NigeriaNews24

Category: Opinion

  • NUPENG-DANGOTE FEUD: A REBUTTAL TO ANTI-LABOUR TIRADE

    NUPENG-DANGOTE FEUD: A REBUTTAL TO ANTI-LABOUR TIRADE

    By Bayo Adeleke

    There is no doubt that the current crisis between Dangote Refinery and NUPENG is a battle for the fragile soul of Nigeria, especially in the oil and gas sector.

    Many reports , opinions, and write-ups have been going on in the media.

    However, a recent recent diatribe report in one of the online platforms titled, ‘The Coming Death of NUPENG,’ is not journalism, rather it is a poorly constructed hit piece, a symphony of slander orchestrated by the very corporate interests seeking to strip Nigerian workers of their fundamental human rights.

    In the report, rather than address the substantive issue such as the brazen anti-union crusade at the Dangote Refinery, the writer chooses to vomit a litany of unsubstantiated allegations, recycled propaganda, and fictional accounting. All designed to deflect from the real crime; the systemic suppression of worker representation by Africa’s richest man.

    The union is actively defending workers’ rights, insisting that employees must be free to organise and collectively bargain without coercion or restriction. Why should this be a problem

    Let us be unequivocally clear. The core issue the writer so conveniently ignores is the inalienable right of every worker to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

    This is not a NUPENG invention. It is a cornerstone of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and a fundamental human right recognized globally.

    The Dangote Refinery’s refusal to allow unionization is a direct attack on this right, creating an environment where workers can be and have been arbitrarily sacked for merely seeking a collective voice. The writer’s silence on this tyranny speaks volumes about his true patrons.

    The article is a masterclass in deception. He parades disgraced, former union officials like Lucky Osesua, Humble Obinna, and Dayyabu Garga—individuals facing serious criminal charges, including attempted murder, for their violent attempts to hijack a branch of the union—as “reformers.”

    This information can be readily confirmed through the charge sheet records of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Judicial Division, where the individuals in question are listed as defendants 1, 2, and 3 respectively.

    This is not a revelation of NUPENG’s flaws. Rather, it is a confession of the writer’s allegiance. These are the paid puppets of a conglomerate desperate to balkanize the workforce and impose a company-sponsored association, a classic union-busting tactic condemned by the ILO.

    The writer is not a voice for the drivers. Rather, he is a megaphone for a divide-and-rule strategy.
    The financial figures the writer and co concocts and bandy around are not just exaggerated; they are a fantasy, designed to incite public anger against the union instead of the real profiteers.

    His claim that NUPENG “slaps a tax” on every litre of fuel is arithmetical nonsense and a deliberate misrepresentation of logistics fees negotiated with stakeholders for union services

    Does the writer expect these vital services, advocacy, dispute resolution, welfare support, administration—to be run on charity? Unlike the opaque accounting of the corporations he defends, NUPENG operates within a structured framework. If the writer has evidence of financial malfeasance, let him present it to the authorities instead of hiding behind sensationalist journalism.

    For the records, there are numerous Trade Unions and Associations operating within the Petroleum depots, each with distinct roles and responsibilities toward their members.

    PTD-NUPENG commands significant influence and respect, an authority that, understandably, unsettles some people.

    For instance:
    1. PTD-NUPENG is a Trade Union whose members are employees of truck owners. These members pay union dues to NUPENG, and the funds collected are allocated to the following:
    • Quarterly safety training across all zones, conducted in collaboration with FRSC, Police, Fire Service, State VIO, and other traffic enforcement agencies. These trainings are essential and come at a considerable cost.
    • Health Insurance (HMO) coverage for tanker drivers. Since no employer provides health insurance for these drivers, who spend long hours transporting highly inflammable materials, NUPENG believes that a sick truck driver is an accident waiting to happen. To mitigate this risk, the Union partnered with Leadway Health Insurance to provide coverage for every petroleum tanker driver on the wheel.
    • Security funding for highways- The Union consistently mobilize security agencies to protect against truck hijackers, kidnappers, and criminal elements in certain communities. These services are not rendered for free.
    • Union dues – which support the administrative and operational functions of the union itself.

