Category: Daily Trust

Georgian Cup kings, El-Amin Polo Team, are gearing up for a grand 30th-anniversary celebration of their high-goal dominance at the much-anticipated 2025 Kaduna International Polo Tournament, scheduled for mid-October.

El-Amin patron and President of Kaduna Polo Club, Mohammad Babangida, had earlier promised that this year’s edition will be the best-organised in years, featuring more teams, thrilling games, and a re-laid pitch at the Murtala Square venue.

While full details of the anniversary festivities are yet to be disclosed, the team’s storied history – including multiple Georgian Cup triumphs and tournament sponsorships – signals that a glamorous celebration awaits fans and players alike.

Babangida further revealed that extensive preparations have gone into making the 2025 event a landmark in the club’s history, adding that the Ahmadu Yakubu Club House will be alive with activities throughout the 10-day fiesta.

‘It’s a new beginning for Kaduna Polo Club, it’s a new leadership, we have been elected for about a year plus and we have been working, renovating the pitch and putting the facilities in the best shape.’

‘We want to host a unique tournament to showcase the pitch, we want to bring back the glory days of the premier club, Kaduna Polo Club and the most prestigious trophy in Africa, the Georgian Cup,’ he added.

‘We hope to host a special tournament that will celebrate special milestones of the game of Kings in Kaduna and indeed across the country that would help everyone participating. We are on the goodwill of everyone, our sponsors and partners to support us to make this tournament thrilling and memorable, he stated further.

El-Amin Polo Team, Nigeria’s most dominant high-goal side, has carved an unmatched legacy with 15 Georgian Cup titles, while its patron, Mohammad Babangida, boasts 16 victories-15 with El-Amin and one with Kaduna Kakuri in 2000.

The team also made history as the first African side to feature in the Dubai Gold Cup series and Al-Habtoor Cup Challenge. Beyond El-Amin, Babangida has been pivotal in Nigerian polo, captaining the Polo Eagles at the 2011 FIP World Cup in Malaysia.

The 2025 Kaduna Polo Festival promises top prizes including the Emir of Katsina Cup, Imani Cup, and El-Amin Cup.

‘We are in high spirits preparing for the 2025 Kaduna International Polo Tournament. Right now, Kaduna Polo Club is ready as we are expecting lots of new selected cups because there are lots of sponsors that have shown interest in sponsoring our tournament, Gen. Kapeh assured.

A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday sentenced ex-president Joseph Kabila to death in absentia for ‘treason’.

Kabila, 54, who was not present at the trial in the capital nor represented, was found guilty of complicity with the M23 anti-government armed group, which has seized swathes of the resource-rich Congolese east with Rwandan help.

He left the vast central African country in 2023 and briefly reappeared in Goma in the volatile east in May, causing disquiet in Kinshasa.

Observers say the death sentence aims to remove the possibility he could unite the opposition within the country, despite his exact current whereabouts being unknown. The DRC, ravaged by violence for more than three decades, lifted a moratorium on the death penalty last year, but no judicial executions have been carried out since.

Military prosecutor General Lucien Rene Likulia had demanded the death penalty for Kabila, whose party slammed the proceedings as ‘a political trial’.

Likulia accused the ex-leader of plotting to overthrow President Felix Tshisekedi, and further charges against him included homicide, torture and rape linked to M23.

Likulia said Kabila, in coordination with Rwanda, sought to spring a coup against Tshisekedi, notably with the help of Corneille Nangaa, who presided over the electoral commission during the 2018 presidential election, which Tshisekedi won.

Kabila ruled the country between 2001 and 2019, taking power following the assassination of his father, Laurent-Desire Kabila.

On his visit to Goma in May, Kabila met local religious leaders in the presence of M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka.

Tshisekedi has branded Kabila the brains behind the armed group, while Kabila has dubbed Tshisekedi’s government a ‘dictatorship.’

Rwanda denies providing military backing to the M23, but UN experts say its army played a ‘critical’ role in the group’s offensive.

Nigeria’s top golfer, Sunday Olapade, lit up the greens over the weekend, as he claimed the professional round title at the 2025 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic. Olapade carded a superb ten-under par over 54 holes, sealing victory in style.

Golf Manager of Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate, Femi Olagbenro, hailed the champion’s brilliance, noting how close he came to breaking the course record set by Ghana’s Vincent Torgah.

