Category: Nigerian Tribune

A review of Reverend Sam Adesua’s book, Israel and The Rest of Them: Perspective of a Christian by Adewale Oshodi

AT a time of chaos in the Middle East, Reverend Sam Adesua, through his new book, Israel and The Rest of Them: Perspective of a Christian, has been able to delve into the history of the Jewish state and how if found itself in the midst of ‘the rest of them.’

Reverend Adesua, whose work is from a personal perspective based on his knowledge of the Bible, highlights the relationship between Israel and the countries/peoples surrounding it since time immemorial.

The 20-chapter book starts with an introduction before the second chapter delves into, ‘Israel: A Panoramic View,’ where the author takes the reader to beginning of the Jewish state, which he described as a long turbulent history.

The author documents the challenges Israel faced to the extent that it was out of existence for about 2,000 years following series of perennial political crises and wars. Of note was the determination for total subjugation of Israel by the Roman Empire in the middle of the first century, as the Roman Legion, led by General Titus, defeated Israel as a nation in 70 A.D. The result of this was that the Jewish people remained seemingly lost among other nations worldwide for about 2,000 years.

‘However, one of the unique notable characteristics of the Jews from ages was that, as much as possible, they always tried to maintain their Jewish identity anywhere they found themselves,’ the author writes.

After being scattered all over the world, the Israeli nation, however, reemerged as a corporate political entity on May 14, 1948, and since then, the nations around them had been locked in battle with the new state. The author documents some of the existential wars the Israel nation had fought to ward off their enemies. Among the wars was on May 15, 1948, just a day after Israel became an official state, its neighbours, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, invaded the new state.

‘Their sole aim was to mercilessly kill the new nation of Israel at birth. To the Arab enemies, the new state must not be allowed to even take off, not to talk of surviving. (Pg127).’

That war lasted from May 15, 1948 till March 10, 1949 and an armistice agreement formally ended the war and established a green line between the adversaries. There was also the six-day 1967 Arab-Israel war, the 1973 Yom Kippur war, among others, but in all, Israel emerged victorious. The latest war, which started on October 7, 2023, is also documented, with the author describing it as a misadventure by Hamas.

However, before then, the author writes that Israel came into existence from an ancient man called Abram, who is popularly known as the progenitor of the Jewish people or Israelites.

Adesua traces the history of Abraham, who was the first man to be referred to as a Hebrew and how the people who emerged from his family finally became Israelites. The book further takes the reader to the period of Moses, Joshua and how they led the Israelites at various times during their challenging periods.

He further writes about the Jewish peoples’ turbulent years, which particularly came as a result of their stubbornness and disobedience to the laws of their God. The world-wide persecution of Jews also took centre stage in the book, before the rebirth of the modern Israeli state, which came shortly after the end of the second world war.

Of all the challenges the Jewish people faced, they always emerged victorious and stronger, which the author traced to the divine hand of God in action.

The final chapter, ‘Genesis of the Problem and Solution,’ is perhaps the most important aspect of the book, as the author lays the blame of the crises in the region at the feet of the United Nations, which he said made a mistake in the partitioning of Palestine through the allocation of land between the people of Israel and their Arab neighbours, as: ‘Both Arabs and Jews at this time were just Palestinians because they resided and operated in the area. There was no recognised nation-state there at the time.’

The author then said the solution to the chaos is the one proposed by United States President Donald Trump for peace to reign in the region.

Adesua, a former Managing Director/Editor in Chief (EiC) of African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc and retired Senior Pastor of the Foursquare Gospel Church, has done a great work in tracing the history of Jewish people from the Biblical period to the current war Israel is waging in the region, which began following the October 7, 2023 invasion of the Jewish state by Hamas.

This book is, therefore, a must read for lovers of global affairs, history students, academic, religious leaders, among others, as it will give them a sound perspective of what is really happening in the Middle East and how it got to where it is today.

President Bola Tinubu has declared that the 10 years’ existence of the APC in Nigeria has brought to an end the worst period, even as he urged Nigerians not to lose hope or go back.

The President said this on Tuesday in Owerri during his one-day official visit to Imo State for the commissioning of some gigantic projects executed by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

He said that the 10-year milestone already recorded by the All Progressives Congress is worth celebrating given the litany of successes made within the period.

The projects include the Owerri/Umuahia road, the Assumpta flyover and the gigantic Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Centre, Owerri.

He said that his administration, on assumption of office, promised change as well as renewed hope to Nigerians, assuring that rather than go backwards, Nigerians should continue to look and move forward.

President Tinubu acknowledged the fact that Nigeria as a country is not yet where it ought to be but assured that with the collaboration and support of all, the country will get there.

He said that as it stands, Nigeria’s economic growth rate shows that inflation has fallen to 21.12 per cent, which is the lowest in more than three years.

While thanking Nigerians for being patient, resilient and committed, President Tinubu assured that Nigeria will certainly be better.

In his welcome address cum public presentation of his book, A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria, at the commissioned rebuilt Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Centre, Owerri, Governor Hope Uzodimma recalled that Nigeria’s story is never written by one person but written together.

He described the book as the product of months of deep reflection, careful research and honest writing, which offers a clear account of the APC’s journey in government from 2015 to 2025: the milestones, the challenges and the lessons.