    2. The Association of Truck Owners also collects fees from its members, who are the actual owners of the trucks each time they load at the depots.

    3. Independent Marketers, represented by IPMAN, have employees who are also members of NUPENG. These employees pay union dues to NUPENG, while IPMAN members contribute dues to their own association.

    4. The Major Marketers Association similarly has employees who belong to NUPENG, alongside their own association members.

    The greatest insult, however, is the author’s pathetic portrayal of the tanker driver as a helpless victim of NUPENG. It is the exact opposite. Without NUPENG, the tanker driver is isolated, vulnerable, and at the mercy of multinational corporations and exploitative depot owners. It is NUPENG that fights for their safety on death-trap highways, it is NUPENG that negotiates their compensation, and it is NUPENG that gives them a collective power they would never have as individuals.

    The luxurious lifestyle author attributes to NUPENG leaders is a tired and desperate attempt to distract from the fact that it is profit driven capitalist like Dangote and his ilk who truly travel by private jet, built on the silent, un-unionized sweat of their employees.

    The threat to Nigeria’s economy does not come from a union fighting for its members’ rights. The threat comes from a corporate monopoly that believes its wealth places it above the law and beyond the rights of its workforce. The Dangote Refinery, a project of national importance, must not become a sweatshop where Nigerian labour rights go to die.

    NUPENG should not be intimidated by the various paid articles or the bullying tactics of a billionaire. Their mandate should be sacred to defend the Nigerian oil and gas worker. They should stand on the right side of history, on the side of human rights and dignity for labour which they were known for. The coming storm the write predicts is not for NUPENG, it is a gathering whirlwind of justice that will sweep away the anti-worker posture at Dangote and expose the hired pens who defend the indefensible.

    The truth and victory will surely emerge at the end.
    The struggle continues…

  • TOSIN AJAYI AND HIS POWER OF IMAGINATION

    TOSIN AJAYI AND HIS POWER OF IMAGINATION

    BY SIMON ABIODUN

    With foresight reminiscent of Nostradamus, Ajayi has become the man who saw tomorrow. Guided by clarity of purpose, he has transformed vision into reality since assuming office as the DGSS, a year ago. What began on 26th August, 2024 has remained action-packed, a fulfilment of promises and continuous progress marked with milestones that speak to leadership, dedication and diligence. In just twelve months, Ajayi’s ability to anticipate challenges and seize opportunities has shown him as one who came prepared.

    Since assuming duty, he has infused every action with the imprint of great dreams and far-reaching vision. His leadership reflects not only a commitment to the present but also a bold imagination for what the future of the DSS can become. One would say, that a defining hallmark of Ajayi’s first year has been the daring repositioning of the DSS, transforming it from a conventional structure into a dynamic institution better equipped to address contemporary security challenges.

    Central to this transformation has been his deliberate refocus on the principle of covertness, a major move that has sharpened his staff ability to be futuristic, act discreetly, anticipate and neutralise threats. It is therefore not surprising that under his leadership, the Service has become more responsive, with improved intelligence gathering initiative. The information sharing systems with both domestic and international stakeholders are topnotch. Indeed, this renewed focus has sharpened the capacity to counter challenges such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, transnational organised crime including online threats thus firmly establishing the Service as a trusted pillar in safeguarding national security.

    To sustain this capacity, Ajayi prioritises training and capacity building as a cornerstone of the agency’s transformation. His emphasis on advanced skills in intelligence gathering, analysis and modern technologies has ensured that the Service’s human capital is fully aligned with its renewed mandate. His leadership is exemplary. His dictum is *“Do As I Do.”* As a practical man, he leads from the front. When he first got to office, he told staff he came prepared to accomplish. He assured he would challenge the status quo and not be a “That’s How We Do It” DG. He called on personnel to join him in what has become a beautiful sprint.

    Whether on early arrival at work, meetings or schedules, exhibiting discipline and diligence, responsibility and team spirit on assigned roles, his commitment has remained the same. For him, DSS must serve Nigeria with pride, honesty and patriotism. He is goal-oriented.