‘I believe every player showing up at Lakowe Lakes Golf Club puts in an extra effort to match the pedigree of the course and the tough field that is always on parade at each Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic event,’ Olagbenro said.

The 2025 edition drew West Africa’s golfing elite, including Ghanaian stars Emos Korblah and Barry Yaw, alongside Nigeria’s Oche Odoh, Kamalu Bako, Gift Willy, Godwin Okoko, Michael Ubi, and Francis Epe.

Backed by major sponsors including Oando Nigeria, GAC Motors, Providus Bank, ARM Holding Company, Mixtafrica, Newmark, and International Breweries, the competition lived up to its reputation for intensity.

Olapade posted rounds of 69, 65, and 72, finishing five strokes clear of runner-up Emos Korblah. His victory earned him a ?5 million purse plus an additional ?2.5 million ARM Champion bonus, bringing his total prize to ?7.5 million.

Reflecting on the triumph, Olapade said he was glad to see his efforts crowned with success.

‘This is a very satisfying win, given the effort I have put into my game in the past few months. I have just come back from a training round in Kenya. It’s been a very challenging routine, which is why this is satisfying. I want to thank everyone who has supported me this while, and believe in me.’

In the same vein, young talent Godwin Okoko also made headlines with a third-place finish in the professional round. He then inspired his amateur teammates – Ikechukwu Boniface, David Maji, and Frances Omaruaye – to victory in the Team Event.

The runner-up team, led by Kingsley Oparaku, featured Roland Alexander, Terry Paul, and Abe Ayodeji.

At the closing ceremony, Deji Alli, Chairman of Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate, reflected on the wider significance of the tournament.

‘The game of golf has impacted on my person, and outlook of business for Lakowe Lakes project, despite the challenges of running a world-class facility like Lakowe Lakes Golf Club,’ Alli said.

Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions over recovery of the country’s economy, raising concerns about how it has fared over the last 65 years.

They shared their views in separate interviews with Daily Trust, calling on the federal government to take decisive actions to reflate the economy.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had recently declared that the economy has rebounded, saying the local currency and foreign reserves continue to improve.

Adu Abiodun expressed concerns over the borrowing spree by successive administrations, saying it has plunged the country into a huge debt profile without sustaining the economy.

‘Nigeria is like an old man at 65, who has obviously advanced in age but is still struggling to figure out life. There’s a syndrome bedeviling the nation, and from diagnosis, it’s a case of two steps forward and ten steps backward.

‘For instance, former President Obasanjo was able to secure debt clearance for Nigeria, marking a remarkable era and setting the trajectory for economic growth. However, subsequent presidents have incurred debts that even our great-grandchildren might inherit,’ he said.

He urged leaders at the helm of affairs to focus on governance and bury partisan politics, describing misplaced priorities as the bane of the country.

‘In my opinion, the bane of this country is that we put politics ahead of governance. Hence, the ‘anyhowness’ we witness among government officials and those tasked with the delicate responsibility of piloting the affairs of this country.

‘At 65, I desire and hope that our leaders will relegate stupendous partisan politics, put the people first, roll up their sleeves, and do the real work for which they were elected-or selected, as the case may be,’ he said.

Paul Oyewusi, however, expressed optimism, commending the policies initiated by President Bola Tinubu and describing them as a pathway to economic recovery.

‘I would like to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the initiatives he is putting in place and the amazing professionals working with him. Nigeria is not where we want it to be, but I believe we are heading in the right direction with the right policies, initiatives, and encouragement. I believe we will get there someday,’ he said.

He urged the federal government to build a culture of resilience and a ‘we-can-do’ spirit, describing them as the bedrock of nation-building.

‘We cannot always compare ourselves with the United States or Britain-our colonial masters-who have been around for hundreds of years. They didn’t get there in a day. One thing I see in them is a culture nurtured over the years that has improved their societies. I think it is high time Nigeria also started nurturing a particular set of values.

‘We need to nurture the culture of resilience and the spirit of ‘what we can do.’ There are things unique to us as a nation. If we stay true to them, teach the next generation, and give due spotlight to those doing well, I believe things will keep getting better for us as a nation.

‘We are not there yet. In fact, we are far from it, but we are heading in the right direction. As a country, it is a good thing that we are growing. I would say Nigeria is actually making progress under the current administration. Many things are not yet the way we want, but judging from the previous administration up until now, I think we are moving in a promising direction,’ he said.

Charles Apoki stressed that the oil greasing the country’s wheel of progress has not stopped in the last 65 years, noting that Nigeria is still faring better than some countries on the continent.

