By: Dr. James Bwala

The Arise News TV morning show of Wednesday, February 21, 2024, like others before it, is a butchers table where thoroughbred professionals are supposed to be speaking to Nigerians on matters that affect them. However, while a professional like Dr. Reuben Abati would tailor his responses to journalistic professionalism, his colleague in the studio (speaking of TV host Rufai Oseni) would always react to issues as one seeking to take a pound of flesh on persons he may not have agreed with in an exchange of denomination on issues so worrying to all Nigerians.

Nigerians are angry. Yes, we all deserve better deals from our leaders. But do we really love the truth? If we do as many who are chanting in the streets blaming the Tinubu Administration for the sins of the past regime or what he did or did not do as president, we must understand that the trouble we faced today is the result of the corruption we overlooked or waved with the hand when it was happening.

The unrepentant evil doers in the political circles, which continued to dictate to leaders in power, have for all reasons to be blamed for Nigeria’s current crash in the naira free fall, skyrocketing prices of food items as well as building materials, which shoot to unimaginable heights within weeks of the new year, if we take it closer. Most of them are not in the corridors of power, but they are those steering the economy, banditry, and other terrorism acts from their sitting positions across the country.

These ungrateful citizens, who pile up food and other needs in the name of hoarding, are living among the people and are joining in blaming the government when they actually know that they are the ones to blame for sabotaging the nation.

The Vice President Kashim Shettima, while commenting on an occasion recently, said that some trucks loaded with food items were arrested for trying to smuggle out food to other countries while their countrymen were in need of such commodities. Many Nigerians who are on top of their voices are not blaming these evil men for their woes; instead, they form alliances and go to the streets to satisfy their paymasters, who are bent on making the country ungovernable.

When I saw some of these paid scripts and rented voices in Abuja on Tuesday, I realized that the real issue in Nigeria is not about fighting for the masses who cannot afford a meal. It was not about fighting for hundreds and thousands whose voices ebb as would a lantern go out of fuel. But it was a game stage played by individuals who lack integrity and are actively trying to sabotage President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s initiatives to improve the Nigerian economy. They are peching everywhere, from the dollar rate to food items in the market.

These forces are hell-bent on undermining our nation, and rather than supporting the government to fight these evil men, Nigerians, blinded by false witnesses, have turned their blond eyes to reality and focused their attention and energy on helping these evil men achieve their purpose. Nigerians ought to start looking inward. We must begin to tell these individuals to stop their evil doings in the interest of our nation. This is the time for us to coalesce into a singular entity, and indeed, as Vice President Kashim Shettima has said, we have to make this country work. We have to move beyond politics.

We have to understand that we are now in the face of governance. Persons like Rufai Oseni of Arise TV should not wake up to a morning show as a TV host on the wrong side of the bed with such rage in speech and countenance. I have studied mass communication, and that is not what we have been taught in the classroom.

Rufai Oseni’s reactions to Vice President Kashim Shettima put him in a different class of journalism. But sitting with professionals like Dr. Reuben Abati, he needs to learn journalism again. I think he needed to replay the Wednesday morning show and watch it for himself again and make a comparison of his reactions to the responses given by Dr. Reuben Abati on Shettima’s statemanship comments, standing as one and not as the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

If you know Kashim Shettima very well, you know when he is speaking from the heart and when he is playing politics with words. While Dr. Reuben Abati understands the pains of Shettima’s response to the hardships and actions of saboteurs, Rufai’s reactions betrayed his commitment to national interest, and I hope Arise TV could organize tutorials for such staff appearing on a national TV, whether as journalists or TV hosts, which I will recommend for Rufai Oseni to go for those lessons.

“It is so sad that some of our countrymen are still in political mode. They are the practitioners of violence, advocating that Nigeria should go the Lebanon way. But Nigeria is greater than any of us here. Nigeria will weather the storm.” Indeed, Vice President Kashim Shettima was right. These men are living with us; we all know them and know their moves. It is time to begin to look them in the eyes and tell them the neckade truth. The Tinubu and Shettima administrations are not sleeping over the many issues confronting the nation at this time. This government has been battling many fronts, some of which are living under our nose. We must fight them to release our country from the shackles of destruction by these saboteurs.

As of January 18, 2024, a bag of cement was selling for N5,500. Iron rod by 12 was selling for N4,600, and by 10, it was selling for N3,600. Cement is now going for N10,200, and the iron rod was selling for N9,700 and N8,700, respectively. This was barely one month from the known price in the market. The explanations being given by traders, marketers, and companies over the increase in their products were not realistic.

For example, I heard one of the executives of a cement company attribute the souring price to demand over short supply and also point at the price of diesel for production. But I ran my eyes over some level of development, at least in comparison to what I saw last year when the price of cement was under N6,000 to what is obtained now, and I could not convince myself to believe that demand was low last year in comparison to this year’s demand since the year itself is young and the first quarter of the year, as we know, is not time for such high demands of products like cement. So what are the true reasons?

