Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The House of Representatives on Wednesday asked the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to direct the Bank of Agriculture, the Bank of Industry (BoI) and other relevant financial institutions to provide easy access to short-term loans in favour of cassava farmers in the country.

The House also asked the government to immediately reconstitute the defunct Presidential Committee on the Cassava Initiative Programme, known as ‘Composite Cassava Flour of 2002’ to improve the welfare of cassava peasant farmers in the country.

In a resolution following a motion sponsored by Canice Moore Chukwuugozie Nwachhukwu, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to embark on massive value chain training of peasant farmers on cassava production, processing and packaging.

Moving the motion, Nwachhukwu said cassava production in Nigeria is developing as an organised agricultural crop with locally established processing techniques for food products and livestock feeds.

He informed cassava is produced in almost all the 36 States of the Federation, including the FCT, while the peels have a high level of Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN), particularly in bitter cassava varieties, which are common in Nigeria and used as an energy supplement in cattle, which can partly replace 30% of total Dry Matter Intake (DMI) energy concentrates, with no influence on the intake, digestibility, microbial efficiency and nitrogen retention and act as an antidote to many cattle diseases.

He stated that there are four planting seasons across the country’s six geopolitical zones and is therefore available all year round.

According to him, this will give the farmers access to a better market share with good selling prices, which will ultimately increase their income while contributing their quota in feeding the nation and increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP), adding that diversification of the Nigerian economy could be achieved by using cassava as an alternative to crude oil to earn substantial amounts of foreign exchange through massive cultivation both for local consumption and export.

Ordinarily, the phrase ‘red letter’ is used to describe something, such as a day or an event, of special significance. For example, October 1 every year is a red letter day in Nigeria, because the country attained independence on that date in 1960. That was a joyous and memorable event. However, not all red letter days are joyous moments. The day misfortune fell on New York City by way of a terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001, was a red letter day too.

If you wish to understand how The Red Letter issued on October 22, 2025, by the Coordinating Minister, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, has elements of both types of red letter and more, please follow me through the following semiotic analysis of the letter.

It was Roland Barthes (1915-1980), the French philosopher, literary theorist, and semiotician, who popularised an interesting rubric for analysing sign systems from a variety of perspectives. He found semiotics, the study of signs, a useful way of exposing contradictions and revealing hidden meanings. For example, Barthes showed how a simple advertisement, that of Panzani, a brand of pasta (spaghetti), could be analysed from multiple levels to reveal iconic and symbolic signs as well as surface (denotative) and hidden (connotative) meanings at the same time (see Rhetoric of the Image in his book, Image Music Text, London, Fontana, 1977, pages 32-51). In the following analysis, I juxtapose the various levels of meaning as I go along.

At the iconic level, Pate’s letter is set against a red background in its digital representation. Although the print of the digital copy is white, the red background captures attention much more than the white print. It literally makes the letter red. However, we begin to get the meat of the letter once we begin to decipher the white print.

But what does the white print say? Many things, some direct, others indirect. First, the words confirm the disbursement of N32.9 billion to the commercial bank accounts of ‘primary care facilities in every ward across the country.’ Wait! There are 8,809 wards across the country. That means that there are 8,809 primary care facilities across the country. And how much does each ward get from this pot of money? You do the math. But remember to multiply your answer by three, since the minister says this is ‘the third round this year.’

Second, the letter is presented as an invitation from the federal government to the various communities to help safeguard the spending of the fund by ensuring that it is monitored. There is a much deeper meaning here. Here is a government promoting participatory democracy, by appealing to the people not to ‘stand aside,’ at a time when some cheeky politicians are screaming the death of democracy.

Nevertheless, there is a sense in which the people’s lethargy makes room for the perceived death of democracy: They are not participating as they should, and the letter is very explicit about the problem: ‘Our community members and institutions do not ask how the money is used, or if it reaches the people it was meant for’.

Hence the government’s direct appeal in The Red Letter:

‘Stand up and take ownership

Go to your health facility

Join the committee

Review the plan

Demand openness

Celebrate progress

And above all, make sure the fund truly protects the health of your people.’

