It is with this profound reverence that I celebrate the illustrious 90th anniversary of my beloved mother, Chief (Princess) Christianah Monisola O. Ajulo (née Adedeji). She is not merely a matriarch; she is the very fabric of my being, the divine architect of my destiny, my unwavering compass through life’s storms. Her existence is my greatest blessing, her love my eternal shield, her wisdom my guiding light through the labyrinth of life.  

There has been a song that, when sung, feels as if it has existed since the dawn of time: "Iya ni wura iye biye, Iya ko se f’owo ra" (A mother is precious gold, priceless beyond measure). This song unveils its deepest meanings as one journeys through life within the boundless, glowing care of a mother, the first Òrìṣà, the unshakable pillar of existence, the child's safest haven in a world of uncertainties. A mother’s love is a fortress, unseen yet invincible, soft yet stronger than the weight of mountains.  

As I reflect upon the remarkable life of my mother who is 90 years old today, I am filled with immense gratitude for the guiding light she has been in my journey. She is my angelic guide, a master strategist, and a beacon of wisdom and strength, illuminating my path with her unwavering love and support. Indeed, as Proverbs 31:26 reminds us, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Her words, like soothing balm, have healed my wounds. Her voice, like a clarion call, has stirred me to greatness.  

From her modest but eventful beginnings, Maami has captured the hearts and admiration of all who are privileged to know her. She embodies the very essence of humility, grace, and warmth, her elevated sense of style a true reflection of her modesty and decency. She is a rare gem, a queen robed in dignity, a woman whose presence alone commands reverence and admiration.  

Though her formal education may have been limited, she remains my greatest educator, my first and most influential teacher. As a lawyer with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, I owe my foundational understanding of law, ethics, values, and the profound significance of being an "Omoluabi" to her nurturing guidance. Indeed, Maami is my first law lecturer. She taught me law and justice long before I studied law, instilled integrity in me long before I swore any oath, and shaped me into the man I am today.  

Her unwavering faith in God has always been her greatest source of strength. Whenever trials arose, she would remind me of Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." In difficult times, when doubt clouded my vision, she would echo the words of Matthew 17:20: “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." These words, spoken with conviction, have been my anchor in life’s storms.  

She always reminds me that I’m deliberately named, Abraham and that should sink to my head that as the father of faith, there lies my strength. Faith, as she has taught me, is the foundation upon which great lives are built. As Mahavira once said, “Faith is the foundation of all good deeds and the root of all wisdom.” And in those moments of uncertainty, when I have questioned my path, her presence has reminded me of Guru Nanak’s words: “He who has faith has the world.”  

As I reminisce, vivid memories of her firm yet loving discipline arise. I recall the gentle squeezing of my ears, a testament to her steadfast commitment to shaping my character. Through her nurturing, I learned the virtues of courage, generosity, tenacity, and respect for others. A trained seamstress, she transformed her vocation into a thriving career as a textile merchant in Gbagi Market, Ibadan, and later as the esteemed proprietor of TI OLUWA NI ILE BOOKSHOP (NIG) LTD. This establishment became a cherished haven for knowledge seekers across the Southwest of Nigeria. 

Maami’s admiration for great figures such as Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, Hubert Adedeji Ogunde, Akinwande Wole Soyinka, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti left a profound mark on me. Many of these distinguished personalities, along with others of great influence, were among her esteemed customers at the bookshop. She saw in me a leader, an actor, a scholar, and an activist, an ambitious vision that continues to shape my aspirations. Her stories of resilience and determination instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and an unwavering desire to contribute meaningfully to society. Even in my childhood, the books in her shop were my most cherished possessions, and it is within that nurturing environment that my lifelong love for learning took root.

Her unshakable trust in divine guidance has shaped her every decision. She often quotes Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This principle has been my guiding philosophy, a lesson I learned at her feet. Even in moments of despair, she reassures me with Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  

Throughout my life, Maami has been my unwavering supporter, encouraging me to embrace my aspirations without apprehension. She has often reminded me that "impossible" is merely a word. Her love knows no bounds; no one can understand or inspire me as she does. In the spirit of the Quran, “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” (Quran 2:286), her intuitive understanding of my struggles has been a divine gift. Her prayers, whispered in the quiet of the night, have been the foundation of my victories.  

Today, as I celebrate her 90 years of life, I also honour the profound impact she has had on our community. As the Iya-Ijo of Christ Anglican Church in Ifira-Akoko, she has been a pillar of strength and wisdom for her congregation. Her active role in civic matters exemplifies her commitment to uplifting our society, tirelessly supporting initiatives that foster community growth. She is a mother not only to me but to many, a nurturer whose embrace has sheltered more souls than she will ever know.  

Despite her physical frailty, her determination to fulfill her civic duties, especially during the recent gubernatorial election in Ondo State, was nothing short of inspirational. I recall how she insisted that I drive her and her friends to the polling booth, where I physically carried her to ensure she could cast her vote. Her unwavering spirit serves as a powerful reminder that neither age nor health should ever hinder one’s commitment to democracy and civic engagement. As Romans 10:17 states, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." Maami does not merely preach values, she lives them.  

Princess Christianah Monisola O. Ajulo, my “Iya Ni Wura”, in letters and spirits, is a woman of substance, a mother not only to her family but to the nation, a truly extraordinary individual whose legacy will endure for generations. She has an uncanny ability to sense the decisions I face, both the ones I share and those I keep to myself. I vividly remember when a recent moment of decision arose on whether to accept an appointment; Maami called to advise me not to reject it, foreseeing its success, but warned me not to place any conditions whatsoever on the offer. This is not her first time of giving such advice, there’re some mouth watering briefs that come my way, from nowhere my mother will call, to offer her usual advice on what to do and sometimes she may come with that word, “Ma Gbowo” that means I should do the brief ex gratis. This wisdom has proven invaluable, and I have no regrets. She sees beyond the present, speaks into the future, and guides with an intuition that borders on the divine.  

In every lesson she has taught me, I see echoes of ancient wisdom. Buddha once said, “What we think, we become. With our thoughts, we make the world.” And in my mother’s voice, I hear Thich Nhat Hanh’s words: “Faith is like a seed; if you plant it in the right soil and nurture it, it will grow.” She has taught me that true greatness lies in effort, not just in rewards, much like Bhagavad Gita 2:47 states: “You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work.”  

As I commemorate this significant milestone, I fervently pray for her continued health, joy, and resounding victories. Confucius reminds us, “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” My mother has moved mountains with her faith, love, and relentless strength.  