Perhaps Arise TV should begin to think of calling these traders, marketers, and company owners to tell Nigerians in point blank why they are subjecting Nigerians to untold hardship and also give us what they think the government needs to do if they feel that the government is not doing enough so that Nigerians can know where the problem is coming from and stop the blame game or conducting and sponsoring protests to add salt to injury.

Some producers of cement have attributed their claims to a hike in the price of diesel, but still, was the price of diesel the same as it was last year and the year before? If these protesters want to help Nigerians overcome the piling problems, why can’t they show support by approaching these conglomerates about the changes that come to us in a tsunami-style manner? No matter how situations may turn with government handlings, it cannot turn overnight as we are experiencing unless there are attempts to bring the government to it’s knees by certain elements and that is what the VP saw.

If Rufai Oseni could react to Shettima’s comment as he did on the morning show today, I would ask where he left his professionalism. If the Arise TV morning show is a place of butchering ideas, comments, and statements made by politicians or persons of profiling, in journalism, I believe we still hold to the creed of respecting people’s opinions and never allowing our own opinions about people to becloud our reasonings.

• James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

End

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has unveiled a unified curriculum for Islamic schools aimed at countering violent extremist ideologies and helping avert young people from being radicalised by terrorist groups.

At the event held at the council chamber of the Government House on Tuesday, Zulum said “Our Islamic schools have been operating without a unified curriculum for at least three to four decades and that is a matter of great concern to all of us. The so-called Boko Haram insurgency was started as a result of some misleading preaching, therefore it is imperative for us to devise a way to avert such in future.”

Zulum assured that his administration will ensure that all Islamic schools have strictly adhered to implementing their activities based on the new unified curriculum.

He emphasized the importance of teaching and preaching following the authentic content of the holy books.

He said: “We are currently witnessing another development recently, we are concerned by the way some scholars preach. Therefore, the Government of Borno State will do everything possible to ensure that teaching and preaching comply with the proper content of the holy books.”

Zulum also noted that the new curriculum was prepared based on the policies of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies which he said will qualify students from private Islamic schools to get admission to Universities and Colleges.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Arabic and Tsangaya Education Board, Khalifah Sheikh Ali Abulfathi, said the curriculum which is based on the Maliki School of thought centred on the teaching of Arabic, Quran, Hadith, Tauhid and fight.

He added that the Board reviewed existing teaching methodologies and instructional materials used by the Islamiyya schools as part of efforts to give the knowledge and values needed.

Ali Abulfathi called on parents and other stakeholders to support the new curriculum to ensure that every child has access to quality Islamic education.

Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has called on all tiers of government in Nigeria to take concrete and targeted steps to mainstream social justice into all processes, mechanisms and instruments of governance.

The organisation while alleging that President Bola Tinubu’s subsidy removal has had nothing to show, asked the present administration to copy the Gen. Sani Abacha’s Petroleum Trust Fund and President Goodluck Jonathan’s SURE-P created to soften the hardship of removal of fuel subsidy.

The call was made in commemoration of the World Day of Social Justice 2024 with theme: “”Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances.”

The CSJ, in a statement on Tuesday by its Lead Director, Eze Onyekpere said the theme indicates that there is no better time than now for the government to bridge the gap of increasing poverty, hunger and degraded living conditions occasioned by the rising cost of living.

Onyekpere also said: “This is also the time to bridge the inequality gap against the background of the ostentatious and opulent lifestyles of top level public servants and elected officials. While the average Nigerian has been subjected to misery, the ruling class revel in a competition to mismanage and abuse public resources.

“With increased resources available to the three tiers of government arising from the removal of fuel subsidy and floatation of the Naira, there was a public expectation under the Renewed Hope Agenda that these new resources would be invested for the public good in education, health, housing, roads and other infrastructure. Rather than investing the resources to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor and build a national alliance and consensus for development, the leaders have cornered all the resources for their personal gain as there is nothing to show for the increased resources available to the government.

“Promises of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu era had remained pipe dreams and none has been fulfilled.”

He noted that the Abacha presidency era had the Petroleum Trust Fund while the Goodluck Jonathan era had SURE-P for the investment of fuel subsidy removal gains, but lamented that: “The Bola Ahmed Tinubu presidency has nothing to show. Rather, we have witnessed a bloating of the cost of governance and frivolous expenditure.