Third, there is an indirect appeal to the elite and those who are literate enough to be able to read The Red Letter to disseminate the information: ‘Let this Red Letter reach every community, every ward, and every home. Let it remind us that the health of Nigeria lives in the hands of Nigerians.’ I am doing my own bit here by reproducing The Red Letter and analysing it. You should do your own bit too, by sharing this article with as many people as possible. Make it a point of duty to tell at least ten people to find the primary health care facility in their ward and follow the money by taking part in ward activities and making enquiries about funding.

It must be emphasised, however, that this Red Letter carries far-reaching implications for accountability and citizen engagement beyond wards. Since the return to democracy in 1999, state governments have not been sufficiently accountable to those they were elected to serve. Local government councils and their wards have been shut out of their funds by their respective state governors. It has been reported numerous times since the inception of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration that states have been receiving increased allocations from the Federal Account Allocation Committee, compared to previous years due to the economic reforms by the administration.

Indeed, in the last few months, states have been receiving more funds than the federal government. For example, in September 2025, FAAC’s disbursements were as follows: federal government N711.314 billion; state governments N727.170 billion; and local government councils N529.954 billion. On top of their allocations, oil producing states also received a total of N134.956 billion as 13 percent derivation. These past few months would be the first time in over two decades that states would receive a larger share of FAAC allocation than the federal government. Yet, there is little to show for the increased allocations in many states of the federation. This led me to raise the alarm in September (see Your governor has your money, ask him for it, The Nation, September 3, 2025).

This situation also led the present administration to approach the Supreme Court to seek the loophole in the constitution in granting financial autonomy to local councils. Even then not much development has happened in the councils. It is alleged that some governors had their local council chairmen swear to an oath of secrecy or sign a fund sharing agreement on their council’s funds!

The Red Letter now shows that the ministry of health has even bypassed the councils by going directly to wards and calling on citizens to seize the opportunity by participating in the oversight of their health care facilities. But this is not the first time the federal government would target wards directly. Early in August, President Tinubu approved a ward-level development strategy designed to drive grassroots economic growth and address poverty across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards. It is the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP), which is integral to the Renewed Hope Agenda that targets a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Just as Minister Pate appealed to citizens to participate in the affairs of primary health care facilities in their wards, so did President Tinubu appeal to state governors to prioritise the welfare of their citizens at the local level: ‘I want to appeal to you; let us change the story of our people in the rural areas. The economy is working. We are on the path of recovery, but we need to stimulate growth in the rural areas.’

At the end of the day, The Red Letter and the President’s appeal to governors are coded messages: governors should perform and citizens should hold them to account through participation and oversight.

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Preparedness for the Single-Use Plastics Ban in Nigeria has proposed the introduction of a green tax on industries involved in the production of polypropylene – one of the most widely used materials in plastic manufacturing.

According to the committee, the move aims to tackle Nigeria’s growing plastic waste crisis and ensure that manufacturers bear responsibility for the environmental costs of their operations.

Speaking at the committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja, Chairman Hon. Terseer Ugbor (APC, Benue) said the House will also consider legislation to regulate polypropylene production and promote recycling as part of a broader national strategy to reduce pollution and protect public health.

Ugbor described plastic pollution as a growing menace, warning that the unchecked use of polypropylene-based products has placed enormous pressure on Nigeria’s already strained waste management systems.

‘Polypropylene’s environmental impact is substantial and disturbing,’ he said. ‘During production, it releases toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene, putting workers and nearby communities at risk. It is responsible for enormous carbon emissions and relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributing to resource depletion.

‘As waste, polypropylene isn’t biodegradable, it lingers in landfills for up to 500 years, polluting our oceans and harming marine life in the process.’

The lawmaker said the committee will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to design policy frameworks for the proposed green tax and integrate polypropylene recycling into the national waste management system.

‘Nigeria cannot afford to continue on this path of environmental neglect,’ Ugbor added. ‘Our industries must take responsibility for the ecological footprints they leave behind.

This committee will work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that sustainable, environmentally responsible solutions are not just recommended but implemented.’