Happy 90th birthday, Maami. Your life is a testament to love, resilience, and dedication. Today, I honour you with all the affection and admiration you so richly deserve. You are my first light, my unending song, the rhythm of my soul. You are the masterpiece that God painted into my life. You are love in its purest form. And for all eternity, I will remain grateful for the gift of being your son.

-Dr. Olukayode Ajulo OON, SAN

My dear mentor, principal, and father figure Dr Doyin Okupe was, in many respects, the very embodiment of a renaissance man—a physician, a political raconteur, and an indefatigable champion of nation-building. Born on 22 March 1952 into the illustrious Agbonmagbe royal lineage, his early life foretold a destiny not only marked by regal distinction but also by a penchant for trailblazing innovation and wry commentary. His journey, from the hallowed halls of Igbobi College and the University of Ibadan to the bustling corridors of Lagos’ political and medical spheres, reads like a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.

In his medical career, Dr Okupe was more than a practitioner; he was a visionary who co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre and launched “Life Mirror”—Nigeria’s inaugural health-focused newspaper. These endeavours were not mere professional milestones but veritable declarations of his belief that enlightenment and healing must go hand in hand. His approach, often laced with subtle wit, served as a clarion call to both his peers and the public, affirming that serious work need not be devoid of humour or human touch.

Transitioning seamlessly into the realm of politics, he became an influential force in shaping modern Nigerian discourse. As the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention and later as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr Okupe demonstrated that, in a country where political rhetoric frequently bordered on theatrical farce, one could wield words as both sword and salve. His acerbic wit and incisive commentary not only cut through bureaucratic red tape but also redefined the very essence of political communication.

Dr Okupe’s career was not without its trials. He weathered legal storms and public controversies with the same aplomb that characterised his public service. Each challenge—be it a courtroom battle or a media skirmish—served only to refine his resolve and sharpen his already prodigious intellect. His victories were not merely personal triumphs; they were contributions to the fabric of a nation striving for excellence in both its political and educational sectors.

On a more personal note, I had the distinct and singular honour of serving as his aide since 2016 until his demise. In that time, he transcended the conventional boundaries of a professional relationship, regarding me not merely as an employee but as a son. His paternal warmth and mentorship imbued my life with a sense of purpose, underscoring his unique ability to blend leadership with familial care.

The void left by his untimely departure—a loss felt deeply across the political and educational arenas—is as poignant as it is irreplaceable. His death did not merely signal the end of an era; it left a gap in the national discourse, a silence where his witty repartee and sagacious insights once resonated. Nigeria, a country indelibly shaped by his influence, now mourns the passing of a man who transformed governance into an art form.

As we reflect on the multifaceted legacy of Dr Adedoyin AJIBIKE Okupe, we remember a man who defied convention and whose very presence was a testament to the transformative power of intellect, humour, and an unwavering commitment to public service. His life was a brilliant interplay of challenges met with victories, setbacks overcome with grace, and a career that, quite literally, changed the country.

I will greatly miss you sir. Until we meet to part no more.

Yours sincerely,

Banwo Mayowa. 

Fmr Personal Assistant to the Late Dr Doyin Okupe .

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has scheduled promotion examinations and interviews for 19 senior police officers seeking elevation from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to Commissioner of Police (CP).

According to an internal police wireless message dated March 13, 2025, spotted by SaharaReporters, the selected officers have been invited to participate in the examination and interactive session on Monday, March 17, 2025.

The session will take place at the Hon. Chairman’s Conference Room, 6th Floor, PSC Corporate Headquarters, Plot 64, Cadastral Zone, Jabi, Abuja.

The examinations and interviews are scheduled to commence promptly at 10:00 a.m., with all invited officers expected to be present and prepared for the process.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the following DCPs to attend the interview as scheduled: Usman Tahir, Sunday J. A. Okoebor, Ayodeji Faniyan, Saka Adewale Ajao, Omole Ola, Hope Urunwa Okafor, Ajo Geofrey Ordue, Olufunke Adeayo Ogunbode, Stephen Olubunmi Ogedengbe, and Iyabode Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja.

Others are Adebowale Lawal, Ojo Adekimi, Yemi John Oyeniyi, Obasi Mary Okereke, Moses Ashu Ottah, Felix Akoneme Nnebue, Gazali Alade Abdul-Salaam, Fidelis Ndubisi Ogarabe, Olubode Ojajuni.

The commission advised the officers to review and refresh their knowledge.

In a related development, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has scheduled promotion examinations and interviews for 26 senior police officers seeking elevation from Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).

According to an internal police wireless message dated March 13, 2025 spotted by SaharaReporters, the selected officers have been invited to participate in the examination and interactive session, which will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

[NaijaNews]

The political landscape in Nigeria has been abuzz with speculations and debates over the future of the Labor Party (LP), given the increasing signs that Peter Obi, its most prominent figure, might soon exit the party. While some die-hard supporters still hold on to hope that Obi will stay and continue his political journey within the LP, those who have followed Nigerian politics long enough understand that it is no longer a matter of “if” but “when” he will leave. The real question, then, is: What happens to the Labor Party when Peter Obi finally leaves as been speculated by political pundits?

Before Peter Obi’s arrival, the Labor Party was a fringe political organization, struggling to make any meaningful impact in Nigeria’s political space. For years, it was merely an alternative platform used by disenchanted politicians seeking an escape route from the two dominant parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The party had little national presence, barely any structure, and lacked the financial muscle required to make a significant impact.

Out of the blue, that all changed in 2022 when Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and a 2019 vice-presidential candidate under the PDP, defected to the Labor Party. Obi’s entry into LP electrified Nigeria’s political atmosphere, particularly among young Nigerians and urban voters who were disillusioned with the established political order. The “Obidient” movement was born, a passionate, mostly youth-driven political force that saw Obi as a beacon of hope in a country plagued by corruption, insecurity, and economic mismanagement.

For the first time in Nigeria’s democratic history, the Labor Party became a real contender in a presidential election. The party also saw an unprecedented number of lawmakers elected at both state and federal levels. It was a Cinderella story, one that demonstrated the power of people’s yearning for change. But was the success truly the Labor Party’s, or was it simply Obi’s influence?

Despite the successes recorded in 2023, it was evident that the Labor Party was never truly built for the kind of national movement that Obi ushered in. The internal wrangling within the party, the court cases over leadership, and the allegations of corruption against some of its top figures all pointed to a house divided against itself.

