Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Kids Technology Empowerment Foundation (KTEF) a non-governmental organization dedicated to equipping young people, especially less privileged students, with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills through practical learning, competitions, and mentorship programs, held the third edition of its STEM hangout recently and the event was acclaimed to be a success

The STEM hangout tagged ‘The Humanoid Robot’ was held at the Oba Akinyele Memorial Secondary School, Basorun Ibadan.

The event had over a 300 children and was an enlightening experience for the students who got exposed to various STEM oriented projects. Also present were 13 teachers, STEM mentors and a private visiting school of 7 students from Living stone college with their teacher.

The event commenced with showcase of different type of humanoid robot; House Cleaning robot, Singer Robot, Food Server Robot, Robot Art Painter, Robot Farmer, A pregnant Humanoid Robot, Care Giver Robot, Customer Service Robot, Barber Robot, Chess Player Robot, Surgeon Robot, Dander Robot, Solder Robot, Industrial Robot and a chef humanoid robot.

The opening speech was delivered by the founder of the KTEF, Adenusi Cecilia, a Certified IT Professional and STEM Educator, who enlightened the students on Artificial Intelligence, a Carton-built humanoid robot and different sensors that make the robot respond to its environment.

The event proceeded with a showcase of the humanoid robot models powered by Arduino micro controllers (the brain), demonstrating how these components form the basis of automated machines. Two Carbon humanoid robots were exhibited, to showcase the movement and speech of a robot.

Another key segment of the hangout featured one of the STEM Mentors, Mr Lifted Olasehinde who gave an in-depth talk on the functions of robot sensors, using a functional robot that could effectively detect motion and touch, as a practical example.

The students got a hands-on introduction to the world of engineering and programming during the event and each level carried out different projects: JS1 students worked on building a robot head, JS2 worked on building a Robot Hand, JS3 worked on building a robot chest, SS1 worked on building robot legs while SS2 and 3 worked on the coding Arduino microcontroller for the robot automation.

Each session classes did their best and they presented what they could achieve within the short period given the organizers by the school. This division of labor ensured that students at every level were engaged with relevant, hands-on tasks and teamwork spirit.

The event was held with the generous support and accommodation of the secondary school teachers and their principal, who recognized the importance of such practical STEM exposure.

To conclude the successful hangout, gifts were distributed to the students, celebrating their participation and inspiring them to desire more as it relates to science and technology.

The event was successful with support from Mrs Funke Oyedun (Founder, Tech the Special) and others like Dr. Sakpere from Lead City University.

‘We appreciate all the effort of our volunteering team including Omosalewa, Bolu, Michael, Bethel Gbenga-Ogundare, Abulsalam, Feranmi, Bunmi, Joel and Michael Akerele as well as Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare and the Nigerian Tribune team for constantly showing support,’ Mrs Adenusi said.

MR Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to becoming a key shaper in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, stressing that the country’s efforts are deeply anchored on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking during a plenary session themed ‘Technology, Migration and Trade Representation’ at the Stakeholders’ Interactive engagement with the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, held at the State House in Abuja, recently, Inuwa outlined Nigeria’s strategic roadmap for emerging technologies.

He noted that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda places strong emphasis on economic diversification and inclusivity, with priority number seven focusing on accelerating industrialisation, digitalisation, creative industries, manufacturing, and innovation.

According to him, this vision has informed the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy’s roadmap, and guides NITDA’s ongoing initiatives to transform Nigeria into a digital powerhouse in Africa.

The NITDA boss explained that at the heart of this ambition is Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, which lays out a clear pathway for the country’s technological future.

He described the first priority as building foundational infrastructure that will allow Nigeria to play a meaningful role in the AI journey.

According to him, this involves expanding connectivity, developing sovereign cloud platforms, and building clean and representative national datasets.

He noted the launch of the National Multilingual Large Language Model in New York as a major milestone, saying, ‘For us, it is important that our languages, our culture, and our people are represented in the AI of the future. That is why we built Nigeria’s own multilingual large language model – to ensure that technology reflects our identity and diversity.’

Inuwa also stressed the importance of nurturing the ecosystem by empowering startups and innovators, anchored by the Nigerian Startup Act which provides a legal and institutional framework for growth.

‘Innovation does not happen in isolation. You need an ecosystem that connects government, innovators, investors, and global partners. Through our startup policies, we are not just encouraging entrepreneurship; we are deliberately prioritizing inclusivity and giving women founders the space to thrive,’ he added.

