkway, and a waterfall.

The resort also offers accommodation, a swimming pool, a gym, tennis courts, and a golf course.

A six-minute cable car ride provides access to the resort, which is situated 1,576 meters above sea level, while a 100 – meter long walkway suspended above the ground offers a unique perspective of the landscape.

The ranch has a waterfall with a pool, and other waterfalls are available for exploration.

More so, there is a natural pool that provides a refreshing dip amidst the natural surroundings.

According to the Cross River Government, the ranch has the capacity to attract N1.5 billion monthly to the state’s coffers when fully functional.

A socio-critic once has this to say about the resort, “I can’t find the right words to capture the beauty of Obudu Cattle Ranch.

“All I can say is, if you reside in Nigeria, never go through life without seeing this place at least once in your lifetime; otherwise, your spirit will not forgive you when you die.”

Lyord Ndoma, a resident of Calabar, said that traffic on the road to the resort was so much that the administration of Donald Duke had to construct an airstrip in Obudu for the purpose of easy connectivity.

“Duke took the resort to the international standard; presidents of African countries were coming to do their vacation at the ranch.

“The then President, Olusegun Obasanjo, held several retreats with federal council members at the ranch, same with President Goodluck Jonathan.

“For the politicians and individuals, the ranch became a destination for everybody; it was like our own Camp David.”

Ndoma said it broke his heart each time he was asked to speak on the present state of the ranch.

He said what was at a time the pride of Nigeria and Africa was allowed to rot away by successive governments who took over from Duke.

“It came to a height in the first two years of Gov. Ben Ayade Government; I noticed the ranch started depreciating.

“The facilities started falling apart; in fact, I wept; it got to a point that the roofs were leaking and what pains me most is that the ranch is located in the northern part of Crossover state, which is Ayade’s senatorial district.

“When people came in and saw that the facility was falling apart, they were heartbroken; it became an embarrassment,” he said.

Observers say the ranch that was built with the dream of transforming the nation’s tourism sector and attracted thousands of local and international visitors, especially during the early 2000s, now lies nearly abandoned and a ghost of its former glory.

They say poor maintenance, political neglect, infrastructure decay, and lack of sustainable investment turned this potential goldmine into a forgotten relic.

Cable cars no longer glide, with the structures falling apart and facilities vandalised; not even the window panes were spared.

Meanwhile, the present administration led by Gov. Bassey Otu said it did not require rocket science to reposition the ranch.

The governor announced in late 2024, that as part of effort to reposition the state tourism ecosystem, the ranch was receiving the government’s priority attention.

As part of the solution to fixing the place, the Otu led administration revoked the 25-year concession agreement granted to CIBA Construction Company Limited for managing the Obudu Cattle Ranch.

The agreement with the concessionaire was entered into by the immediate past administration of the state led by Ayade.

According to the governor, the company neglected key development obligations, particularly those outlined in Sections 5.0, 6.0, and 14.0(b) of the agreement.

“These violations include the failure to invest in the renovation of the resort’s hotel and other essential components.

“In spite of multiple breaches, CIBA continued to fall short, prompting the Cross River Government to terminate the agreement with immediate effect,” he said.

In revoking the concession, the governor directed the Special Adviser and Chief Executive Officer, Obudu Mountain Resort, Sunday Michael, alongside other key stakeholders, to implement measures to revamp the facility.

Recently, the government said it has concluded plans to commence the reconstruction of the iconic resort as part of effort to solidify the state’s position as a hub for eco-tourism in Nigeria.

According to Michael, the project is aimed to revitalise and reposition the resort as a premier destination for eco-tourism.

He said that the redesign of the iconic ranch was ready for the reconstruction to commence.

“The redesigned Obudu Ranch Resort promises to offer world-class facilities and amenities, showcasing the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Cross River.

“The project is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and increase the state’s revenue base.

“This project is a testament to  Otu’s commitment to developing Cross River State’s tourism potential.

“We are excited to welcome visitors from across the globe to experience the breathtaking beauty of Obudu Ranch Resort.”