“The three arms of government have not demonstrated any sense of patriotism to bridge the gap of injustice, inequality and poverty in Nigeria. On the part of the Judiciary, we have witnessed the brazen attempt of senior judges to install/appoint their relations by all means as judges of the various courts. The executive and legislature have refused to cut down the cost of governance and re-channel the bulk of the public resources to cushion the effects of poverty. It is alarming, that in the face of the current hardship plaguing the nation, the President still maintains a bloated retinue of staff with increased personnel cost, while the legislators went on a spending spree in the procurement of SUVs worth 160 million each for its members. The legislature also scandalously increased its budget. The government refuses to pay the promised wage award of N35,000 to civil servants whereas the minimum wage still remains a paltry N30,000.”

He said: “We call on the government to use this occasion to reflect on implementing life-saving measures that would bridge the gap of inequality experienced by 133 million multi dimensionally poor Nigerians. It is not too late for the Federal Government to review and course correct on its stringent policies such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira which has resulted in run-away inflation and high cost of living.”

Onyekpere added that: “Against the background of the foregoing, CSJ proffers the following recommendations: Bridge the gap of poverty by drastically reducing the cost of governance and redirect more public resources to meet the needs and welfare of the poor; The President should review the economic team and build alliances with competent citizens in all political affiliations who have proven capacity to proffer solutions that will reposition the economy; Social welfare programs should be created to benefit poor and vulnerable Nigerians who are currently grappling with the economic hardship plaguing the nation.

“Principal officers of the three arms of government should be rededicated to service delivery and effective implementation of mandates as well the tenets of social justice – the national interest above the self-interest.”

Retired military officer and human rights lawyer, Col. Bello Fadile has responded to the circulating extracts from a book authored by Mrs. Farida Waziri, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), regarding the 1995 alleged coup during the Gen. Sani Abacha regime.

In a statement issued on Monday, Fadile expressed concern over the misrepresentation of his role in what has been termed a phantom coup. He highlighted the excerpts from Waziri’s book, “Farida Waziri: One Step Ahead,” which he alleged portrayed some aspects of the events inaccurately, particularly regarding his involvement.

In the trending memoir, the former EFCC boss, allegedly recalled how former Chief of Army Staff, “General Abdulrahman Dambazau watched Obasanjo confidently rubbish the allegations leveled at him by Colonel Bello Fadile during the trial”.

But the ex-intelligence officer said even though Farida Waziri is someone she respects but she was relating the events from her own limited understanding of what transpired, adding that there were gaps in the book due to the “narrow perspectives with limited information”.

Fadile said that even though he has given some of these accounts at the Oputa Panel, he however, promised to tell his own side of the story and provide a more comprehensive account in his forthcoming book

Part of his statement read: “I find it necessary to address these inaccuracies, especially considering my own involvement in the events mentioned. The portrayal of my role in the alleged coup, as depicted in Waziri’s book, is far from accurate. Contrary to her claims, the truth can be found in the proceedings of the Oputa Panel, where I provided my testimony, despite attempts by the government at the time to manipulate the proceedings.

“The project I referred to as the “Back to Barracks Campaign deserves a fair and comprehensive exposé, which I intend to provide in my forthcoming book, “Nine Lives: The Bello Fadile Memoirs.”

“I want to assure the public and all concerned individuals that the genuine and complete truth will be revealed soon in my upcoming book.”

Nigerian government has called for immediate action to preserve life-giving ecosystems and to halt the human-induced extinction of wild species in West Africa subregion.

The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako said there is the urgent need to change the biodiversity narrative of West Africa to arrest the dangerous treat of rising population of climate migrants and environmental displaced persons in the subregion.

Speaking at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) coordination meeting in Abuja, Salako said: “It is clear that there is inequity in the ways countries are impacted by the biodiversity and climate crises. For us In West Africa, a lack of solutions means that our communities will become poorer, our food security jeopardized, and our rural populations forced to relocate as its already happening in many of our countries. It is a fact that the population of climate migrants and environmental displaced people is rising in our subregion.”

He told the stakeholders present at the meeting that they have an important mandate to produce a regional 30 by 30 implementation plan which seeks to secure the effective protection of at least 30% of the ECOWAS region to preserve our life-giving ecosystems and to halt immediately the human-induced extinction of wild species.

He noted that: “ECOWAS region is the only part of the world that is looking at its contribution to halting biodiversity loss through a regional lens, a template critical for global success and to securing nature for future generations. The healthier our region’s biodiversity is, the better it will be in withstanding future climate and biodiversity shocks and the more reslient to continue to deliver for the people.”

8.I want to trust that through your work in the coming days, ECOWAS will take the lead in ambition for biodiversity once again. We will work through the difficult technical aspects and conceive new paths forward, knowing that the eyes of the world are upon us. Our hard work to expand and strengthen our protected areas will serve not only as a sign of our commitment but also as a wake-up call to the rest of the world. If we can do this work here where we lack the resources of the Global North, what will be the excuse for foot dragging by any region?”

