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A few weeks ago, I addressed a gathering of clergy, professionals, and everyday citizens at an interactive session in Owerri. I was invited to speak not as a politician, but as a fellow Nigerian, to reflect candidly on where we are, and more importantly, where we are going. In that room, I was reminded that while the history that has shaped a nation’s past cannot be undone, it is collective vision, clarity and courage that determine its future.

It goes without saying that Nigeria is at a difficult crossroads, but the evidence compels us to say it plainly. We are now the world’s most populous Black nation, projected to exceed 400 million citizens by 2050, yet we remain structurally fragile. Over 130 million Nigerians are classified as multidimensionally poor. Many are trapped in a cycle of deprivation, with limited access to education, healthcare, or clean water. Nearly 40 percent of our youth are unemployed or underemployed, living in cities where opportunity is outpaced by frustration. Public debt has surged; inflation remains high and poverty continues to chip away at the dignity of millions of households.

These are not abstract statistics; they are signposts of a nation that is drifting from potential to paralysis. And though we have held elections every four years since 1999, a remarkable democratic feat on paper, fewer and fewer Nigerians are choosing to participate. In 2003, over 60 percent of registered voters cast their ballots. In 2023, it was barely 27 percent. That is not just apathy, that is estrangement. Many of our compatriots are, quite literally, demonstrating a lack of faith in our electoral system, becoming mere observers rather than rightful participants in our democratic journey.

Optimism in our country’s prospects is what propels every patriot to keep striving. In times like these, however, optimism becomes inadequate without a clear anchor. We need an openness of mind for candid and difficult conversations, to agree on a vision, and summon a collective willingness to do be pragmatic, consistent, and focused on implementing the policies and programmes that can translate that vision into prosperity, progress, and pro-poor development.

These, in my view, constitute the irreducible minimum of civic expectations that our politicians, public servants, business leaders, civil society and citizens must subscribe to, as the future direction of our nation. Some general agreement around this clear anchor of expectations – an elite consensus – is what Nigeria needs now more than ever.

We must craft a new elite consensus that transcends the arithmetic of power and confronts the fundamentals of how we govern, how we elect, and how we grow. Elite consensus is not a new idea. However, it still remains Nigeria’s most elusive and ignored governance framework. In every functioning democracy, the real stability lies not in constitutions alone, vital as these are, but in unwritten agreements among elites about the limits of power, the sanctity of citizenship, and the rules of political competition. In Nigeria, we have elites, but we clearly always lack consensus. We have competition, but we seldom show restraint. As politicians and leaders, we argue over access to office, but rarely over the shape of the country that we are trying to build, when we occupy the office. That vacuum has left us with a political culture that sees public office not as a vehicle for solving problems and developing a country, but as a spoils system, a zero-sum arena where personal interest and survival matter more than public service and societal substance.

To reverse this, we must begin where all democracies begin, with elections. Since 1999, we have held six presidential elections. Every one of them, except in 2015, ended in litigation. The 2015 concession by President Goodluck Jonathan was not just honourable, it was historic. It was also the exception. More troubling still, as mentioned earlier, voter turnout has plummeted with each cycle. The irony is unmistakable, even as our population has soared, our democratic engagement has shrunken. We are becoming a democracy in which a super-majority of citizens do not vote, and where even more citizens believe that their votes may not count.

This is not sustainable. If citizens believe the electoral process is neither credible nor consequential, democracy begins to hollow from within. This is why, we must restore trust at the very foundation of our system, the ballot box. That is also why I have consistently advocated for an immediate transition to electronic voting and real-time transmission of results ahead of the 2027 general elections. This is not a radical idea, it is a rational one, tested and proven in Kaduna State during the 2018 and 2021 local government elections. The technology exists. The legal framework can easily be created. All that remains is the political will.

Imagine a system where each voter is verified electronically, casts his or her vote digitally, and sees the result transmitted instantly and transparently on conclusion of the election without human interference. Imagine polling units where rigging is rendered obsolete by design, where party agents, electoral and security officials walk away with printed results within minutes of the polls closing, and where public confidence begins to rebuild itself, one fair vote at a time. In Kaduna, in 2018 and 2021, such a system saw the ruling party lose some local government councils and accept the results.

Yet, elections, however well conducted, are only the starting line. What follows must be an equally serious approach to governance. Our political space has long been dominated by what I referred to earlier as the arithmetic of power; the careful, cynical calculus of zones, coalitions, and incumbency. But progress and development are more complex than political arithmetic. It is a combination of engineering, economics, finance, sociology, geology, history, and many other factors that responsible leadership summons and mixes into a recipe for the greater good. To illustrate with just one of these: engineering requires plans, materials, blueprints, and most of all, execution. We must demand that the capability, capacity, and competence to govern are considered as integral to the ability to win elections.

We have to be truthful with ourselves. Today, Nigeria has more poor people than its total population at independence in 1960. That is a moral indictment, a policy failure, and a fact that tells us that no amount of oil, debt, or donor aid will substitute for serious economic thinking, planning, and execution. What we need is not more ministries with humanitarian titles, but a conscientious, comprehensive, and continuous war on mass poverty, anchored on growth and development.