Governor Uzodimma said that he was partly inspired to write the book out of curiosity, pointing out that the All Progressives Congress entered government in 2015 with enormous expectations on its shoulders.

He said that the APC inherited a fragile economy, deep security challenges and a weary citizenry, adding that in the next decade, Nigerians faced storms, some of them global, some of them homegrown.

He said: ‘This is my fourth book, and certainly the most demanding. I approached it not necessarily as a political figure but as a citizen with a responsibility to document this pivotal decade in our national history. I felt duty-bound to tell the story as it is, no sugar-coat.’

He acknowledged President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose pragmatic ideas and decisive leadership inspired many of the chapters.

He pointed out that from the moment the APC made history in 2015 by defeating an incumbent party, it had become more than just a political vehicle, but a movement, a courageous response to the yearnings of Nigerians for real change.

Uzodimma paid tribute to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose courage and clarity have carried the APC and the country through many transitions.

He said: ‘Long before he became President, his ideas and his persistence shaped the progressive family. Many of the reforms we now take for granted had their roots in his insistence that Nigeria must do things differently.’

He said that in Imo, improvements are the fuel behind an infrastructure renaissance that touches every local government, adding that roads, bridges and urban renewal projects are moving at a speed that was once impossible.

According to him, beyond infrastructure, the new fiscal space has allowed the government to invest in people: in education, in healthcare, in welfare, agriculture and food security.

He said: ‘One area that gives me special pride is how we have treated workers and pensioners in our state. For years, Imo workers cried out for wages that reflect their effort and the realities of daily life. I dare say without any fear of contradiction that Imo workers are happier today than they were some years ago. Our senior citizens, who once endured neglect, now receive their dues promptly and respectfully.’

TODAY, at least in political circles, Nigeria is ensconced in song and drum. It is 65 years since the founding fathers and mothers of Nigeria lowered the Union Jack, brimming with optimism that self-rule would usher in a country that Black people the world over would be proud of. Nigeria entered into the First Republic with hope and confidence, ruled by patriots who, even though they had their own fair share of human foibles, were all fairly united in their vision for a country that would hold its own among the comity of nations.

As we observed exactly one year ago, Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has in the last six decades weathered a lot of storms to be one of the world’s most remarkable, even notorious, countries. We noted that globally, Nigerians rule every sphere of life, from the economy to religion, sports and entertainment; that the Nigerian military and the police have made remarkable strides across the African continent and on the global stage; and that Nigerian cuisine is fast gaining the trust of people around the world, from Europe to America, and Asia. We added, however, that Nigeria’s leadership problem remains at the core of its troubles. Really, the tragedy of the Nigerian condition is that if you change the date of our October 1, 2024 comment to today’s date and publicise it, anyone who did not read that editorial would think that it was published today. Nigeria’s case is like that of the proverbial passenger in a vehicle (in the epochal song by the juju maestro, King Sunny Ade) who does not know where the driver is conveying him to, whether forward or backwards.

The newspapers today are naturally replete with the good wishes and achievements of officialdom: politicians never pass up an opportunity to blow their trumpet. They also never fail to sermonise on how to make Nigeria better, usually pointing attention to what the long-suffering populace need to do, not what they who criminally manage an abundantly blessed country need to do. It is a wonderful formula: lecture the same people you daily oppress. As Nigeria turns 65 today, we do not dispute the fact that the government, from federal to state, has something to celebrate. Road projects, some of them massive, are ongoing, and so are various poverty alleviation programmes, not to mention programmes in the education, health, tourism, agriculture, and sports sectors, among others. But as we noted last year, only the rulers are happy with Nigeria’s current state: the masses of Nigerians remain wrapped up in despondency and despair, trapped in appallingly horrendous living conditions that are hardly ever addressed by the feeble efforts of officialdom. It can be no cheering news that Nigeria is home to the world’s poorest, and is the global capital of out-of-school children, open defecation, and worst electricity access.

Beyond lamenting the failures of the ruling class, we aim at the higher responsibility of suggesting a pathway forward; a pathway which is not perfect, yet holds enormous promise. Across the land, citizens unencumbered by the traps of politics have proposed solutions to Nigeria’s various problems, and those solutions are rooted in the restructuring of the polity. The government is in possession of the report of the 2014 National Conference but has not acted upon it in its customary lethargy and lack of interest in things profound. We ask that it dusts off that report and take appropriate steps to implement it. Beyond that, it would be doing the country and posterity a whole lot of good by taking a hard, constructive look at the resolution of the end of the National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy held from 16th to 17th July, 2025 at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by a group of eminent Nigerians called The Patriots, in collaboration with the Nigerian Political Summit Group (NPSG).

The conference attended by civil society groups, women, the academia, ethnic nationalities, Nigerians in Diaspora, professional groups, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, market men/women, security experts, student leaders, the private sector and persons with special needs across the country noted the inherent flaws in the existing constitutional frameworks. Those flaws manifest in the decline into a unitary system, poor leadership and weak delivery of governance arising from weak political structures and institutions; declining sense of citizenship and patriotism; an increasing multi-dimensional poverty and inequality that threaten peace, unity and development; widespread fear, anxiety and an increasing feeling of hopelessness; acute corruption and lack of accountability/transparency; insecurity across regions; sectional, ethnic, and religious conflicts with various dimensions and scope that have further weakened national unity and mutual distrust; poor infrastructure; poor management of the economy manifesting in disconnection from human capital development as well as environment mismanagement; and poor adaptation strategy resulting in increasing vulnerability of Nigeria and Nigerians to climate change.