The party has been in perpetual crisis mode, with factions battling for control. In April 2023, a leadership tussle erupted between the Julius Abure-led faction and the Lamidi Apapa-led faction, leading to public drama that only exposed the weaknesses of the party’s structure. Even Obi himself had to distance himself from the internal chaos, a clear sign that he was beginning to realize the limitations of the platform he had adopted.

Another major issue is the ideological inconsistency within the Labor Party. Unlike other Labor parties worldwide that are built on strong socialist and workers’ rights foundations, Nigeria’s LP lacks any clearly defined ideological stance. Many of its members are defectors from the APC and PDP, bringing with them the same old political mentality that Nigerians have grown weary of. The party became a vehicle for Obi, not necessarily a party built on strong values and principles.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is not a misnomer to express the fear that the departure of Peter Obi from the Labor Party, whenever it happens, will undoubtedly leave a gaping hole in the party’s fortunes. The “Obidient” movement was not built around the Labor Party; it was built around Peter Obi. The voters who rallied behind the LP in 2023 were not necessarily drawn by the party’s policies or leadership but rather by their trust in Obi’s personal credibility and governance record. If Obi leaves, does the party have a backup plan? The honest answer is no.

As been speculated by political pundits, there would be mass exodus of supporters. This is as  a significant portion of the Labor Party’s supporters would likely follow Obi wherever he goes next. The youth-driven movement that transformed Nigerian politics in 2023 is loyal to Obi, not LP. The moment he declares for another party or even forms a new one, there is no doubt that most of the Obidients will abandon LP without hesitation.

In a similar vein, the structure of the party would collapse.  Without Obi’s presence, the LP would struggle to maintain its newfound national relevance. The party’s infrastructure remains weak, with leadership infighting already tearing it apart. Many of the elected lawmakers who won under the LP banner may also start defecting to more established parties in search of political stability and personal advancement.

Also in a similar vein, there would be loss of political momentum. This is as the energy that Obi brought to LP will dissipate once he exits. The party lacks any other nationally recognized figure with the same appeal and credibility as Obi. Unless a new charismatic leader emerges, which seems highly unlikely, the LP may quickly revert to its pre-2023 irrelevance.

Also, internal implosion of the party is not unexpected as the leadership tussle within the party will only worsen once Obi leaves. With the main unifying factor gone, the battle for control will intensify, leading to further legal disputes and factionalism that will weaken the party even more.

The harsh reality is that Nigerian politics is driven by strong personalities rather than institutionalized political structures. Without Obi, LP risks falling back into the shadows, where it will once again become a minor party with little electoral significance.

Some political analysts believe that Peter Obi’s departure will expose the deep-rooted weaknesses within LP. Dr. Kelechi Nwankwo, a political scientist argues that the Labor Party has failed to transition from a movement-based party to a structured, ideology-driven political entity. “If LP had used the momentum from the 2023 elections to build a strong national presence, Obi’s exit wouldn’t be such a big threat. But right now, the party is still fragile,” he said.

On the other hand, there are optimists who believe the party could survive without Obi if it takes proactive steps. Some argue that if the LP leadership can rally around new figures and build alliances, they may have a chance. However, this remains a tall order considering the depth of factionalism and internal disunity already plaguing the party.

At this juncture, it is not a misnomer to ask, “Is there hope for the Labor Party?” The answer to the foregoing question is yes and no.  If the Labor Party hopes to remain relevant in Nigerian politics post-Obi, it must undergo a total transformation. The party must build strong internal structures, define a clear ideological stance, and develop leaders beyond Peter Obi. It must also work towards genuine grassroots mobilization rather than relying on one individual’s popularity.

However, history suggests that such transformation is unlikely. Nigerian political parties, except for the APC and PDP, have struggled to survive beyond the influence of their founding figures. The Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Young Progressives Party (YPP), and even the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) have all faded into political insignificance due to weak structures and lack of enduring leadership.

Peter Obi’s departure from the Labor Party is only a matter of time, and when it happens, the party will be left in a precarious position. Without Obi, the LP is like a house built on sand, bound to collapse under the weight of its internal contradictions. If the party does not take drastic steps to reinvent itself, it risks becoming just another footnote in Nigeria’s political history.

The Obidient movement may live on, but it will not be through the Labor Party. Its survival will depend on Obi’s next political move and whether he can provide an alternative platform that captures the aspirations of Nigerians longing for real change. The Labor Party, meanwhile, faces a bleak future, one that may see it fade back into political obscurity, just as quickly as it rose to national prominence.

As the saying goes, Nero fiddles while Rome burns. This aptly captures the situation in the land today. Barely three months ago, the National Bureau of Statistics sent cold shivers down our spine with its revelation of the state of insecurity and the heavy toll it has taken on the nation. Predictably, the media, print and digital, gave the revelation generous coverage. No report, in my view, has painted the picture the report seeks to convey more vividly than the British Broadcasting Corporation pidgin version. The BBC pidgin version reads: “Di Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday publish dia 2024 Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey.

“Di report show say approximately 2.2 trillion naira na im Nigerians pay to kidnappers as ransom money betwin May 2023 and April 2024. Dat na about 1.41 billion US dollars or £1.16 billion pounds, and e pass di 1. 64 trillion naira wey di goment budget for defence in 2024.

“According to di survey, Northwest rank highest both for di prevalence of kidnapping and di actual number of kidnap incidents. Out of di ova 2.2 million kidnapping incidents wey happun for di Nigeria during di period of di survey, more dan half—1.42 million incidents—happen for di North-West region.”

Newspapers and online publications reported the grim and chilling security situation between 17 and 23 December, 2024. It is in the grip of this grim situation that the Senators pre-occupy them with trivialities of who makes passes at one woman or who is being re-allocated a new seat. This is where I find in my reflections how much we reporters, we in this business of writing, miss our boss on the beat. I am referring to no other than celebrated columnist Sad Sam. He had his characterisation of Nigerian politicians in biting satirical style. Sometimes he could resort to crafting his comment in pidgin English as well to bring the language down for the grasp of every reader, the man on the street as well. Take this for instance, his sizzling views of Nigerian politicians with the headline in pidgin:

“Monkey dey work, baboon dey eat.”

Published on 06 May, 1962, the column reads as follows: “M.P.s who won’t sit in Parliament make me angry. One thousand pounds a year we pay them to serve us earnestly for less than 90 days a year. So they come to Lagos for a session in fine, fine cars and live in fine, fine flats at Victoria Beach.