Nigeria ranks among the top 20 countries globally contributing to marine plastic pollution. Studies by the World Bank and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimate that the country generates over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with less than 10 percent being recycled.

Major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are the worst affected, with clogged drainage systems and waterways littered with plastic waste contributing to frequent flooding and water contamination.

Environmental experts warn that improper disposal of polypropylene and other plastics contaminates soil, groundwater, and food sources, while burning plastic waste releases toxic emissions that worsen air quality and increase respiratory illnesses.

Only a few private firms currently engage in large-scale recycling, while the absence of a coherent national policy continues to hinder sustainable waste management efforts.

With the committee’s proposal, lawmakers hope to stimulate investment in recycling, strengthen enforcement of environmental standards, and align Nigeria’s waste management policies with global climate and sustainability goals.

Ugbor said the committee would also hold public hearings with manufacturers, recyclers, and environmental experts to ensure that any proposed levy or regulation is both effective and fair.

‘This is not about taxation,’ he emphasized. ‘It is about responsibility, sustainability, and protecting the future of our environment and our people.’

The Senate has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nominees as the new Service Chiefs after an intensive closed-door screening that centred on Nigeria’s deepening security challenges.

At the end of the over two-hour session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Upper Chamber unanimously approved the appointments of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.

The Service Chiefs, while answering questions from Senators before the executive session, promised sweeping reforms to modernise the Armed Forces, boost troop morale, promote local arms production, use of technology, and deepen cooperation among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

General Oluyede said his leadership would drive a ‘technology-driven, self-reliant’ defence system that reduces dependence on foreign arms.

He said: ‘We cannot continue to rely on foreign suppliers for our weapons. It is economically unsustainable and strategically risky.

‘My focus will be to build a strong local military-industrial base that can produce what we need to defend the nation.’

He pledged to make intelligence-led, data-driven warfare the backbone of joint operations, while prioritising welfare, healthcare, housing, and education for soldiers’ families.

‘Morale is the backbone of fighting power,’ he said.

Oluyede also called for a comprehensive reform of the police to enable it to take charge of internal security, so as to free the military to focus on external defence.

‘The military alone cannot secure Nigeria. Security is everyone’s business,’ he added.

Senators praised the nominees’ strategic focus, with Borno North Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno commending Oluyede’s experience in the insurgency war, while Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) urged him to treat troop welfare as non-negotiable.

Rear Admiral Abbas, the new Chief of Naval Staff, promised to overhaul maritime operations, expand drone surveillance, and intensify the fight against piracy and oil theft.

He also said that there was no need for setting up the proposed Coast Guards, as the Navy is already performing their expected role.

‘The Navy’s constitutional roles already cover what a Coast Guard would do.

‘What we need is better funding and modern surveillance systems,’ he said.

He said the Navy had deployed drones to monitor remote creeks and set up a Special Operations Command in Makurdi to boost patrols on the Benue-Lokoja waterways.

Abbas also said there is need for victim-centred reintegration of repentant militants, saying: ‘Deradicalisation must include justice and healing.’

Aneke, the new Chief of Air Staff, vowed to transform the Air Force into a ‘combat-ready, disciplined, and intelligent’ service anchored on drone technology and rapid-response capability.

‘Modern warfare is technology-driven. Unmanned aerial systems perform many missions better and safer than manned aircraft. We will invest in them,’ he said.

Aneke assured senators that Nigeria’s $1.2 billion Super Tucano aircraft fleet remains operational and vital to ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

‘They are flying every night in the North-East and North-West. Each missile costs about $100,000, the price of peace,’ he said.

He promised to prioritise pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and personnel welfare, while seeking legislative support for defence technology funding.

Together, the new Service Chiefs outlined a unified vision, one built on synergy, innovation, and welfare, to secure Nigeria’s land, sea, and airspace.

General Oluyede vowed to drive joint operations with Rear Admiral Abbas to safeguard maritime assets, and Air Vice Marshal Aneke to ensure air dominance.

All three reaffirmed loyalty to President Tinubu’s defence reform agenda and promised to deliver tangible results in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and oil theft.

‘We are here to serve. Every naira invested in the military must translate into peace, safety, and pride for Nigerians,’ Aneke said.