The recommendations of the summit include a new, people-driven, inclusive, democratic Constitution anchored on ‘true federalism.’ The President is urged to introduce an Executive Bill to the National Assembly to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise elections to a national Constituent Assembly comprising delegates elected on non-partisan basis as well as representatives of special interest groups. The objective is a constitution that will return Nigeria to a truly federal system of government where the federating units will enjoy their autonomy as obtained in the First Republic and other genuine democracies of the world. According to the summit, the current presidential system is too expensive, prone to abuse, constitutes a hindrance to people’s welfare and a major threat to the future of democracy in Nigeria. It also recommends that the present six geopolitical zones should be restructured in such a way as to ensure a truly federal system of government. It recommends the devolution of powers from the centre to the federating units, agrees that a two-chamber federal legislature is unsustainably expensive for Nigeria, and recommends a more appropriate cost-effective system. It recommends that each federating unit should have its court hierarchy up to the Court of Appeal, thereby leaving the Federal Supreme Court to deal with heavy constitutional matters like interstate disputes, and disputes between the federal and subnational governments.

In addition, it recommends that the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and that of the Minister of Justice as well as the office of Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice at the state level should be separated to enable the appointment of non-politically partisan Attorneys-General; that all elections be conducted in a single day, that an amendment be made to the Electoral Act and the relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) for Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and that electronic transmission of results in real time be made mandatory. It asks that the new Constitution should include provisions for independent candidacy, and that once a person is elected on the platform of a political party, he or she shall not defect to another political party till the tenure is over.

We believe that these recommendations provide a profitable pathway forward. Reworking Nigeria will make all Nigerians happy. The government should implement the recommendations to make Nigeria better at 66, and thereafter.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed delight that the state has witnessed what he described as a ‘phenomenal progress’ in the last 29 years of its existence as a political entity.

Reflecting on the journey since it was created on 1 October 1996, the Governor noted that God has been kind to Ekiti, judging by the notable landmarks recorded in infrastructure, health, education, economy and social development.

The Governor made the remarks on Wednesday during a statewide broadcast aired on all electronic media channels to commemorate the 29th anniversary of Ekiti State and the 65th anniversary of Nigerian independence.

Oyebanji also used the opportunity of the broadcast to appeal to political parties, political leaders and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully as the state is already in campaign mode ahead of the parties’ primary elections later this year and the main governorship election in June 2026.

He congratulated the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the anniversary of Independence Day, expressing the profound gratitude of the Ekiti people for his support for the state, and also rallied their support for the Renewed Hope Agenda, ‘which has seen the economy on a positive trajectory never seen in almost two decades.’

Reminiscing on the journey so far, Oyebanji stressed that the memory of the landmark speaks to the dream of Ekiti State’s founding fathers, the resilience of forebears, the sweat of its traditional rulers and the steely determination of the generations before, which eventually became a reality.

The Governor used the opportunity of the broadcast to pay tribute to Ekiti patriots and distinguished citizens who were part of the vanguard for the creation of the state, adding that while the state might not have reached its destination yet, considerable progress has been made on all fronts of development.

He said, ‘I pay homage to every man and woman who was part of the Movement for the Creation of our State. I thank all the leaders before me who have had the privilege to lead Ekiti at one time or the other. Many thanks to our dogged civil and public servants for staying the course; just as I commend the resilience of our people for keeping the dream.

‘With our collective effort, Ekiti has witnessed phenomenal progress in the last 29 years of her creation. We may not roll out the drum for elaborate celebrations, but we have every cause to thank God in the life of our dear State. My message to you today, as we celebrate the 29th anniversary of our State, is that we thankfully reflect on the journey so far.

‘As someone who had the rare privilege of being part of the Creation Movement, I have a very big reason to acknowledge that God has been kind to us in Ekiti. When we look back in time, it is undeniably clear that we have made some major landmarks in infrastructure, health, education, economy and social development. We may not have reached our destination, but we have recorded considerable mileage.’

Appealing for a peaceful electoral process ahead of the 2026 governorship poll in the state, the Governor added, ‘Ekiti kete, another governorship electoral cycle is here already and interested persons and parties are already in campaign mood. This is how it should be in a democracy.

‘I would like to reiterate my earlier appeal to all political stakeholders in our State to remain peaceful as we enter into the electoral season. The political environment must remain peaceful, our contest must be for ideas and not for violence.’

As his administration marks three years in office on 16 October, the Governor expressed delight at the various achievements recorded across the six-pillar development agenda, which he said has touched every community in Ekiti, adding that he is proud of the fact that ‘Ekiti has sustainably and continuously been on a positive trajectory since we have been in the saddle.’

The Governor disclosed that he would appear before the State House of Assembly to give the full account of his stewardship on 16 October as required by law, calling on Ekiti citizens at home and abroad for their continued support as the journey to shared prosperity continues.

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of worsening poverty and hardship in Nigeria, saying that over 15 million citizens have been pushed into acute poverty in just one year.

In a statement titled ‘A Great Nigeria is Still Possible’ issued on Wednesday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Obi said the country has drifted under the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he described as ‘incompetent, divisive, and corrupt.’