‘Nigeria has made tremendous progress. In several aspects, we are not where we used to be, though we are not yet where we ought to be. What seems to frustrate Nigerians is that we are too intelligent for our leaders.

‘Our leaders are several miles behind us, while the public is more intelligent and more ambitious. That is why we see the criticism and frustration around us. Even if you look at Nigerian roads, compare them with those in Madagascar or Niger-we are far ahead.

‘But there is hope with technology, AI, and social media revolution,’ he said.

Economy facing significant challenges – NES

Speaking with our correspondent, the President of the Nigerian Economic Society, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju said while a lot of gains have been made in the last 65 years, the economy is still bedeviled with a lot of challenges.

He said the country’s economy is not as diversified as expected, especially in the area of exports.

‘Economy still driven by primary production, no productivity, no value added, manufacturing is still very weak. It is less than 10 per cent. In terms of the social sector, education, health, gender related issues. We are not doing very well,’ he said.

However he stated that the macroeconomic outlook is becoming a bit brighter. ‘Inflation is decelerating; we have an exchange rate now appreciating and it is stable. Output in the petroleum sector is inching towards 2m barrels per day. We have the Dangote Refinery producing and exporting petroleum products except for the strike now we have stability in the petroleum market,’ he added.

Opportunity to reset economy

On his part, Dr. Muda Yusuf, Director/Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE) stated that Nigeria’s economic history at 65 is one of resilience, missed opportunities, and enormous untapped potential.

‘The current reform agenda presents a rare opportunity to reset the economy on a path of stability, competitiveness, and shared prosperity. Seizing this moment will require consistent policies, institutional strengthening, and a deliberate effort to ensure that economic growth translates into improved living standards for citizens,’ he stated.

He listed strategic priorities for the next decade to include deepening economic diversification by scaling up value addition in agriculture, manufacturing, and solid minerals; strengthening governance and institutions by ‘enhancing transparency, reducing the cost of governance, and improving fiscal responsibility and management and investing in human capital.

He stated that Nigeria must accelerate infrastructure development saying Power, transport, and broadband must be prioritized through PPPs and innovative finance.

He said, ‘In the last two years, the government has implemented bold reforms, including exchange rate unification, fuel subsidy removal, and tax policy adjustments. These measures have imposed short-term pain – high inflation and reduced household purchasing power – but early signs of macroeconomic stabilization are emerging.

‘To sustain reform momentum, these measures must be complemented by targeted social protection programs – cash transfers, food security interventions, and job-creation initiatives – to shield vulnerable households and maintain public support.’

Yusuf further stated persistent macroeconomic instability continues to weigh on growth, saying, ‘The naira’s dramatic depreciation – from being stronger than the U.S. dollar in the 1970s to N1,600/$ in 2024 – has eroded purchasing power, raised production costs, and discouraged investment. Rising public debt and unsustainable debt-service-to-revenue ratios have constrained the fiscal space, limiting governments’ capacity to fund critical infrastructures.

‘Policy priorities must focus on restoring currency stability through credible monetary policy, expanding foreign exchange supply by growing non-oil exports, improving public spending efficiency, plugging fiscal leakages, and raising non-oil revenue without stifling private enterprise. The good news is that the economy is beginning to experience a remarkable degree of stability over the last one year.’

He added that despite challenges, Nigeria has achieved notable successes, adding, ‘The ICT and telecommunications sector has grown from fewer than 20,000 telephone lines in 1960 to over 165 million active lines today, transforming commerce, banking, and governance. Financial services have deepened, fintech has flourished, and capital markets have expanded. Nollywood and Afrobeats have turned Nigeria into a global cultural powerhouse.’

Too much money with little accountability- CEPTI

Providing his assessment, the Executive Director, Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, Dr. Umar Yakubu noted that since the inception of the current administration, there have been reforms especially the fuel subsidy removal and the exchange rate unification so that Nigeria will have a more determined value for the Naira.

He however lamented that since then, there hasn’t been accountability on how these monies are spent.

‘The removal of fuel subsidy has led to a high increase in revenue for the government as revenue for states and local governments have doubled but the issue we have is that there is a lack of transparency and no accountability mechanisms.

‘This is why anti-corruption agencies seem to be battling more with corruption cases because there is so much money but a low accountability mechanism,’ he said.