He noted that: “When we support one another, we all do better. Over half of global GDP relies on rich biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. Our investment in biodiversity conservation and the 30by30 agenda, is a long term investment in our economies and the future our different countries and indeed the world which will definitely yield return in multiple folds. We should be ready to secure the livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities who are the best protectors of the world’s richest biodiversity gifted to our sub-region. I strongly believe that we are ready to act together to protect the lands and oceans that provide our generous ecosystem services and give rise to our utterly unique environments.”

He urged Nigerians to be ready to secure the livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities who are the best protectors of the world’s richest biodiversity gifted to our sub-region.

He however assured that: “The President of my country President Bola Tinubu who is also the Chairman of ECOWAS is a committed environment advocate and climate hero who has prioritised sustainability as a core principle of his economic agenda.”

Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture of the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse who was represented by the Head of the Environment and Climate Change Division of the ECOWAS, Mr Bernard Koffi said that it is expedient to ensure that the region is protected through a collective effort by member countries.

“ECOWAS countries have played a significant role in securing the adoption of global commitment to expand protected areas to 30 per cent of the planet by 2030.

“We have a shared responsibility to act by expanding and strengthening our protected areas because degraded ecosystem threatens the physical, economic and food security both of local communities and multinational businesses.”

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a large consignment of Loud, a synthetic strong strain of cannabis, concealed in giant loudspeakers tucked in a consolidated cargo imported from New York, United States of America.

A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, revealed that when the giant wooden boxes dressed as sound speakers seized by NDLEA officers at the NAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport, were opened, the sound boxes were stuffed with 60 bags of the expensive but highly sought-after psychoactive substance, Loud, weighing 33.5 kilogrammes.

Babafemi said at least, three suspects: a freight agent Akeem Afeez; logistics company manager Babalola Ayodeji Gboyega and the receiver of the consignment Taiwo Anuoluwapo have been arrested in follow-up operations between last Thursday and Friday, while Afeez was arrested at the airport, Gboyega was nabbed at his office on Allen Avenue Ikeja and Taiwo traced to his residence at 13 Ayo Babatunde Crescent, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, where he was picked on Friday.

The spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, said in Abia, a joint raid operation between the NDLEA and men of the State Homeland Security at 23 Arochukwu street, Umuahia around 11pm last Wednesday led to the arrest of a female lawyer, Adaobi Nweke, 36; her boyfriend, Emeka Nkemefola, 36; her mother, Mrs. Ngozi Nweke, 65; Dike Okpara, 43, who is herbalist to the family; Chukwudi Abel, 33, member of the family; Amarachi Paul, 18, another member of the family and their 22-year-old salesgirl, Blessing Jonathan.

He said investigations revealed that members of the family had long been in the illicit drug business passed on to them by their deceased father, Jonathan Nweke. He noted that recovered from them as at the time of their arrest include various quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Loud, cannabis sativa and precursor chemical with a total weight of 1.67 kilogrammes as well as N578,400 monetary exhibit.

Babafemi also disclosed that an attempt by a 25-year-old Uber driver, Joshua Henry to deliver a consignment of 26.2 grammes of Loud picked in Abuja to a customer in Keffi, Nasarawa state last Monday was thwarted by NDLEA operatives who intercepted him. In the same vein, 54-year-old Dada Adedara was last Wednesday arrested at Dan Bare area of Kano State with 468 blocks of cannabis weighing 246.4 kilogrammes. Same day, operatives in Ogun state arrested the duo of Kafayat Junaid and Sakirat Osoanu with 13 kilogrammes cannabis sativa.

In Kogi state, a suspect, Charles Chike, 45, was arrested by NDLEA operatives in a hotel in Lokoja last Friday with 290 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 116 kilogrammes. The exhibit was concealed in the boot of a blue Honda Accord car marked Abuja ABC 853 SL, which took off from somewhere in Ekiti state enroute Abuja. Not less than 227 kilogrammes of same substance was recovered from Atoshi camp, Emure -Ile, Owo local government area, Ondo State, while two suspects: John Jonathan and Emmanuel Alex were arrested.

Babafemi said operatives in Edo state acting on intelligence last Wednesday intercepted a consignment of methamphetamine coming from Onitsha, Anambra state to Lagos, in a Toyota Sienna bus marked Anambra NZM 347 ZL. The meth consignment weighing 0.966 kilogrammes was concealed inside a cassava made local food item, African salad popularly called “Abacha”. The driver of the vehicle, Afamefuna Ibeawuchi, 42, was arrested in connection with the seizure. On the same day, a team of NDLEA officers also intercepted a Peugeot 406 space wagon car driven by Akhere Fardam, 47, along Uromi road in Esan Northeast local government area. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 865 bottles of codeine; 2,600 pills of tramadol and 600 tabs of swinol and rohypnol.