    Beyond institutional reforms, the DGSS has placed a premium on staff welfare. This is in recognition that motivated personnel are the backbone of any successful organization. He has improved the conditions of service by ensuring fairer remuneration, timely promotions and clearer career progression. He also introduced stronger support systems, including healthcare and housing packages, designed to give officers and their families a greater sense of security. In addition, new policies were put in place to prioritize overall well-being of all. He recognizes excellence and provides safeguards for those in high-risk assignments. Equally significant has been his decisive move to realign ranks and restore discipline, a reform that injected fairness, merit, accountability, predictability and self-appraisal into the agency’s structure.

    Remarkably, retirees are not left behind under him. Not only harmonised their benefits, he gives them all they ever asked for. It has become honourable to work and retire from the DSS. There could not have been a prouder time. Anticipating the long-term impact of these steps, he understood that internal order and morale would translate into sharper efficiency and stronger credibility externally. Today, the DSS reflects a culture of professionalism, thus showcasing attributes that are vital for meeting the demands of a complex security environment. Any time I come across DSS personnel, all I hear are praises of their new DG who has brought positive change to their prestigious Agency. I feel jealous; I wished I could be a member.

    Meanwhile, Ajayi’s insightful contributions to policy through timely intelligence, strategic analysis and clear recommendations to consumers have fortified political stability and strengthened democratic institutions. These inputs have also nurtured an atmosphere of trust in governance, thereby ensuring that national decisions are grounded in foresight and security consciousness. Likewise, his contributions to securing critical infrastructure has created an environment of safety, thus supporting economic growth and giving businesses and investors the confidence to thrive. In weaving security into the fabric of economic progress and political stability, Ajayi has shown that intelligence leadership, when guided by vision and purpose, is not just about protection but about driving the nation’s journey toward peace and prosperity. This scenario is epitomised by the recent apprehension of Ansaru terrorist leaders. Who else could have done that except the one who takes the bull by the horn and walks on paths feared by others.

    One year on, Ajayi’s leadership has already left an indelible mark. His transformative actions within the agency, commitment to staff welfare, discipline and strategic influence on national policy have set a high standard. It has been a first year of bold moves, measurable impact and a promise of even greater achievements ahead for DSS staff, the nation and its citizens. Congratulations, TOSIN and 12 hearty cheers to many more years of visionary leadership and outstanding service. Your imagination will never decline. Set your eyes on the ball, able Golfer.

  • The Strategist Behind the Shift: How Aline Varre is Redefining Development in Niger Delta

    The Strategist Behind the Shift: How Aline Varre is Redefining Development in Niger Delta

    By Alwalled Kabir Yusuf

    When the Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) launched in the early 2010s, few observers expected it to shift the tide in one of Africa’s most volatile regions. Decades of oil- fueled conflict, entrenched underdevelopment, and deeply rooted distrust, the Niger Delta had long been tagged as ‘unfixable’, a region too politicized and fragmented for lasting progress.

    Today, PIND is recognized as a pioneering model in the Niger Delta, promoting that lasting peace and prosperity are forged within the nexus between economic development and peacebuilding, even in the most fragile places, one that successfully wove together community ownership, strategic investment, and private sector collaboration.

    Rooted in PIND’s systemic pillars for sustainable development, Aline Varre is taking the mission to its next chapter, driving innovation, deepening impact, and shaping the future of fragile-region development.

    The Systems Architect Behind the Curtain

    Varre, a French and English-speaking development strategist, over ten years at PIND and for the last 2 years as Director of Strategy and Business Development. She is spare heading a $75 million co-lending vehicle to unlock financing for solar energy, and youth empowerment across the Niger delta. Varre states, I stand on the shoulders of my expert colleagues at PIND”-with this she has become a driving voice within policy and social investment circles of peace impact investing as an integrated framework for blended finance in fragile regions.

    “Grant funding was never designed to carry the full weight of sustainability, it’s the spark, not the flame. Without a continuum of capital that blends philanthropy, development finance, and market investment, ‘sustainable development’ will remain an empty phrase on the continent. And for sustainable impact in fragile region, we have to learn to monitize peace building as part of the strategy.”