On sectoral transformation, Inuwa explained that AI is being integrated into key industries such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and education to radically boost productivity, adding that AI will not replace humans; rather, it will enhance human endeavour.

‘With AI, we can achieve ten times the productivity we are seeing today. Imagine what it means when our doctors can diagnose faster, our farmers can predict yields better, and our manufacturers can cut inefficiencies. That is the kind of leap Nigeria is preparing for,’ he stated.

Inuwa pointed out that if technology is not designed with inclusivity in mind, vulnerable groups could be left behind. ‘If you are digitally invisible, AI will not consider you in its decision-making. That is why inclusivity is not optional – it is central. In every one of our initiatives, we insist on at least 40 percent women representation, because we cannot build a future that excludes half of our population,’ he said.

He concluded by stressing the importance of strong governance and regulation, noting that Nigeria is co-creating its AI governance framework with the ecosystem to ensure sustainability. ‘We cannot build this future in silos. We are working hand in hand with innovators, industry leaders, and the global community to create policies that safeguard innovation while protecting citizens. This is how Nigeria will lead responsibly.’

Nigeria’s 2025 wet farming season was marked by a mix of resilience and strain as farmers battled erratic rainfall, widespread pest infestations, and rising input costs that undermined production gains, according to findings from the 2025 Agricultural Performance Survey (APS) presented on Tuesday in Abuja.

The report, jointly conducted by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), paints a detailed picture of the country’s agricultural realities, highlighting both progress and persistent vulnerabilities.

Presenting the report, Prof. Yusuf Sani Ahmad, Executive Director of NAERLS, disclosed that more than 19,358 hectares of farmland were affected by pests and diseases during the 2025 wet season, resulting in estimated yield losses of 22.5 percent in the affected areas.

He listed key culprits as fall armyworm, rice blast, bacterial blight, streak virus, cassava mosaic, yam nematodes, cocoa black pod, and cotton smut, noting that virtually all agro-ecological zones were impacted.

‘Maize, rice, millet, cowpea, cassava, and tree crops were the most affected,’ Prof. Ahmad said, as he warned that the wide epidemiological spread of these infestations underscores the urgent need for stronger pest surveillance and early response systems.

Despite improved fertilizer availability through government interventions, input inflation remained a major challenge.

The survey recorded a 19.5 percent surge in NPK fertilizer prices, from N43,500 to N52,000 per 50kg bag, while urea rose by 10.1 percent, reaching N43,500.

These sharp increases, concentrated in the North-West, North-Central, and North-East, have placed smallholder farmers under intense cost pressure. ‘Affordability, not availability, has become the core problem,’ Prof. Ahmad observed.

Fuel prices, logistics costs, and rising production expenses compounded the burden, with maize and soybean production costs soaring by 29.2 percent and 36.8 percent, respectively.

The survey also revealed mixed results in farm mechanization. While the North-West and North-Central zones recorded the highest numbers of functional tractors (808 and 793 units, respectively), reliability issues persisted in the South-West and South-South, where a significant number of units were non-functional.

‘Mechanization access remains uneven and heavily skewed toward certain regions,’ Prof. Ahmad noted, as he stated that postharvest losses, especially in the South-West and North-Central, continue to erode farmer incomes despite gains in crop output.

Irregular rainfall, localized flooding, and climate-related shocks also featured prominently among 2025’s challenges.

The APS found that cultured fish production declined by up to 35 percent in the North-Central and North-East, regions also grappling with insecurity and environmental degradation.

While the South-South zone maintained relative stability in fish production due to its natural fisheries base, the South-West showed inconsistencies linked to volatile aquaculture conditions and weak data tracking systems.

Reacting to the report, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, acknowledged that the season’s performance reflects both progress and warning signs.

‘The 2025 APS findings show encouraging growth in major staples and a welcome decline in food prices, but the persistent challenges, from high input costs to pest outbreaks and postharvest losses, demand renewed action,’ he said.

Kyari commended farmers’ resilience and the collaborative efforts behind the survey but emphasized that the Ministry would institutionalize a Dry Season Agricultural Performance Survey to complement the wet season report.

‘This will make agricultural planning a year-round, data-driven exercise,’ he said, as he noted that the Ministry plans to boost local fertilizer production, expand climate-smart agriculture, and modernize mechanization services to improve productivity and resilience.

