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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday gave a nod to the establishment of state police as part of measures to combat rising insurgency and banditry.

‘I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them,’ he said in a statement he personally issued.

The President, who declared a nationwide security emergency in response to the wave of violent attacks, directed the military and the police to embark on massive recruitment of personnel in readiness for a reinvigorated onslaught against terror.

The President also ordered the activation of forest guards and tighter security measures for all vulnerable areas.

Although state police has been on the front burner of constitutional amendment, some states and other individuals have urged caution, saying that the structure could be abused by heads of sub-national units.

Currently, each of the five Southwest states of Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, and Ekiti operates a security outfit, especially Amotekun, in response to the mounting security challenges.

Lagos, which pioneered the idea of a security trust fund, also funds an outfit, neighbourhood watch, to complement the police.

In the Southeast, Ebube Agu was mooted by the governors of Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi.

In the North, many state governments have set up the civilian Joint Task Force for the maintenance of law and order.

Yesterday, governors from the Southwest, Southeast and Southsouth met in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to brainstorm on strategies for strengthening the apparatus in their domains.

They said in their communique that state police is non-negotiable.

Acknowledging the imperative of a decentralised policing structure, President Tinubu said the Federal Government would support the initiative at the state level.

He said: ‘Our administration will support state governments which have set up security outfits to safeguard their people from the terrorists bent on disrupting our national peace.’

President Tinubu said to strengthen the current federal police, ‘the police will recruit an additional 20,000 officers, bringing the total to 50,000.’

He directed the police to use the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as police training centres in response to the need to meet the requirements for an expanded capacity.

President Tinubu also ordered that officers being withdrawn from Very Important Personalities (VIP) guard duties must undergo crash retraining.

He said the goal of the exercise is to ‘debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.’

The President said the Department of State Services (DSS) would be empowered to activate the forest security architecture.

He said: ‘The DSS also has my authority to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests.’

He added: ‘There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.’

Describing the prevailing situation as’a national emergency,’ the President said the Federal Government was responding by ‘deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas.’

He appealed to citizens to play their part, saying: ‘The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation.’

President Tinubu commended security forces for the recent breakthroughs, including the rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers seized in Kwara State.

He said: ‘We will continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage.’

To the security agencies, President Tinubu said: ‘I commend your courage and your sacrifice.

‘I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity.

‘There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence.’

He cautioned state governments against operating boarding schools in remote, unsecured areas, urging religious institutions to ‘constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas.’

The President reiterated his administration’s stance on resolving farmer-herder clashes, alluding to the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development.

He urged herder groups to abandon open grazing and embrace ranching, saying: ‘I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. Ranching is now the path forward’.

President Tinubu expressed sympathy to families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and Kwara States.

He also paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba.

The president added: ‘Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness.

‘This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace.’

Emphasising the importance of surveillance and intelligence gathering, he said: ‘I urge you not to give in to fear and never succumb to despair.

‘Report suspicious activities. Cooperate with security agencies. We are in this fight together, and together we shall win.’

State police non-negotiable, say Southern governors

The Southern Governors’ Forum said state police is non-negotiable if Nigeria desires to effectively tackle banditry.

The meeting was attended by Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Alex Otti (Abia), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Charles Soludo (Anambra) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).

Also there were Deputy Governors Kola Adewusi (Osun), Bayo Lawal (Oyo), Peter Odey (Cross River) and Dennis Idahosa (Edo).

Abiodun, who welcomed the governors, said the abduction of worshippers in Kwara State, school children in Kebbi State and Catholic school pupils in Niger State reinforced the urgency of a decentralised policing system.

He said state police would enable the states to take responsibility for safeguarding their citizens and residents.

Abiodun said a unified Southern position on state police would not only enhance intelligence gathering and early-warning capabilities but also strengthen the region’s ability to secure schools, farmlands, border communities, and critical infrastructure.

He recalled that the South has consistently advocated for a security system that is closer to the people and more responsive to local realities, and better equipped to address the rapidly evolving threats.

Abiodun said the speed at which insecurity spreads also shows that geography is no longer a guarantee of safety.

He stressed that, given the dense populations, major industrial corridors, seaports, airports, and strategic highways, the Southern region faces unique exposure to security risks from non-state actors.