    Beyond CSR: Financing with Depth

    What set PIND apart, and what made Varre’s innovative approach unique, is the amplification of what is known as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or social investments and applying it to development, because “doing good is good for business”- says Varre . She champions blended finance- a model that combines commercial capital, philanthropic grants, catalytic capital, to reduce risk and amplify local ownership. “I believe that PIND is a leading force in philanthropy and it is a model to learn from”

    She is fluent in both the boardroom and the grassroots, the English-speaking global development world and the often-overlooked Francophone regions that remain structurally locked in post-colonial frameworks.

    “The CFA franc system keeps Francophone Africa financially tethered,” Varre explains. “Reform is essential, but it must be strategic, or we risk unintended collapse.”

    Her call is clear: a new generation of African development leaders must be both architects and negotiators, fluent in finance, history, and community voice and the private sector’s business strategies.

    From Influence to Infrastructure

    Beyond fieldwork, Varre contributes to broader debates on localization, feminist strategy, and the decolonization of aid. She has served on advisory boards for women’s leadership initiatives and regularly collaborates with think tanks advancing policy reform in fragile states and for providing women with access to financing.

    In recent months, global institutions have taken notice. She has participated in UN-hosted regional consultations, philanthropic leadership summits, and high-level finance forums. Her commentaries have appeared in Quartz Africa, Devex, and African Arguments, where she challenges institutions to fund differently, and more equitably.

    “The development conversation is undergoing a fundamental shift,” says a senior adviser at a multilateral peacebuilding institution. “It’s no longer just about funding projects, it’s about reshaping power, redefining priorities, and rethinking how capital flows. Aline is helping lead that transformation. “From Legacy to Blueprint

    As development actors rethink how to embed sustainability, equity, and legitimacy into global systems, Varre’s work and voice across the continent is Is one that we are leaning in to listen to. (something to that effect)

    From one region to the entire continent, her mission has scaled, but her credo holds firm: design for endurance, not recognition.

    “The most powerful lesson I’ve learned,” she reflects, “is that transformation begins with trust.

    Metrics are important, but legitimacy is what holds systems together.”

    As African voices increasingly shape global development narratives, leaders like Aline Varre are no longer behind the curtain. They’re at the table, reshaping how the world understands fragility, and sustainability and more importantly, how it responds.

    Yusuf, a journalist and development monitor, contributed this piece from Abuja.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Looming Peril Ahead of 2027: Why Nigeria Must Act Now

    Looming Peril Ahead of 2027: Why Nigeria Must Act Now

    By MUKHTAR Ya’u Madobi

    In less than two years, Nigerians will once again throng polling units nationwide to elect leaders who will steer the country’s affairs for another four years, beginning in 2027.

    Yet, as the nation inches toward this crucial general election, it stands precariously balanced between the promise of democratic consolidation and the threat of descending into political chaos.

    The lessons of our electoral history are vivid and sobering. From the post-election violence of 2011, which claimed countless innocent lives, to the judicial controversies of 2023 that reaffirmed the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s democratic journey has been repeatedly tested.

    These experiences have left deep political and social scars — and the warning signs for 2027 are already flashing in alarming red. The political temperature is steadily rising.

    Across the country, public discourse is becoming increasingly toxic, with inflammatory rhetoric dominating campaign platforms. Politicians, in their desperate bids for relevance and support, lean heavily on ethnic, religious, and regional sentiments to rally followers.

    While such tactics energise partisan bases, they dangerously deepen national divisions at a time when Nigeria desperately needs unity, tolerance, and mutual understanding. Such polarisation becomes even more perilous when layered over the harsh realities of everyday life.

    Unemployment remains painfully high, inflation continues to erode purchasing power, and poverty levels are worsening. For millions of frustrated youths, this economic despair makes them vulnerable to political manipulation — and for desperate politicians, they are an easily accessible pool for recruitment into violent thuggery.

    The danger is compounded by Nigeria’s fragile security landscape. The North-East still battles insurgency, the North-West is plagued by banditry, IPOB-linked unrest persists in the South-East, and the Middle Belt continues to witness deadly farmer-herder clashes.