The Minister also underscored plans to recruit more extension agents, deploy digital advisory tools, and strengthen public-private partnerships to close information and input gaps.

‘We are determined to ensure that Nigerian agriculture becomes more productive, inclusive, and resilient,’ Kyari stated.

Despite modest growth, with rice production up 2.66 percent and maize by 2.0 percent, the 2025 wet season reaffirmed the sector’s exposure to climate stress, price volatility, and infrastructure gaps.

Yet, as the APS shows, it also demonstrated the capacity of Nigerian farmers to adapt, if backed by consistent data, coordinated policy, and sustained investment.

Two suspects, Abayo David and David Bori, both from Itedo-Ijowa, Isanlu, Yagba East LGA, of Kogi State, have been arrested for providing logistics and supplying food to bandits terrorising Yagbaland.

The Press Secretary to the Yagba West LGA Chairman, Adeyemi Babarinde, on Wednesday, said the suspects were arrested in the early hours of Wednesday at about 4:00 a.m. during a routine patrol conducted by members of the Local Government Hunters and Vigilantes.

This operation marks a crucial breakthrough in the local authorities’ efforts to combat those who facilitate and support criminal activities within the community.

The timely intervention of the security forces has been hailed as a proactive measure in the fight against banditry and related crimes that have plagued the area.

Babarinde Sunday, stated, ‘This arrest is a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against those aiding and abetting insecurity in our communities..

We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of our communities and will continue to take decisive action against those who threaten our peace.’

The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing to uncover further details about their operations and any potential connections to larger criminal networks.

Residents of Yagba West have been enjoined to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

The statement reads in part: ‘Security operatives in Yagba West have arrested two suspects for allegedly smuggling food supplies and other logistics to armed bandits hiding in the forest.

‘The suspects, Abayo David and David Bori, both from Itedo-Ijowa, Isanlu (Yagba East LGA), were apprehended around 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday during a routine patrol by members of the Yagba West Local Government Hunters and vigilantes.’

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining monetary policies and economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, assuring that the measures are already yielding positive results in stabilising the economy.

CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, who made the disclosure in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said recent indicators point to a gradual ease in inflation and noticeable stability in the foreign exchange market.

Speaking at the CBN Fair themed ‘Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development,’ Cardoso said the bank remains resolute in achieving price and monetary stability necessary to drive sustainable growth.

Represented by the Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, the CBN Governor noted that the exchange rate unification policy has not only reduced volatility in the forex market but has also cleared over $7 billion of verified forex forwards backlog.

‘The B-Match system for forex trading has strengthened market integrity and facilitated better price discovery. This initiative is expected to improve uniformity in trading and ensure seamless operations among market participants,’ he explained.

Cardoso listed other key initiatives of the apex bank to include the ongoing bank recapitalisation drive, designed to bolster the resilience and global competitiveness of Nigerian banks, positioning them to support the administration’s target of a $1 trillion economy.

He also cited the introduction of the non-resident BVN scheme to connect Nigerians abroad with home banking services, and the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028 (PSV 2028), which seeks to accelerate digital transformation, broaden financial inclusion and ensure faster, safer transactions.

According to him, the recent introduction of a 75 per cent Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) on non-TSA public sector deposits is aimed at enhancing liquidity management and mitigating inflationary pressures.

Explaining the rationale behind the CBN Fair, Cardoso said it was designed to sensitise Nigerians on the Bank’s policies, promote financial literacy, and deepen understanding of reforms that impact livelihoods.

He appealed to the public to respect the Naira, describing it as a vital national symbol.

‘I encourage you to respect and keep the Naira clean. Do not spray, hawk, mutilate or counterfeit the Naira,’ he said.

Earlier in her remarks, the CBN Branch Controller in Uyo, Mrs Njideka Nwabukwu, said the fair was also a feedback platform to gauge public perception and strengthen stakeholder engagement.

She reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Akwa Ibom State’s economic aspirations through financial inclusion drives, literacy campaigns, and effective service delivery.

‘Through strategic policies and regulatory frameworks, the Bank continues to enhance payment systems, promote financial inclusion and support sustainable economic growth,’ Nwabukwu added.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has screened 176 exceptional underage candidates who scored high marks in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as part of the conditions for granting them admission into universities.

Following the adoption of the 16 years age limit at the last JAMB admission policy meeting, the Registrar of the Board, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, assembled a team of experts to further screen the underage candidates who scored 320 and above in the 2025 UTME.

