Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Lions International, through its Lagos New Emerald Lions Club, District 404B2 Nigeria, has donated school bags, books and other learning materials to pupils of Ikosi Nursery and Primary School, Ketu, Lagos, to mark this year’s International Literacy Day.

The intervention, carried out in conjunction with Lagos British Lions Club and Lagos Indiana Lions Club, turned the school premises into a scene of excitement as children gleefully lined up to receive the items. Their cheers filled the air as the head teacher led them in call-and-response chants to celebrate the moment.

President of Lagos New Emerald Lions Club, Lion Kadiri Olaide Bilkis, NLCF, said the project was inspired by a passion to meet the needs of children in public schools, where basic materials are lacking.

‘Most of these pupils carry their books in polythene bags. When we visited this school two years ago, we saw their needs and promised to return. September 8 is International Literacy Day, and with the resumption of school, we are here to fulfill that promise,’ she said.

She added that the donation was only one of many initiatives the club has lined up. ‘By next month we will hold our Mental Health and Wellbeing Day at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Home, Yaba, Lagos. In November, we will host the Peace Poster Contest in Ikeja and by December we will visit either a motherless babies’ home or a blind school for our hunger relief project. We have a calendar of service for the entire year,’ she said.

The Head Teacher of Ikosi Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Akin Ojo T. A., lauded the gesture, saying it would boost pupils’ morale and encourage school attendance.

‘What Lions Club has done today is to encourage our pupils to learn more and to be regular in school. Even this morning, a new pupil who came with her mother to make enquiries about admission told her mother she did not want to go home after seeing the distribution of bags and books. She wanted to be part of it. That shows the power of this kind of support,’ she said.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that despite the challenges of insecurity and economic disparities, Nigerians must not lose hope, but continue to nurture hope and sustained belief in the nation’s potentials.

In his message to Nigerians on his verified X-handle, the former President praised the enormous potentials and resilience of the Nigerian people.

He described the 65th Independence anniversary as another significant milestone in its journey to nationhood.

Jonathan said: ‘As we celebrate 65 years of Independence from colonial rule, this moment offers us an opportunity to reflect on our collective journey of nation-building, on the challenges we have faced, and on the vast possibilities that still lie ahead.

‘It is true that we face challenges that could test our sense of hope; insecurity, economic disparities and institutions that often struggle to deliver on the promises of improved wellbeing, peace and security. Yet, as citizens, we must not lose faith. We must continue to nurture hope and sustain belief in the nation’s enormous potential and the resilience of the people.

‘Nigeria is a blessed nation, endowed with vast land, abundant natural resources, and, above all, the ingenuity and creativity of the people.

‘Our cultural richness, our knowledge, and our wisdom have continued to distinguish Nigerians across every sphere of human endeavor, both at home and abroad.

‘As we look to the future, let patriotism guide our actions. Let us hold firmly to optimism and faith, knowing that the greatness of our country is within reach if we remain united and steadfast.

‘May our nation continue to rise in strength and purpose’.

Sir: Insecurity in Kwara South, especially across Ekiti Local Government communities has reached a terrifying level. In recent weeks, communities have witnessed repeated attacks that have left families grieving, markets deserted, and livelihoods destroyed. From Babanla to Oke-Ode, bandits have unleashed violence with impunity, leaving ordinary citizens at their mercy. The recent killing of over a dozen local vigilantes and forestry guards in Oke-Ode on Sunday September 28 is one of the most chilling reminders of how bold and coordinated these armed groups have become.

Equally devastating was the incident of Saturday, September 27, along the Osi-Eruku axis. Bandits ambushed travellers returning from a wedding, abducting more than 15 people. Many sustained gunshot injuries, and one victim died despite being rescued. Though the intervention of local vigilantes forced the attackers to abandon some captives, the bandits still made away with three hostages. By Monday, September 29, they had already begun demanding ransom, leaving the entire town of Eruku in deep grief and hopelessness

These are not isolated crimes; they represent a pattern of coordinated raids that exploit our porous forests, weak intelligence, and overstretched local vigilante structures. The human cost is severe as families are shattered, schools disrupted, farms abandoned, and entire communities left to live under constant fear. Worse still, those who have volunteered to defend their communities are being overwhelmed, killed, or kidnapped themselves. This situation demands urgent attention from both the Kwara State government and the federal government.