    Each flashpoint presents an opportunity for political actors to exploit tensions for electoral gain. For years, terrorists, insurgents, and other non-state actors have capitalised on insecurity and youth vulnerability to radicalise and recruit them into criminal networks — an asymmetric challenge that continues to overstretch security agencies and undermine stability.

    Adding fuel to the fire is the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. Nigeria’s porous borders have allowed a steady influx of weapons from conflict zones in the Sahel and North Africa. According to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, over 500 million illicit small arms circulate in West Africa, with Nigeria shockingly harbouring about 40 per cent of them.

    These weapons empower bandits, ethnic militias, and terrorists, turning political disputes into deadly confrontations. Another critical concern is declining public trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Many Nigerians perceive the electoral body as beholden to those in power, undermining its credibility.

    Even technological reforms such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) have not fully erased public scepticism. Far too many citizens believe elections are decided in courtrooms rather than at the ballot box, a perception that fuels apathy and could incite unrest.

    Compounding these threats is the toxic digital environment. While the internet and social media have created unprecedented avenues for civic engagement, they have also become breeding grounds for fake news, deepfake videos, and hate speech.

    In a recent case, an AI-generated video falsely portrayed Nigerian soldiers escorting cattle in Benue State, a fragile security zone. Thankfully, a PRNigeria fact-check report swiftly debunked the content. Still, the speed at which disinformation spreads means a single lie could ignite violence within minutes.

    Unfortunately, Nigeria’s early warning and rapid response systems remain weak, reactive, and often too slow to prevent predictable crises. Without proactive detection and coordinated intervention, electoral tensions could quickly escalate into national instability.

    The road to a peaceful 2027 election demands a whole-of-society approach. Security agencies, political leaders, religious authorities, community heads, civil society organisations, the media, and ordinary citizens must work hand in hand.

    Government must tackle the root causes of political violence by rolling out targeted economic relief and empowerment programmes, particularly for at-risk youth, to reduce their vulnerability to manipulation.

    INEC must be adequately funded, granted full operational independence, and backed by tougher laws against vote-buying, hate speech, and political thuggery. A nationwide peace and unity campaign, championed by influential figures across all divides, should be launched well before the polls to discourage divisive politics.

     

    Security agencies must take the lead with intelligence-driven policing, community surveillance, and swift neutralisation of threats. Coordination between the police, DSS, military, NSCDC, and local vigilantes should be seamless, with early mop-up of illegal arms and watertight protection of INEC staff, facilities, and election materials.

    The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), under Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has a pivotal role to play, especially in coordination and regulation. Electoral offenders — whether politicians, thugs, or complicit officials — must face swift, visible, and uncompromising justice to send an unmistakable message that violence will not be tolerated.

    Ultimately, the responsibility for safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy rests with the people. Citizens, especially young Nigerians, must refuse to be used as pawns in political games. They must demand issue-based campaigns, fact-check information before sharing it online, and engage fully in the democratic process — from registration to peaceful voting — to ensure the will of the people prevails.

    The 2027 elections are not just another electoral cycle; they are a test of whether Nigeria can emerge stronger, more united, and more democratic in the face of growing internal and external pressures. The dangers are real, but so are the opportunities to avert them.

    Government, security agencies, and citizens must rise to the challenge — not as adversaries, but as co-stewards of Nigeria’s fragile democracy. The time to act is not in 2027. The time to act is now.

    MUKHTAR Ya’u Madobi is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Crisis Communication. He writes via: ymukhtar944@gmail.com.

  • PDP/APM Leaders Meet Gov. Dapo Abiodun Ahead of Declaration for APC

    By: Oluwatosin Faleye

    In a significant political development in Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun, on Monday, June 23, 2025, received prominent leaders of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. The delegation, led by Dr. Sikirulai Ogundele PhD and Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade, met with the Governor in what is seen as a precursor to their formal declaration to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party in the state.

    Other notable figures in attendance included Dr. Ekelojumati PhD, Hon. Olowo Fuja, and several influential grassroots mobilizers across various local government areas of the state.

    The meeting, which held behind closed doors, was described as cordial and strategic, marking a turning point in the state’s political realignment ahead of future elections.