The exercise, designed to ensure that only outstanding and well-prepared candidates below the age of 16 are considered for admission into tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session, was conducted by experts put together by the examination body.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the Chairman of the Abuja Centre for the screening of under-16 candidates, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the exercise, which was also held simultaneously in Owerri and Lagos.

On the screening procedure, Adedoja explained that candidates first sat for a written examination before proceeding to face-to-face interviews.

‘They did the first paper which took like 20 minutes and after that the papers were marked and they proceeded to the second session and after that the third one and we will have a face-to-face interaction with them,’ he said.

The former Minister of Sports noted that 22 candidates participated in the Abuja Centre, while 176 candidates took part nationwide.

‘Twenty-two candidates are here in Abuja Centre, and nationwide it is 176,’ he said, adding that the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, would determine when the results of the screening would be released.

Also speaking after monitoring the exercise, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Mohammed Muntari Dandutse, commended JAMB for providing a platform for talented underage candidates to demonstrate their abilities.

‘Now they are giving leverage to the underage so that they can go to the universities based on their ability to pass these exams.

‘It is very important for them (underage) to be assessed because of the maturity of focus. because if you take an underage to go to the university and he doesn’t perform, it is a useless venture. So it is better that the exam is carried out so that the best talent can be selected and it will pave the way for the development of this country,’ the lawmaker, who represents Katsina South Senatorial District, said.

Dandutse also reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s education policies aimed at national development, while commending JAMB for its consistency and transparency.

‘I want to sincerely commend the leadership of JAMB for their milestone to make sure that this exam is written across the country,’ he said.

On his part, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies, Hon. Oboku Oforji, who also monitored the exercise in Abuja, lauded the students for their outstanding performance, noting that it reflects Nigeria’s competitiveness in education across Africa.

‘Because for the underage to have performed exceptionally well, it tells how we are doing in education as of today. And we are very proud of the agency – JAMB – and we want to encourage them to do more. Even though we believe that with what we sighted, more is supposed to be encouraged,’ Oforji, who was joined by his committee members, said.

Meanwhile, a total of 38 out of 43 shortlisted underage candidates participated in the screening exercise at the Owerri Centre.

Chairman of the Owerri Centre and Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Paulinus Okwelle, expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the exercise.

He commended the candidates for their orderly behaviour and assured that the screening process would strictly adhere to the guidelines provided by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The under-16 candidates at the Owerri Centre were drawn from the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones.

Recall that in Nigeria, the official age for university admission is 18, though the National Policy allows entry from age 16.

A total of 41,027 candidates applied under the category of exceptionally brilliant underage candidates for the 2025 UTME, but only 599 scored 80 per cent and above.

Some were later disqualified for not meeting the same benchmark in their O-Level or Post-UTME results, leaving only 176 confirmed for final assessment.

The screening panel comprised representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission (NUC), vice-chancellors, the Gifted School, among others.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to mobilise students to occupy federal highways across the 36 states and the FCT should federal government agencies, trade unions, or foreign collaborators continue on the path of sabotage, as it vows to defend the survival of the Nigerian economy and the dignity of the nation.

The association made its position known when its members demonstrated in Asaba on Wednesday against what it called petroleum industry revitalisation sabotage as a result of the face-off between the Dangote Group and PENGASSAN.

The students carried different inscriptions such as ‘We need progress, we can’t be great by destroying greatness’; ‘Youths stand with Dangote – Future at stake’; and ‘Economic freedom starts with local refineries, support indigenous industries, not imported monopoly.’

According to Comrade Olushola Oladoja, President, National Association of Nigerian Students, the Nigerian students’ movement stands firmly on the side of industrial growth, job creation, and more independence, adding that ‘we will not fold our arms while internal saboteurs destroy the hope of a new Nigeria.’

The president, who was represented by the National Financial Secretary of the association, Comrade Jeremiah Friday Ohomah, said the destruction of the textile industry must never be repeated in the petroleum sector.

He said the Dangote Refinery and other private refineries represent a new dawn in Nigeria’s industrial revival, which he argued must be protected, supported, and sustained by all means.

‘The latest manifestation of this conspiracy is the unconstitutional attempt by PENGASSAN to impose union membership on workers of the Dangote Refinery.

‘This is an act of coercion and a direct violation of Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees freedom of association – including the freedom not to join any association.

‘Private refinery workers have every right to choose their form of representation or to remain un-unionised.