This is an urgent call for immediate deployment of rapid-response security forces to the affected areas, with better intelligence, aerial surveillance, and support for local security networks. The state must also provide training, equipment, and backup for vigilantes, while prioritising the rescue of abducted persons and support for grieving families. Without swift and decisive action, Kwara South risks descending into a state of lawlessness that will cripple its economy and erode public trust in government. Now is the time to act!

Here and Hereafter Foundation has given widows and orphans N10.8 million.

At the event in Alausa Secretariat Mosque, Ikeja, Lagos, Coordinator, Abdurrazaq Asaju, said the foundation has funded 30 scholars and empowered over 10 widows with more than N40 million since 2010.

He noted that the foundation also give mental and psychological aid that facilitate their integration into the society.

‘The foundation goes beyond financial aid to give care and support spiritually, materially, socially, psychologically and re-integrate them into society. This is done for ummah,’ he said.

He said we cater for families who usually go into disarray after death of breadwinners.

‘The foundation was set up out of our observation of, and concern for the plight of Muslim wives and children who lost breadwinners,’ he said.

He said families and acquaintances usually leave widows and orphans without help. ‘The fortune of families mostly turns due to loss of breadwinners and departure of closest friends and relations. Hence, widows may be virtual pariahs while children are desolate’

He urged parents to ensure children perform well to justify the support, adding donors must see value of their giving.

‘With support from H and H, you have no excuses for poor performance. Learners below average will not enjoy sponsorship. We are holding the funding in trust for donors and we owe them value delivery. Similarly, parents should ensure their wards do not disappoint the foundation and its donors.

Same goes to the empowered widows,’ he said.

Owerri woke before dawn. The rain came early-a gentle, almost apologetic drizzle-but it did little to quiet the city’s rising energy. As morning broke, pale ribbons of sunlight slipped through the clouds, catching the sheen of wet streets and rooftops. By 8 a.m., the city was wide awake. Schoolchildren clutched tiny flags, men pulled raincoats tight around their shoulders, and women balanced umbrellas against the lingering mist. Children perched on shoulders for a better view. Crowds gathered-beneath trees, along sidewalks, behind metal barriers. All eyes turned in the same direction, all feet planted with quiet anticipation. They had come for one purpose: to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Imo State.

This was no ordinary visit. It was, as many would later say, a moment of pride – a public display of what many believe is change in motion, progress being commissioned into concrete and asphalt. And even though the rain attempted to borrow attention, the vibrant energy of the crowd outshone the droplets. The heart of Owerri was transformed. The major arteries – the roads leading to Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout, the highways heading toward Mbaise and Umuahia – were draped in bright banners. APC flags fluttered alongside national flags. Security vehicles, vans, motorbikes moved purposefully, some standing guard, others guiding traffic. Drums beat in distant corners; voices chanted slogans. Passengers peered out windows, marveling at the turnout.

This was no ordinary visit. It was, as many would later say, a moment of pride – a public display of what many believe is change in motion, progress being commissioned into concrete and asphalt. By the time President Tinubu’s motorcade arrived, the atmosphere was electric. He was flanked by APC governors, party leaders, and top members of the National Assembly. And even though the rain attempted to borrow attention, the vibrant energy of the crowd outshone the droplets. Major arteries of Owerri-roads stretching from the Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout to the highways leading to Mbaise and Umuahia-were draped in bright banners. APC flags fluttered beside the national colours, catching the breeze like a signal of unity. Security vehicles, vans, and motorbikes moved with intent-some forming a shield, others directing the flow. In distant corners, drums pulsed and voices rose in song. Passengers leaned out of car windows, eyes wide, swept up in the spectacle.