Speaking further, he noted that ‘Because there is so much money, we now have misplaced priorities as governments is now spending money on bridges, roads, and investments that are so capital intensive but don’t show the impact on people and the federal and state governments are just reckless in their spending,’ he further lamented

He advised that going forward there should be set mechanisms to checkmate how public funds are spent.

The Auditor-General for the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira, says the audit initiatives being undertaken by his Office, the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of Nigeria, to enhance public finance system is achieving the desired results in terms of improving transparency and accountability, while urging MDAs to improve on weak internal audit mechanisms

The Auditor-General, who made this remark on Tuesday during an interactive session at the sidelines of a public event to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, maintained that through innovative approach, modern technological deployment, human capital capacity building and commitment to best global standards in auditing, the Office had over the past few years aligned the nation’s public finance system audit processes with global best practice.

Specifically, he listed some of the major public audit transformational initiatives embarked on by his Office and the results achieved as including the improved Implementation Rate of Audit Recommendations; Improvements in Financial Management Practices; Strengthened Legislative Oversight; Public and Stakeholder Engagement; Enhanced Transparency in High-Risk Sectors; and improved Feedback and Independent Assessments.

The Auditor-General said: ‘In essence, the impact of our audit reports is evident not only in improved financial compliance but also in the broader culture of accountability, transparency, and fiscal prudence they are helping to entrench in Nigeria’s public sector.’

According to him, the Office has been able to achieve these results through collaboration with other relevant government, the National Assembly and international organizations.

Chira explained that with the EFCC and ICPC, his Office had strengthened the accountability chain by sharing audit intelligence that has facilitated investigations, prosecutions, and recovery of misappropriated funds by many agencies.

He added that the engagement with the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committees has improved the timeliness and depth of legislative oversight, while the partnership with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has helped the Office in advancing due process in public procurement audits, reducing loopholes for financial misconduct.

On collaboration with international organisations, he disclosed that the partnership with AFROSAI-E and INTOSAI, had benefitted the OAuGF in terms of peer reviews, technical assistance and adoption of international best practices, which have strengthened the quality and credibility of our audits.

The Auditor-General further clarified that the Office’s cooperation with development partners such as the World Bank, and donor agencies had provided capacity-building support, enabling it to integrate advanced audit methodologies such as performance and IT audits as well as driven reforms in public sector financial management, improved compliance with IPSAS, and enhanced Nigeria’s global standing in accountability and transparency indices.

However, Chira lamented that despite the improved performance of his Office, the most significant challenges being faced by the Office in ensuring compliance with financial regulations and standards were still being faced in the MDAs.

He grouped these into four broad categories, namely Capacity and Awareness Gaps, the use of Outdated and Fragmented Financial Systems, Weak Internal Control and Oversight Structures, Limited Enforcement of Sanctions, and Resistance to Change and Institutional Bottlenecks.

The Auditor-General maintained that despite these challenges, his ‘Office continues to close the gaps by intensifying capacity-building, leveraging digital audit tools, working closely with the National Assembly to enforce sanctions, and engaging MDAs through proactive audits and compliance reviews.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has officially flagged off the construction of a 7-kilometer road project from the Bill Clinton Drive of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to the Tunga Madaki community in Abuja.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Abuja on Monday, the FCT Minister emphasized that the project, which will bypass the Airport’s second runway, is a direct fulfillment of a promise made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the nine affected communities within the airport precinct that gave up their land for the construction of the second runway. The Minister said, ‘One of the things that the communities asked for is that they had to be connected and linked up with roads; it would be quite unfair that their land was collected for a second runway, yet they have no access to even go to the airport. It does not make sense. I had to take this matter to the President, and Mr. President said, ‘Whatever they ask for, give it to them’.’

President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria will not disintegrate under his watch.

This is just as he asked Nigerians to stop talking about the country in the negative tone.

Tinubu spoke on Wednesday while unveiling the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre in Lagos.

Tinubu arrived at the venue at about 6:24 p.m for the reopening ceremony of the monument.

The President had in July 2024 renamed the edifice the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in honour of the Nobel Laureate.

The renovation of the Centre was funded and overseen by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee.

The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy provided policy direction and oversight, guiding the transformation of the facility into a national asset and a launchpad for Nigeria’s creative industries.

At the unveiling on Wednesday, Tinubu was joined by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, H.E. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Emir of Kano, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the host of the occasion, Professor Wole Soyinka.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu reiterated his position that the worst is over the economic crisis and urged Nigerians to believe in themselves and give others hope they need.

