Category: Daily Trust

A 27-year-old man, Kingsley Ighodalo, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding a company of a Mercedes-Benz, valued at N40 million.

He is facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretense, and stealing.

The prosecutor, Insp Donjour Perezi, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on May 22, 2024, at about 11.30 am within the Ikeja Magisterial District.

Perezi alleged that the defendant fraudulently obtained a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 with registration number BDG 390 HA, valued at N40 million.

He said the defendant acquired the vehicle on loan from Auto Check Company under the false pretext of repayment.

He said that instead of making repayments, Ighodalo allegedly removed the vehicle’s tracker and sold the car for N38 million without the company’s consent, though the original documents were with auto check.

Magistrate Mrs S.K. Matepo granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until Oct. 13 for mention. (NAN)

At age 17, while his peers were busy on the social media platforms, Idris Bilyaminu Ndasadu’Lau had already made up his mind to dedicate his life to the service of humanity.

He founded Connected Youth for Accountability, Peace and Development Initiative (YAPD4Africa), a Pan-African youth-led civil society organization, in 2017 whose dedicated mission is to build strong people and sustainable communities in Africa.

He said while growing up, he realised the lack of access to health and youth exclusion in the decision making process in his immediate community.

‘What really motivated me was the lack of access to health and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities in my community, and also the fact that despite the high population of young people, they were often excluded from decision-making processes and community development issues,” he told the Daily Trust in Kaduna.

He said his organisation is involved in community engagement, focusing more on health, education, and WASH facilities. ‘We also do civic engagement, policy advocacy to influence policies that protect the rights of young people, and youth empowerment projects.

‘We educate the youth on their rights and how they can actively engage in governance. We also work in hard-to-reach, marginalised grassroots communities in Nigeria. These are underserved areas where government presence is almost absent, except during elections. We make sure to include such people in our projects and connect them with partners who can support them.

‘We support them through the construction of water supply systems, providing access to quality education, and meeting other basic needs,”Idris said.

He said his NGO has worked in communities in Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa and several other states in Nigeria.

‘We have implemented more than eight projects in Nigeria. One of our projects was selected among the 100 best youth-led projects in the world. I recently returned from China, where the project was showcased. It has impacted over 5,000 people in Nigeria and Cameroon. Overall, our organization has impacted more than 20,000 lives in over 100 communities across Nigeria.

Another session with youths

Idris said one of the special projects his organisation was engaged in was the promotion of sanitary pads among rural women.

‘We discovered that many women cannot afford sanitary pads. So, we came up with a solution called Reusable Pads. We trained the women ourselves and sought funding to produce the pads.

‘Initially, we funded it from our own pockets, but later, we were able to secure support from international partners like Connected Development and Share Yourself, who gave us $1,000. Beyond that, we have raised other funds to continue supporting girls and women, because we believe that the lack of access to menstrual pads affects girls’ education.’

He said his organisation’s focus was more on the rural communities because they were often left behind in terms of development. ‘We want to emphasize that these people are citizens too, and they deserve development like everyone else. When we uplift their voices, the government and institutions will be pressured to act.

‘I have visited many grassroots communities, and the reality is heartbreaking: no schools, no health facilities, nothing. But going to such communities gives me confidence that, one day, insha’Allah, people will get what they deserve.’

He said running a non-profit organisation at a young age has been difficult, especially without funding but he’s been able to get through most of the challenges by being consistent and by leveraging his network and social media.

‘I was able to secure support from different places. Funding challenges still exist, but we are exploring local sources of support to sustain our work.

‘By staying faithful to what I am doing. I believe strongly in my vision, in Nigeria and in Africa’s future. That belief has kept me going.

‘Again, my parents have always been proud of me. One of the good things is that my father has been behind the camera supporting me for so long. He is here today, watching me during this interview, and I am very proud of that.

Lau said, so far, he has not received any support from the government.

‘Honestly, I have not received any support from the government in the eight years I’ve been doing this. I never reached out directly to the government because I don’t want to be entangled in politics. That is why I refused to reach out to the government.

‘What we do instead is document the needs of the people and send letters to the government, so they understand the situation. For instance, we recently launched a project called Moria, where we documented the voices of 14 communities still lacking education and basic needs, and we shared the findings with the local government chairman to see how they can help those communities.’

Lau said he was confident that he could bring change to the society, especially among the youth in Northern Nigeria who are mostly unemployed.