‘Today, the picture is bleak. Our total debt stands at about N175 trillion, nearly 50 percent of GDP, without any improvement in productive sectors. Nigeria has fallen to the fourth-largest economy in Africa, behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria.

‘Our democracy is now described as ‘undemocratic.’ In just one year, this administration pushed over 15 million Nigerians into acute poverty. Today, more than 150 million Nigerians lack access to basic healthcare, education, water, and sanitation,’ he said.

The former Anambra State governor criticised the government for reckless borrowing, heavy taxation of citizens, and alleged wasteful spending on luxury items while basic needs remain neglected.

‘This government taxes struggling citizens and small businesses heavily, while indulging in extravagance. Billions are spent on new presidential jets, yachts, and luxury cars that cost more than the entire 2024 budget for primary healthcare,’ Obi stated.

He added that insecurity and corruption have deepened Nigeria’s economic woes, leaving citizens in fear and discouraging investors.

‘Insecurity has further crippled our economy. Nigerians now live in fear of travelling by road. Kidnapping has become rampant, with billions paid in ransom. Incompetence in security management has turned our country into one of the most terrorised and unsafe nations in the world.

‘Cronyism, corruption, and disregard for the rule of law have scared away investors, while other African nations overtake us as preferred investment destinations.’

Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has made history by becoming the first female Nigerian artist to sell over 10 million units in the United States.

The feat was confirmed on Tuesday by Chart Data on X, which announced that ‘WAIT FOR U,’ Tems’ collaborative hit with American stars Future and Drake, had officially crossed the 10 million sales mark in the US.

The track, which won a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, adds to her growing list of international achievements. Tems had earlier become the first African female artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify, underlining her dominance on the global stage.

Rising to international prominence after featuring on Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ in 2020, Tems has since established herself as one of Africa’s most influential voices.

She began her career in 2018 with her debut single ‘Mr Rebel’ and has since earned multiple accolades, including BET Awards and NAACP Image Awards.

Currently on her 2025-2026 world tour, which began on September 28, Tems is performing across cities such as Nairobi, Salvador (Brazil), and Los Angeles, where she will headline at Dodger Stadium.

Her record-breaking achievement follows Wizkid’s, who remains the first Nigerian male artist to hit the milestone when his feature on Drake’s ‘One Dance’ was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2022.

Tems’ latest triumph cements her status as a trailblazer for African women in music, inspiring a new generation of artists and further solidifying Nigeria’s global presence in the entertainment industry.

Ahead of the February council polls in the Federal Capital Territory, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has pledged support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Dr. Moses Paul, stating that he would join him in campaigns across the FCT.

Obi gave the assurance on Wednesday at the Merit House in Abuja during a special Independence program organised by Dr. Paul to sensitise AMAC residents before the official campaign flag-off.

Speaking at the event, Obi said: ‘Dr. MO will not change, but because human beings can change, I will be shocked if he changes.’

In his remarks, Dr. Paul restated his pledge to restore dignity, prosperity, and service to governance if elected.

He said: ‘The bitter truth must be told: AMAC has failed. Our markets are trapped in endless litigations, waste management has collapsed, schools were abandoned for months, our health centres are non-functional, insecurity is widespread, businesses are burdened by multiple taxation, and infrastructure is largely absent. This is not governance. This is abandonment.’

He further promised that if elected Chairman, his administration would modernise AMAC markets into centres of economic activity, adding, ‘If AMAC works, Abuja works. If Abuja works, Nigeria works.’

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, announced the endorsement of Dr. Paul at the event, which was themed ‘We Don Tire.’

AS Nigeria marks the 65th anniversary of its independence from British colonialists today, stakeholders and experts in different fields have lamented wasted opportunities for nationhood, missed opportunities, and unfulfilled potential.

From an unstable economy, to mounting housing deficit, to dwindling educational fortunes, poor service delivery at the level of executive, legislature, and judiciary, sterile growth in the aviation sector, and yawning gap for electoral reforms, the nation appears to be at the starting block of its developmental strides even after 65 years of nationhood.

The widespread concerns have taken the attention of stakeholders, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and other prominent leaders, who have decided to float a national dialogue on electoral reforms on the 65th independence anniversary.

The former Nigerian President is leading other prominent leaders to discuss the issues of electoral reforms on Wednesday (today), in a one-day dialogue to commemorate the nation’s 65th independence.

According to documents made public by the organisers, the gathering, being convened in Abuja, will hold under the auspices of the National Consultative Front (NCF) and the Labour and Civil Society Front (LCSF). It was stated that the gathering is a prelude to the launch of an Electoral Reform Movement ahead of the 2027 elections. A release on behalf of the conveners by Mallam Hamisu San Turaki said that the theme of the event is ‘National Multi-Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Critical Electoral Reforms’, adding that the gathering was being held in partnership with the Nigeria Electoral Reforms Coalition (NERCO) and the Partners for Electoral Reforms.

The statement also listed former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, as well as notable figures including Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, Professor Pat Utomi, Comrade Joe Ajaero Dr Usman Bugaje, Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, Senator Shehu Sani, Comrade Festus Osifo, Alhaji Yusuf Mamma Dantalle, Chief Raph Okey Nwosu, Engineer Buba Galadima, Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Hon Amb Nkoyo Toyo, Comrade Isa Aremu, Barr Eze Onyekpere as key actors in the dialogue.