‘From now on like I said yesterday, the worst is over, the economy has recovered. I’m confident that prosperity will come. Believe in yourself and give everybody the hope they need. Lift the spirit of our people.

‘This is the giant of Africa, it won’t fall on you, it wont disintegrate in my hand,’ he said.

He also urged Nigerians to stop talking about the country in the negative tone.

‘Tonight, let me say something that is very important to me, to you, government and Nigerians in diaspora, which is – stop talking about Nigeria in the negative tone. This is a country of very proud people. It is about ourselves, believing in something we inherited from our parents and great forebearers. A nation of great people, confident and dedicated.

‘Let’s build it together, this country will succeed and it is with you, myself and many other people who may not be here.

‘Please, lift Nigeria, believe in Nigeria, put Nigeria first. That’s all I need to emphasize tonight. It has been a wonderful evening, I have enjoyed myself.’

Tinubu described Soyinka as one of the greatest assets of the world, saying he has contributed to nation building, courage and freedom.

‘So, it couldn’t have been anything else and I know definitely you (referring to Soyinka) will not disobey this president. I said it has to be Wole Soyinka Centre,’ Tinubu said.

In his welcome remarks, the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, said the Wole Soyinka Centre is more than a renovation, but a rebirth.

He said the centre’s iconic silhouette has been preserved while delivering world-class performance halls, cinema spaces, exhibition galleries, an African literature library,

rehearsal rooms, media and medical facilities, and fully modernised

infrastructure.

According to him, the surrounding grounds now offer gardens, outdoor exhibition

areas, upgraded access, and seamless integration with the Lagos Blue Line

rail, placing culture at the heart of city life.

He said ‘This edifice has stood for nearly half a century as a proud symbol of our

heritage. Completed in 1976 and inaugurated at FESTAC ’77, it became a

beacon of African creativity and a repository of our shared history. Many here

will recall both its golden years of cultural vibrancy and the long period of

neglect that followed. Even in silence, however, the Theatre remained the

soul of our cultural identity, awaiting revival. Today, that day has come.

‘The performances we have witnessed today by ensembles from across

Nigeria bring this Centre to life and remind us that its true power lies not only

in its architecture but in the voices, movements, and stories it will host.

‘Allow me to emphasize that none of this would have been possible without

extraordinary partnerships. The Central Bank of Nigeria, the Bankers’

Committee, the Lagos State Government, and the Ministry of Art, Culture, and

the Creative Economy came together with a shared purpose to deliver this

national project, with the Bankers’ Committee alone committing

approximately ?68 billion, not as corporate social responsibility but as a

deliberate investment in Nigeria’s cultural future. This project stands as proof

that when the public and private sectors unite behind a shared national

purpose, there is no limit to what Nigeria can achieve.’

Responding, Soyinka said ‘In all seriousness, I want to thank you for this honour. Those of you who’ve been involved in it, including your president, who’s a great conspirator, who knows how to lay ambush here and there. It’s okay. This netted yet another victim, and I want to thank you. And for all those who’ll be using this hall, let me remind you that I really represent the preoccupation, the commitment, the commitment of others. My hope is that with the recreation of this building, this institution, we won’t be going all the way to Abu Dhabi to watch African theatre.’

The PULA Foundation, in collaboration with the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU) and Bayer Foundation, has launched a groundbreaking agricultural insurance initiative to enhance the resilience of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The partnership aims to provide climate-resilient agricultural risk mitigation methodologies to approximately 248,000 smallholder farmers across eight states – Ekiti, Plateau, Kaduna, Enugu, Jigawa, Borno, Nasarawa, and Taraba.

This innovative initiative is part of the National Agribusiness Planning Mechanism (NAPM) program, which was co-created by PFSCU, PULA, and Bayer Foundations.

The program’s primary objective is to ensure that Nigerian farmers engage in climate-resilient agriculture risk mitigation methodologies, thereby improving crop yields and reducing losses due to climate-related risks. The partnership has received strong support from state governments, with eight states already onboarded as part of a pilot program.

State governors have demonstrated their commitment to indemnifying their farmers with promptly paid premiums, which will be matched by a commitment from PULA and Bayer Foundations for four seasons.

Leadway Insurance will act as the preferred insurance agency to harmonise and assure the program’s insurance cover for each farmer.

According to Marion Moon, Executive Secretary of PFSCU, ‘By engaging directly with those who implement policies and systems, we gain valuable insights into the specific challenges they face. Understanding these pain points is crucial for developing effective solutions.’