    Governor Abiodun, while welcoming the group, praised their statesmanship and readiness to work towards a more united Ogun State, emphasizing that the APC remains a broad-based party committed to inclusive governance and sustainable development.

    “This is not just a political move, it is a patriotic decision to consolidate progress, foster stability, and build a future of shared prosperity for our people,” the Governor said.

    Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr. Sikirulai Ogundele commended the Governor for his open-door leadership and progressive strides across the state, stating that the visit is a step towards formalizing their decision to align with the APC.

    Hon. Akinlade, a former Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidate and respected political figure in the state, affirmed that their group is committed to adding value to the APC’s mission and ensuring continued growth and peace in Ogun State.

    The group is expected to make their formal declaration and integration into the APC in the coming weeks.

    This development signals a major boost for the APC in Ogun State and underscores Governor Abiodun’s rising profile as a unifying force in the political landscape of Nigeria.

  • Politicization of the Benue Killings: Most Unfortunate 

    I read with deep shock and concern, statements credited to prominent national coalition leaders regarding the recent tragic killings in Benue State. While it is often said that all is fair in battle, it is disheartening that advocates of the “Rescue Nigeria” slogan would make such inciting and politicized remarks about a situation that should attract total condemnation from everyone.

    To politicize the senseless killing of innocent Nigerians is not only insensitive but grossly unfair, especially when the tragedy is clearly not as a result of government’s inaction. Rather, what we are witnessing are calculated attempts by politicians to create a sense of despair across the North Central part of the country for political gains. A failed attempt to paint a failing state under this administration.

    Elder statesmen ought to exercise restraint. Now is the time for them to “count their teeth with their tongue,” as the Yoruba would say, and rise above the urge to score cheap political points. Where is our empathy? Where is our humanity? Where is our soul?

    What Nigeria needs at this point in time are constructive ideas, practical solutions, and collaborative efforts, not divisive rhetoric. There are established channels through which national figures can share useful insights with the government, rather than resorting to social media grandstanding.

    As an ordinary citizen, I humbly propose the establishment of a, “National Agrieved Elders’ Security Advisory Council”, a forum that allows opposition elder statesmen and women to offer their views on how to tackle our current security challenges. This would at best eliminate the excuse of non-access to the President and ensure that valuable suggestions, if any, get to the appropriate quarters.

    It is laughable and tragic that people would claim to possess solutions to our national security crisis but would prefer to play God by holding back until they get into power in 2027. Such a stance reveals a lack of patriotism and disturbing willingness to let the nation bleed for political advantage.

    Let us all be reminded that the cracks in the wall and leaks on the roof of the Nigerian state are not President Tinubu’s fault, rather they are symptoms of deep-rooted systemic failures that date back to the very foundation of this Republic in 1999.

    It is therefore worth asking that if 99.9% of today’s coalition leaders were active players in government since 1999, what exactly do they have to offer now beyond their desperation to return to power, what new vision are they bringing to the table?

    Nigeria is greater than anyone’s ambition. The nation will outlive the pessimism and ill-will of those who wish to see it fail. And this administration, by God’s grace, will succeed not because it is perfect, but because future generations deserve a nation that is united, secure, and progressive.

    I come in peace.

    Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade (Triple A)
    Former Member, 8th National Assembly
    16th June 2025

  • Sorrow Tears And Blood As Leadership Failed Kano Youths!

    By Oluwatosin Faleye

    The heart of man is truly full of wickedness and nowhere is this clearer than in the recent avoidable tragedy that claimed the lives of 21 young athletes from Kano State.

    These were vibrant, determined youths who proudly represented their state at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    On their journey home, after enduring countless challenges to prepare and compete with pride, they died in a horrific accident when their bus plunged off Chiromawa Bridge on the Kano-Zaria Expressway.

    *Lives Wasted by Negligence, Not Fate

    How could this have happened? How can athletes representing an entire state be subjected to a dangerous 16-hour road trip across 1,028 km, rather than being airlifted like dignitaries, VIPs, or religious pilgrims?

    *Where is the value for life.Where is the priority for the future?

    A government that fails to protect, yet finds billions for pilgrimages.