He said the time had come for a shift from a mindset of assumed safety to one defined by structured, preventive, and deliberate security planning.

Abiodun urged Southern Nigeria to adopt a proactive and integrated security framework anchored on intelligence-sharing, border protection, safe-school systems, corridor surveillance, and strong community participation.

He said the gathering would provide a critical opportunity to strengthen the region’s collective resolve, deepen cooperation, and act decisively to protect its people and maintain national cohesion.

He urged the forum to reaffirm its support for state police as each participating state has submitted individual positions on the subject.

Abiodun added: ‘A real-time digital security and intelligence-sharing platform linking all Southern states will ensure seamless communication and rapid threat alerts.

‘A comprehensive safe school programme must be established to protect educational institutions, particularly in vulnerable locations.

‘Joint audits of major transport corridors – road, rail, and maritime – will help identify weak points and inform the deployment of sentinel units and rapid response teams.

‘Community, private security partnerships should be strengthened to bring together local vigilance groups, youth teams, private security firms, and formal security agencies within one coordinated ecosystem.

‘A dedicated regional rapid response fund will also be essential for emergency deployments, rescue operations, forensic support, and inter-state training.

‘At the state level, measures such as mandatory documentation of foreign nationals, dismantling unlawful enclaves, regulating scavenger activities, intensified forest operations, and a crackdown on illegal mining must be pursued with renewed vigour.’

Mary Ojulari Foundation, a not-for-profit committed to development and empowerment, has awarded N50,000,000 to eight young entrepreneurs who participated in the second Vanguard Fellowship Cohort and completed its two-week Ignite Bootcamp in Lagos.

The grant was announced by Mary Ojulari, founder and president at Vanguard Fellowship Ignite Bootcamp Awards and Networking Cocktail Night at J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Lagos.

The winners are SafayaIkechuckwu, Oluwakemi Olaniyan, Adaeze Akpagbula, Francis Obanijesu, Olatunde Omotayo Olufunke, Victoria Ogwanighie, Ubok Ameh, and Adebayo Olajumoke. Each of them will receive N6, 250,000.

Ojulari reaffirmed the organisation’s mission to empower young Nigerians with tools, networks, and capital to build their businesses:

‘Our work is about unlocking potential because potential is Nigeria’s greatest asset. These entrepreneurs are solving real community problems, creating jobs, and refusing to be limited by circumstance.

She explained that the Ignite Bootcamp was delivered in partnership with Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria and a network of leaders in finance, manufacturing, media, healthcare, government, and development agencies. It exposes fellows to practical case studies, strategic mentorship, and real-world insight.

She added that through this model, the foundation ensures that fellows continue to receive guidance, access to markets, and opportunities after the boot camp ends.

She said 50 promising entrepreneurs representing Agro-Processing, Fashion, Manufacturing, Technology, Health, and the Creative industries participated in the edition of the cohort.

She further revealed that the participants were admitted into the second cohort following a rigorous selection process that prioritised innovation, community impact, and long-term sustainability and underwent hands-on training delivered by industry leaders, seasoned operators, and policy experts.

Ojulari expresses the Foundation’s gratitude to its partners, mentors, and supporters who have generously shared their expertise and resources to shape the next generation of Nigerian business leaders.

In her keynote speech at the event, Mrs Yewande Zaccheaus, the Chairman and Founder of Eventful Nigeria Limited, affirmed that for entrepreneurship to thrive in Nigeria, there is a need to invest in skills and knowledge, access to capital, digital literacy, supporting policies, mentorship ecosystems, and platforms like the Mary Ojulari Foundation.

‘Let us design a future where young people are not just job seekers, but job creators. To the foundation, I say your work is powerful, your impact is undeniable, even just two years on, and your vision is rewriting destinies. To the sponsors, you’re investing in the future leaders of Nigeria, please do not stop’, she said.

It is worth recalling that in the inaugural edition in 2025, the Foundation admitted 50 entrepreneurs into the Vanguard Fellowship Bootcamp, from which 25 were selected and supported with a total of $125,000 in catalytic grants. Together with today’s ?50,000,000 commitment to the new cohort, the Foundation continues to deepen its investment in grassroots enterprise development across Lagos and beyond.