“But in the day time, some go about their business—outside the House. And for the most time, the House cannot form a quorum—like during the Budget Session. At night, some have good times with the butterflies that abound. “Monkey dey work, baboon dey eat’” These politicians promise you all God’s Kingdom when they seek your vote; elect them and they let you down. Their good intentions in practice are at a discount because they are professionals—only amateur politicians are consistent. But beware amateurs.”

In 1970, there was this acrimonious divorce case in court between a couple in Lagos. The man was claiming paternity of the child between them, but the wife said the child did not belong to him. The man insisted the child was his. It was long drawn. Sad Sam felt he had to intervene and he did, partly in Queen’s English and in pidgin: “Who told you? No bi di woman wey born baby wey know di father?” It was not the age of DNA. Although the first production of DNA was in 1972, its first use was in 1986 in the United Kingdom. And it was Akinwumi Ambode’s Administration that completed the construction of high-powered Forensic Laboratory, the first, in Nigeria, in 2017.

So when the feud in the Senate broke out, my mind raced to the master, Sad Sam, how in his inimitable column and bow hat he would have reacted. With all the grim reports of insecurity in the land, inflation that has refused to be tamed and the gathering storm in Rivers State all the Senate regarded as the most pressing was the re-allocation of seats and who has made passes to which woman member of the Parliament. Consider it, in the face of thickening forces for conflagration staring the nation in the face and threatening to engulf first Port Harcourt and like petrol tanker explosion spill to other parts of the country. And when it comes to electricity supply it is all sound and fury, signifying nothing. You wake up at 5a.m. to go to work at 6, it is all darkness. You return in the evening, it is into darkness. When asked if there was no power supply in your absence, members of the family left at home tell you the power outage was interrupted only briefly. And this reminds me of yet another of my erstwhile bosses. Allah-De of blessed memory.

Dabbling into this issue of electricity, he wrote on 15 March, 1969: Captioned “The miracle and the ECN”, the piece reads: “I was not present when the miracle at Kainji was performed, but that does not prove my inexcitability about prodigies. I am interested in the Kainji Dam if only for my own selfish end. My interest in the dam stems from my curiosity about the business of the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria, to which I pay warm tributes this morning for its promptness and efficiency in thrusting electricity bills into my garage door month by month.

“It is the only corporation that possesses the power to declare peremptorily to its customers: ‘Let there be light’ and there shall be light; or ‘may darkness fall upon this household’ and, of course, there shall be darkness upon such household. And so the father and the mother, and the children, the servants and all that dwell therein shall trip on the staircase and fall one upon the other.

“If you know of any other piper who is capable of displaying such magic at the dictates of his mood to the annoyance of those who subscribe to his pay packet, I would like to be informed.”

This was 56 years ago! And you ask yourself: what has changed? Yes, ECN has been unbundled, split into three organizations, but what has changed? We now have the Generation Company, GenCo; the Transmission Company, TCN; and the Discos; and Adebayo Adelabu, the new Mr. ECN, has been going up and down, getting to nowhere in particular. The annoyance Allah-De referred to was on display last week by men of the Air Force! Adelabu has an enviable pedigree. He is the grandson of the nationalist, the icon, Adegoke Adelabu, of peculiar mess fame (Penkelemesi). Adebayo Adelabu himself has climbed high the rungs of economic and social ladder before this call to service. He was deputy governor of Central Bank before he decided to get into political arena following in the footsteps of his grandfather. By 11 December, last year, this newspaper reported that the National Grid had collapsed 12 times. In 10 years the grid collapsed 105 times despite the hefty loans of $1.4billion expended on it.

I can’t but share my unabating fascination for William Shakespeare’s Macbeth When I think of lack of humility of some of our political leaders even when I don’t agree with certain conceptions portrayed in Macbeth’s enrapturing poetry which arose from the painful demise of his wife. But I find the poetry on the whole sobering when I think of goings-on in Port Harcourt and Lagos, the unremitted struggle for political and economic control, and for public acknowledgement! Hear Macbeth:

“Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,

Creeps in this petty face from day to day,

To the last syllable of recorded time;

And all our yesterdays have lighted fools

The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player,

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,

And then is heard no more. It is a tale

Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury

Signifying nothing.”

And I ask myself upon reflection on the poem: Where does my path lead me after my earthly life? It is a question for each and every one of us, even for Mr. Trump, Mr. Putin, Ben Netanyahu, Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas—for all mankind. Billions of human beings living in ignorance do not know that God, the Almighty Father does not need mankind; it is man that needs Him. It was they that supplicated to be permitted conscious existence, and consider it, man has turned this part of His Creation, our earth into an asylum! They do not realise that every action, thought and speech has consequences. They believe you just say a few words asking for forgiveness while on the death bed and that would be all, the sins are forgiven! Yet we are told: God cannot be mocked!

So, back to the pressing matters in the land: Security. Whether the reports by the media are couched in Queen’s English or in pidgin, the security situation is chilling. According to one of the national newspapers for example: “The insecurity in Nigeria is getting more serious. Many families are paying hefty ransoms to free their kidnapped relatives. Would the increased budget for security and defence in the 2025 budget change the rhetoric? We keep our fingers crossed.

“It is simply troubling that a nation that is not at war would be having such a staggering number of abductions in one year.

“Many Nigerians were flabbergasted Tuesday when the latest Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) became public.

“The NBS told the world that Nigerian households paid a total of N2.3trn as ransom over the last 12 months between May 2023 and April 2024, and that an estimated number of 51.89 million crime incidents were recorded within the stated period, leaving many citizens tongue-tied.

“It is not surprising that the North west was mentioned as leading chart in the NBS report. The seven states of the zone (Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara have always been the hotbeds of bandits’ activity. These are also where hefty ransoms are being demanded and paid.

“Of the budget, N1.7trillion was allocated to defence. It means that the amount (N2.23trn) paid as ransom was higher than the year’s budget to fight insecurity in that year.”

Another newspaper report stated: “Major Opposition parties in Nigeria have knocked the Federal Government and security in the country, saying they were not doing enough to stem the tide of kidnapping. The concerns were raised following the revelation in the data released on December 17 by the National Bureau of Statistics which revealed that Nigerians paid a sum of N2.23trn as ransom to kidnappers between May 2023 and April 2024. According to NBS, 2.2 million Nigerians were kidnapped while 614, 937 were killed in the same year.”