‘For youths, one of the most important things is to provide them with networks and opportunities to grow. Currently, I am working with more than 1,000 young people, not just in Nigeria but across Africa. Recently, we implemented a project in Jigawa State called the Local Accountability Watch Project. It was funded by the EU and focused on helping young people demand accountability from local governments.

‘Over 400 youths applied for just 20 available slots, which shows how widespread unemployment is. We selected 20 and trained them on how to engage governance and demand accountability at all levels.’

Looking at the future, Idris said his biggest hope was to see that every community has access to basic facilities to enhance the living conditions of its members.

‘My biggest hope is to ensure that every community has access to basic needs such as education, health, among others. I believe these are fundamental human rights. I also want to see myself at decision-making tables where the needs of ordinary people are addressed and their voices are heard.

‘I would like the world to know more about what we are doing, especially in amplifying the voices of grassroots communities and equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to demand accountability and good governance.

‘These are the kinds of initiatives young people are capable of leading, and in many cases, they can do them even better than the older generation currently in leadership.’

He advised young people to be more courageous in facing challenges in life.

‘Many believe money is everything, but money is not everything. I started this work without funding or external advice. What kept me going was courage and belief. Many young people have great potential, but they lack the courage to act on it. My advice is for them to wake up. We are the future of Nigeria and Africa, and there is still so much for us to catch up with,’ Idris said.

One of the beneficiaries of the project in Joga village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and also a youth leader, Abdulaziz Zubairu, said the organization helped his community by repairing an old borehole that now provides them with drinking water.

‘After the borehole was constructed, we barely used it because it broke down shortly after completion, and so we continued to face the problem of getting drinking water. But by the grace of God, when the YaPD4Africa came to this village, they repaired the borehole for us, and since then, we have been benefiting from it.

‘Truly, the young man who leads the organization has become like a brother to us in this village because of the good work he has done for us.

‘In addition, they taught us the importance of helping one another without relying solely on the government at all times. That is why, a few days ago, when the borehole developed another fault, we (the villagers) contributed money and repaired it ourselves for our own benefit.’

Residents of Oke Ode community in Kwara State have started relocating following bandits’ attack last week.

This is just as troops launched a coordinated air and land assault against the gunmen, killing many in the process.

Oke Ode was attacked on Sunday by the terrorists, leaving several people dead and others abducted.

The police confirmed 12 deaths, including hunters, newly recruited forest guards, vigilantes and civilians. A viral video showed fleeing residents packed into trucks, buses and tricycles, among other means of transportation.

A resident, Mrs Esther Amode, said they were leaving the town without a clear destination.

‘Some of us will get down at Ajase Ipo while others are heading to Offa, among other places, we feel we can find refuge as this is getting out of hand,’ she said.

A driver, Amuda Onaolapo, stated that the town was being deserted, with many residents stranded due to a shortage of vehicles.

He added that residents could no longer continue to live in an atmosphere of fear.

Daily Trust reports that there have also been peaceful protests by affected residents in Ajase Ipo, Isanlu-Isin and other communities.

Meanwhile, the state government, in a statement by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said criminals have been under massive attack from combined security forces following the launch of a major onslaught on their hideouts in Ifelodun on Monday.

He said the operation took place around Baba Sango forest on Monday night and along the Kogi border with Kwara, adding that the development resulted in multiple casualties among the gunmen.

‘The Nigerian Air Force also confirmed aerial strikes on the criminals’ positions in the area, introducing a new phase in the efforts to dislodge them,’ he said.

Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc. (‘Sterling Holdco’) says investors’ response to its public offer has been very positive.

The holdings had opened its Public Offer of 12.581 billion ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N7 per share. This amounts to about N88 Billion.

The Offer for subscription opened on Wednesday, September 17 and closed on Tuesday, September 30.

This Public Offer is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the capital adequacy of Sterling Bank Limited, capitalising SterlingFi Wealth Management, and supporting the Group’s strategic expansion opportunities.

In a statement yesterday, the organisation said its public offer has quickly become one of the most talked-about opportunities in the Nigerian financial market..

It quoted analysts to have predicted that the offer will prove to be amongst the most lucrative in the sector’s investment landscape.

The Sterling Public Offer has sparked widespread interest, with market experts

noting that the price, which is about 6% below its current trading price, presents an attractive entry point for both institutional and retail investors.