Sir: I write with a broken heart. A heart so bruised it feels shattered. For weeks now, it has been one tragedy after another. One kidnapping case replaced by the next. Little girls taken from their schools. Families plunged into fear. We have reached a point where people whisper painful prayers like ‘may Nigeria never happen to me’, because we have watched the nation turn against its own.

Only last week, schoolgirls in Kebbi were abducted. And even though news has just broken that they have been freed, the joy of their return cannot erase the trauma of their ordeal or the deeper truth it exposes about our country. In that same week, more than 300 students were taken from a Catholic school. These were girls who simply wanted to learn, to grow, to dream, and to build a life. Their only ‘fault’ was the desire to be educated.

There is no way to describe the agony of sending your child to school and then seeing on the news that she has been taken by ruthless, faceless men. You do not know whether she has eaten, whether she is being harmed, what fears she is battling, what pain she is enduring. Is it a crime to be a girl-child in this country? Why must she carry so much suffering on her small shoulders?

The rate of insecurity in Nigeria today is beyond alarming. Those who lead us, those who hold authority, are meant to use every tool within their reach to protect citizens. Yet what do we see? Is ordering schools to vacate the answer?

Sending students home is not a solution. It strips these girls of their right to education. And then what happens when they resume? Will the cycle of fear, evacuation and abduction continue? What truly is the way forward?

Our leaders must seek real, practical solutions to these recurring horrors. They must rise to their duties and be held accountable. Our girls are suffering. They are far too young to bear this kind of trauma. No girl, no child, no human being deserves this. No parent deserves the torment of knowing that their daughter is in the hands of men who may do only God knows what to her.

We thank God for the safe return of the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls, but we refuse to let that relief distract us from the painful truth that no child should ever have been taken in the first place.

Renowned historian and academic, Prof. Toyin Falola has praised Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State for its unstinting commitment to society’s moral reformation.

The Professor of African Studies described the university as ‘an articulation of conviction, discipline and divine leading’, adding from his research, public perception of the school is positive. Falola,on Tuesday, delivered a valedictory lecture on the institution’s campus in honour of outgoing Vice Chancellor Prof. Ademola Tayo.

The lecture was entitled: ‘The transformation of Babcock’. The event also culminated in the presentation of a book on the university, ‘Babcock University: A history of success’ written by the don.

Falola noted that Babcock is a fusion of morality and academic modernity,adding that it represents a fusion of faith and learning.

While urging the university to tap from its rich Alumni base world wide, the don charged the incoming Vice Chancellor Prof.Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole to intensify efforts to address high energy costs, economic volatility, saying fees can’t keep increasing. Falola, therefore, called for the establishment of a $200 million endowment fund.

He said: ‘The new VC has to build an endowment of $200m,build a digital ecosystem,and a strong alumni network; build a think tank of ethics and innovation. ‘The school should embark on cultural diplomacy; create a wide range of programmes around cultural diplomacy, align with nollywood,music.

‘It should also create a faith and science dialogue for the country, and explore possibilities of a global college. It must remain a university where values will light the path of science.’

Falola said teaching style must change from being authoritarian to being friendly, saying the former has become old.

‘AI is reshaping how knowledge is accessed,’ he said. ‘More than 90 percent of what you want to teach is already available through AI, and the shorter attention spans of Gen Z and Gen Alpha demand a new, proactive, friendship-driven approach to teaching rather than the old authoritarian model.’

The don presented  Tayo with the Thabo Mbeki Award for Leadership Excellence, on behalf of the University of Texas at Austin and with the approval of former South African President Thabo Mbeki.

The award recognises a leader ‘committed to the renaissance of Africa and an unblemished record of excellence in leadership.’

Tayo thanked Falola for the book on the university, saying it would be treasured for ever. He also thanked the historian for delivering the valedictory lecture, among other things.

The event also featured a cultural performance to entertain guests.

Giwa Gardens Water Park, West Africa’s family entertainment destination, has announced a Detty December initiative offering 100,000 free tickets between December 13, and January 4, in partnership with Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Other partners are Access Bank, FiberOne, MTN, Zenith Bank, and Awari App (Lost in Lagos).

The initiative aims to strengthen recreational tourism for Nigerians at home and those returning from the diaspora for the festive season, while boosting Lagos’ profile as a destination for domestic and international tourism.