Reacting, the National Publicity Secretary of Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, lamented that random abductions of innocent persons was allowed to fester into a booming business in Nigeria. Ifoh, in an interview with Saturday Punch, stated that the NBS’s report showed how high insecurity had impacted every household in the country.

He said: “The NBS statistics said it all. In a population 230 million, at least one person in every hundred has been kidnapped in Nigeria. It is incredible and bizzare. It means that insecurity has already come to everybody’s doorstep. This is happening despite the humongous amount of money budgeted for security, including police and defence. Our farmers are no longer safe on the farm because and it is only when we keep the farmers safe that we can produce food”.

As of March last year, everyone, the authorities and stakeholders seemed persuaded after years of perilous foot- dragging that the establishment of state police is the answer to the insecurity debacle bedevilling our country. Since then, what has happened? It was after this raising of hope that the National Bureau of Statistics came up with its shocking and depressing report that, indeed, the situation has gone worse, I believe following our accustomed lethargy. Applauding the meeting of minds on the vexed issue, I wrote exactly a year ago today, 14 March, 2024, the following: Captioned “Security: Time is of the essence”

“It is enheartening that the Federal and State Governments are hearkening to our outcry: They have given nod to the establishment of state police. It is a decision that must be given bite immediately. It is quite a pity that it has taken such a shockingly long time to see that the solution to the insecurity bedeviling our land is the establishment of state police. Something so simple to see and so commonsensical to perceive! Because of the lackadaisical attitude of certain past leaders because they lived in a fortress, all manner of dare-devil criminals was let loose on the country. Citizens were and are still exposed to mindless attacks and destruction of properties. It will soon be 10 years since 276 Chibok school girls in Borno State were kidnapped; no fewer than 95 remain in captivity till date!

“The sign of a renewed legislative thinking was foreshadowed in the House of Representative agenda upon reconvening from Christmas/end of year recess. Perturbed Speaker Tajudeen Abbas did state that the issue of security and the concomitant imperative of the establishment of state police would receive priority attention of the House. Within the last one week the nation was driven to a fresh rude awakening causing alarm to warrant bringing the matter to the front burner again. A new wave of kidnapping began in Borno State when about 400 persons were kidnapped. It was followed by the abduction of 257 school children in one go in Kaduna State. And to muddle the situation, on Tuesday, 60 more persons were kidnapped in the already menaced axis of Kajuru, bringing to more than 300 kidnapped in that state within a week. Sokoto had its own share in the earlier wave of an attack in which two persons were killed.

“With the Federal and State Governments now on the same page, it should go without saying that the National Assembly should realise that time is of the essence. They should permit no distractions now, but speed up whatever processes are required to facilitate the establishment of the State Police in the country.”

For purposes of emphasis, it is necessary to state that practically every day, someone, somewhere is being shot or kidnapped. Gunmen, marauders, bandits, kidnappers, cultists and sundry criminals have for years been let loose, laying siege on the country with alarming impunity. In towns, in villages most Nigerians go to bed with their eyes half closed. People travel with baited breath, feeling relieved only when they reach their destination. Prayers are said at motor parks before drivers turn the ignition key to put their vehicles on the road.

All these have been borne out by the National Bureau of Statistics survey. Added to these is the combustible situation in Port Harcourt waiting only for a careless cigarette end to set off a conflagration. These should be what pre-occupies the attention of the National Assembly not frivolities. The primary purpose of government anywhere in the world is security of the citizenry, protection of life and property. It is to facilitate freedom and movement of citizens without let or fail. After all, Senate President Godswill Akpabio himself in burning rage took on a former predecessor, His Excellency Bukola Saraki protesting the allocation of his seat when he was only an honourable member of the Red Chambers.

I’ve never liked being called Mommy in business settings. Whether it’s a driver, a junior colleague, or even domestic staff, something about it has always unsettled me. I know it’s cultural. I know it’s often meant as a sign of respect. But over time, I’ve come to realize that it’s also a way of subtly defining power dynamics —of placing you in a role where you are expected to nurture, protect, but never truly challenge the status quo.  

It’s the same discomfort I feel when mentorship relationships cross the line into pseudo parental ownership. I have four children, and in our home, we encourage independent thought. We debate actively—about politics, leadership, and everything in between. No opinion is off-limits. My late father, a Federal High Court judge, shaped that mindset in us. I still remember a heated argument between him and my two mothers (he had two wives at the time). My siblings and I didn’t automatically take his side just because he was the head of the home. Some of us aligned with him, others stood with our mothers. He allowed it. And looking back, I realize that was a defining moment—it taught me that respect and deference are not the same thing.  

That’s why Senator Ireti Kingibe’s statement, “She’s like my daughter,” about Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan struck such a nerve. A fellow Senator—a democratically elected official, a peer—framed as ‘a daughter’? In one breath, an entire career, an entire hard-fought political journey, was reframed as something requiring guidance, control, and correction. It reminded me of the way men in our communities say, “She’s our wife.” A phrase that, on the surface, sounds like a declaration of belonging but, in reality, often means “She has no rights.”

THE PROBLEM WITH TOXIC MENTORSHIP

Nigerian politics is built on godfatherism —a system where power is not earned but handed down through patronage. But what happens when the same suffocating model extends to godmotherism? When mentorship is not about empowerment, but control? 

Too often, I’ve seen women leaders mentor younger women only to expect perpetual deference in return. To expect them to remain daughters rather than evolve into peers. The moment these mentees assert themselves—perhaps grow in influence, find their own voice, or challenge outdated norms—they are cast as rebellious, ungrateful, too ambitious. The expectation is that they should stay small, obedient, and never outgrow the shadow of those who once guided them.  

But real mentorship —the kind that truly builds legacies —demands something different. It requires the humility to raise others up without feeling diminished by their rise. It means guiding but not gatekeeping. Leading but not lording. Nurturing, but never owning.

WHEN SENIOR WOMEN BECOME GATEKEEPERS

That is why Senator Ita Giwa’s recent remarks were equally troubling. In an interview on Arise TV last week, after rightly correcting the anchor for referring to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as “Senator Natasha” instead of her full official title, she then proceeded to repeatedly call her “that girl.”

That girl? A ‘sitting Senator’, a woman who fought a brutal election battle to secure her seat, reduced to “that girl”?