Others also listed include the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, his counterpart in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso, as well as Mallam Bala Mohammed, Sen Ibikunle Amosun, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, Dr Gbenga Olawepo, Dr Abduljalil Tafawa Balewa, Prince Wole Adebayo, Esq, Amb. Abayomi Rotimi Mighty and Deacon Chris Iyovwaye.

While the statement listed Prof Anthony Kila, Barr. Clem Nwankwo, Dr Bilikisu Magoro, Comrade Ene Obi and Mr Samson Itodo, as facilitators, it also named Prof Utomi, Dr Tafawa Balewa, Amb. Nkoyo Toyo, Ezenwa Nwagu, Chinedu Oaks Ukpola, Mallam Naseer Kura, and Prince Chris Azor, as coordinators.

Appraising the nation’s predicament at 65, the General Secretary of The Yoruba Initiative, Dr. Femi Adefemiwa, said that the country faces a choice to either remain trapped in wasted opportunities or summon the courage to build a new future.

He said: ‘The truth must be told; we have missed, even squandered, golden opportunities. With the natural resources at our disposal, a vibrant population, strategic geography, and the ingenuity of our people, Nigeria should today be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Malaysia, India, Pakistan, and Brazil. Instead, poor leadership, military dictatorship, corruption, misdirected militancy, religious extremism, ethnic rivalries, and narrow nationalism have held us back.

‘We are a giant blessed beyond measure, yet one that has often stumbled under the weight of our own contradictions. Still, it is not all gloom. The Nigerian spirit is unbreakable. Our young people continue to excel globally in technology, music, sports, and innovation. The Nigerian diaspora remits billions home every year, sustaining families and even propping up the economy. Our entrepreneurs, despite hostile environments, create value daily. These are signs that the foundation for a new Nigeria is alive and waiting to be built upon.

‘To get there, we must face hard truths. Restructuring is not just a slogan; it is the key to healing old wounds and calming the loud chorus of dissent. Every group deserves to feel a sense of belonging in the Nigerian project. An inclusive democracy is not optional-it is the only way forward.

‘Equally, we must fix our economy. Marxist theory’s base and superstructure concept explains how economic systems shape society. It reminds us that the economy is the base on which everything else rests. ‘Without jobs, without industry, without productivity, no nation can thrive. We must move beyond dependence on oil and unleash agriculture, technology, and manufacturing. A working economy will shrink unemployment, uplift communities, and restore dignity to our people.

‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signaled intent to tackle some of these issues. But intent must translate to impact. For this, he will need not only the cooperation of the National Assembly but also the active participation of Nigerians. Citizens must demand accountability, support genuine reforms, and refuse to be divided by the old fault lines of tribe and religion.

‘At 65, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. We can either remain stuck in the cycle of wasted chances, or we can finally summon the courage to write a new story. The Yoruba Initiative believes strongly that a better Nigeria is possible-and we extend our voice of encouragement, our hands of support, and our commitment to the noble task of national renewal.

‘May the next decade not be another litany of regrets, but the beginning of the Nigeria we have always dreamed of.’

Lawyers appraise Nigeria at 65

Legal luminaries have also weighed in on the state of Nigeria at 65, declaring that there was an urgent need to address the issues hindering the attainment of the country’s full potential, even as they decried the state of insecurity, economic instability, and poor governance.

According to analysis by the legal minds, some of the key challenges facing Nigeria as a country include bad governance and corruption. Many of them submitted that the level of corruption that has plagued every level of government in the country has become a thing of concern to all and that the persistent poor showing of the country on Transparency International’s corruption perception index is a testament to the sad state of things.

Some legal minds also submitted that mismanagement of public funds and weak institutions have eroded public trust and hindered development, just as security crises in the form of Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and herder-farmer clashes in the middle belt have left thousands dead and millions displaced. They also mentioned cases of kidnapping for ransom, which they stated have become so rampant. Across the regions.

Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune, Mr. Obioma Ezenwobodo, the Principal Partner of Resolution Attorneys, said, Nigeria’s major challenge lies in its leadership, which has abysmally failed to galvanise and nurture the country to exponential growth. Ezenwobodo, who is the pioneer chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Garki branch, in Abuja, said, the country’s leadership is steeped in corruption, misdirection, mis-governance, and mismanagement of the commonwealth.

He said: ‘Nigeria has missed the opportunities presented by its vibrant population, diversity, abundance of natural resources, and active youth demographic. Currently, the country is missing the vital opportunities presented by the current democratic dispensation to consolidate and build a strong economy and a corruption-free society. The country has missed a great opportunity to introduce a holistic electoral reform to salvage our electoral quagmire.

‘The issue of freedom of the press is still a burning issue as activists, journalists, lawyers, and others are being gagged by the Cybercrime Act. Nigeria and its youths are still rudderless, as the majority of them are on social media spreading hate, division, and sectionalism.

‘The issue of security is another point where the country has missed a great opportunity, as insecurity is still rife and ravaging the country through terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and the rest. Furthermore, the country is still missing the opportunity to utilize its vast resources to improve the nation.’