‘After all, academic staff in private universities are not compelled to join ASUU, lecturers in private polytechnics are not under ASUP, and teachers in private colleges of education are not members of COEASU.

‘This imposition is, therefore, a calculated attempt to frustrate Dangote Refinery and other emerging private investments in the sector, and NANS will resist it with every legitimate means.

‘It is on record that the collapse of Nigeria’s national refineries was not merely due to poor maintenance but deliberate acts of sabotage by entrenched interests.’

The association therefore demanded, amongst others, priority crude supply to Nigerian refineries, an end to crude undervaluation to foreign refineries, less priority on petroleum product importation at the expense of locally refined petroleum products by indigenous refineries, protection of private investment, freedom of association, and the cessation of union harassment and industrial blackmail.

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Oyo State Field Office, has started filling potholes and carrying out other road maintenance works to ensure safer driving conditions on highways across the state.

The exercise began on Wednesday in Ibadan with the launch of Operation Safeguard the Road (OSGR) – an initiative aimed at preserving Nigeria’s federal roads and improving the safety of road users.

FERMA Maintenance Engineer, Engr. Tunde Adepoju, said the programme became necessary due to the rising number of accidents on highways.

While noting that human error accounts for over 80% of crashes, Adepoju said the Federal Government is taking steps to reduce the trend. He added that the agency has recruited 50 ad-hoc workers to help kick-start the operation in the state.

‘This initiative, conceived under the leadership of our Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Emeka Agbasi, through the Public Works Department, marks another milestone in the drive to protect the public facilities of our great nation.

‘We are committed to making our roads safer and more motorable by ensuring clear visibility for motorists, free flow of drainage systems, and proper maintenance of road furniture,’ he said.

Adepoju explained that the operation would include clearing roadside vegetation, desilting blocked drains, managing traffic, and patching potholes along major roads in the state.

‘Our roads remain one of the most critical infrastructures in Nigeria,’ he added. ‘They connect communities, power business activities, and serve as lifelines for economic and social development. Protecting them is a collective duty we owe to ourselves and the next generation.’

He noted that beyond improving road conditions, the project will also provide short-term jobs for local youths who will work along the 43-kilometre stretch currently under maintenance.

‘We have 50 labourers registered for this operation,’ Adepoju said. ‘Their engagement has been properly documented to ensure transparency and accountability.’

Adepoju thanked FERMA’s Managing Director, represented by the Zonal Director for South West I, Engr. B.O. Aina, as well as other agencies present, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

‘Together, we can make our nation great and our roads safer,’ he added.

‘Development is gradual,’ Adepoju tells Nigerians

Speaking on the sidelines, Adepoju admitted that maintaining Nigeria’s vast network of federal roads is a major challenge due to limited resources and high material costs.

‘If you look at the total number of federal roads in the country, you’ll understand the enormity of the task,’ he said. ‘In Oyo State alone, I have over 1,118 kilometres under my supervision. The government is doing everything possible to make our roads better, but development takes time. We can’t fix everything overnight.’

He appealed for patience and public support, stressing that FERMA is doing its best within available means. ‘It’s not that the government doesn’t know what to do,’ he explained. ‘Economic realities and the high cost of construction materials have made road maintenance more challenging. But FERMA remains committed to doing its best.’

Adepoju also condemned vandalism and sabotage by individuals who damage newly repaired roads, including traders who deliberately create potholes to slow down traffic.

‘People need to understand that these roads are built with taxpayers’ money,’ he said. ‘When they destroy them, they’re wasting public funds. Protecting our infrastructure must be seen as a shared responsibility.’

In separate remarks, stakeholders such as the Police Commissioner (represented by CSP Rotimi of the Toll Gate Division), officials of the FRSC, NSCDC, and members of the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS) commended FERMA for the effort, describing it as ‘timely and proactive.’

They noted that many road crashes stem from reckless driving and poor road culture, especially among truck and trailer drivers along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The stakeholders called for stronger collaboration with FERMA and more public awareness to promote safer driving and prevent avoidable road accidents.

His first wife was married for him by the whole community. Everybody contributed one thing or the other, from encouragement to tubers of yam and cowries for the bride price. He was ripe and ready but the number of people working against Toosa were many. The beautiful girl he wanted was wanted by a dozen and one other men. Well, that wa normal, even. It was the wicked elders and envious youths running him down that was the big problem

Toosa too wants a wife, in which world?