With their confirmation, the Service Chiefs now form the core of Tinubu’s new security architecture, tasked with restoring stability to the North-East, ending banditry in the North-West, and defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity across all fronts.

Lagos is already the Afrobeats capital of the world, the only problem? It hasn’t been officially recognised. Lagos, the heartbeat of a genre that has crossed oceans and conquered global charts, stages and audiences across the world, from the bustling streets of Surulere to the neon glow of Victoria Island, the city has nurtured the sound, raised its stars, and set the rhythm for a generation. The official recognition and declaration from the state, federal government and international organisations like the UN Tourism and others of what the world already knows and is a fact, Afrobeats begins and thrives in Lagos, Nigeria is what is needed next.

Afrobeats superstars like Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Tems, Rema, Ayra Starr and many others have transcended regional and continental lines to become a global cultural force. From chart-topping hits dominating international airwaves to selling out arenas from London to New York, the world is listening and Lagos is always at the center. The city is in the lyrics, the visuals, and provides the soundtrack for the creative energy that fuels the culture. Lagos is the origin and Launchpad for this global phenomenon.

But, every day without the official recognition, Nigeria loses vast opportunities in year-round sustainable tourism, massive job creation, foreign and local investment, and the global branding power Afrobeats offers. This recognition is not merely symbolic but catalytic. It positions Lagos as a year-round sustainable creative tourism destination, beyond the now popular Detty December, for signature festivals, conferences, creative residencies, heritage trails, and cultural expos that keep the megacity vibrant all year long.

Other cities have successfully done this. New Orleans, Louisiana is officially branded the home of Jazz. Kingston, Jamaica, is synonymous with Reggae. Nashville is celebrated worldwide as the Country Music Capital. Seoul turned K-Pop into a multi-billion-dollar economy. These cities did not just create sound, they recognized it, branded it, invested in it, and built thriving cultural tourism industries around them. Lagos must now do the same with Afrobeats.

From examples sighted, the numbers speak for themselves. Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’ campaign generated approximately $2 billion in 2019. K-Pop contributed approximately over $4 billion to South Korea’s GDP in 2024. Nashville’s music tourism generates over $5 billion annually. With Afrobeats as its strongest cultural export well managed and organized, Lagos with its size has the potential to meet or surpass these figures. The official recognition would drive year-round cultural tourism through festivals, expos, conferences, and residencies; generate jobs across its ecosystem including music, fashion, film, food, dance, and allied industries; boost local industries such as hotels, airlines, restaurants, lounges, and event venues; strengthen Nigeria’s global brand and increase its cultural soft power.

The Planet Afrobeats project, powered by Inspiro Productions, is spearheading the Lagos Afrobeats Capital of the World Campaign. The mission is clear: brand Lagos as the Afrobeats capital of the world with a master-plan, empower youth by connecting and converting talent to wealth, and create multiple economic opportunities across the value chain. Ayoola Sadare, CEO of Inspiro Productions and the brain behind The Planet Afrobeats project and his company, have dedicated over two decades to championing Nigeria’s creative industries with several initiatives such as the Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF), NAIJAZZ – The Nigerian Jazz Project, LABULE – The Creative Community, The Tale of Two African Cities (TOTAC – Lagos/Johannesburg) amongst others.

At inspiro we drew some of our inspiration from cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, in Africa, Stuttgart and other cities in Europe amongst others which have built thriving tourism economies around jazz festivals such as Joy of Jazz, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Jazz Open and others. Lagos, with its strong Afrobeats culture, has the cultural capital and firepower to drive sustainable year-round inbound tourism beyond Detty December. This is not just about music. It is about jobs, pride, investment, Lagos and Nigeria’s creative economy future. Afrobeats is perhaps now our strongest cultural export alongside Nollywood and Lagos is its undisputed home.

The Planet Afrobeats initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES Agenda Plus, particularly in Tourism, Entertainment, and the Creative Economy as well as the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy’s Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere vision. Recognising Lagos as the Global Afrobeats Capital would institutionalise the city and nation’s cultural leadership and secure billions in creative economy revenues. The time has come to officially recognize this.’