The newly reconstructed Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia Road

One of the most talked-about highlights of President Tinubu’s visit to Imo State was the commissioning of the newly reconstructed Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia Road – a 26-kilometre stretch of critical infrastructure that, for decades, existed more in frustration than functionality. This road is far more than just a stretch of tarmac. It’s a major economic and cultural artery, linking Owerri, the capital of Imo State, with Mbaise and Obowo – two densely populated regions with strong agricultural and commercial roots – before extending into Umuahia, the capital of neighbouring Abia State. For years, the road was infamous for its craters, flooding, and traffic bottlenecks, slowing down trade, isolating communities, and contributing to the wear and tear on transport vehicles.

According to traders, commuters, and logistics operators who frequently used the route, a journey that should have taken 30 to 40 minutes often stretched into hours during the rainy season. The road’s condition also made it a security risk, especially at night – with broken-down vehicles vulnerable to theft, and commuters stranded in poorly lit, isolated areas. What makes the Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia Road particularly strategic is not just its length or its improved surface – but the vital lifeline it represents between two state capitals and, by extension, two major economic zones in Nigeria’s South-East region. It connects Owerri, a bustling hub of commerce, education, and urban development, to Umuahia, a capital city known for its administrative significance and agricultural economy. But the importance of this road runs deeper than geography. It is a road that serves people, livelihoods, and entire communities whose lives are shaped by their ability to move.

The flyover at the Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout

The newly inaugurated flyover at Assumpta Cathedral Roundabout stands as both a literal and symbolic elevation of Owerri’s urban future. For decades, that junction – a key point where traffic from the Port Harcourt-Onitsha axis intersects with the city’s core – was a daily source of congestion, frustration, and delay. It’s a roundabout that once pulsed with the honks of gridlocked buses, the slow crawl of petrol tankers, and the weaving chaos of okadas and private cars. At peak hours, the entire area became a bottleneck, stretching the patience of commuters and draining productivity.

Now, with the sleek overpass in place, traffic flows with an ease many commuters had stopped believing was possible. Designed to separate the heavy through-traffic from local city movement, the flyover allows vehicles travelling between Port Harcourt and Onitsha – two of the busiest commercial cities in southern Nigeria – to bypass the gridlock entirely. Beneath the bridge, urban planners have restructured the ground-level lanes for better pedestrian access and reduced conflict zones. It is more than a concrete structure; it is a redesign of movement, an answer to a long-unresolved urban headache. For residents of Owerri, this single flyover represents something broader – a glimpse into what the city could become when infrastructure keeps pace with population growth.

The Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre and other projects

Not far from the hum of moving vehicles and newly opened lanes stands another flagship project – the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC). Towering with sleek glass and steel, and named after one of the state’s most prominent elder statesmen and business icons, the centre is a declaration of ambition. It is built not merely as a venue, but as a statement: Imo is open for business, for diplomacy, for discourse. The EIICC boasts the kind of modern facilities anyone would expect to find in Abuja or Lagos: multiple auditoriums, breakout halls, press rooms, digital presentation capabilities, and expansive exhibition spaces. It’s tailored to host everything from economic summits and medical conventions to tech expos and cultural festivals. With a growing demand for high-end event infrastructure in the Southeast, the centre is poised to become a regional hub, drawing visitors, investors, and ideas into Owerri.

But the most transformative projects are often the ones less visible to the casual observer – the quiet revolutions taking place in administrative backrooms, dusty archives, and underutilised corridors of government. That’s where the Imo State Land Information Service Centre (LIS Centre) comes in. Housed in a modern facility, the LIS Centre is part of a deliberate push to digitise land records, streamline property transactions, and eliminate the labyrinth of paper trails and corruption that has long dogged land ownership in the state. For decades, acquiring or verifying land titles in Imo was a process fraught with uncertainty and delay. Double allocations, missing files, extortion, and years-long court cases were all too common. With the launch of the LIS Centre, Governor Uzodinma’s administration is attempting to pull land governance into the 21st century. Now, prospective landowners, surveyors, and developers can access digitized maps, apply for certificates of occupancy, verify ownership, and monitor processing timelines – all online. The implications of this are enormous. Easier land transactions mean faster property development. Less fraud means more investor confidence. And more transparency means everyday citizens – not just the well-connected – can access land without fear of manipulation or exploitation.