Michael said that as part of the revitalisation process, a chunk of the N18 billion recently approved by the government for some tourist attractions in the state will be channeled towards the ranch.

“We have begun repairs of the international conference center, the international restaurant, the spa, the mini golf course, and other amenities we have begun putting in place.

“Of course, we also want to announce to you, and to the world that the cable car is being looked into; within the period of next three, four months, we’ll have the cable car back.

“We all know that the ranch will be a big economy booster to the economy of Cross River.

“The ranch has the capability of generating over N1.5 billion naira in accommodation alone every month; so you see what that will do to the government and the economy of Cross River,’’ he said.

On his part, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Commissioner for information, announced that the resort had the capacity to create 300 to 500 jobs when fully operational.

He, however, said that the mountain resort presently had 200 workers from all the segments that made up the place.

Ekpang said that 130 workers out of the present 200,  was inherited from the Ayade led administration, but pay rolled by  the Otu administration.

“However, when rehabilitation work is completed and the resort is fully operational, it has the capacity to create between 300 to 500 employments, both on a full-time and casual basis.”

On the issue of sustainability, the commissioner said that was in the front burner of the current administration to avoid a repeat of the previous relapse.

“As a premier tourism, hospitality and leisure resort in this part of Africa, the present administration of Otu has variously recommitted his determination to restore the lost glory of the Obudu mountain resort.

“In this regard, the government revoked the concession agreement with CIBA Construction Ltd and is now focusing on total rehabilitation of the entire facilities in the ranch and brings it back to international standard.

“Once that is completed, the government will decide on how the ranch will be managed in a sustainable manner to guarantee huge return on investment and boost internally generated revenue,’’ he said.

To address the challenge of sustainability, stakeholders say the government should bring the resort back to international standard by fixing the facilities and signing an agreement with a hospitality firm to run it.(NANfeatures)

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Obliteration of Igbo Streets in Lagos A Sine Qua Non for Homecoming

by Editor
written by Editor

One of Nigeria’s three major ethnic groups, the Igbo people are renowned for their resilience, industrious spirit, and unyielding tenacity in the face of adversity. From the bustling markets of Aba to the dynamic cityscape of Lagos, the Igbos have consistently demonstrated a rare combination of enterprise and adaptability.

It is this same enterprising nature that has seen them thrive in nearly every corner of the country and beyond, transforming not only their own lives but also the landscapes and economies of the places they call home, even temporarily.

Across Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve center, the presence and impact of the Igbo community are undeniable. From building multi-faceted products markets in Alaba to electronic empires in Idimota as well as  Computer Village, the Igbos have not only built thriving businesses but have also created jobs, developed neighborhoods, and contributed significantly to local revenue generation. Their philosophy is simple yet profound: “Ebe onye bi ka o na-awachi” — where one lives is where one maintains.

Yet, despite this deep-rooted commitment to development and peaceful co-existence, recent events have raised urgent questions about the place of the Igbo in Lagos, and perhaps in other parts of Nigeria where their presence is often indispensable but hardly ever fully welcomed.

Fast-forward to 2023. During the 2023 general elections, the Igbo community in Lagos found themselves at the receiving end of targeted intimidation and violence. Voters were profiled, attacked, and in many cases disenfranchised simply because of their ethnic identity. In neighborhoods such as Oshodi, Surulere, and parts of Eti-Osa, Igbo voters were told in no uncertain terms that they were outsiders. Some were physically assaulted. Others were threatened with arson and eviction if they dared to vote for candidates not endorsed by the dominant political bloc.

This wave of ethnic profiling was not just disheartening, it was dangerous. It shattered the illusion of inclusion and revealed a deep-seated suspicion toward the Igbo, no matter how long they have lived in Lagos or how much they have contributed to its growth.

If the 2023 elections were a political assault, the recent renaming and obliteration of Igbo street names in Lagos is a cultural one. Streets that once bore Igbo names; symbols of identity, belonging, and historical contribution are now being renamed under the guise of “standardization” or “restoration.” These symbolic erasures strike at the heart of a people’s dignity and sense of place.