Don’t mind him, his butterfly wants to fly like a bird.

Does he have what it takes?

Can he feed a woman and take care of her needs.

He must think being able to sleep with a woman is all it takes to be a husband.

I heard his small hut is even leaking.

Ah, does he want the poor girl to be swept away by flood during rainy season?

He is too young.

No, he is too old.

It is not his turn.

Because the evil voices were loud and cacophonous, it felt like the naysayers were many. But no, they were a few, really, just loud and strident. Those who wanted Toosa married were more and they eventually won. They mustered courage and resources and the wedding took place, followed by 16 years of marriage. In the very presence of Toosa’s enemies, Toosa became a father of six and his slim bride became robust and rounded in all the right places. The enemies’ eyes bulged in envy and disbelief. Yes. Then one day, the marriage ended. Toosa’s wife left him.

Fight for her.

Threaten her parents.

Take thugs and waylay her before she reaches her father’s compound.

Let your labourers go and destroy her father’s compound.

How can you let her go after 16 years? Will you now be sweeping your compound and cooking for yourself?

But Toosa just sat there and said: Let her go. If she is truly mine, she would not leave me. I don’t want anybody to be injured or killed just to keep my wife. No, let her go.

It was a really dark and lonely moment for him. And for years he lived his wife-less life without groaning. Until his friends started showing up and telling him about a particular woman who had everything a woman should have: beauty, brain, good manners and she came from a rich and influential family. Of course, Toosa resisted. He had grown accustomed to living his life on his terms, no pressure, no nagging, no in-law troubles. But eventually, he agreed to go and look at the woman and what he saw was a mouth-watering total package. It was a sneak peek but the backside of that woman when she walked past had Toosa rubbing his palms together and smacking his lips. Indeed, the image of the backside of Aponbepore (fair like palm oil) kept Toosa tossing and turning all night . By morning he was ready to do anything to get this beautiful woman. That was when his friends cleared their throats and told him the Balogun (the leader of all the warriors )of their town was also interested in Aponbepore. Toosa gasped and this song came to his mind. Don’t ask me how.

E ma na omo Balogun

Bi e ba na omo Balogun

Idagiri a w’olu

Ese giri a w’ode

Translation

Do not beat Balogun’s child

If you beat Balogun’s child

It will lead to confusion

It will precipitate running helter skelter

Skip several years to today’s Nigeria.

There is a Nigerian Toosa who does not just want to beat Balogun’s son, he wants to ‘snatch’ Balogun’s woman instead of looking further afield for his new wife. Here is a shy personable gentleman that the whole community had to rally round to get his first and former wife. Why does he think he can swing this hard task of ‘snatching’ a reigning Balogun’s woman?

Okay, Balogun has not paid the fine lady’s bride price but the bebe (waist beads), according to the grapevine, was bought by Balogun. That is a deep investment, seriously. Toosa’s friends are many and so are his foes posing as friends. They know Balogun will fight whoever contends with him for anything, woman or war, and he is a warrior. This good man with good reputation could lose to Balogun and people will forget Toosa’s reputation as a meek and mild man and start talking about the ‘man who took on a fight he knew he could not win, a man who Balogun battered like a snake not fit for the soup pot (ejo aije), a man whose beloved is now in Balogun’s bed, making babies every year.’

Abomination. It should not be, must not be and by the grace of the ancestors, will not be.

Backing up a little, what exactly is my point here?

That song from Ebenezer Obey’s album has been playing on my mind too for about three days now. So, I asked my mind, why are you dancing to this particular song, please. My mind replied, ‘I am not dancing to the song, I am thinking of the song.’ My forehead furrowed. There must be a message in there that my mind is trying to impress on me. I shook my head, smiled as it cleared. My mind must have discovered my wrapped thought about former President Goodluck Jonathan and all the talk about him throwing his hat in the presidential race ring come 2027.

Don’t misunderstand me. I like Jonathan’s hat. I just don’t like it in any ring. For me, the man has won all the belts there is to be won. He has proved that when God is on your side, it does not matter how long you go shoeless, you will eventually sit on a horse. The Jonathan story has shown that when you are standing on the shoulder of the God of all gods and godfathers, you will arrive your divine destination, no matter how many stumbling blocks are mounted on your path. The cabals won’t matter. Indeed, they will bow or fall or do both when you arrive.