‘The offer is set to close soon, but the rapid pace of interest has led many to speculate that the full subscription has already been reached or even exceeded much earlier than expected,’ the statement said.

According to leading financial analysts, Sterling Holdco’s strategic expansion plans, solid market position, and innovative financial products have positioned it as a major contender in Nigeria’s banking sector.

The public offer is widely regarded as an exciting proposition for investors looking to capitalise on a company with strong fundamentals and an ambitious growth trajectory.

The newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Tuesday, played host to some leaders of the coalition force led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and declared that he is no more a politician having assumed the role of a traditional ruler.

Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, was crowned the 44th Olubadan at a well-attended coronation in Ibadan last Friday.

President Bola Tinubu, four serving governors, including the host, Governor Seyi Makinde, first class monarchs and other top personalities graced the occasion.

However, Atiku, who was absent at the ceremony on Tuesday, led a former Senate President, Iyorcha Ayu; former governors of Kaduna and Cross Rivers states, Nasir El-Rufai and Liyel Imoke, and other prominent members of the African Democratic Congress, to pay homage to the Olubadan. Atiku attributed his non-appearance at the coronation of the former governor to protocol arrangements.

Speaking with reporters at the new Olubadan’s private residence in Ibadan, Atiku said it was not intentional not to honour Oba Ladoja during the coronation.

He said, ‘We are here to say congratulations to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional. Protocol arrangements did not allow us to come during the coronation, not that we didn’t want to come.

‘We know your roles and relationship with some of us. We are here to congratulate you. Kindly accept our apologies for not making it to the coronation. We regret not attending the programme.’

Responding, Oba Ladoja declared that he is no longer a politician, adding that he had good times with Atiku and other politicians in the country.

‘I’m not one of you again. I am Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am no longer one of you. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.

‘Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in anything other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.

‘We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in the Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.

‘All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people. Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice,’ the monarch said.

Favour Abatang, is a girls’ and women’s rights activist from Cross River State. A graduate of Philosophy from the University of Calabar, she is the Founder and Executive Director of Her Voice Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on empowering teenage mothers and at-risk girls across Nigeria.

Her passion for advocacy began at a young age, shaped by personal loss and the harsh realities faced by girls in marginalised communities. ‘After losing my mother at the age of ten, I saw first-hand the struggles of girls from disadvantaged families.

‘That experience shaped my determination to ensure they are not denied opportunities simply because of where they were born or what they went through.’

In 2020, she founded Her Voice Foundation, formerly known as Campus Babe Initiative, to provide second-chance education, livelihood support, and advocacy for girls pushed to the margins of society. ‘We focus on breaking barriers to girls’ education and ending harmful practices such as child marriage, money marriage, and all forms of gender-based violence,’ she told Daily Trust. The foundation works in rural and underserved areas, particularly in southern Nigeria, where support systems are weak or non-existent. ‘Five years ago, I saw a 12-year-old girl pregnant and married off early. That moment changed everything for me,’ she recalled. ‘In Nigeria, 44 per cent of girls are married before their 18th birthday, and in some rural areas, that number rises to nearly 60 per cent.’

Since its existence, Her Voice Foundation has reached over 7,500 girls across 12 communities, offering literacy, life skills, vocational training, and psychosocial support. ‘These girls are not just statistics. They are dreams waiting to be realised.’ She said.

The foundation not just supporting girls also runs campaigns to challenge harmful cultural practices. In 2023, with support from UN Women under the Spotlight Initiative, it led a campaign in Becheve, Cross River State, to combat the resurgence of money marriage. ‘We mobilised 1,000 men as allies and engaged 200 traditional rulers who pledged to abandon the practice,’ she said. ‘Our policy brief became an advocacy tool, resulting in policy dialogue and survivor assistance.’

Meeting with teenage pregnant girls

Her Voice Foundation’s Second-Chance Education Programme enrolled 500 learners and equipped 2,000 girls with tools for financial autonomy. A radio show hosted by the foundation reached two million people online, while 1,500 community members pledged to promote girls’ education.

On how beneficiaries are selected, Favour said the foundation prioritises girls in fragile situations. ‘We meet each girl where she is, listening to her story and assessing what kind of support she needs most,’ she explained. ‘What matters most is not just vulnerability, but the willingness of the girl to take a step forward, however small, toward her second chance.’