In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, NDLEA operatives conducted raid operations in Kubwa area during which they arrested Tawa Wasiu, 47, and Iliya Ibrahim, 18, with 10.5 kilogrammes cannabis, 13.5 grammes of diazepam and 2.9 grammes of tramadol tablets. Another suspect, Yaro Bala, 27, was arrested on Thursday 15th Feb. with 50.5 kilogrammes cannabis during a stop and search operation along Abaji/Abuja highway on his way from Auchi Edo state to Paiko, Niger State.

He added that various commands of the agency across the country
continued with the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign in the past week.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) while commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Abia, Nasarawa, Edo, Kogi, Kano, Ogun, Ondo and FCT commands of the agency for their outstanding feats in the past week, equally applauded their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures thus creating a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

By: Dr. James Bwala

With the rhetoric around the economy and security situation in the country, those blaming the government have failed to look at the history and those involved in it that brought Nigeria to its current predicament. The eight-year rule of the Buhari regime has given birth to criminality with untold consequences for Nigeria, but many who are now speaking ill of the Tinubu and Shettima administration are deliberately shying away from that creation, now biting the fabric covering the nakedness of Nigeria as a people and nation.

The fingers pointing at the present economic and security situation never consider some big names flooring on the pages of newspapers, both living and dead, who have melted the economy of this country and secured insecurity to this heights that left tears around and in many families who lost loved ones to banditry and other criminality.

Since May 29, 2023, I have gone through the pages of informed newspapers in the country and read success stories of greater achievements in security operations by our soldiers, police, the DSS, and other security agencies. But critics, as they are, are not quoting some of these successes to encourage the government and say we are with you in this movement. They would rather omit these achievements in their narrations to make the devil out of the new administration that, during Buhari’s time, they told us to be patient with when, in six months, the country was without a minister and nothing seemed to be moving in the face of the same security and economic challenges.

In the North, they say it is our own. And so, nobody speaks ill of the Buhari regime, despite its failure in all phases at the time. Those who reflected back at the Good Luck administration to make comparisons to Buhari’s government are seen as anti-north.

The community of the northern leaders has rallied around the regime to not allow the nakedness of the government to be seen by outsiders. They preach the sermon of never washing your dirty lining in public places, though in the closets they are gnashing their teeth in anguish and regret that their roars are eating them while they watch. Those who dare the government are shown the way to Kuje prison, and those who do not want to go that way retract their shells and watch with hopelessness.

Before the 2023 general elections that brought the victory for Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, Nigerians witnessed the shocking twist in both the security and economic situation, anchored by very few individuals in Buhari’s archery.

Recently, the Lagos elderstateman, Chief Bode George, was trending on a video calling on the government to invite three Nigerians for questioning. One of them was late but opened a ten billion naira retirement home at less than sixty years old. One was circling around the courtroom and prison since the Tinubu and Shettima administration closed on him, and the other, according to Chief Bode George, was a floor boy in the banking hall before rising to prowess.

There are others nitting to the immediate past regime of Buhari, which the current administration seemed to be taking careful steps to cover around them. Perhaps long before a comment credited to a former military ruler in the country.

A statement recently credited to the former Military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, asked President Tinubu to be careful to avoid military takeover. I believe the former military ruler has the ears of some military commanders in service, and his entreaty should be positively anchored to preaching democracy and rule of law so Nigeria should not derailed.

A man of such vintage should caution at the close door and not allow an air of a few words to fall into the ears of some power-hungry morons because what hatches the eggs is the constant daily warmth that comes from a light bulb. Tinubu and Kashim Shettima have fought big battles to come thus far in their careers as politicians.

Today, they are leading Nigeria to get to the promised land, and it is not only about them and their families. It is also about over two hundred million Nigerians moving together to reach a goal. It could take forty days or forty years, depending on the faith we carry and our decision not to murmur at every inch.

Since the Nigerian journey is not about Tinubu or Shettima but a movement of over 200 million people towards a goal, I feel it is rather in the interest of all to rally around the government to support it. Since the onset of the administration, Nigerians have applauded their choice of individuals for service chiefs and other credible appointments.

Of course, no kingdom arrangement is complete without the Judas; we have seen a few of them, and the administration did creditably well in doing the needful. A case of the humanitarian minister and more are coming. This shows the seriousness of this administration in dealing with the Nigerian people by the books they swore on oath.

Those who want to criticize Tinubu or the VP, Kashim Shettima, over the current economic and security situation should do so with good intentions and help the government by offering solutions. They should do so with facts to praise and to condemn. The government is open to criticism, but positive criticism is what builds a nation.

The economic and security situation will fizzle out when we all go back to the drawing board to trace the actions and inactions of the past that led to the current situation. Tinubu and Kashim Shettima mean well, and we can do well to support them and Nigeria. As leaders, they should also be encouraged to give their best to building the nation. So, we can all reach the promised land.