Giwa Gardens will also sponsor 1,000 less-privileged children on December 13, offering them free access, food, drinks, safety gear, and supervised fun experiences. The effort is being conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

According to the organisers, the partnership brings together government and private-sector leaders with a shared goal: expanding Lagos’ tourism economy and enhancing the festive experience for families.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Keji Giwa, described the initiative as a gift to families during the season.

‘Detty December is about joy, family and togetherness. By opening our doors with 100,000 free tickets, we want to give Nigerians-home and abroad-an experience to look forward to. Our partnership with Lagos State and our private-sector partners reflects our commitment to growing tourism in Lagos,’ he said.

Lauding the initiative on behalf of government, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, praised the project as a model for effective collaboration.

‘The pact with Giwa Gardens is a boost to Lagos tourism. Offering 100,000 free tickets ensures more families can participate in the festive spirit, and sponsoring 1,000 less-privileged reflects the values we stand for,’ Aregbe noted.

The 2025/2026 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership kicked off with a flurry of goals, dramatic finishes and spirited comebacks as matchday one delivered entertainment across all centres.

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa Queens edged Edo Queens 3-2 in a gripping South-South derby decided by a last-gasp penalty.

Edo Queens struck first through Rebecca Adegbemile (23′), but Bayelsa responded with goals from Kindness Ifeanyi (45′) and Janet Akekoromowei (48′) to flip the contest.

Edo Queens fought back, with Robiat Taofeeq (85′) making it 2-2. Just when the visitors thought they had secured a point, Bayelsa Queens won a stoppage-time penalty, coolly dispatched by Blessing Illvieda (90+7′) to seal a dramatic home victory.

In Owerri, Heartland Queens recovered from an early setback to down Ekiti Queens 2-1 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

An early concession rattled the hosts, but they levelled through Chizoba Johnson’s 13th-minute penalty before grabbing the decisive winner in the second half to complete a determined comeback.

In Lagos, Dannaz Ladies claimed a pulsating 3-2 win over Osun Babes. With the match locked at 2-2 deep into stoppage time, Nofisat Ayegbami (90+6′) struck a dramatic winner to ignite celebrations.

In Lafia, Nasarawa Amazons produced a strong performance to beat Delta Queens 2-1. Delta took an early lead through Nora Davies (4′), but the Amazons responded through Imoh Jones (40′) before Hembanfan Ayatse (45′) completed the turnaround just before halftime.

Adamawa Queens opened their campaign with a solid 2-0 win over Pacesetter Queens. Goals from Ifeoma Damian (37′) and Mary Sunday (66′) secured all three points in Makwada.

The only away win of the day came in Akure, where FC Robo Queens defeated Sunshine Queens 1-0, courtesy of Marvellous Oladunni (45′).

Three matches ended with shared spoils: Confluence Queens 2-2 Abia Angels, Naija Ratels 0-0 Ibom Angels and Ahudiyannem Queens 0-0 Remo Stars Ladies.

With late winners, penalties, comebacks, and away successes, the opening day of the NWFL Premiership set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable season.

Prominent Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State and former Commissioner of Finance, Olorogun Bernard Okumagba has described the 2026 budget proposals presented by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as bold, promising and designed to unlock the growth potential of Delta State.

In a statement where he reviewed the highlights, Okumagba said he was delighted at the continued dedicated funding of infrastructure in the state, noting that under the Oborevwori administration, capital projects at 70 percent continue to take a huge chunk of budget allocation.

In his words: ‘The allocation of 70 percent of the ?1.664 trillion Appropriation Bill to capital expenditure indicates continued commitment to fund the infrastructure developments currently underway in Delta State. The impact on economic activities in the state will evidently be huge, especially as these projects are delivered from 2026. Governor Oborevwor’s focus on delivering comprehensively on the MORE Agenda will definitely improve on the economy of the state and impact lives.

‘ Also commendable is the allocation to agriculture, a sector where the state has massive potential. The increased allocations to the economic and social sectors will undoubtedly drive more growth and development in Delta State.’

The 2026 budget proposal of ?1.664 trillion is an increase of ?685 billion or 70 percent over that of 2025. Commenting on the ongoing development projects in the state, Okumagba said with the projects including the flyovers in Asaba, Agbor, Ughelli and Effurun; drainage systems in Warri-Uvwie and Asaba; and road rehabilitation across the state; ‘Gov Oborevwori is capturing critical needs in the state at this time.’