Funding for the foundation comes from a mix of international partners, local organisations, and individual donors. Notable supporters include UN Women, Inspiring Girls, IGNITE, and Project Nightfall Philanthropy. ‘We continue to build partnerships, recognising that long-term impact requires broad collaboration and diverse sources of support,’ she said.

On running the foundation, sFavour said, has been both challenging and rewarding. ‘We have a team of over 60 people, mostly volunteers,’ she said. ‘It has taught me to first lead myself, to believe in the importance of what we are doing, and then to lead others with vision and purpose.’

She added that coordination goes beyond the office. ‘It’s about making sure our team is in sync with community leaders, schools, the government, other development partners, and most importantly, the girls themselves.’

Favour’s work has earned her international recognition. In 2023, she received the Princess Diana Award for social action and humanitarian work. In 2025, she was named one of the 100 Reputable Women of African Descent. Since 2022, she has served as a National Gender Youth Activist with UN Women and delivered a TEDx Talk titled ‘The Power of a Second Chance.’

She said her vision is to grow Her Voice Foundation into a global institution for girls’ second chances. ‘I envision skill hubs, technology centres, and women-run factories that generate income while providing livelihoods. ‘I want us to shape policy and advocacy at national and international levels to end child marriage and harmful practices for good.’

Favour believes sustainability is key. ‘We design programmes to be community-owned and low-cost where possible,’ she said. ‘We also focus on leadership pipelines, training young women, including survivors, to take on leadership roles.’

Despite the challenges, she remains undeterred. ‘Society won’t stop talking,’ she said. ‘No matter what you do, people will talk. So, I just work and do what I know is right.’

Her motivation, she said, comes from the girls themselves. ‘Watching how small moments add up to big impact keeps me going. Every meeting, every plan, every small win feeds into the larger vision of changing lives for the better.

‘My motivation also comes from the belief that every second chance given to a teenage mother or a marginalised girl can be her lifeline, her best chance, or even the very thing that propels her toward a sustainable future. I am motivated by the girls themselves. I think of girls like Mary, a survivor of money marriage, who, through the support she received, now runs a profitable business. This income allows her to send both herself and her child to school. Knowing that every girl who receives our intervention goes on to impact her child and her community fills me with purpose. That ripple effect, the multiplication of impact and sustainability through our interventions, is what drives me every day.

‘To any young person eager to take action, I would say: start. But don’t just start, start with the right knowledge, systems, and structure. Build a non-profit that is not centered on you, but on the people you serve. Create an institution that empowers others, gives young people the chance to lead and become changemakers themselves, and always vouch for yourself.

‘Again, personal experience in my community. I saw a girl who was pregnant at just 12 years old, and she was not alone; there were many others like her. This pushed me to look deeper into the statistics, where I discovered that teenage pregnancy and child marriage are among the greatest barriers to girls’ retention and completion of school, severely affecting their education. I was moved to act, both to give second chances to girls already in these fragile situations and to work towards breaking the barriers that hold them back. That is why I founded Her Voice Foundation.’

She urged other young people to take action. ‘If you want to start anything that will help others, you should do it now. Because no one is going to do it if you don’t start.’

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, has urged Nigerians to remain united and see beyond the current challenges facing the country, saying they are temporal.

Senator Barau, in his message to Nigerians on the occasion of its 65th independence anniversary, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said what is uppermost now is for all to accord President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the needed support as he propels the nation to prosperity.

Barau also appealed to citizens to remain resolute in promoting national unity, offering support and prayers for the government to succeed in its efforts to turn the country’s fortunes around positively.

‘As we celebrate the 65th Independence Anniversary of our beloved country, we must remember the enormous sacrifices made by our founding fathers: Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, among others, and recommit ourselves to the ideals they stood for, including the promotion of national unity, peace, justice, and tolerance. ‘Yes, at 65, we have some challenges facing us as a country, but we will overcome them. Our country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will emerge stronger from its present challenges, by God’s grace.

‘Let us continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to actualise his policies and programmes as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda. He has good intentions for the country. We will get it right,’ he said.

Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, urging them to remain hopeful about the future.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Leke Olatunji Baiyewu, Abbas said Nigeria has come a long way through a chequered history, adding that the years ahead hold prospects of greater unity and prosperity.

He noted that the country is blessed with abundant human and natural resources and called for collective efforts by all stakeholders to build ‘a nation of our dreams, regardless of religious, ethnic and political differences.’