I believe as many Nigerians had hope to have a peaceful country free of security situations and greater economic revival, both Tinubu and Kashim Shettima are on the same page with Nigerians because there is no other country where we can all be proud of like Nigeria. If we come together to support the government, we can tailor this fabric of economy and insecurity to a desired shape that will be pleasing to all. Dear compatriots, let us come together to do as we say in our anthem.

• James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has lamented that with the current insecurity in the country it would be difficult to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Speaking at the 7th International Conference on Love and Tolerance in Nigeria themed “Harmony through Compassion: Embracing Diversity in Pursuit of Peace,” the Director-General of Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (lPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, said the present situation of things in the country
has deprived Nigeria of the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals and therefore calls for a concrete action.

He said there is the need for Nigerians to embrace love, tolerance for sustainable development and peaceful coexistence.

Ochogwu noted that the world is currently facing a plethora of security and developmental challenges ranging from socio-economic downturn to widening poverty chasms, marginalization, inequality, climate change, violent conflicts, and deep socio-political and ethno-religious polarizations.

He decried that: “Nigeria continues to contend with heightened tension and violent confrontations resulting from the inability of people of diverse religions and cultural practices to manage their diversity.

“The activities of corrupt political leaders in promoting nepotism, tribalism, marginalization, inequality and lack of inclusion in the distribution of commonwealth, have further worsened the state of diversity management in the country.

“In other words, the resourcefulness and galvanizing power of diversity has not been fully utilized in the nation as our divergent opinions, values, and political linings have oftentimes been exploited for selfish gain as well as serve as triggers of bigotry, inter-group cleavages, instability, and underdevelopment.

“This development has deprived Nigeria of the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals and therefore calls for a concrete action.

“It is a potent reminder of the enormity of the task before us as stakeholders in the peace project,” he added.

The DG said the commitment of all peace and security stakeholders can reverse this ugly trend particularly as we play our individual and institutional roles in effective management of diversity in the country for peaceful coexistence, stability and development.

Also speaking, President Ufuk Dialogue, Mr Emrah Ilgen, said that In a world with many different beliefs and cultures, it’s important to understand how love and tolerance can bring us together.

He said: “Love helps us connect with each other, no matter our differences. It encourages us to be kind and understanding, which is crucial for building a global community.

“Tolerance is about accepting that everyone is unique and has their own story. It means being open to learning from others and respecting their differences. By being tolerant, we can bridge gaps between people who see the world differently.

“To make the world more loving and tolerant, we must address issues like prejudice and discrimination. These problems often come from not understanding or fearing what is different.
We can overcome them by promoting education and creating spaces for open conversations.

“Let’s work towards societies where love and tolerance are not just ideas but part of our everyday lives. This means standing up for justice, equality, and human rights. By challenging our own biases and embracing diversity, we can build a world where everyone feels valued and respected.”

He further stated that: “Love and tolerance are not passive-they require us to take action. By practising kindness and acceptance, we can make a difference in our communities and pave the way for a brighter future.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas who was represented by
Hon. Usman Bello, said that Nigeria as a cosmopolitan society must try to appreciate the existence of other people.

He said: “Compassion is to accept other people. Until we accept, we cannot appreciate other people.We must all come together and discuss tolerance and compassion. Unless we come out of myopic thinking, we are not going to achieve what God intends for us.”

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated his Bayelsa counterpart, Senator Douye Diri and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, on their inauguration for second term on Wednesday.

Governor Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba on Wednesday, said that Diri’s emergence for another term in office was epoch-making.

He lauded Diri for his Prosperity vision for Bayelsans which, according to him, would engender the sustainable growth and development of the state.

Oborevwori said that the “overwhelming victory and peaceful conduct of the election” would spur Governor Diri to do more for Bayelsans who massively gave him a resounding mandate.

He commended Diri for his message of unity and for deepening transparency and accountability in governance.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate Governor Douye Diri and his amiable and loyal Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, on their inauguration for second term in office for a second term.

“The Bayelsa Governorship election of November 11, 2023, testified to your undying and patriotic resolve to put the interest of the people before other primordial ones.

“I am impressed and encouraged by your call for a united Bayelsa state, going into to your second term in office. The call is germane because no society can develop in an atmosphere of disunity.

“I commend you for keeping with the priorities and goals of your prosperity agenda to create wealth among your people, even as you continue to build sustainable infrastructure for the growth and development of Bayelsa State.

“I am quite confident that your re-election and assumption of office for a second term will pave the way for you to do more for the people of Bayelsa in appreciation of their massive support for you.”

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite has expressed the need to work with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to boost diaspora investments in the Country.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Minister said she will create a full department called “Catalytic Investment Unit” in the Ministry to accommodate all diaspora related matters.