The dismissal was jarring, not just because of the casual belittlement of a fellow elected senator, but because of what it signaled to younger women watching: Even at the highest levels, women can still be diminished, disregarded, and disrespected—sometimes by their own.

What message does this send? That even in power, women must be “grateful” for their presence? That they must wait for permission before speaking up? That their authority is conditional?  

This is not about one woman. This is about the dignity of women in leadership. It is about ensuring that the strides made since the Beijing Conference do not take a backseat in a world where impunity has taken center stage. It is about refusing to let senior female leaders, knowingly or unknowingly, give permission for men to demean and undermine women.

As a lawyer, I have no interest in engaging in armchair legal debates about a matter before the courts—that is for the judiciary to handle. But what I am deeply concerned about is the message being sent to the next generation of women leaders. When senior women in politics fail to decisively stand up for decorum, respect, and fairness, they make it easier for those in power to treat women as second-class participants in leadership.  

Thankfully, a few women, like former Ekiti First Lady, Mrs. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi and organizations like WIMBIZ, have addressed this issue with the clarity and respect it deserves. But we need more voices. More decisiveness. More women in power who do not hesitate to use that power to protect—not police—other women.

It is also encouraging to see Cecilia Umoren, a leading voice in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, lean into shaping this discourse. In her recent International Women’s Day message, she raised the pressing question: “When will women in leadership truly be heard?” Her words reflect a larger reality—beyond politics, beyond party lines, beyond individual cases. They speak to a systemic issue where women are tolerated, sidelined, or gaslit instead of being acknowledged as equal stakeholders in leadership.

WHAT MUST CHANGE?

If we want more women in leadership —whether in politics, business, or any sphere—we must actively dismantle these toxic power structures. We must replace mentorship rooted in control with mentorship rooted in courage.  

– Women supporting women must mean just that —not women controlling women. We need an ecosystem where power is shared, not hoarded. Where mentees are encouraged to outgrow their mentors. Where mentorship is about expansion, not limitation.  

– Political leadership must evolve beyond the ‘family’ model. Women in leadership are not daughters or wives to be managed, accommodated, or spoken for. They are leaders in their own right, deserving of full recognition.

– We must challenge toxic language that infantilizes women. “She’s like my daughter” and “She’s our wife”must be called out for what they are: tools of suppression dressed up as terms of endearment.  

– We need decorum across the board. The way public officials—male or female—speak about their colleagues matters. Words set the tone for how women are treated in leadership. And frankly, many of our leaders need to learn the art of public speaking. This issue has shown just how lacking it is.  

THIS IS WHY WE DO THE WORK

This International Women’s Month, as we celebrate progress and highlight the work that remains, I am reminded of why we do what we do. For the past 15 years, through Inspired Women of Worth (IWOW) and more recently through the Power Woman Leadership Academy, we have worked to shift the conversation and raise women’s awareness of their true power.

Our mission is not just to place women in positions of leadership —it is to ensure that when they arrive, they step into those roles fully, without limitation, without unnecessary deference, without the burden of belonging to someone else.  

Because the true test of leadership is not in how much control you have, but in how much power you give away.

This is just part one. There is still much more to unpack. But for now, let’s sit with this:  

When will we stop treating women in leadership as daughters, wives, and dependents—and start treating them as the equals they have fought so hard to become?

•Udo Okonjo is CEO Fine and Country WA; Founder, Inspired Women of Worth (IWOW) & Power Woman Leadership Academy. She is also a transformative business leader, independent board director, Berkeley-certified executive coach, and advocate for women’s leadership, wealth, and legacy. As the founder of Inspired Women of Worth (IWOW) and the Power Woman Leadership Academy, she has spent over 15 years equipping women with the mindset, tools, and networks to lead boldly and shape their economic and leadership destinies. A Forbes Business Council member and sought-after speaker, Udo is passionate about dismantling limiting power structures, fostering authentic leadership, and ensuring women don’t just have a seat at the table—they own the space and redefine the future.

#PowerWomanSeries #HighImpactLeadership #WomenAndLeadership #IWD2025

The House of Representatives on Thursday considered and adopted the reports of its committee on finance regarding the four tax reform bills transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu transmitted in October, 2024.

The reports were considered clause-by-clause and were subsequently approved ahead of the third reading. The bills include: The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, the Nigeria Revenue Service Bill 2024, and the Joint Revenue Board Tax Bill, 2024.

Here are 10 amendments adopted by the Green Chamber on Thursday.

Revenue derivation formula

This was one of the most contentious sections in the proposed tax administration bill. The amended bill reduces the proposed derivation formula from 60 percent to 30 percent. Currently, the value added tax (VAT) revenue is shared as follows: 15 percent to the federal government, 50 percent to states, and 35 percent to LGAs. States use a 50:30:20 formula—50 percent for equality, 30 percent for population, and 20 percent for derivation.

The House amended Section 77 of the Tax Administration Bill and approved that notwithstanding any formula that may be prescribed by any other law, the net revenue accruing by virtue of the operation of Chapter Six of the Nigeria Tax Act shall be distributed as follows —10 percent to the federal government; 55 percent to the state governments and the Federal Capital Territory; and 35 percent to local governments.

The House recommended that the amount of the VAT revenue standing to the credit of states and local governments shall be distributed among them on the following basis: equally – 50 percent; population – 20 percent; and consumption – 30 percent.

In addition, the House proposed that the basis of VAT taxation will now be consumption, rather than where the returns are filed. This is meant to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders at the public hearing that some regions may be disadvantaged as the headquarters of companies are largely located in one region, where all returns are usually filed.

7.5% VAT retained

In Section 146 of the Nigeria Tax Bill, the VAT rate was amended to retain the current 7.5 percent as opposed to the earlier proposed increase to 15 percent by 2030.

Funding for TETFUND, others retained Section 59, which focuses on the development levy, was amended to remove a sunset provision in the bill and the sharing of the levy. Beneficiary agencies were expanded to include the Tertiary Education Trust Fund– 50 percent; the Nigerian Education Loan Fund – 3 percent; National Information Technology Development Agency Act (NITDF) – 5 percent; and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) – 10 percent.

Moreover, the Defence Infrastructure Fund has 10 percent; Nigeria Police Trust Fund – 5 percent; National Sports Development Fund – 5 percent; Social Security Fund – 10 percent; National Board for Technological Incubation – 10 percent; and National Cybersecurity Fund – 1 percent.