The Speaker said Nigeria remains on the right track with the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and expressed optimism that the country will reclaim its position as Africa’s biggest economy.

While acknowledging prevailing security and socio-economic challenges, Abbas urged Nigerians to remain prayerful, patriotic, and law-abiding.

He also assured that the 10th House of Representatives is committed to providing accountable leadership, good governance and dividends of democracy, especially at the grassroots.

The Future is Now project has demanded 70% youth representation in House of Representatives, State Assemblies across Nigeria.

The demand was made at the unveiling of the project at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Young leaders and stakeholders from across Nigeria converged at the event for the project.

Participants unanimously declared that the time for youth to claim their rightful place at the decision-making table is now. The emphasized that young Nigerians were not merely the leaders of tomorrow but the leaders of today.

Speaking at the event, the convener, a former presidential aide Laolu Akande, said the project is considering an ambitious target before the next election cycle.

He said the project is seeking ‘at least 70% of Local Government Chairmanship seats to be held by youths under 35 years; 70% of State House of Assembly seats to be occupied by youths under 35 years; 70% of House of Representatives seats to be contested for and won by youths under 40 years; and a minimum of 50% of executive appointments at both Federal and State levels reserved for Nigerians under 40 years.’

However, the interim chairman of the project, who is the member representing Kebbe/Tambuwal constituency, Abdussamad Dasuki, described the project as a national commitment to dramatically increase youth leadership at all levels of governance.

He said, while signing of the Not Too Young To Run Act in 2018 served as a step forward, persistent barriers still prevent meaningful youth participation in governance.

Rep Dasuki called for a generational shift, where younger leaders not only contest elections but are supported to win and lead.

Dasuki said, ‘Today, we are not just announcing a project, but igniting a movement, one born of sacrifice, fueled by persuasion and courage, and sustained by the dreams of millions of Nigerian youth. The Future is not tomorrow – the Future is Now.

‘When a large demographic feels excluded from decision-making, frustration festers. We must act now, not only to empower, but to prevent disillusionment that can lead to instability.’

Present at the unveiling were former Minister of Youth, Solomon Dalung; Hon Ibrahim Bello Haliru (the youngest member of the National Assembly); Hon. Henry Shield; Hon Salisu Yakassai and Hon David Oloto.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has accused the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, of partisanship after the police command withdrew from the Independence Day anniversary parade held in Kano.

Speaking during the event on Wednesday, the governor described the action as an affront to the people of Kano and to the spirit of national unity.

‘In conclusion of my speech, I would like to call for all the security agencies to continue committing themselves in the tribes of this country, including Kano State and all other states.

‘But security agencies, in Kano in particular, they shouldn’t be involving themselves in partisan politics, which will do no good to all of us in Kano State and in Nigeria of course. Let me say in particular that I would like to seize this opportunity as a Nigerian, as Kano citizen, and as the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, to condemn the unethical and partisan attitude of the current Commissioner of Police in Kano State,’ the governor said.

He noted that the police commissioner’s absence from the parade, along with his personnel, was a deliberate decision that embarrassed the state on a historic day.

‘As you can see, on this historic and independent anniversary of Nigeria, he decided to put out of the parade along with his own personnel. This is for reasons pertinent to him and pertinent to his people. Let me say that Kano State’s Chief Security Officer, on behalf of the government, are not happy with this attitude of the Commissioner of Police,’ he stated.

The governor stressed that Kano remained peaceful and that the people had been eager to celebrate the country’s independence together.

‘Today, every Nigerian is happy to celebrate the independence of this country. And we insist it, because we know Kano is peaceful. The good people of Kano are peace-loving people.

‘They have been looking for this day, when we all gather here, to celebrate the independence of our country. And here is one of the security personnel, a special Chief Security of the Police Force here in Kano. This is a point to the Kano people,’ he said.

Governor Yusuf further criticized the withdrawal as last-minute and politically motivated.

‘In the last minutes, when all the police are dread, in fact, are just their own wish. Because along with Kano, we are looking for this opportunity to show the happiness and celebration to be in the history of Nigeria. When our rights is written today in court, yet the Commissioner of Police decided to withdraw at the last minute.

‘It is not because of our boldness. It is not because of our insistence that we must come and celebrate. We all need to be happy here. And that will happen to the good people of Kano today,’ he added.