This is not just about street names. It is about rewriting history, about making invisible the contributions of a people who helped build Lagos into what it is today. It is a quiet yet aggressive message that says, “You do not belong here.”

Time for Retrospection: Nke Anyi Bu Nke Anyi

In the face of these humiliations and strategic erasures, the Igbo must pause and reflect. What is the worth of building empires in places where they are not truly wanted? How long can a people keep investing their sweat and genius into lands that offer them neither protection nor respect?

There is an age-old Igbo adage: “Nke anyi bu nke anyi, nkem bu nkem” – what is ours is ours, and what is mine is mine. This should no longer be a proverb for philosophy alone; it must now become a call to action.

Imagine what the South East would look like if even half of the Igbo investments in Lagos, Abuja, and other states were redirected home. Picture the skylines of Enugu, Awka, Abakeliki, Aba, and Owerri blooming with tech hubs, industrial parks, mega malls, and modern housing estates. The talent, capital, and creativity are already there, what remains is the political will and collective decision to look inward.

There is no better time than now for homecoming. The signs are clear: the days of unlimited hospitality in Lagos are over. The Igbo must begin to see this as not rejection, but redirection. A divine opportunity to reclaim their economic sovereignty, to build for themselves and by themselves, to ensure that future generations grow up in a land that values and protects them.

Let Lagos and others keep their streets and their names. Let us build new ones in our homeland streets that echo with our voices, bear our heroes’ names, and tell our stories proudly.

The time to bring the investments home is now.

The time to build Ala Igbo is now.

The time for homecoming has come.

“Nke anyi bu nke anyi. Let us return and rebuild.”

 

Comrade Clement C. Nwabuko – An Economist,  Political Analyst and Good Governance Crusader, writes in from Abuja.

 

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Features

Why I Suspended My Son Immediately After His Wedding – Pastor Lazarus Muoka

by Joy Chinelo
written by Joy Chinelo

Founder and General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, has publicly revealed why he suspended his son, Benhail Muoka, immediately after his wedding to Precious Duru on July 26, 2025.

The decision, which has sparked widespread reactions, was disclosed during a sermon broadcast on Chosen Son TV. Addressing his congregation, Pastor Muoka stated that his son acted in a manner contrary to the doctrines and values upheld by the church, particularly during such a significant life event.

“Even me, at this point in time, I still discipline my children. One of them wedded yesterday, and I disciplined him last night,” he said during the sermon.

Pastor Muoka emphasized that no child is above correction, regardless of age, education, or marital status. He explained that immediate disciplinary action was necessary to ensure his son understands the importance of obedience and spiritual accountability.

“I said, you are now suspended because you must follow what I asked and what I am teaching, even in your wedding. So, I had to discipline him,” he stated firmly.

The cleric used the incident to urge parents to take an active role in correcting and guiding their children, warning that failure to do so can result in long-term consequences. He stressed that parental authority should not be compromised, and children must remain subject to their parents’ guidance in both moral and spiritual matters.

“Don’t say they are too big, that they’ve gone to school and you no longer have power over them — that’s wrong. Even now, I discipline my children,” he added.

Pastor Muoka concluded by encouraging members of his congregation and Christian parents at large to prioritize discipline, respect, and biblical values in the home, noting that love must include correction when needed.

The public suspension of his son has reignited conversations around faith-based parenting, church discipline, and generational obedience within religious households.

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Boosting development in Katsina through Child-sensitive Budgeting

by Content Admin
written by Content Admin
By Zubairu Idris

There is a popular saying that “children are the leaders of tomorrow”.

Far from being just a feel-good statement, it underscores the fundamental truth that the future of any nation depends on how well it nurtures its youngest population.

For Katsina State, where more than 4.5 million of its estimated 9.6 million people are children, the challenge of securing that future is both urgent and complex.

Poor child health outcomes, low school enrolment, and widespread poverty continue to jeopardise the life chances of millions of children.