Lagos doesn’t need permission to be Afrobeats’ home because it already is. What is needed is an intentional declaration, a master-plan and the courage to brand it boldly. The time is now. Lagos is ready. The world is waiting.’

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise local refining and allocate 100 percent of the nation’s crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery to enable full-scale production and self-sufficiency in fuel supply.

The students, armed with various placards and banners, made the call during a peaceful protest on Wednesday from the Millennium park to the Unity Fountain, as security agents did not allow the protesters storm the National Assembly as earlier scheduled.

Addressing newsmen, President of NAPS, Comrade Eshiofune Oghayan described the Dangote Refinery as ‘a root that has given life to a decaying tree,’ symbolising hope for Nigeria’s long-awaited industrial revival.

According to him, Dangote Refinery was a symbol of Africa’s industrial power and a cornerstone for Nigeria’s ambition to become the refining hub of the continent.

He said: ‘For decades, our nation lived under the shadow of dependency, we were exporters of crude and importers of survival. But today, we have found pride again in an African-built refinery, one that can restore Nigeria’s economic independence.’

Reaffirming their confidence in the Tinubu led administration, the students while praising the President’s investments in education and youth empowerment initiatives, noted that Tinubu ‘understands the suffering of the common man and the Nigerian student, that is why we believe he will listen to our appeal.

‘The Nigerian government should please approve 100% crude oil allocation to Dangote refinery let us refine our destiny at home. When we feed this refinery fully, it will produce more barrel, flood the market supply, decrease the price of fuel and stabilize our economy.

‘We are appealing to the federal government and relevant agencies to prioritize local refined products. Nigerians, we want you to be reassured, Dangote has come to help you and the people that are coming to sabotage this effort are feeding fat on our national failure.’

While commending Dangote for his bold investment in the energy sector, the students urged President Tinubu to take decisive action including the scrapping of anti-development elements within the oil and gas sector who they claim were frustrating national progress.

‘For over 30 years, the nation’s refineries in Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Warri were dead. These same groups did nothing. But now that one man has chosen to rebuild our dream, they have risen against him.’

The students called on their peers across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of technology to defend and promote homegrown innovation.

‘The soul of a nation is not measured by the size of its GDP, but by the strength of its will. When the youth rise to defend productivity, the nation itself will stand tall.’

Oyo State governorship hopeful on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Adewale Kareem (AKK), has announced plans to present copies of his new book, Our Realistic Tomorrow, to prominent traditional rulers in Oyo State by December.

The announcement follows the hosting of his Town Hall Meeting, Book Launch, and Fundraising in Doonside, Sydney, Australia – an event that drew Yoruba leaders, professionals, and community figures from New South Wales.

Kareem lauded Nigerian Association of New South Wales, Odua Group, Newcastle Muslim Brothers, and other community bodies for support. He said the gathering is a blend of cultural pride, intellectual dialogue, and shared vision.

According to him, the book, his roadmap for sustainable development and people-centred governance, will be presented to Olubadan, Alaafin of Oyo, Soun of Ogbomoso, and others ahead of Oyo State AKK Town Hall Meeting and Book Launch, in January.

‘Our mission is not only politics; it’s about purpose, vision, and unity,’ he said. ‘Our fathers will be first to get my book because their blessings and guidance are central to the progress of the state and realisation of our dream.’

Dr. Kareem also revealed that following the success of the Sydney event, similar engagements would be held in Western Australia, the United States, and Canada before June 2026, targeting members of the Oyo and Nigerian diaspora to further strengthen the movement.

The Doonside event, characterized by rich cultural displays and robust discourse, also served as a rallying point for supporters of the ‘Oyo 2027 Project,’ with participants pledging moral and financial commitment to the cause.

Dr. Kareem, widely respected for his humility and vision, reaffirmed that the slogan ‘Aseyori ni tiwa’ – meaning Success is Ours remains the driving spirit of his campaign for a more united, progressive, and prosperous Oyo State.

About Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)

Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem is a scholar, community leader, and development advocate with a record of excellence in both public service and the private sector. A native of Oyo State, he is deeply committed to promoting education, innovation, and inclusive governance.