He insisted that such actions contravened the Nigerian Constitution, emphasizing his role as the Chief Security Officer of the state.

The governor described the commissioner’s conduct as ‘unethical,’ adding, ‘You can see I used my own pilot car to go around. This is unethical. This is disloyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ he said.

While thanking other security agencies for their participation in the parade, Yusuf assured of his government’s continued support to sustain peace and unity in.

When our correspondent reached out to the Police Commissioner, he simply said, ‘I am on a condolence visit, I will call you back later.’

The declaration of a low-key celebration should not be for Independence Day alone. This has been the style in recent years, as the nation comes to terms with its realities. However, scaling down on celebrations should not be merely symbolic. It should be part of a national strategy to confront the tragedy that has happened to the country so that the time to celebrate can come.

This is a hard fact that Nigerians have come to accept because the mood of the nation at the moment does not agree with any form of flamboyant or elaborate festivities.

This is why many young Nigerians, especially the Gen Z generation and younger, have lost or missed the joy of nationhood. Every year, the citizens look forward to a celebration of the beauty of being born in Nigeria. However, for several years now, this expectation has turned out to be a mirage.

Nigeria’s conditions at the moment make celebrations of any sort irrelevant or impractical. Nigeria is besieged on virtually all fronts. The country is facing financial difficulties, making grand celebrations impractical.

Nigeria is facing perhaps the worst national turbulence. On the economic front, times are hard for many citizens. On the social front, there is evidence of discontent. On the physical plane, Nigerians have not been so unsafe and vulnerable. Indeed, the nation is besieged on every side, grappling with crises, conflicts, health, and security emergencies. These warrant a more subdued tone of any form of merrymaking.

Nigeria’s crisis state is not sectional or regional. What we have is a nationwide conflagration that requires deep thinking and reflection, and then strategies to confront it. It is not a short-term phenomenon either. It has lingered for years now and has since widened. It is also evident that without concrete efforts being deployed to arrest it, the crisis portends wider and deeper social, economic, and physical dislocations.

There are a million reasons why Nigeria must suspend all forms of celebrations. Celebrations cost money, to start with, and whatever the government can do now to cut expenses must be done from now on. A time when the government is experiencing an economic crunch, the emphasis must be on cutting off all forms of extravagant expenditures, and the national independence celebration at a time such as this is one of such events. After all, the value of everything must be viewed contextually.

Often, these celebrations merely reflect the notions of national greatness that countries or governments confer on themselves. Sometimes, these notions of national greatness are misplaced, especially at times when the overall well-being of the citizens is at stake. The truth now, however, is that any such notions that we carry of ourselves and the country have been greatly impacted. Nigeria’s notion of greatness has been seriously dented, and the government must focus on the restoration of the greatness of the country first. Based on the above facts, celebrations should wait.

Besides, who indeed will be celebrating in Nigeria now? Celebrations are done within physical and social milieus. Which of these is fit for elaborate or even moderate celebrations, if we are not out to deceive ourselves? Celebrations are not held in environments of fear and intimidation, which is what Nigerians are going through currently. We are harvesting the deaths of citizens on different fronts. Nigerians are being plucked off their vehicles – whether cars or buses – and marched into the forests by bandits. At home, they are not safe because death – whether from armed robbers or kidnappers – also comes calling with so much ease.

The above realities have left deep cuts or disruptions on our economy, the very foundation of our national life. The economy is feeling the impact of insecurity on different fronts. Farmers are running away from their farms because of bandits who now see them as easy prey. So, farming communities are getting deserted as those who are expected to produce the food for the nation run for their lives. Any wonder then that the country suffers or will suffer from a food crisis? If it is not evident now, it will soon be, should the trend continue. Who would be holding lavish celebrations at such a time?

What is happening to farmers in the rural areas is also confronting some in the cities. The roads are not safe for them as they travel in their luxury vehicles or by public transport. Therefore, the economy faces constraints because goods can no longer be transported easily from where they are produced to where the consumers are. This is a redefinition of economics because being produced and not getting to those who need them means that there is a break in the cycle of economic activities.

What Nigeria needs now, more than any other thing, is a cap on irrelevancies and a focus on the matter of the moment. That matter is the restoration of the nation’s sense of dignity- the dignity of the country and the dignity of each citizen, big or small. We need a return to the stage where each citizen counts.