Recognising this, stakeholders in the state, led by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), are calling for the institutionalisation of child-sensitive budgeting and planning as a key strategy for improving child development outcomes.

At a recent media dialogue in Katsina, Mr Rahama Mohammed-Farah, Chief of UNICEF’s Kano Field Office, said investment in children was “not only a moral obligation but an economic necessity”.

“Children are not just beneficiaries of our future, they are builders of it.

“This is why we need strategic and adequately funded actions embedded in planning and budgeting systems at every level,” he said.

Notably, Child-sensitive budgeting is an approach that ensures public budgets are planned, executed, and monitored in ways that directly respond to the needs and rights of children.

It involves allocating resources to critical sectors such as education, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, protection, and early childhood development.

Globally, countries such as South Africa, Bangladesh, and the Philippines have made notable progress in integrating child-focused indicators into budget tracking and performance systems.

These efforts are typically guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which Nigeria ratified in 1991.

In Nigeria, frameworks such as the Child Rights Act (2003) and the National Policy on Children (2021) provide policy backing for child-responsive governance.

However, implementation gaps remain significant, especially at the sub-national level.

UNICEF’s latest data on Katsina reveals a sobering reality.

While government commitment has increased in recent years, outcomes for children remain among the lowest in the country.

One in six children (159 per 1,000 live births) do not survive to their fifth birthday; a stark indicator of gaps in child healthcare services.

Only 41 per cent of children are fully immunised, leaving the majority vulnerable to life-threatening but preventable diseases.

Additionally, 75.5 per cent of children are classified as multi-dimensionally poor, lacking access to healthcare, education, nutrition, and other essential services, while 61.2 per cent live in monetary poverty.

The data reveals that about one-third of children are out of school at the primary level, undermining the state’s long-term human capital and economic prospects.

In terms of nutrition, only 23.4 per cent of children aged 6–23 months receive the minimum acceptable diet, and 51.3 per cent of under-five children are stunted.

This indicates chronic malnutrition with long-term effects on physical and cognitive development.

Although budgetary allocations to sectors like education and health have increased in recent years, actual releases and utilisation remain inconsistent.

Mr AbdurRahman Abdullahi, Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Katsina, shared his thoughts.

He said budget performance tracking from 2022 to 2024 revealed that actual releases for children-focused interventions were often lower than the approved allocations.

He identified limited fiscal autonomy, weak inter-agency coordination, and revenue constraints as major hurdles hampering effective implementation.

“The mismatch between budget approval and actual release has weakened impact, especially in rural areas,” he said.

“We need timely, adequate, and transparent financing”.

In response, the Katsina State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to child-sensitive financing.

Speaking at the media dialogue, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Malik Anas, said the 2026 appropriation would reflect stronger integration of child-focused planning.

Anas was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Tijjani Umar.

“Our ministry will ensure that all MDAs provide meaningful child-centred allocations during the upcoming budget cycle,” he said.

He added that training and budget review mechanisms were being strengthened.

Gov. Dikko Radda also made commitments during the 2025 Children’s Day celebration, where he hosted orphans and children with special needs.

He pledged that his administration would continue to protect children’s rights and prioritise their welfare.

“Every child is our responsibility. We will continue to ensure that the rights to education, health, and overall well-being are fully protected.

“As a government, we are your parents and we are here to serve you.

“I want to assure you that we will continue to associate with you and give special attention.

“All children deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential, and we will do everything within our power to make that possible,” Radda assured.

Participants at the media dialogue also stressed the crucial role of journalists in budget tracking, amplifying children’s voices, and holding leaders accountable.

Representatives of various media houses pledged to report consistently on child development indicators, funding trends, and service delivery gaps.

They also committed to translating complex budget data into compelling stories that the public can easily understand.

Equally important are the contributions of communities, religious leaders, and traditional institutions, who often serve as first responders to the needs of vulnerable children.

Stakeholders urged these groups to remain engaged and proactive in advocating for quality education, primary healthcare, child protection, and youth development at the grassroots level.