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf approved a ₦1.45 billion subsidy for 2,900 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia—₦500,000 each for a religious exercise.

    Yet, the same government could not allocate funds to ensure the safe return of the youth representing the state in a national sporting competition.

    To add insult to irreversible injury, the government announced a ₦1 million compensation for each bereaved family. But the question is, can ₦1 million replace a life cut short?

    Can ₦1 million restore the lost future of a potential Olympic champion?

    Would this tragedy have occurred if leadership had put safety over ceremony?

    *Critical Questions That Must Be Answered 

    Would the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Bala Fagge, make that same dangerous road trip in that same bus?

    Was the bus roadworthy?

    Was it newly acquired or an overused death trap?

    How many trained drivers were assigned to such a long, high-risk journey?

    *Was there any emergency response plan in place?*

    These are not rhetorical questions—they are demands. Because young lives have been lost, not to an act of God, but to poor planning, negligence, and a lack of foresight.

    …No Public Holiday Can Wipe Away This Shame

    Declaring a public holiday is not leadership. Leadership is prevention. Leadership is prioritizing life. Leadership is accountability. Had the state government taken these athletes seriously—as it does pilgrims or politicians—this may never have happened.

    Enough of the Lip Service—We Demand Accountability

    The youth are not expendable. The glory they sought to bring to Kano has now turned into grief. The government must do more than issue condolences—it must answer, act, and prevent.

    This is not just a tragedy for Kano. This is a tragedy for Nigeria.

  • Open Letter to Governor Seyi Makinde: Oyo State Deserves Better Healthcare

    Open Letter to Governor Seyi Makinde: Oyo State Deserves Better Healthcare

    Your Excellency,
    Governor Seyi Abiodun Makinde,
    Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria.

    Dear Governor Makinde,

    I write to you not out of political bias or personal grievance, but as a concerned citizen, a voter, and a stakeholder in the future of Oyo State. This letter is not to attack but to appeal. It is a call to action, driven by a deep sense of urgency and a sincere desire to see our state live up to its full potential—starting with the health of its people.

    Sir, it is no secret that our healthcare system is in crisis. From Ibadan to the smallest towns and villages across the state, state-owned hospitals and clinics are falling apart. Many are under-equipped, understaffed, and in some cases, completely non-functional. If Ibadan, the capital city, is struggling with basic medical services, we can only imagine the situation in remote areas.

    Our people are suffering. Pregnant women are left without proper care. Children die from preventable illnesses. Patients are turned away due to lack of drugs, equipment, or medical personnel. And yet, there appears to be silence from the leadership entrusted to fix these problems.

    Governor Makinde, you are often referred to as a “people’s governor,” but true leadership is measured not in titles, but in impact. The healthcare system in Oyo State has not improved in any tangible way under your administration. In fact, it seems to have worsened. This is deeply disappointing.

    It is even more troubling that the current Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, appears to be absent in this crisis. Primary healthcare centers remain severely understaffed. The maternal mortality rate is still unacceptably high. Quack practitioners operate freely. Promises of upgrades and reforms have yielded little to no real change. The people are still waiting.

    Sir, this is a matter of life and death. Oyo State’s population should be a blessing, not a burden on a broken system. Yet, our hospitals remain shadows of what they should be. Good healthcare is not a luxury. It is a basic right. And it is the responsibility of any government that claims to serve the people.

    As we look toward future elections, I urge you to reflect on the legacy you will leave behind. Will you be remembered as the leader who built stadiums while hospitals decayed? Or as the governor who took bold action when it mattered most?

    Governor Makinde, I humbly ask you to prioritize the health of the people over politics and publicity. Restore our healthcare system. Equip our hospitals. Hire more qualified medical personnel. Hold your health ministry accountable.

    Oyo State deserves better.
    We, the people, deserve better.

    Yours sincerely,
    Faleye Oluwatosin Simon
    Concerned Citizen & Advocate for Good Governance
    Nigeria

  • Yet another jailbreak at Koton Karfe

    Yet another jailbreak at Koton Karfe

    The jailbreak at the Koton Karfe Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kogi State on Monday, March 24, 2025, has once again highlighted the security challenges facing Nigeria’s correctional facilities.