Beyond roads and flyovers, some projects quietly shape the spirit of governance. The renovated Government House Chapel, though modest in scale, reflects a commitment to reflection, faith, and moral grounding in public service. It’s a space for prayer, unity, and pause amidst political noise. Nearby, the restored Concorde Hilton Hotel marks a revival of Owerri’s hospitality sector. Once faded, it now boasts modern rooms, event halls, and improved services-ready to welcome business travellers and dignitaries. Together, these projects-both symbolic and strategic-are part of a broader urban renewal vision, reshaping not just Owerri’s skyline, but its sense of purpose.

Voices from the crowd

Under umbrellas and plastic tarps, faces glowed with hope. Some had come to feel seen; others to be heard. Madam Nkechi Okoro, a small business owner in Emekuku, said she had already lost hours daily to gridlock. ‘Before, the journey from Owerri to Umuahia is a stress, money wasted on fuel, time gone. With this new road, we expect quicker access to markets, hospitals, schools,’ she said, her voice clear over the drizzle.

A young man, Chinedu, perched on a motorbike, described this as more than infrastructure. ‘What is happening now,’ he said, ‘is that government actually listens. Roads, flyovers. these are things we feel. We see. They don’t just talk.’ Others were skeptical, of course. ‘Let them finish,’ said Mrs. Ifeoma Eze from Obowo. ‘Many times we celebrate projects before they are done. I want to see it when I drive those roads in dry season.’ But even her doubt carried curiosity – perhaps expectation.

Standing on the new flyover, Governor Uzodinma addressed the public earlier that morning, despite the rain. He spoke not just of the structures being commissioned – but of governance without shortcuts. He spoke of performance, not promises. He reminded the people that poor materials, substandard finishes, stalled construction had once been the norm – but that under his Renewed Hope Agenda, those days were being challenged. More than 120 roads, the Governor said, had been built or rehabilitated across the state. The digital land platform, he emphasized, will reduce corruption, ease land transfers, and remove the confusion that long plagued real estate and property ownership in Imo. Government House Chapel and hospitality projects aim to boost tourism and civic pride. All are pieces of a larger puzzle: transforming Imo into a state that matches its potential.

As the rain eased to a gentle drizzle, President Tinubu addressed the crowd, praising Imo’s progress but urging that the newly commissioned projects be seen not as endpoints, but as stepping stones. He stressed that lasting change depends on maintenance, transparency, and shared responsibility. Roads, flyovers, and new facilities, he said, must unlock growth, not just headlines. Yet even amid celebration, quiet questions lingered-about sustainability, traffic flow, and disruptions to local businesses. Still, beneath the banners and applause, a deeper shift was taking root. On that rainy morning in Owerri, what truly emerged was not just infrastructure – but renewed hope.

The House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations has commended the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) for upholding high safety standards at the Calabar Power Plant in Odukpani, Cross River State.

The Committee gave the commendation after an on-the-spot assessment of the 565MW facility, noting significant improvements since its last visit in 2018.

Chairman of the Committee, David Zacharias, said the inspection was aimed at ensuring that Nigerians work in safe environments and enjoy long, healthy lives.

He praised the staff for maintaining the plant, stressing that the health and safety of workers in the power sector are critical to both government and the economy.

‘We, the Safety Standards and Regulations Committee members, always appreciate when we step into any organisation and see that they have done very well. My impression here is positive and you also heard the same from my colleagues,’ Zacharias said.

He, however, noted that the visit was not only to commend but also to highlight areas requiring improvement.

‘When we come to a place like this, we must observe areas that need attention. What we are saying here is to encourage them to deepen their commitment to safety issues. We went round and saw their challenges, which we will take back to the government.

‘We are hopeful that by the time we return, some of the issues we observed would have been addressed,’ he added.