UNICEF and other development partners including Save the Children, the World Bank, and the European Union, have supported child-focused initiatives in Katsina over the years.

These initiatives include immunisation campaigns, school feeding programmes, and nutrition projects.

However, stakeholders stressed that the long-term sustainability of child-focused programmes depends largely on the ability of local governments to incorporate these priorities into their own budgeting and planning processes.

Mohammed-Farah emphasised the need to shift from reliance on donor support to increased domestic resource mobilisation.

“It’s time to move from donor dependency to domestic resource mobilisation.

“Investing in children today helps prevent higher social and economic costs in the future,” he said.

He noted investment in children’s welfare was the most strategic decision the government can make.

“It is an investment in Katsina’s future workforce. It is an investment that can break the cycle of poverty, enhance community resilience, and promote lasting peace and development,” he added.

Mohammed-Farah also warned that insufficient and poorly planned investments in children could lead to serious long-term consequences.

“Malnourished and uneducated children are less likely to become productive adults. Children without adequate protection are more vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and recruitment by criminal groups,” he said.

He further explained that addressing the outcomes of neglect; such as poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, and insecurity, costs far more than making early, preventive investments in child development.

“That is why we say prevention is cheaper than cure,” he noted.

In conclusion, stakeholders emphasised that child-sensitive budgeting is not merely a financial exercise but a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to protecting and improving the lives of children.

They noted that if the Katsina State Government fully implements its child-focused budget plans, it can lead to measurable improvements in child health, education, and protection.

This, they said, requires timely release of allocated funds and a strong commitment to transparency in public spending.

They further stressed that effective coordination among relevant ministries and agencies is essential to ensure that resources are used efficiently and reach the intended beneficiaries.

Such an approach, they added, would help lay a solid foundation for inclusive and sustainable development in the state. (NANFeatures)

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Features

Who Really Founded Lagos? Yoruba or Benin Origins Reignited by Historical Debate

by Joy Chinelo
written by Joy Chinelo

Lagos, Nigeria — A historical controversy has re-emerged following a recent statement by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, during a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The Benin monarch claimed that his ancestors founded Lagos, sparking intense debate across Nigeria’s political and cultural spheres.

Oba of Benin’s Claim: “Benin Founded Lagos”
Speaking at the Lagos State Government House, Marina, the Oba asserted:

“It is in the history books that the Binis founded Lagos… Perhaps not all of what we now call Lagos, but certain areas—maybe the nucleus—were founded by my ancestors.”

This claim, however, has drawn strong reactions from historians, scholars, and traditional stakeholders who argue that historical records do not support the Benin origin narrative.

What Do the Oldest History Books Say?
Respected columnist Lasisi Olagunju responded by examining authoritative texts that trace Lagos’s early beginnings. He emphasized that the Yoruba, specifically the Awori people, are widely credited with founding Lagos.

Citing books such as:

Iwe Itan Eko by John B. Losi (1913)

History of Lagos (1914) (English translation of Losi’s work)

A History of Lagos, Nigeria: The Shaping of an African City by Takiu Folami (1982)

Olagunju pointed to Ogunfunminire, a hunter of royal Ile-Ife descent, as the original settler of Isheri, considered the cradle of modern Lagos.

He further noted that Jacob Egharevba’s Short History of Benin (1933) was published two decades after Losi’s work, undermining claims that Benin’s historical documentation predates Yoruba accounts.

Lagos: A Conquest, Not a Founding
According to Olagunju, historical texts and oral traditions suggest that:

The Awori settled in an area they called Oko, covering modern-day Lagos Island and Iddo.

In 1603, the Benin Kingdom invaded, seized control, and renamed the territory Eko, establishing a tributary system.

This action, historians argue, reflects military conquest, not founding.

“You don’t conquer a land that doesn’t exist. Benin’s attack proves the Awori were already established in Lagos,” Olagunju wrote.

He also referenced Robert Smith’s The Lagos Consulate, 1851–1861, which records Oba Dosunmu of Lagos rejecting a 19th-century request from the Benin monarch to reinstate exiled King Kosoko. Dosunmu declared that Lagos was no longer under Benin authority.