Rose Goslinga, Executive Director of PULA Foundation, noted that ‘across sub-Saharan Africa, small farmers are the bedrock of national and regional economies-unless the weather proves unpredictable and their crops fail. The solution is insurance, at a vast, continental scale, and at a very low, affordable cost.

‘This visionary approach underscores PULA’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian government and state governors in their quest for food security, sustainable agricultural practices, and climate resilience.’

Dr Michael Enahoro, PULA Nigeria Country Director, emphasised that ‘enshrining the responsibility of risk mitigation with the individual farmer allows for productivity improvements, ensures that the agronomic efforts of the farmer are not wasted, and ultimately benefits both government and consumers.’

The partnership is expected to upscale and cover more value chains, integrate more farmers, and support Nigeria’s quest to eradicate climate change-related disasters and drive sustainable food systems. PULA Foundation and its partners are currently focused on ensuring the expansion of the NAPM into the second phase, which is the 2025 Dry Season, and encouraging all state governments to partner with the PFSCU to ensure all Nigerian farmers participate in the 2025 Dry Season farming exercise wherever possible.

The initiative is a significant step towards enhancing the resilience of Nigeria’s agricultural sector and promoting sustainable food systems. With the support of state governments, PULA Foundation, and its partners, the program is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of Nigerian farmers.

Society thrives best where people love and help one another. Where the Where members of the community makes sacrifices by sharing and caring for one another. It is indeed difficult to have such a model society but in many societies we have such people who drive satisfaction in not only sharing with their neighbours but reaching out to the larger community to make an impact, assist and put a smile on the faces of those who are less privileged. These are the people Daily Trust go out to search for every year and present them to the nation so that we appreciate their sacrifices and learn from their efforts.

We are presenting these heroes, who we got through your nominations:

Octogenarian Musa Ibrahim Sagagi dedicated his time, energy and resources to ensuring no one in his community is denied education just because he cannot afford it. Through his College of Islamic Studies many went through primary and secondary education and some graduating from universities. At the other end is Idris Lau, who at 17 embarked on a mission of building strong people and ensuring sustainable development in communities. Through his Concerned Youth for Accountability and Development Initiative he provided water, education and health facilities to various communities in Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa states. Favour Abatang’s passion is to ensure that girls in her Cross River communities and beyond are free from all those harmful traditions that inhibit their growth. Her Voice Foundation works to discourage early marriage, money marriage and all forms of gender violence. Her near fatal experience during pregnancy also motivated Rukaiya Kushu to set up Abubakar Kushu Foundation to provide succour to pregnant women in dire situations. For Maryam Bello the task is how to bring medical care close to rural communities. She leveraged on technology to set up Parker Mobile Clinic to bring healthcare to hard-to-reach communities using technology.

For over a decade, Nigeria has waged a costly war against insurgency, stretching its military might across the Northeast and beyond. In that time, the country has scoured the globe for weapons. When the West hesitated, we turned East. Yet, despite hundreds of millions of dollars spent on Chinese drones, Russian helicopters, and Eastern European tanks, the insurgency persists, more adaptive and dangerous than ever. Why?

The allure of Eastern arms is understandable as they are cheaper, faster, and come with no strings attached. No lectures on human rights, no delays over congressional hearings. But that convenience has come at a steep price. Many of the weapons procured from China and Russia have proven ill-suited for Nigeria’s operational terrain or suffer from reliability issues. Reports abound of drones failing mid-flight, armoured vehicles breaking down, and helicopters lying idle for lack of spare parts. Worse still, the absence of after-sales support means Nigeria is left stranded, unable to maintain or even properly operate its arsenal.

This dependence on the East has also deepened our logistical chaos. Our military now runs a patchwork quilt of incompatible systems – Russian Mi-35 helicopters, Chinese Wing Loong II drones, Pakistani jets – all requiring different training, maintenance, and ammunition. In the name of expedience, we have sacrificed coherence.

It is time to ask: have Eastern procurements truly strengthened Nigeria’s security, or simply filled gaps created by a dysfunctional procurement process?

Nigeria must pivot. The future lies in strategic self-reliance. By reviving indigenous defence production, investing in maintenance capacity, and forging partnerships that offer technology transfer, not just transactions. Buying from the East may have plugged immediate holes, but it has not equipped us for lasting peace.

We need more than weapons. We need a defence strategy that truly defends.