Specifically, the committee called for improvement in the work environment for staff, including better lighting, rest areas for shift workers, and adequate seating in offices.

The lawmakers, who were conducted around the plant by the Chief Operating Officer of the Calabar Power Plant, Engr. Ayoade Olanrewaju Bex, described the facility as one of the best they had visited in terms of safety standards and compliance.

Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Executive Director, Generation, Abdullahi Kassim, an engineer, the General Manager, Generation Projects at NDPHC, Engr. Valerie Agberagba, said safety and standards remain top priorities for the company.

She stressed that the company’s workforce is central to its operations, adding that NDPHC would continue to improve the work environment for staff, particularly those at its power plants.

‘The visit of the House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations was very important to us. It gave us the opportunity to assess where we are in terms of health, safety, and compliance with regulations and standards at our power plants.

‘For me, it was an eye-opener. You could see that when they compared the 2018 report to what they have now, there has been a great improvement in compliance. This shows that NDPHC is not taking issues of safety, regulations, and environmental standards for granted. We are working towards an environment that is safe for both our workers and the operation of the power plant,’ Agberagba said.

She stated that the company has taken note of the areas that need improvements, adding that ‘this management is very concerned about the welfare of the staff, because if they are not in a good position to work, we are not going to get the best out of them.

‘So those little observations have to do with good conditions of work for the staff, we will make sure that these things are taken into consideration in the shortest possible time.’

Also speaking, Ag. Head, Health, Safety and Environment, NDPHC, Austin Ijagem disclosed that the plant has not recorded any work related accident that has led to fatality since it began operations.

‘The safety at the power plant has been top notch. Their consultant mentioned that in 2018, when they visited, there were a lot of pending issues, safety concerns that they raised. And they have also acknowledged that when they came in today, the difference was clear. A lot of the safety concerns raised in 2018 have been closed out. That means we are getting nearer to almost zero pending issues as far as the safety at the power plant is concerned’, he stated.

The Big Brother Naija reality show has a long history of disqualifying housemates who breached the rules, often due to physical violence, aggressive behaviour, or other forms of misconduct.

1. Faith (Season 10, 2025): The most recent disqualification was Faith in Season 10, who was asked to leave the house immediately after a physical altercation with housemate Sultana during a skincare task rehearsal, leaving Sultana with a twisted ankle.

2. Kemen (Season 2, 2017): Another notable case was Kemen in Season 2, who was disqualified for sexually inappropriately touching fellow housemate TBoss while she was asleep.

3. Khloe and K-Brule (Season 3, 2018): In subsequent seasons, other housemates have faced similar consequences. Khloe and K-Brule were disqualified in Season 3 for accumulating three strikes due to aggressive behavior and physical confrontations.

4. Tacha (Season 4, 2019): Tacha followed suit in Season 4 after a physical fight with Mercy Eke, which involved pushing and hair-pulling.

5. Erica (Season 5, 2020): Erica was disqualified in Season 5 for multiple rule breaches, including abusive language and disrespecting house rules.

6. Beauty Tukura (Season 7, 2022): Beauty Tukura was disqualified in Season 7 for aggressive behavior, including throwing her wig and glasses at a fellow housemate during an argument.

This incident set a precedent for the show’s zero-tolerance policy on physical misconduct.

The Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) has fully resumed passenger operations after weeks of suspension for safety checks, staff training, and technical inspections.

Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, joined passengers on the inaugural trip from Idu Station in Abuja to Rigasa in Kaduna in a symbolic move to rebuild public confidence in the service.

The train made its routine stop at Kubwa before arriving in Kaduna, with a return trip scheduled the same day.

Speaking on arrival at Rigasa, Dr. Opeifa expressed gratitude for ‘God’s grace during the recovery period,’ emphasizing that modern rail transport remains vital to national unity and economic growth.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its significant investments in railway infrastructure across the country.

‘We are determined to turn around the fortunes of the Corporation by completing ongoing projects, optimizing existing assets, rehabilitating rolling stock, expanding services and modernising operations, particularly along this corridor,’ the NRC boss said.