His book, Our Realistic Tomorrow, presents a comprehensive blueprint for Oyo State’s socio-economic transformation. As the APC’s 2027 gubernatorial aspirant, Dr. Kareem’s campaign is anchored on accountability, infrastructure renewal, job creation, and human capital development – guided by his conviction that ‘good governance must be felt, not just promised.’

Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), a subsidiary of Thor Explorations and operator of Nigeria’s first commercial gold project, Segilola Gold Mine in Osun State, has participated as a Gold Sponsor at 2025 Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja.

During the week, SROL hosted its Second Annual Stakeholder Reception at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

The event convened over 100 industry’s top voices, policymakers, regulators, financiers, legal experts, and development partners. Also present were Faruk Yabo, permanent secretary of Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development; Prof. Innocent Bariko, director general of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency; Simon Nkom, director general of Mining Cadastre Office; and Prof. Olusegun Ige, director general of Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA).

They were joined by senior representatives from Babalakin and Co., ENR Advisory, VUKA Group, Africa Finance Corporation, Bank of Industry, and other key institutions shaping Nigeria’s mining.

The reception served as a strategic forum to align visions across sectors, foster transparency, and reaffirm SROL’s commitment to responsible mining as a driver of economic and social development in Nigeria.

Segun Lawson, chief executive of Segilola, lauded stakeholders who supported its journey, saying ‘it took courage to build what we have. It takes courage to do things differently, to build mines not just for profit, but for people, planet, and posterity.

”At Segilola, we chose a path grounded in responsibility and driven by innovation, committing to a sustainable future for Nigerian mining.’

Guests engaged with the tangible results of SROL’s livelihood restoration programs, community-led initiatives designed to build resilient and diversified local economies. These efforts exemplify the company’s inclusive development model and its enduring commitment to sustainable growth.

Throughout the Nigeria Mining Week, SROL played a leading role in shaping discussions around the future of the industry.

As a Gold Sponsor, the company contributed to high-impact conversations through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and thought leadership sessions focused on regulatory evolution, sustainable finance, and sector-wide transformation.

SROL’s exhibition booth served as a hub of engagement for stakeholders eager to connect with the team behind Nigeria’s pioneering gold mine.

As Nigeria’s mining renaissance gathers momentum, Segilola Resources Operating Limited stands at its forefront-proving that responsible mining can drive lasting transformation. The Second Annual Stakeholder Reception was not merely a reflection of progress but a reaffirmation of SROL’s vision for a future where communities, industry, and sustainability thrive together.

As part of his development agenda and to fulfill his campaign promises, His Execllency Governor Hyacinth Alia bring together some expert who produced a document known as ‘ Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue.

This document is structured around seven priority pillars, with acronym SACHIIP .

On Page 38 of the this document ,the Governor outline 8 programs for Benue youths , to make them more self reliance and responsible to the society .

Unlike when they were used and dumped after elections,Governor Alia accomadate Benue youths into well into his development plan ,build on trust and confidence .

Among the programs are:

1. Promote youth participation in Governance, both at state and Local Government levels .

2. Promote the establishment of youths recreational centers in the three Senatorial districts in the state.

3. Establish the Benue Youths Volunteer Corps ( BYVC) to provide service, skill development, and leadership development to our teaming, youthfully population.

4. Promote Youth participation and employment in Agro,- procession industries strategically located across the three senatorial districts in the state.

5. Facilate employment, training, scholarship awards and entrepreneurship programmes for militia converts in the state.

6. Train young doctors , engineers, ICT, Lawyers and other needed professionals to enhance the human capacity of Benue state.

7. Re- orientation of the youths for effective patriotism, discipline, honestly, integrity, and selfless in youthful society.

8. Generally, improve youth employment through efficient commerce, industries and agriculture.

Armed with this ducument ,and within two years of his administration,Governor Alia has given the youths of Benue a pride of place in his entire administration.

Barrister Seember Wayo, Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters , Dr. Terna Francis Director- General Benue State Bureau for Education Quality Assurance , Hon. Tiza Isaac Imojime Orya, Commissioner for Youths and Creativity , before now he was in charge of ministry of work and Housing are all youths .