We have not forgotten how Dr Jonathan became President, have we? He was Vice President to President Yar’ Adua, remember, the good President who came into office ill? The road was rough for all of us until the storm was calmed by death and something called ‘Doctrine of Necessity’. The nation’s already uneven lines went further jagged. The Federal Executive Council was polarized. There was high drama. After all the muffled noise and whispers of conspiracy, the mantle of leadership fell on Goodluck Jonathan. And it wasn’t the first time too. Way back in faraway Yenagoa, the shoeless boy had become a university don and later a Deputy Governor in Bayelsa State. Then fate showed up for him and his boss, DSP Alamieyeseigha did something bad and had to leave town in the dead of the night (dramatic details are available in different versions). That was how a man went to bed as Deputy Governor and was woken up to be sworn in as a Governor.

I like former President Jonathan. Most Nigerians will forever applaud his courage in the face of defeat, defeat as sitting President at a presidential polls his government fully funded too. Who was not shocked? It was so un-Nigerian thing to do. Come on, Jonathan could have had himself declared winner. What would have happened? Maybe three days or so of blood, gore and innocent lives cut short. There would have been noise, plenty of noise but it would all have eventually died down and the President would have done his second term whether we liked it or not. Not Jonathan. He walked the path of honour home. He wanted peace. He wanted no part in human sacrifice and bloody electoral victory. To the chagrin of his party and followers, Jonathan gave everything up. The world clapped, called him a good man, unusual politician and he became star speaker at international political events.

It was also the beginning of the end of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its 16-year reign. I am not sure that party can ever forgive Jonathan. The number of politicians who are still seething with rage, reeling in pain of aborted ambitions is huge.

In 2027, the Presidential boxing ring can do with four serious hats. That would make the sitting government sit straighter up. But Jonathan’s hat should not be there. Why? One, those who betrayed him that other time are still very much around, greedier, meaner and more ferocious. They are within his party PDP and in other parties pretending to be born-again now. They are not. Two, the merchants of candidates and election retailers are waiting for that hat to land in the ring. He should remember those who collected millions of naira for all kinds of things including prayers on mountains and in holy lands so Jonathan could win. They will convince him, assure him and then trade him. Three, when PDP had 22 governors, he lost the election, how does he want to reach the states and grassroots now that almost all the governors have done deals, made pacts to secure their second terms? Four, this is Nigeria where politicking, campaigning and elections are heavily monetized. This girl has been directly close to two election day spending and trust me, it is eye-popping. Where will all that funds come from? Five, is Jonathan even sure that those courting him are not working for APC, somehow? With politicians, nothing is as it seems. Six, an Abuja Federal High Court has been approached to issue a perpetual injunction restraining Dr Jonathan from participating in the 2027 presidential election and also barring INEC from listing him as a candidate. Ah, court matters in this season is both time-wasting and money-guzzling.

And finally to my own personal point, I want to forever remember Jonathan as the one clean President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who chose decency over office, refused to do human sacrifice to get a second term. I do not want to remember him as the Nigerian President who was defeated twice, first as incumbent President and then former president by the same political party. It will pain me too much.

THE Chartered Institute of Educational Practitioners, United Kingdom (CIEPUK), has said it will launch a Global Southern Studies/Research Centre (GSSRC) at Paul University, Awka, in partnership with Soochow University, China.

The unveiling of the centre is scheduled for October 17 at the Nwawka Auditorium, Paul University.

According to CIEPUK, the centre aims to enhance academic collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development across the Global South.

It will also serve as a hub for research, knowledge exchange, and international partnerships.

CIEPUK’s African regional office is located at Paul University, where the centre will be based.

Key research areas include technology, climate change, agriculture, health sciences, social development, and cultural exchange.

Officials from the three partner institutions described the initiative as a milestone in academic diplomacy and a model for South-South cooperation and sustainable progress.

The Consular Representative of China in Nigeria is expected to attend the launch.

Professor Marcel Ezenwoye, CIEPUK Global President, who also serves as Director of the Pre-degree Programme at Paul University, signed the formal announcement.

Ezenwoye said the centre would support cross-border collaboration and foster innovative solutions to development challenges.

He added that it would also promote cultural understanding through academic exchange.

Organisers said the centre would facilitate joint publications, patents, policy research, and scholarships, in addition to offering training and exchange opportunities for Nigerian students and researchers.

Stakeholders said the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s role in global research partnerships and aligns with both national and regional development goals.

The event is expected to attract dignitaries, academics, students, and international guests.