Restriction of presidential powers

The House amended Section 74 of the Tax Administration Bill, which provides for the power of the president or governor to remit taxes, to include the need to obtain the approval of the National Assembly or states’ houses of assembly for federal and state taxes.

Similarly, Section 75, which provides the power of the president to exempt companies from income tax, was amended to include the need to obtain the approval of the National Assembly.

Deletion of 5% excise duty

The House deleted sections 130 – 132, which made provisions relating to excise duties. All provisions relating to compliance with excise duty charges were expunged to align with the similar amendments to the Nigeria Tax Bill.

The House argued that the excise duty on telecoms will lead to hike in the tariffs, which will be passed on to the end-users, leading to possible loss of jobs and worsening rate of unemployment in the country. The House added that the excise duty on foreign exchange transactions may lead to shortage of forex inflows into the economy.

Removal of inheritance tax

The House amended Section 4 of the Nigeria Tax Bill to exclude income on inherited assets before distribution from the income of a family that may be chargeable to tax. Lawmakers explained that this amendment clarifies that inheritance tax is not being introduced into Nigerian tax law in any manner.

30% Company Income Tax

The House amended Section 56 of the tax bill to remove the ‘staggered’ reduction in the companies’ income tax rate from 30 percent to 27.5 percent in 2025 and 25 percent in 2026.

For the recommendation by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the tax rate of companies, other than small companies, remains 30 percent. The House further recommended that the tax rate of companies in the priority sector be reduced to 25 percent during the priority period of five years.

Taxation of free trade zones

In the second schedule of the tax bill, the House introduced provisions to allow the claim of available incentives. The conditions include the following: When goods and services are sold to persons engaged in upstream, midstream, or downstream petroleum or gas operations in the customs territory, or when at least 75 percent of goods or services are exported or used as inputs in goods or services, at least 75 percent of which are exported. The evidence of export proceeds, either in the form of cash flow, imported materials, or equipment, must be provided.

Lottery, gaming business

The House removed reference to the Lottery Trust Fund in alignment with the Supreme Court judgment. Section 62 had proposed that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other law, the income of lottery and gaming trade or business shall be subjected to tax. However, the House noted that a court has ruled against the National Lottery Act, noting that such tax would not be charged.

Exemption of military personnel from tax

The House proposed tax exemption for military personnel on their personal income, stating that the reason is due to the critical nature of their assignment.

[BusinessDay]

Over one million Nigerians nationwide will receive a 10kg bag of rice each as the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) launched the 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project, valued at N16 billion, on Thursday.

Speaking at the ceremony in Kano, the chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr Aliko Dangote, said the distribution of one million bags of 10kg of rice to the poor and most vulnerable Nigerians in the 774 Local Government Areas is in line with the core values of his company and Foundation.

Dangote, represented by his daughter Marya Aliko Dangote, said: “This annual initiative, which embodies compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility, is part of our response to the current economic challenges facing our nation. It reflects our commitment to supporting our communities in line with our core values.”

He said the Foundation was kicking off the distribution in Kano State, after which it will proceed to other states while ensuring that the food reaches those who need it most in all the Local Government Areas of Nigeria.

Mr Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest person, said food remains a basic human necessity, which is why the Aliko Dangote Foundation embarked on a food distribution programme across the States.

“We are collaborating with state governments to ensure that the food reaches the most vulnerable individuals in each state,” he added.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our Foundation focuses on improving Nigerians’ living conditions through support for projects that tackle hunger and water supply problems, strengthen the quality and scope of health and education, and promote economic empowerment at the community level.

“Your Excellency, I believe today’s event will help tackle hunger and help the most vulnerable people break their fast. We are playing our role in enhancing the living conditions of our people. I urge other industrialists and firms to lend a helping hand in combating hunger through programmes and initiatives that will place food on the tables of vulnerable Nigerians. This job should not be left to the government alone. Instead, we need a public-private partnership to help us fight the scourge.

I commend the government at all levels for addressing the food crisis. I am sure that with time, we shall overcome these challenges; therefore, let us support the government in achieving its target of a better life for Nigerians, “he said.

Governor Abba K. Yusuf of Kano State, who flagged off the Annual National Food Intervention Project, said the intervention reflects Mr. Dangote‘s unwavering commitment to addressing poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gworzo, said 120,000 bags of 10kg rice would be distributed across the state‘s 44 Local Government Areas.

He described Mr Dangote as humane: “A similar event took place last year, during which he oversaw the distribution of foodstuffs to the poor in this arena.”

He said the state government has set up a committee comprising relevant ministries, CSOs, religious leaders, departments and agencies, local authorities, the Hisbah Board, and security agencies to ensure transparency in the distribution process.

Speaking to newsmen, Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, said the Annual National Food Intervention Project is a way of giving back and supporting governments in fighting poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

She said Mr Dangote is passionate about philanthropy and committed to ensuring that hunger is eradicated or reduced to a minimum in Nigeria.

“We are going to other states to distribute the products, but we’ve just flagged off in Kano,” she told newsmen on the sideline of the Kano Government House, the flag-off venue.

The Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah Board in Kano, Dr Mujahid Aminudeen, thanked the Aliko Dangote Foundation for the initiative and urged more Nigerians to emulate Mr Dangote in the humanitarian cause.

He said the Hisbah Board would ensure the products reach the targeted beneficiaries.

Ibrahim Ahmed, a representative of the poor and vulnerable, thanked Mr. Dangote and prayed that God would help him in his businesses.

[Leadership]

The federal government has expressed opposition to the proposals by the National Assembly for creation of nearly 200 new universities in the country.

It said with almost 200 bills in the National Assembly for establishment of new universities, there is a growing concern that the system is becoming overwhelmed.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, stated this in Abuja yesterday during the third edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing.

Daily Trust reports that the country currently has 278 universities, 64 of which are federal; 67, state; and 147, private.

The government had, last month, announced a one-year moratorium on the establishment of new private universities “to enhance the quality and sustainability of private universities, ensuring that only institutions with the necessary financial and academic capacity are granted licenses.”

The minister yesterday emphasised that strengthening the capacities of the existing universities is more important than establishing new ones.

He said: “They (lawmakers) are passing a lot of bills. Today, I can tell you that there are almost 200 bills in the National Assembly. We can’t continue like this. Even though we have a lot of them, the capacity for a university to admit is not there. What we need to do now is to rebuild the capacities so that we can offer more viable courses to our citizens.

“We need to stop this (the 200 bills for new universities) from happening. There is so much pressure on the president. We have to, at least, be sensitive to it as well.