He disclosed that a new Customer Service Department has been established to promptly attend to passenger complaints and improve service delivery.

On security, Opeifa reassured passengers of their safety, pointing to the visible deployment of police and military personnel along the route and in stations, alongside discreet security measures ‘to safeguard all stakeholders.’

The NRC chief reaffirmed his determination to transform the corporation into a world-class, passenger-friendly service provider that will drive socio-economic growth through safe and efficient rail transport.

The AKTS, one of the busiest passenger rail corridors in the country, had been suspended to allow for extensive safety upgrades. Yesterday’s resumption is expected to rekindle public trust in the service and ease pressure on road transport between Abuja and Kaduna.

The Lagos State Government has announced traffic diversions on Victoria Island to facilitate the smooth hosting of the Electric Powerboat Racing Championship (E1 Series).

The competition which will run from October 3 to 5, is Africa’s first electric powerboat race.

In a traffic advisory by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the first Lekki junction inward Ozumba Mbadiwe, would be totally closed to vehicular traffic throughout the period of the competition.

He advised motorists to use alternative routes, including Lekki Link Bridge, Admiralty Way, Yesufu Abiodun, Oniru Road, Ligali Ayorinde Street, and Coastal Road, to connect major destinations such as Ikoyi, CMS, and Ahmadu Bello Way.

The government assured that adequate parking would be provided at designated spots including Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, and the Law School premises in Victoria Island.

Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will be strategically deployed along all affected routes to ensure free traffic flow, while the Coastal Road will remain open to traffic throughout the event.

Osiyemi urged road users to cooperate with traffic officials and exercise patience, stressing that the diversion was part of the government’s management plan to ensure safety and smooth movement during the landmark water sports championship.

Revolution isn’t cooking spice. It is not something you purchase in small nylon sachets on a busy street. Yet, folk sell it like spices, summoning its aroma in flavoured words, promising to make everything taste new.

The sellers shout and the crowd leans in, clutching their coins and heady fantasies. But Nigeria is not a kitchen stall; it is an ecology of households and habits, of private demons and public horrors.

If Nigeria is to mark 65 years of independence with anything resembling true rebirth, let that rebirth be a deliberate, internal jihad. It’s about time we shunned the fireworks of rage and mob grandeur frequently broadcast by conflict profiteers and romanticised by the disillusioned.

Revolutions that do not tend to the seedbed of civic character result in anarchy. The consequences are better imagined: ethnic cleansing, random murders, rampant rape, burning markets, crushed neighbourhoods, displaced families and orphaned children.

We must reject the rage-fuelled template. History and recent memory establish that uprisings, especially in a fragile polity, can be a match that sets dry tinder aflame; and the fire rarely knows the difference between palaces and boondocks. The so-called Arab Spring began as an earnest cry against corruption and tyranny; in places it yielded openings, but elsewhere it snowballed into protracted internecine wars, destructive vacuums and authoritarian relapse. Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Syria and Yemen, among others, show how revolutionary fervor without robust institutions or measured stewardship can produce catastrophe as often as it produces reform.

The lesson is not that people must never act, but that action divorced from civic preparation and a plan for long-term governance risks annihilation of the very goods people seek: safety, livelihoods and dignity. Those who romanticise a fast, thunderous overthrow: demagogues, disgruntled election losers, and entrepreneurial rabble-rousers who dress ambition as moral crusade are desperate actors, who are less interested in the public good than in the power and patronage that follow breakdown.

Others, sometimes foreign actors or ideologues, exploit youthful anger and digital fervour to accelerate outcomes that suit external agendas. Movements started online can be genuine, righteous and necessary; they can also be manipulated, redirected and weaponised. The #EndSARS movement of 2020, for example, began as a clarion call against police brutality and produced powerful civic energy and urgent reforms. But like most mass uprisings, its narrative was complex: genuine grassroots anger, social media amplification, and contested claims of outside manipulation and incendiary messaging all coexisted. The movement’s tragic collapse is a reminder that popular protest can be a force for accountability and also a prism through which external interests and local secessionist tensions play out, often leaving scars between communities.