Okumagba also commended the allocations to education and health. Other areas that attracted the attention of Olorogun Okumagba include the social intervention program D-Cares under which 307,600 beneficiaries and 10,000 widows will receive monthly stipends and free health insurance.

On security, which had been a knotty issue in recent years, Okumagba commended the launch of a security trust fund and increased allocation to the sector which will provide for drone surveillance, border control, support for security services and strengthening vigilante networks. If followed through, Okumagba says, it should address the pockets of insecurity that need to be taken care of.

Okumagba urged Gov Oborevwori to stay the course which he has charted since his election in 2023, noting that ‘In two years the impact of the administration is unfolding brightly.’ He commended the governor’s vision to ‘build the Delta State of our dreams where no one is left behind.’

Dangote Group yesterday said it has entered into a series of strategic technical partnerships to support the next phase of expansion of its fertiliser operations in Nigeria and the development of new fertiliser plants in Ethiopia.

It said the collaborations mark a significant step in its long-term plan to strengthen regional food security, enhance agricultural productivity, and deepen Africa’s position in the global fertiliser market.

Through the strategic partnerships, Dangote Group said it would increase its urea production capacity in Nigeria from the current three million to nine million metric tons annually.

A statement by Head of Media Relations, Esan Sunday, said the existing facility operates two trains with a combined capacity of three million metric tons.

He stated: ‘The expansion will introduce four additional trains, enabling the Group to meet the rising demand for high-quality fertiliser across Africa and global markets.

‘In addition to the Nigerian expansion, the Group recently held the groundbreaking ceremony for a $2.5 billion fertiliser plant in Gode, Ethiopia.

‘The facility is designed to produce three million metric tons of urea annually and represents a significant step in Dangote Group’s commitment to strengthening food security and industrial growth across the continent.

‘To deliver world-class facilities and ensure the highest standards of technology, reliability, and operational efficiency, Dangote Group has entered into the following partnership agreements:

‘Topsoe will provide ammonia technology licensing and complete process design packages for six ammonia plants. Four of these plants will be located in Nigeria and two in Ethiopia.

‘Topsoe is recognised globally for advanced ammonia process technologies that support efficient and environmentally responsible production.

‘Saipem will deliver technology licensing and the full process design package for urea melt units across all six plants. This includes four units in Nigeria and two in Ethiopia.

‘Saipem brings deep engineering expertise and decades of experience in fertiliser production systems.

‘Thyssenkrupp’s UFT division will supply the granulation technology license and complete process design package for granulation units in the six fertiliser plants.

‘This will support the production of premium-quality urea granules suited for domestic and international markets.

‘Engineers India Limited has been appointed as project management consultant and engineering procurement and construction management consultant for the four fertiliser plants being developed by DFFZE in Lekki, Nigeria.

‘Engineers India brings proven competence in large-scale industrial engineering and project delivery.

‘These partnerships reflect Dangote Group’s commitment to delivering high-quality industrial assets that meet the most rigorous global standards.

‘The planned expansion will significantly increase regional urea and ammonia production capacity, create new jobs, support agricultural value chains, and contribute to sustainable economic growth in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and across the continent.’

Dangote Group said it remained fully dedicated to building resilient industrial capacity, supporting national development priorities, and forging strong global collaborations that advance Africa’s long-term prosperity.

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has directed commanders in the Niger Delta to prioritise personnel welfare while sustaining pressure on crude oil thieves and other criminal networks in the region.

Abbas gave the directive yesterday at a briefing at the headquarters of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. He commended troops for their ongoing efforts, urging the OPDS Commander to maintain the tempo in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime assets. He also restated the Navy’s support for the joint task force.

The CNS later visited the Central Naval Command (CNC), which he once led as Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), describing the formation as ‘home’.

Abbas said his familiarity with its operations would guide his continued support, commending the developmental projects and the upkeep of its facilities.

Abbas thanked officers, ratings and civilian staff for their commitment and urged them to remain steadfast in their duties.