“I understand the sentiment of our legislators. They want to show that they are working. We know they are working. But then, we have enough assets, we have enough opportunities out there for students to go to universities.

“What we now need to do is to begin to mobilise more resources to develop infrastructures, build engineering workshops, build laboratories in these universities, recruit international standard teachers, so that we can begin to get these universities to develop, to deliver high quality of education that will be known for as a country.

“Today, if you care to know, we have 64 federal universities, 67 state universities and 147 private universities. If you look at the entire enrolment together, the private universities account for just 7.5% of total undergraduate enrolment. I will tell you the meaning of the number. The total number of undergraduate enrolments today is just about 875,000, which is, at least, fairly low.

“We have universities with less than 1,000 undergraduate students, and there is this intense demand for more universities to be opened. We have to stop that.”

Daily Trust reports that it is not only the legislators that are obsessed with pushing for the establishing of universities as constituency project or for status symbol.

For instance, while the government has put temporary stop to the process of registering new private universities, it has, however, continued to give approval for the establishment of federal universities, some at the instance of some powerful individuals in the executive arm, or through collaboration with the legislators.

Not long ago, President Tinubu assented to two separate bills establishing the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State and the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State.

On February 3, the president also approved the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) in the Ogoni town of Tai, Rivers State.

The president had earlier assented to the takeover and conversion of the forfeited privately owned NOK University, Kachia in Southern Kaduna to Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, among others.

Also within the time under review, the federal government approved the establishment of 11 private universities.

These include: New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State; University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State; Eranova University, Mabushi, Abuja; Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State; Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State and Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Others are Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State; Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State; Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin City, Edo State; Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, Lagos State and Kevin Eze University, Mgbowo, Enugu State.

Senate, reps mum

When contacted for reactions to the government’s opposition to the National Assembly’s proposals for creation of 200 new universities, the spokesmen of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Senator Yemi Adaramodu and Honourable Akin Rotimi respectively, neither answered several calls nor replied text and WhatsApp messages sent to their mobile telephone lines by our correspondents.

The deputy spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese and the chairman of the House Committee on University Education, Hassan Fulata, also declined comment.

School feeding, vocational training for almajirai; grants for Tsangaya teachers  

Alausa said the government had devised measures to provide almajirai with school feeding and vocational training programmes; and grants for Tsangaya and Quranic teachers.

“We have had programmes before that just brought numeracy and literacy to these schools. We are adding vocational education to the Almajirai.

“We have done a clear mapping of these Almajirai, and we are also including the Tsangaya schools and the Quranic schools. We have now laid out clear delivery link indicators that we will be using to give grants to the teachers of these Almajiri schools.

“We are linking those grants to the extent in which they let us bring in numeracy, literacy, and vocational skills. We now have skills that they can learn quickly; vulcanising, plumbing and electrical work,” he said.

The minister also said the mallams teaching the Almajirai need financial support.

“When government starts giving this financial support, those kids will not go out. And it is also linked to what’s causing the migration. Over 90% of those kids are coming from the rural areas. Those parents don’t have money to feed their kids. That is why they send them to the urban areas to be trained on how to recite, memorise the Quran, and other trainings.

“We are also going to the source of the problems. We are designing some conditional transfers. That is why this school feeding is really key to us.

“By the time we go right into the communities, we’re helping the mothers with conditional cash transfers. That is linked to the children going to school. We will monitor the attendance percentage. If they don’t meet over 75% attendance in school, they won’t get those grants. As we do that, year after year, the number of kids, the large urban migration of these kids will reduce significantly and also, the ones that are already there, we are now incentivising, collaborating with the mallams, and those schools who are working with sub-national governments.”

The minister said most of the 115 almajiri schools built by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan were dilapidated.

He said the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Almajiri Commission were collaborating on how to revitalise the schools.

“The Almajiri Commission will take over those schools. They can operate schools now. So, they will be operating those schools.

We’ve designed additional funding from UBEC to the Almajiri Commission for the Nomadic Education Commission as well.

“We’ve designed our own pay-for-performance which UBEC will be using. So, going forward, we will be seeing a lot of improvement in the level of instruction that we are giving to our kids in these almajiri schools and our kids across the country. It’s not a case of just disbursing money and not monitoring that money. That has changed completely, it has changed forever.”

The minister also called on specialised universities in the country to stop offering courses outside of their mandates.

He stressed the need to reduce the number of non-technical courses offered in specialised universities and, instead, make them available in conventional universities.

Alausa further stated that the Education Tax Fund would continue indefinitely.

“What we need to do now is to begin to open up more resources to develop infrastructures, build engineering workshops, and build laboratories in these universities,” he stated.

Govt declares 6-month free skills training

Alausa also announced that the government would offer six-month free skills training to Nigerians to address the two million job gaps in the country.

He said the ministry was implementing measures to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education to meet the country’s skill gaps.

“We are doing this through our Digital Training Academy (DTA), which will equip students with the skills needed to support various industries. Based on UNESCO data, there are 650,000 vacancies in software development methodologies, 280,000 in cybersecurity, 160,000 in IT and automation.

“Others are 150,000 in AI and machine learning, 120,000 in cloud computing, and about 60,000 vacancies worldwide in natural language processing. Add that together, we have almost two million job vacancies out there. So what we’re doing with Digital Training Academy is working with trainers now, that will offer six- months to people, young engineers, to get this training.”

He said the ministry was putting measures in place to encourage Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to meet the areas of need of the country, saying, “We are doing this through our Digital Training Academy (DTA) to give students skills to service the industries.”

“We, as a government, will pay for their internet services, pay for their certification- Cisco certification, End of Career certification, and Google certification,” he said. 

Alausa said this strategy would give Nigerians new digital skills that they need to stand out in the world.

He added that the training would be launched on or before June 2025.

Speaking on vocational and technical training in schools, the minister said President Tinubu had approved N120 billion as a start-up for students’ entrepreneurial mode.

He said they are presently focusing on the value chain in technical education where practical education would be given to train artisans.

He explained that a dual mode of training would be given, which would allow students to spend three days in school, one day for gigantic training and one day in the workshop. 

Alausa said the government was working on a clear strategy to improve the country’s education sector by increasing access, improving quality and enhancing the education system for foundational learning.

Tinubu approves N40bn for National Library completion

The minister also disclosed that President Tinubu had approved N40 billion to commence work on the uncompleted National Library site to support academic and research needs.

 [DailyTrust]