Nations do not emerge fully formed from constitutions or borderlines. Nations are neither remade nor redeemed by violent uprisings, but by the character of the citizenry. And the latter, in turn, are shaped by their most intimate institution: the family. The family is the receptacle in which the values of a nation are first kindled or corrupted. It is where character and social conscience are either nurtured or strangled in the cradle. The integrity of our public life, therefore, depends on the morality of our private lives.

Family is key. From this sacred unit, a people’s sense of self, place, and purpose begins. If the family is compromised, then society itself becomes a ghost town of ethics: full of laws but lacking justice and compassion; rich in rhetoric but bankrupt of vision. Societal growth, therefore, cannot be engineered solely by policies or economic indices. It must be cultivated through the slow, careful evolution of the human spirit.

Our collective persona as a nation is reflected in the governor who once stole $4.2 million from his state’s coffers and stashed it to fund his vanities abroad, not minding what good such loot could do in resolving the educational, healthcare, and infrastructure woes of his state. It is reflected in the shenanigans of the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor who currently seeks a plea bargain to escape punishment for fraud running into billions of naira, among others.

It is reflected in the former female Minister of Petroleum, who aggravated fuel scarcity and economic recession through reckless looting of public fund. Yet she fights to walk free.

Our collective personae flourishes in the antics of youths feverishly flying ethnic flags in defense of their ‘brother’ and ‘sister’ lawmaker, governor, minister, and ex-CBN governor irrespective of the atrocities committed by them and the criminal charges levelled against them.

Our public offices aid and abett dubious citizenship. They legitimise our culture of being, which enables and justifies a public officer’s immediate descent into a basement of opportunism right after emerging as an elected representative. The latter locks himself or herself in that amoral cellar and embarks on a quest of inordinate acquisition, counting his spoils in material possessions.

Such characters are, however, mere fragments of our bigger cultural dilemma. They are our decadence; our disease.

Yet even as we have rightly identified their emergence as an affliction of the eye and disease of the mind, our chances at healing are hindered by chinks in our surgical armour: the fissures of ethnoreligious bias, illiteracy, willful degeneracy, greed, poverty, savage ego, and sheer malevolence.

Nigeria’s geographic, religious and ethnic fault lines make reckless upheaval especially dangerous. Where social trust is thin, identities are layered and historical grievances fester unhealed, the romanticised revolt too often degenerates into intercommunal violence.

We must therefore be honest: to overthrow a corrupt structure is not the same as constructing a just polity. Too often the poor pay the heaviest price for our experiments in instant remaking. Thus, must teach a new civic grammar: that the right to revolt is philosophically bound to responsibility and respect for rule of law.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration,on his part, must build institutions that make governance responsive, humane and honorable. His government must measure policy success by lives improved, not by patronage expanded. The incumbent ruling class must avoid financial recklessness and obscenities while urging the citizenry to tighten their belts.

The youth on their part must be sceptical of leaders who promise instant catharsis. They must look beyond what their rhetoric destroys to see what it builds. Those who live by humiliation, intimidation and petty cruelty will never make a humane state.

The revolution Nigeria needs must be borne of patience. It will not photograph as readily as a burning barricade, but its fruits are durable: trust, predictable markets, better schools, safer streets, and a political class kept honest by a public unwilling to tolerate theft.

If Nigeria is to become a decisive actor in Africa’s future, economically, culturally and politically, it must first become a more decent assembly of persons. Nations rarely thrive by grand treaties and trade deals; they are made by how neighbours treat each other, how families rear children and citizens stand for truth. Every country’s reach in the world is directly proportional to the nature of its civic interior.

It’s about time we renounced our easy romance of rage. We must stop inciting our youths to equate destruction with virtue and instead cultivate a different heroism: the courage to be honest when it costs us convenience and the patience to build institutions that outlast us. That is the revolution we must espouse; the type that moulds citizens into caretakers of our common destiny and Nigeria into an inheritance worth passing on.