The Minister commended NiDCOM, partnering with the private sector-led Nigerian Diaspora Summit initiative (NDSI) to organise the Nigerian Diaspora Investment summit, which has provided a platform for Nigerians who want to invest .

She said the Ministry would synergise with NiDCOM and NDSI to make the summit even stronger , in-line with the Ministry’s investment initiatives and policies.

The Minister said “I have been charged by Mr President to look for inward investment into the country. NiDCOM has saved me from starting from the scratch. We will build on your platform and work together”.

Uzoka-Anite described the Diaspora as a great potential for investment who are passionate about their country and willing to invest without too many conditions or demands.

The Minister added that the ministry can support Diaspora Investment by designing and creating different investment channels, negotiating long term investment opportunities, propose removal of taxes on dividends and provide extra security arrangement on Diaspora investment and even work together to push bills to be sponsored by the National Assembly.

Earlier, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, had called for more synergy between the Commission and the Ministry to enhance Diaspora Direct Investment.

The NiDCOM boss used the opportunity to brief the Minister on the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) which had been hosted in Abuja six times.

“We have some requests which include creating incentives for the Diaspora coming back home to invest, partnering to implement the Diaspora Investment Trust Fund and establishing a Diaspora Desk in the Ministry” Dabiri-Erewa said.

In attendance were the duo of Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, Director of Trade and Investment in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Amb. Nura Abba-Rimi, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as well as members of NDIS team.

Civil society organisations have demanded transparency and accountability in the implementation of the nation’s health budget.

The organisation drawn from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), cluster members across the seven focal states of the project, key government agencies and the media, noted that the dwindling resources of government is a reason why stakeholders must demand for transparency and accountability in the implementation of the health budget.

The Lead Director of the Centre for Social Justice, Barr Eze Onyekpere who welcomed everyone to the summit held in Abuja on Tuesday, noted that while the advocacy for more money to health will be continued, stakeholders must also demand that more healthcare be delivered from the available resources.

He also noted that strategies must de deployed to increase the absorptive capacities of the health MDAs and put an end to the incidence of high unspent funds despite declining health indicators.

The Right To Health Cluster of civil society organizations anchored by the Centre for Social Justice held a civil society summit on the implementation of the 2024 health budget, drawing participants from the Centre for Social Justice, cluster members across the seven focal states of the project, key government agencies and the media.

The National Health Insurance Authority represented by Joy Egharevba and Ukoh Eberechi presented a paper on the “Mandatory Health Insurance Under the NHIA ACT: What Next? The paper highlighted the major highlights of the NHIA Act 2022 to include clearly defined roles and relations between stakeholders; provision for mandatory health insurance; provision for the Vulnerable Group Fund; modifications to the composition of the Governing Council; and recognition of the State Social Health Insurance Agencies.

The Federal Ministry of Health represented by Idris Galadima also made a presentation on the implementation of the 2024 federal health budget.

At the end of the summit, following recommendations were made: “The immediate funding and take-off of the Vulnerable Group Fund should be done. A huge percentage of Nigerians are poor and vulnerable and cannot be left out of health insurance coverage. The NHIA should liase with other MDAs of the federal government to achieve this.

“A definite and clear roadmap for actualizing the compulsory health insurance should be developed and implemented. The compulsory nature of health insurance should not only be in the books, but should also be put into practice.

“Increased advocacy and awareness creation on health insurance should be done.

“The NHIA should strengthen monitoring and evaluation activities as it concerns health insurance service delivery to enrollees/beneficiaries at the health facilities.

“The Nigerian Governors’ Forum, traditional and religious leaders should be further engaged to promote & support sensitization programmes and activities on health insurance at the sub-national Level.

“The Federal Ministry of Health should deploy adequate steps to ensure that it fully utilizes the funds released to it for the delivery of healthcare services in Nigeria. The practice of returning huge unspent funds does not speak well of the ministry, hence this practice must not repeat itself in the utilization of the 2024 health budget. Procurement and other policy reforms that would fast track procurement processes should be done. This will increase the absorptive capacity for funds utilization and enhance efficiency and service delivery.

“The allocation of only 4.64% of the total budget size to the federal ministry of health falls short of the 15% target of the Abuja Declaration. Civil society organizations should support the federal ministry of health to advocate for an increase in the share of the budget dedicate to healthcare.

“The ministry of health and all her departments and agencies should increase the level of transparency and accountability through enhanced oversight supervision of her projects.

“The Ministerial Oversight Committee of the BHCPF should devise technological methods (electronic fund tracking mechanisms) to enhance transparency and accountability of the disbursed funds.

“Well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations should be encouraged to contribute to the BHCPF to achieve its objectives and goals.”

The Development Director for the British High Commission, Nigeria, Ms Cynthia Rowe, together with Kaduna State Governor. Uba Sani have signed the Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework (K-MAF).