Another lawyer, Emmanuel Umahi Ekwe, Principal Partner, E.E Umahi and Associates noted that as Nigeria commemorates 65 years of independence, it continues to grapple with deep-rooted issues that have hindered its full potential. ‘These include persistent governance challenges marked by corruption, weak institutions, and uneven enforcement of the rule of law. Security concerns remain grave, with insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts affecting millions and destabilizing many regions,’ he said.

The lawyer added: ‘On the economic front, despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria faces difficulties in diversifying beyond oil, resulting in vulnerability to global price shocks, high unemployment levels, and poverty that disproportionately affect its youth. Infrastructural inadequacies in power, transport, and healthcare have further slowed progress and productivity. Of particular concern is the judiciary, which ought to be a pillar of justice and the rule of law.

‘Unfortunately, the Nigerian judiciary continues to fall short, plagued by delays, inconsistencies, and perceived political interference that undermine public confidence and deny timely justice to citizens.’

He said that the missed opportunities in terms of development are huge in the last six-and-a-half decades, adding that Nigeria has missed several critical opportunities that could have accelerated its development that. He concluded by saying: ‘Nigeria at 65 stands at a crossroads. The choices made today around governance, security, economic policies, judicial reform, and youth empowerment will determine whether the nation transforms into a prosperous, united, and resilient country. It is a moment for collective reflection and decisive action to turn challenges into opportunities for a better Nigeria.’

Mismatch between what leaders say and do grows trust deficit, setbacks

Stakeholders spoken to by the Nigerian Tribune also identified the mismatch in the words of the leaders and what they do contribute in no small measure to the growing trust deficit between the government and the governed. A former Deputy National President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Honourable Joseph Akinlaja, said that the growing trust deficit should be blamed for the underachieving status of the country. Giving his views while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, he stated that Nigerians no longer trust their leaders to deliver on promises, hence their failure to galvanise them for national development.

Akinlaja, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State and a former member of the House of Representatives, noted that political leaders, particularly the President, governors, and local government chairmen, were not only expected to make pronouncements, but must also lead by example. However, he expressed sadness that in the Nigerian situation, while the leaders want the followers to make sacrifices, the former are seen openly taking care of themselves without tightening their own belts. He argued that this ‘mismatched scenario’ had resulted in a trust deficit with implications for growth in Nigeria.

Akinlaja, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who chaired the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), explained, ‘Whoever is at the helm of affairs, be it the President, the governors and the local government chairmen; they are the ones to implement laws or policies.

‘From my assessment, we have laws in Nigeria, but implementation is the problem. Whatever these political leaders say in Nigeria is the law at the various levels.

‘So, if that is the reality, it behoves them to allow those they put in place to implement the laws to ensure that the dividends of democracy trickle down to the masses. When this happens, it will engender the confidence of the led in the leader. If people trust you, they follow you.’ He also recalled how the NLC mobilised to oppose anti-people policies during the military era. He added, ‘In Nigeria, the trust has broken down. For example, when I was the deputy president to Adams Oshiomhole, what we used in driving the labour movement was trust. When the people trust you, things will fall in place.’

Akinlaja said it was regrettable that 65 years after independence, Nigeria was still far from realising the dreams of the founding fathers. He cited cases of China and other ‘Asian tigers’, which in 1960 were classified as developing countries with China, South Korea and all those Asian countries. ‘Today, they are developed, moving from developing to developed. But, for Nigeria, we seem to have moved from developing to under-development,’ he said, adding that in Nigeria, ‘The confidence has broken down between those in government and the governed. So, no matter how the leaders try now, people are sceptical,’ he stated.

Professor Paul Ananaba, SAN, also holds the view that it will not be exactly correct to say that the country has remained stagnant in its 65 years of existence, arguing that it has recorded achievements in many areas, though he admits there is a long way to go. He said that compared to 1960, the country had advanced in terms of infrastructure and in international engagements, but urged the leaders to think out of the box to meet the wishes of the majority of Nigerians.

He said: ‘While it is true that the dreams of the founding fathers have not been fulfilled, it is also true that Nigeria is not where it was 65 years ago. We have achieved some developmental strides. However, the government should tailor more investments toward education, agriculture, health, tackling hunger, and insecurity generally. Some parts of the country have complained about marginalisation. We have to look into their complaints so that as policies are introduced, all Nigerians will feel that their interests have been taken care of and they can support the government’s efforts.’

At 65, Housing deficit still Nigeria’s albatross -Experts

The growing housing deficit equally remains a concern to stakeholders, even as Nigeria marks 65 years as an independent nation. This state of affairs is despite the various Development Plans run by the country’s administrators between 1960 and 2025. Many stakeholders spoken to by our correspondents said that the country still lacks the will and institutional capacity to be self-sufficient in housing. To bridge this deficit, it is also estimated that the country will need to produce 800 000 units of houses annually for the next 20 years. At the moment, Nigeria is said to be producing less than 100,000 units of houses annually, which is a far cry from what it’s required to reduce the accommodation gap.