Other Youthful appointees holding position of responsibility and discharging their mandate isare Sir Kulas Tersoo Chief Press Secretary to the Governor , Hon Solomon Iorpev Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategy communication as well as Director General ,Benue signage and Advertising Agency .

From these appointments Governor Hyacinth Alia has has demonstrated capacity to empower Benue youths who are the leaders of tomorrow in fulfilment of his campaign promises as capsulated in the Strategic Development plan for a Greater Benue.

It is heart warming and a thing of joy to note that this is the first time a Governor has given opportunities to Youths in his both cabinet and head of critical agencies of Government.

But there is icening on the cake as the Benue Youths Policy gets under soon.

Governor Hyacinth Alia has involved services of expert ,international developers and international organisation who are fine tunning the youth policy which will soon be unveil to Benue people . This is first of it’s kind in Benue too.

Then ,the Big one ‘ a peep into the Benue Youths Policy revealed that they are more 40 sports items for the youths only .

These included: Establishment of sports acedamies in the state , Develop modalities for full comercialisation of sports for revenue generation in the state, sponsoring of an Executive Bill to legalized and encourage sponsorship of sporting activities by private and public individuals .

Others are: Support the development of mini- stadiums in all the Local Government headquarters, for example the Vanideikya, Katsina Ala, Aliade, Otukpo stadiums builds years again will be upgraded for the benefits of the youths in Benue so that sports talents would be discovered and nature into international stars.

Increase funding and provide more funding facilities for sports development.

Re-introduce the all – primary and Secondary school games to harness local talents

And lastly Complete all outstanding revocation work and further expand the capacity of the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi to International standard , including Macarthy Stadium.

Already, with the quality execution of infrastructure projects like roads,( both urban and rural) health , education, massive upgrading of Government offices , especially State Secretariat ,shows that the implementation of the Strategy Development Plan For a greater Benue of His Excellency,Governor Hyacinth Alia is on course and now a working ducument which has enderaed him ( Governor) to the people of Benue state who have increased the volume of Yes father chants.

In the essence,the youths ,who constitute 30 percent of Benue population must position themselves to take up leadership position of not just Governor Hyacinth Alia administration but of the state in future.

Luckily the ‘Not too Young Bill’ has given them the Constitutional power.

Hon .Gbenda Terver, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization and Illegal Levies ,told The Nation that ‘ Governor Alia has given Benue youths a better life to live, and they have key into the his policy to make their lives better .

For Governor Hyacinth Alia , the youths remain ‘ Leaders of Tomorrow’ and we must work toward giving them a better life..

This the Governnor said’ I’m running for governor to effect a significant transformation in the social , economic,and political landscape of our dear state .I’m committed to ensuring that a better and greater Benue emerges in my dispensation as governor .I need your collective Support to make this dream a reality.

That better tomorrow is now and it’s has started manifesting.

The quality of a country’s healthcare system is a mirror image of its leaders’ commitment to citizens’ health. Countries like Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Switzerland are among the world’s top countries with best healthcare for citizens, driven majorly by robust funding and well-structured policy programme. Leaders in these countries do not go to foreign countries for medical tourism, as they have absolute confidence in the delivery capacity of the healthcare system.

But in Nigeria, the healthcare system is fraught with dysfunctionality, forcing elasticity of reliability southward. Poor health facilities, unprofessionalism, unethical standards, weak regulatory agencies, bad personnel attitude, questionable health insurance schemes, unreliable health management organisations (HMOs), mismanagement, corruption, fake drugs and obsolete equipment are incidental to lack of commitment by Nigerian leaders to efficient and quality healthcare system.

Though, this is a symptom of greater disorders in Nigeria, poor funding and non-utilisation of health facilities by the ruling elites undermine efficiency, quality and delivery capacity of the healthcare system.

In the 2025 federal government budget, only N2.56 trillion was budgeted for the health sector, representing 5.15 percent of the country’s total budget of N49.7 trillion, which is far below the 15 percent recommended by the Abuja Declaration, to which Nigeria is a signatory. Though, the N2.56 trillion is an increase of about 58.53 percent of the 2024 budget of N1.62 trillion, however, when viewed in dollar terms, the amount decreased by 15.45 percent, dropping to $1.7 billion from $2.02 billion.