The House of Representatives recently set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the over 11,800 abandoned federal government properties and projects across the nation. The properties are estimated to be worth nothing less than N20trn in market value today. The motion that seemingly set off the alarm was raised by the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, representing Obio/Akpor federal constituency of Rivers State.

Chinda recalled that in 2000, the Presidential Implementation Committee on Federal Government Properties was set up but sadly, two and a half decades later, the committee is yet to submit its final report. In his opinion, nothing speaks so eloquently about the lack of accountability and transparency when it comes to national assets than this act of non-responsiveness of such a committee.

It is sad that a report by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors had identified 11,866 abandoned federal projects across the country, representing approximately 63 per cent of all projects initiated since independence. Some of these properties are: the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos; the Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi, Lagos; the Nigerian International Hotel Suleja, Niger State; Millennium Tower, Abuja; the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) building in Abia State; the National Library Headquarters, Abuja; the Nigeria Newsprint Manufacturing Company, Kaduna; the Kaduna Textile Building; the Nigerian Aluminium Smelting Company, Delta State.

We are amazed at the array of iconic and valuable projects that have suffered neglect and abandonment across the country. This says everything negative about the value successive governments in this country have placed on national assets and projects across the nation.

In many countries, the preservation of such iconic assets is taken very seriously because in most cases such historically relevant assets represent not just history. They are preserved as national treasures not just as beautiful edifices but for the value they add to the socio-economic lives of the people.

A place like the National Stadium in Lagos today stands as a national disgrace. The stadium didn’t just represent a great geographic space; it stood as a national rallying point that the citizens have a sense of attachment to. It represented a rallying point for sporting activities in the nation and had in the past been the flagship for national, sub-regional, continental and even global sports competitions. Beyond sports, it provided spaces for other socio-political activities due to its centrality and accessibility. Today, the stadium has become home to street urchins and parts of it have been occupied by some private individuals who are reaping profits from national assets.

Today, the most popular sports, football competitions, are now mainly hosted by Akwa Ibom State’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium built by the present Senate President when he was governor. This puts to shame the successive governments at the federal level that could not renovate the National Stadium for the same function, given the employment and revenue that would definitely accrue from its functionality.

Today, Morocco, a smaller African country, has seemingly overtaken Nigeria with its huge investment in sports infrastructure. They have been hosting several FIFA-organised games. They hosted the FIFA Women World Cup; they would be hosting AFCON this December. They are on their way to co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain.

The investment in sports infrastructure by Morocco has become a huge inspiration for the country’s youths and a huge source of national pride and global relevance. Their national team made history at Qatar 2022 World Cup by reaching the semi-finals, becoming the first African and Arab country to reach the 4th place in a World Cup. Their government has shown understanding of the power of infrastructural development and maintenance. There are no disadvantages to valuing national assets.

We feel that a huge part of the responsibility of governments’ taking care of the security and welfare of citizens comes from the way national assets are handled. This is because most of the abandoned projects like the Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI) buildings built by the former military leader, Ibrahim Babangida’s administration across the country have all become enclaves for miscreants and robbers that are a menace to communities. Even if many analysts felt that the buildings were poorly thought out, as long as they had been built, the onus is on every government to improve on the buildings and increase their functionality for the people.

We consider the abandoned assets and keep wondering how successive governments never thought of making those buildings functional: federal secretariat, aluminium smelting plant, national library, hotels, and textile companies etc. in a country that has been in dire financial straits since the end of the oil boom in the 1970s.

It amounts to crass irresponsibility and financial recklessness to keep building new elephant projects that are often abandoned by opposition governments while ignoring solid structures that are of huge economic and social value.

However, while we commend the House of Representatives for pointing a torch at those valued national assets, they must do more than that. They have committees that can collaborate to see that the right things are done. Being in the House should not be all about raising matters of urgent national importance. The real work is in following through and for each member to focus on the assets in their own states and make sure their oversight function covers such projects. They are national legislators for a reason. While they come from specific constituencies, their larger constituency is the nation.

The relevant ministries like those of works, sports, education and housing must work together to track and account for all the thousands of assets across the nation. In cases where some unscrupulous civil servants or politicians have either appropriated or sold some or parts of those assets, the relevant government agencies must not just retrieve them but also prosecute the offenders. National assets always stand in history as generational legacies with a stamp of care for posterity. Nigeria’s case cannot be different.