Diverging Views Even Within Benin Royal History
Olagunju cited historian G.A. Akinola’s 1976 paper, The Origin of the Eweka Dynasty of Benin, which recounts how Oba Akenzua II admitted Lagos was “conquered,” not “founded” by Benin. This contradicts the current Oba of Benin’s narrative that Lagos was a creation of Benin ancestors.

Scholars and Leaders Dispute the Benin Claim
Professor Ayodeji Olukoju also weighed in through his 2017 paper Which Lagos, Whose (Hi)story?, confirming that Lagos evolved through layers of migration, conquest, and trade, with the Awori-Yoruba as the indigenous settlers.

Dr. Paul Akanmidu, a historian from Adekunle Ajasin University, said:

“Lagos was founded by the Aworis from Abeokuta. Others, including Benin, Ilaje, and Nupe people, came later to benefit from the thriving settlement.”

In a similar tone, Abisoye Oyeyemi Oshodi, the Balogun of Eko, publicly responded:

“With all due respect to the Oba of Benin, sir, Lagos was never founded by the Benin.”

The Verdict from History
While Benin influence on early Lagos is undeniable, especially during its pre-colonial militaristic expansions, historical evidence overwhelmingly supports that Lagos was originally founded by the Awori people, who trace their roots to Ile-Ife.

The Benin Kingdom may have exercised control over Lagos for a period, but the narrative of founding the city lacks grounding in historical texts and archaeological findings.

As Lagos continues to evolve as a global city, debates like this reflect the richness—and complexity—of Nigeria’s intertwined cultural and political histories.

 

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Stop Chasing Certificates, Embrace Future-Driven Skills – Governor Otu Urges Nigerian Youths Calabar, Nigeria

by Joy Chinelo
written by Joy Chinelo

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has advised Nigerian youths to shift their focus from traditional academic qualifications to acquiring practical, future-oriented skills, especially in emerging sectors such as space and satellite technology.

Delivering his message through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh, at the closing ceremony of a five-day intensive training program, Governor Otu emphasized the growing mismatch between academic degrees and available job opportunities.

“It’s heartbreaking to see Master’s and PhD holders without employment—some reduced to driving taxis for survival. Many young people in their 30s and 40s are still dependent on their parents,” he said.

The training, organized by the Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT), equipped 200 youths, primarily from Cross River, with hands-on expertise in satellite technology—a sector rapidly gaining traction globally.

Governor Otu commended the initiative, stating that space and digital technology offer young Nigerians a chance to achieve economic independence and global competitiveness.

“Academic degrees are commendable, but they must be complemented with technical skills that solve real-world problems. The future belongs to those who are productive, innovative, and tech-savvy,” he added.

He encouraged participants to leverage the training not just as a skill-building exercise, but as a launchpad into a self-sustaining, technology-driven livelihood.

NIGCOMSAT: Building Nigeria’s Future Tech Workforce
Speaking at the event, Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director and CEO of NIGCOMSAT, highlighted the strategic importance of satellite technology to national development.

“This training is about building a talent pipeline that can support Nigeria’s digital future. With space technology, we’re not just creating jobs—we’re enabling nationwide connectivity and economic transformation,” she said.

Participants were trained in Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) installation and maintenance—a highly marketable skill in the digital communications sector. Egerton-Idehen noted that these young technicians are now capable of deploying satellite-based internet infrastructure in schools, hospitals, and underserved communities across Nigeria.

She revealed that all 200 trainees will be fast-tracked into the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme, where they’ll receive mentorship, seed funding, and access to further development resources to turn their technical knowledge into viable businesses.

“We’re planting the seeds for Nigeria’s space tech ecosystem by empowering young minds today. This is how we future-proof our economy.”

More Space Tech Projects Coming to the South-South
Egerton-Idehen also announced that the federal government is preparing to launch a major space technology initiative in the South-South region within the next two months. This, she said, is part of a broader strategy to expand access to cutting-edge tech skills and infrastructure across Nigeria.

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