The challenges are not limited to the high cost of land in urban centres. They include a lack of policy implementation, scarcity of required funds, corruption, policy somersaults, limited access to mortgage, inadequate infrastructure, lack of physical planning, rapid urbanization, lack of government’s political will, among others, have been adduced for increased homelessness in Nigeria

In his assessment of the housing sector 65 years after independence, Managing Director/ CEO, Fame Oyster and Co., Mr. Olufemi Oyedele, blamed the lack of political will and institutional capacity for increasing homelessness among Nigeria. According to him, the housing industry has performed abysmally low in the last 65 years. He described Nigeria’s housing sector as ‘unorganised, underfunded, corruption-laden, unprofessional, under-productive and lacking direction.’

He said: ‘Though we have adequate resources to achieve ‘adequate housing’, we lack ‘the will’ and the institutional capacity to be self-sufficient in housing. The government has refused to adequately organise the people to be able to house themselves, and adequate housing remains a mirage despite our 65 years of independence. In many quarters, the question arose that it would not have been a better story in our housing strides if the colonial masters were still in charge? There are a lot of things we can do better to change our housing narratives.’

He expressed displeasure over the accommodation gap in the country, pointing out that no fewer than 60 per cent of Nigerians live in slums.

‘These are self-help abodes that people manage to remain hopeful. They manage these squalid settlements and inadequate quality houses with the hope that tomorrow will be better. Some of us have lost hope in a better future due to their past experiences even though the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Chapter 4 claims that housing is a right of all citizens,’ he said.

According to Oyedele, major achievements in the housing sector and notable challenges in recent times included the Renewed Hope Housing Programme which ‘aim is to address the nation’s housing deficit by providing affordable, decent and dignified accommodation for citizens, particularly low-income and vulnerable groups.’

‘If the government can achieve this aim, it will go a long way to ameliorate the housing sufferings of the people. The building materials hubs planned to be located in the six geographical zones of Nigeria, and in which one is already set for the Lekki Free Trade Zone, is also a laudable achievement,’ he said.

He chided the government of the day, saying that it has not been living up to expectations in the housing sector, considering the huge housing deficit, which experts claimed is now in the region of 28 million units.

Also, Former President, Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Chucks Omeife, said the country housing’s situation in 65 years has said revealed a complex narrative of challenges, policies, and progress.

‘A critical assessment shows that Nigeria faces a significant housing shortage, estimated at 17 million units, with a need to produce 800,000 units annually to meet demand. The various governments have launched housing programs, such as the National Housing Policy (1991) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), but implementation has been inconsistent. Poor policy formulation, corruption, bureaucracy, and lack of funding have hindered progress in the housing sector,’ he said.

He stressed that many dwellings lacked essential infrastructure, with 53.3 per cent of houses considered unsatisfactory by modern standards.

According to him, housing affordability has remained a significant issue, with many Nigerians unable to access mortgage loans due to high costs and limited financial options. He also recognized the critical role played by the private sector in housing development, but pointed out that they faced challenges such as high construction costs, limited access to finance, and bureaucratic procedures. Unfortunately, he said that Nigerians were at the receiving end of various government inconsistencies and policy somersault on housing issues. Despite the notable government achievements in terms of initiatives and policies, including the National Development Plans; National Housing Policy, and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, he pointed out that the major challenge was lack of implementation of set government policies by successive administrations.

‘The government of the day, just like past governments, has a robust and well-thought-out policy and intervention in housing development. What is yet to be seen is the result of these various interventions as the government continues to promise based on the renewed hope agenda in the housing sector,’ he said.

He suggested that the Nigerian housing sector required sustained efforts to address the shortage, improve quality, and increase affordability.

‘This can be achieved through: Improved policy implementation; effective implementation of housing policies and programs; increased funding; adequate funding for housing development and infrastructure; private sector engagement, encouraging private sector participation in housing development, affordable housing options, and promoting affordable housing options for low-income earners,’ Omeife suggested.

However, the cost of housing has continued to rise, making it unaffordable for low and medium-income earners. Despite the latest efforts by the government at addressing housing deficit in the country through the Renewed Hope Housing Programme by creating the Renewed Hope Cities and Renewed Hope Estates, most stakeholders, especially middle- and low-income Nigerians in need of accommodation are yet feel the impact, almost two and half years of the incumbent president. Investigations by Nigerian Tribune revealed that most of the housing estates, of 250 units each, are in different stages of completion in about 12 states of the federation, including Abuja.

Aviation: Still wobbling without a national carrier

Nigeria’s aviation industry continues to grapple with fundamental challenges, chief among them is the absence of a robust national carrier, 100 years after the first flight landed in the country in 1925. Despite the country’s vast potential and growing demand for air travel, the sector remains heavily dependent on foreign airlines, which reap significant benefits while local carriers struggle to stay afloat.

The statistics are telling: local airlines benefit from less than 5 per cent of the market share on foreign routes, while their foreign counterparts dominate with a staggering 95 per cent. This disparity underscores the urgent need for a strong national carrier that can compete effectively in the global aviation market. Experts point to the lack of a national carrier as a major barrier to the industry’s growth.

Chris Aligbe, CEO of Belujane Konsult, noted that the absence of a national carrier for over two decades has impacted technical competence and managerial ability, leading to a dearth of technical know-how in the sector. The liquidation of Nigeria Airways in 2003 marked the beginning of this decline, and despite numerous attempts to revive a national carrier, none have come to fruition. The most recent attempt, Nigeria Air, was unveiled with much fanfare but has stalled due to political wrangling and public skepticism. Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo’s declaration that the government will not spend ‘a dime’ on a state-backed national airline has drawn criticism, with many seeing it as a setback to long-standing efforts to revive a national flag carrier.