    The incident, which resulted in the escape of 12 inmates after tampering with padlocks in a section of the facility, also led to the death of a correctional officer. This marks the sixth jailbreak at Koton Karfe since 2012, with a similar incident in 2016 seeing 13 inmates escape, none of whom have been rearrested.

    Security experts have repeatedly pointed to infrastructure deficits, overcrowding, prolonged trials, and poor remuneration of correctional staff as major factors contributing to frequent prison breaks.

    As of March 25, 2025, statistics from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) indicate that 79,669 inmates are housed in the country’s custodial centres. Of these, 26,898 are convicted prisoners, while 52,771—amounting to 66%—are awaiting trial. The Koton Karfe facility, built in 1934 and re-commissioned in 2015 with a capacity for 320 inmates, faces severe overcrowding, compounding security risks.

    The delays in Nigeria’s judicial process have led to an overwhelming number of awaiting trial inmates, increasing pressure on correctional centres and contributing to recurring jailbreaks. Experts argue that tackling prison congestion is key to addressing security breaches.

    Calls have grown for the Federal Government to enhance security measures in correctional facilities. Suggestions include increased investment in surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and additional security personnel. The recent deployment of five Bullet Resistant Guard-Booth vehicles to select custodial centres in Abuja, Kuje, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Lagos is a step in the right direction. However, security analysts advocate extending such measures to vulnerable facilities like Koton Karfe.

    The NCS has ordered a comprehensive audit of the facility to identify and address security lapses. Transparency in the findings and accountability for any lapses will be crucial in restoring public confidence.

    Additionally, state governments and private sector stakeholders have been urged to support prison upgrades to strengthen the overall security of correctional centres and, by extension, the safety of the larger community.

  • Anambra APC Ticket: Why the stakes are higher this time

    Anambra APC Ticket: Why the stakes are higher this time

    As the All Progressives Congress (APC) gears up for its crucial April 5 governorship primary in Anambra State, the political stakes have never been higher. The party sees this election as an opportunity to solidify its presence in the South-East and showcase its commitment to governance with credibility and competence.

    The upcoming Anambra governorship election in November 2025 is significant as the last off-cycle gubernatorial poll before the 2027 general elections. It serves as a test of the APC’s progress in the South-East and its ability to provide leadership beyond its traditional strongholds. Against this backdrop, stakeholders within the party are advocating for a candidate with broad appeal and strategic value—one name that has gained momentum is Valentine Ozigbo.

    Ozigbo, a former corporate leader and philanthropist, has been identified as a formidable contender. Having previously contested the 2021 election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he finished as the runner-up, Ozigbo has remained active in Anambra’s political discourse. His recent defection to the APC is seen as a potential game-changer, with supporters arguing that he brings credibility, political structure, and a unifying influence.

    Despite speculation that Ozigbo may be a mole for the Labour Party’s Peter Obi, his backers dismiss the claims, asserting that his political ambition is independent and aligned with APC’s vision for Anambra. They argue that his candidacy does not translate into electoral gains for Obi in 2027.

    Ozigbo’s credentials span both corporate and public service. As the former Managing Director of Transcorp Hilton Abuja and later Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, he led significant economic initiatives, including a $100 million hotel renovation. Beyond business, he has invested in youth empowerment through the VCO Foundation, sponsoring 100 Anambra youths in software engineering.

    His political strength lies in his grassroots appeal, cross-party connections, and reputation as a bridge-builder. A confidential APC evaluation reportedly ranks him highest among the party’s aspirants, scoring 74% in key areas such as zoning, religious alignment, and public acceptability.

    With Anambra’s political landscape deeply influenced by party loyalty, regional interests, and governance expectations, Ozigbo’s backers argue that his candidacy presents the APC with its best chance of securing victory. They contend that his leadership transcends political affiliations and embodies a results-driven approach, which resonates with voters.

    As the APC primary approaches, the party faces a critical choice: selecting a candidate who can merely win the primary or one capable of securing the governorship. For many within the party, that choice is clear—Valentine Ozigbo.