The signing earmarked the revitalised commitment to support good governance, human capital development with a focus on Health, Education, Social protection, economic recovery, and poverty reduction for the state.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, Nigeria, first entered the mutual accountability relationship with the Kaduna government in June 2021, under the leadership and administration of Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai.

The newly revised framework, according to a statement on Friday, focuses on the mandate to reduce poverty through economic growth, good governance, and investment in people; via a State-led ownership commitment focused on results, accountability, and transparency; and with the support from FCDO through technical assistance.

During the signing, the Development Director for the British High Commission, Nigeria, Cynthia Rowe, said: “Today’s signing reaffirms our commitment to the plans included and outlined in the framework, and to working closely with the Kaduna Governor, His Excellency Senator. Uba Sani to achieve these.

“Together, we will work to fulfil the ‘offers’ and ‘asks’ of the Kaduna Mutual Accountability document; over the next 12 months.

“We very much look forward to continuing the work in the state – both with government and civil society – to enhance prosperity within the state.”

The Federal Government is to collaborate with the Indian Government on geospatial mapping and technical expertise exchange, remote sensing, carbon mapping, and auto imagery.

The collaboration with the Indian government is to be undertaken by Nigeria through the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation.

This was made known when the Surveyor-General, Surv. Abuduganiyu Adebomehin received the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Gangadharan
Balasubramanian on Friday.

The Indian High Commissioner stated that the reason for the visit was to seek collaboration on behalf of the Surveyor General Office of India and the government of Nigeria on the new geospatial policy inaugurated by India, by reaching out to major countries.

He highlighted India’s strength in remote sensing and space capabilities due to the satellite coverage of the country for geographical mapping. He stated that Hydrography, Remote Sensing, Surveying training, and technical expertise exchange are key areas in which both countries can work together.

The Ambassador reiterated the use of Artificial Intelligence to provide auto imagery as India has a high resolution of images. Hence, the proposed collaboration with Nigeria, so there can be harmonization of data sets. He looked forward to receiving a copy Memorandum of Understanding from Nigeria.
He said that India is ready for a partnership and cooperation with Nigeria, and he assured that the pending Memorandum of Understanding on Hydrography between India and Nigeria which is pending would be attended to soon.

Responding, Surveyor-General of the Federation described the office as the only one that defines Nigeria. He affirmed the office is very much available for collaboration in the geospatial area, leveraging India’s strength in joint mapping using their imagery and other related matters. He said now that the Indian government has established its geospatial data infrastructures while Nigeria is still trying to establish its own that is the area the two countries can collaborate.

He said Nigeria can take advantage of India’s satellite to capture the carbon underground and its location so that Nigeria can be proud of what they have. “Another area of the proposal I want India to come in is the area of Agriculture, to see how India’s geospatial data can be applied in the area of foods production and security,” he said.

He said that the office had benefitted from the India technical expertise training in the past and appealed for the reactivation of training as human capacity development is key. He promised that the collaboration would be pursued with all vigour to see how it could be beneficial to both countries.

The Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, has urged other stakeholders to emulate the efforts of the Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, in reviving agriculture, which he said is in line with President Tinubu’s agricultural agenda for food security.

Mr. Ikonne said, “I want to call on all other stakeholders to quickly key into this agricultural revolution of Mr. President by adopting the method of the Governor of Borno State, the method of unconditional land donation, and the method of total commitment.”

He added, “This is the mission and mindset of the President, and you are worthy of our commendation, Mr. Governor.”

Mr Ikonne made the call on Thursday during the inauguration of projects executed by NALDA in Jere Local Government Area in Central Borno.

The ES expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for the support he has been rendering to NALDA and assured continuous partnership with the Government of Borno State.

“I thank you, Mr. Governor, for your support for agriculture, your support for development. Borno is a catchment area because of your disposition. NALDA will continue to partner with Borno State because Borno has the potential that is required to develop food production and achieve food security in Nigeria,” Mr. Ikonne said.

Speaking after inaugurating NALDA’s rural housing scheme, Zulum commended Mr. Ikonne for choosing Borno to execute such projects, noting that it will contribute to the economic development of the state.

“Let me use this opportunity to commend the hardworking Executive Secretary of NALDA for all his initiatives that are geared towards creating employment and means of livelihood for the people,” Zulum said.

The housing scheme comprises 120 housing units and livelihood support for the beneficiaries selected from among those affected by the insurgency.

About 120 heads of households benefitted, and each received a house, mattresses, other household materials, 2 she-goats, and a buck each.

Delivering the opening remarks, Borno State Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engr. Bawu Musami, urged Governor Zulum to consider the establishment of a drip irrigation system to encourage communities around the facillity on water management methods in farming.

He further called on the beneficiaries to make good use of the facilities to develop themselves and their families, and contribute to the economic development of the state.