Industry stakeholders argue that a national carrier would not only boost the economy but also create jobs and stimulate tourism. With a population of over 200 million people, Nigeria needs an airline that can connect its citizens to the world efficiently and reliably. The absence of such a carrier has led to capacity constraints, flight disruptions, and delays, ultimately affecting the nation’s economy. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has identified capacity issues as a primary cause of flight disruptions and delays. According to Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, the scarcity of adequate aircraft among Nigerian airline operators is at the root of the challenge.

However, the recent signing of the Cape Town Convention (CTC) practice direction has paved the way for domestic airline operators to access aircraft on dry lease, which could help alleviate the capacity problem. To break this cycle, experts recommend that the government reconsider its stance on investing in a national carrier. Auwalu Babura, Group Managing Director/CEO of Red Star Express, emphasizes the need for improved air cargo operations to positively impact Nigeria’s GDP. This can be achieved by investing in cargo aircraft and developing a more coordinated approach to air cargo logistics. In all, stakeholders are of the view that the Nigerian aviation industry will continue to wobble without a robust national carrier. To redress the situation, they believe that the government must prioritize the development of a strong aviation sector by investing in a national carrier, improving infrastructure, and creating a conducive environment for local airlines to thrive. Perhaps only then will Nigeria be able to unlock its full potential in the aviation industry to the benefit of its economy and the people.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen on Wednesday expressed grief over the recent boat accident in Kogi State which killed 26 passengers.

Speaker Tajudeen expressed sadness over the loss of lives, describing the mishap as unfortunate.

In a condolence message issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Leke Olatunji Baiyewu, the Speaker said it was an unfortunate incident.

Traders reported to be travelling on Tuesday with a boat on the River Niger, from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to Ilushi Market in Edo State, reportedly had an accident which killed 26 of them.

Speaker Tajudeen commiserated families of the victims, while extending his condolences to the people and the government of the respective states the deceased passengers hailed from.

While calling for stricter marine transport safety measures on the part of the government, the Speaker urged boat operators to prioritise safety in their operations.

Speaker Tajudeen prayed to God to rest the victims’ souls.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Salihu Lukman, has expressed concern over what he described as a plot to hijack party structures in certain state chapters by aspirants in the opposition party.

The former National Vice Chairman, North West of APC, in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, specifically disclosed that there is a growing dissension in the Kaduna State chapter of the ADC.

‘People with ambition to contest elections have become restless and want to dominate the process of developing the structures of the party to the exclusion of their opponents,’ he alleged.

The ADC chieftain listed former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Mallam Jaafaru Sani and Alhaji Bashir Saidu amongst individuals creating disaffection in the Kaduna State chapter.

He cautioned that failure to work together as a united political family would create a serious setback for the party ahead of the next general elections.

His statement read, ‘The madness of controlling structures of ADC is the biggest threat before us. For whatever reason, those of us who want the ADC to be an equal opportunity party are being condemned. Sadly, some of our leaders, instead of providing fair leadership, are taking sides with strengthening aspiring candidates for the 2027 elections across the state to the exclusion of others.

‘I want to use the opportunity of this independence anniversary to appeal to all of us to stop this madness of trying to take over the structures of ADC and control it to the exclusion of so-called opponents. If ADC is to emerge as a strong party capable of defeating the APC in Kaduna State, we must agree to work together. Anybody who is not ready to work as part of a united opposition in Kaduna State is consciously or unconsciously working for the APC.

‘I am making this strong appeal with a very deep feeling of disappointment that we are recklessly mismanaging an opportunity to provide the needed leadership to our people. In particular, I want to appeal to Mal. Nasir El-Rufai, Mal. Jaafaru Sani and Alh. Bashir Saidu, as the opposition leader in Kaduna State, please stop encouraging the madness of aspiring candidates seeking to take over the structures of ADC to the exclusion of so-called opponents.

‘At the individual level, I have tried to talk to those I can talk to. Unfortunately, I must also admit that I have failed in many respects. The fact that we have Sen. Musa Bello aggressively seeking to control the structures of ADC in Zone 2 is a reflection of my failure. Largely because I am, in recent times, associated with Sen. Musa Bello, Sen. Lawal Adamu (Mr. La) has avoided all my requests to meet him.

‘I have met Mallam Jaafaru Sani on this matter. We have had some discussions with Mal. Nasir. Sincerely, I am saddened by the fact that we are not united, and the perception is that I am part of the problem. As a citizen from Kaduna State, I am willing to make every necessary sacrifice to move our state forward. I have no ambition to contest the election. Without sounding immodest, I made every sacrifice to contribute to forming the coalition and negotiating the agreement with ADC.

‘May I therefore appeal to Mallam Nasir and all our leaders to please seek to unite all of us. It is only if we are united in ADC that we can unite our people in the state to defeat the APC in 2027. We must bear in mind that it is not just about defeating APC but more about producing a government controlled by our party (ADC) based on collective leadership. We need to put an end to the era when we produce emperors as Governors. Anything short of producing a Goverment managed by collective leadership under ADC will be unacceptable.

‘May God Almighty touch the hearts of all us and guide us towards unity both within the ADC and in the state. Amin. Happy Independence Anniversary. ‘