Since the famous coup speech of late Sani Abacha on December 31, 1983 that the country’s health services were in shambles, and hospitals had been reduced to mere consulting clinics without drugs, water and equipment, the health sector has not shown promises of improvement.

Unfortunately, 42 years after these observations were made by the powers that were, the healthcare sector is still defined by lack of government’s commitment. This is particularly worrisome when viewed against the background of Nigeria’s growing population, currently characterized by low life expectancy, high maternal and child mortality rates.

Globally, Nigeria is ranked 157th out of 191 countries by WHO in the areas of quality health delivery performance. As the largest oil producer in Africa and 16th largest in the world, it is untenable for Nigeria not to provide robust funding for the health sector, given the country’s huge earnings from crude oil sales.

Even among African countries, Nigeria is rated poorly in healthcare provision. In a report released by The Legatum Institute, a London-based global healthcare assessment organization, Nigeria was ranked 11th out of 12 African countries with poor healthcare system. The countries include Central African Republic, South Sudan, Chad, Lesotho, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Swaziland (Eswatini), Liberia, Guinea, Angola, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

Despite this poor performance ranking, no concerted effort is being made by government to improve quality service delivery, as budget allocation to the health sector has been on the downward swing. Since leaders who determine the condition of the sector, do not utilize the facilities due to poor services, it means the Nigerian healthcare system is designed to service the health needs of the poor and common Nigerians, and not the leaders.

The poor premium placed on the health sector by Nigerian leaders has obviously prevented them from knowing that there is a correlation between robust funding of healthcare system and a healthy workforce, and by extension, robust economy. A vibrant economy is contingent upon a healthy population and a healthy workforce, as health is a critical contributory factor to economic development. This is the reason advanced economies invest so much in healthcare services, a contrast to Nigeria’s healthcare sector that is troubled by incapacity, unable to address mounting health challenges in the country.

The healthcare delivery system in Nigeria is executed through public and private facilities. Unfortunately, the private healthcare providers are also enmeshed in unprofessional conduct driven by pecuniary motive. Most of them take advantage of the country’s weak systemic policies to deliver poor health services. Regulatory authorities like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) are not doing enough to enforce professionalism and standards in the country’s healthcare system.

I recently lost a friend to prostrate operation in one of the private hospitals in Lagos. Prior to the operation, he walked into the hospital by himself, looking normal. But what he took to be a proactive step to avoid future complications ended his life. He was admitted under a health insurance cover managed by an HMO on executive plan with full options. But rapid deterioration of his health in the hospital triggered scepticism on whether quality of treatment was commensurate with subscribed insurance plan.

There are numerous public complaints about HMOs conniving with private hospitals to render inadequate and poor services for financial gains. Most of these hospitals deliberately delay diagnosis and treatment until approval is obtained from HMOs, notwithstanding conditions of patients and category of insurance plans. The NHIA which carries out accreditation of HMOs before approval must look beyond this process to ensure they are continually monitored during operations.

My late friend’s case reminded me of the case of a professional colleague, Yusuph Olaniyonu, who narrated how God spared his life and given another chance to live again at 58. His experience also proved that without connection at the top, patients can die out of share negligence and abandonment without consequence.

After undergoing six major operations and three minor procedures for prostrate, his survival was still on a cliff edge, necessitating the intervention of the Minister of Health through the help of ThisDay Publisher, Nduka Obaigbena and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki. This intervention notwithstanding, he had to be flown to Egypt where he underwent successful corrective surgical operations.

It is depressing to know that out of about 34,000 general hospitals, 21,000 primary health centres and 60 teaching hospital and federal medical centres located across the country, only about 41,000 hospitals are functional.

Government must therefore reorder its priorities to make health facilities efficient, affordable and reliable to enable both leaders and poor Nigerians alike to receive treatment in-country, as against resort to medical tourism which cost Nigeria approximately $1.6 billion annually.