To do that, we must confront six uncomfortable but essential questions. How will we restructure our economy to produce and export value, rather than merely extract and import? Which sectors will be driven by private enterprise, and which require strategic public investment? How will we align our educational system with our labour market needs, closing the gulf between classrooms and industries? What kind of infrastructure, physical and virtual, must we build to enable a modern, inclusive economy? How do we fund healthcare and education not as social expenditure, but as strategic investments in productivity? And most critically, how do we reward honest work and discourage rent-seeking?

These questions are key to our national survival – and they can only be answered if we agree, across party lines and ethno-religious divides, that the real purpose of politics is to solve problems, not to share power for personal or group enrichment.

Which brings me to what may be the most neglected, yet most foundational element of our national crisis, federalism. Nigeria was conceived as a federation. It functioned as one in its earliest and arguably most productive years. The regions had autonomy, fiscal control, and clear developmental mandates. That was an era that encouraged competition, innovation, and accountability. But over time, and particularly since the 1970s, we have drifted toward unitary centralization. Power gravitated to the centre, and with it, fiscal resources and responsibility. Today, the Federal Government tries to do everything and ends up doing most things poorly. States, meanwhile, have become dependents, awaiting monthly allocations rather than building internal fiscal capacity.

This is not how federations work. And it is not how Nigeria can work. True federalism was designed as a framework for effective and inclusive governance in diverse societies. It means states taking up more responsibilities over policing, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and taxation. It means letting sub-nationals compete and cooperate, not just comply with the dictates of the center. It means replacing uniform mediocrity with decentralized excellence.

The recent constitutional amendment that moved electricity and railways to the concurrent list is a step in the right direction. But we must go further. In 2018, I chaired the APC Committee on True Federalism. Our recommendations, which included devolution of powers, resource control reforms, and enhanced fiscal autonomy for states still remain valid. Again, implementing them will take political will.

At 65, Nigeria must choose.

We can continue to lurch forward, alternating between bursts of hope and periods of decline. Or we can reset, boldly, deliberately, and with collective purpose. In Owerri, I spoke as a witness to both the promise and the pain of Nigeria. Because I believe, with all conviction, that Nigeria can actually be great. But it must be deliberately made great – not wished into greatness.

That is the work that is before us.

Happy Independence Day!

–

Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai is a former Governor of Kaduna State and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

When floods hit and roads vanish, so does access to healthcare. But for Maryam Bello, a tech innovator from Nigeria, that reality became the spark for a movement. As co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Parker’s Mobile Clinic, she’s helping rewrite the rules of healthcare delivery, using data, AI, and community grit to reach those the system often leave behind.

‘I saw neighbours lose access to care when floods struck. And I knew technology could close that gap,’ she recalled.

Maryam, a youth leader and digital health strategist, serves on UNICEF’s Global Leadership Council. Her work blends software engineering with grassroots organising, and her leadership has helped Parker’s Mobile Clinic scale to reach over 130,000 people across 30 local government areas. ‘We’re building systems that don’t collapse when the weather changes,’ she said.

Parker’s Mobile Clinic was born out of necessity. In flood-prone regions, traditional health infrastructure often fails. Clinics become inaccessible, records are lost, and vulnerable groups, especially women and children are left without care. ‘Our mission is simple,’ Maryam said. ‘No one should be denied essential healthcare because of where they live or what the weather does.’ The clinic operates on a hybrid model: telemedicine, community health hubs, an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot, a non-toll call line, and electronic health records (EHRs). ‘We deliver resilient, accessible, gender-responsive health services. And we do it with tools people already use,like WhatsApp and mobile phones.’

‘Our outreaches are carried out in rural areas of southeast Nigeria, Anambra, and neighbouring states.

‘Our tech enables us to reach anybody in Nigeria, and our call lines are open to everyone.”

Since its launch, Parker’s has trained over 70 healthcare providers in resilient care and telemedicine, integrated its EHR system with Hikma Health, and conducted monthly educational webinars alongside in-person outreaches.

The initiative has earned recognition from Data.org and was recently honoured as a COP29 Impact Maker.

But Maryam is quick to point out that the real impact lies in the lives changed. ‘About 70 per cent of our users are women. They’re mothers, caregivers, flood survivors. They’re the backbone of their communities, and they deserve care that adapts to their reality,’ she s

Parker’s prioritizes communities based on vulnerability-those with limited access to functioning health facilities, high displacement risk, and gendered health needs. ‘We use data from our EHR and community assessments to guide everything,’ Maryam said. ‘It’s not just about showing up-it’s about showing up where it matters most.’

The clinic’s strategy is rooted in co-design. Youth and women’s groups help shape the services, ensuring cultural relevance and trust. ‘We don’t parachute in with solutions. We build with the community.’

Their hybrid approach combines mobile clinic outreaches with low-bandwidth digital tools. ‘We pre-position supplies before floods using EHR-driven planning,’ Maryam explained. ‘And we train local health workers through a ‘train-the-trainer’ model so the knowledge stays.’

Funding has come from a mix of grants, partnerships, and in-kind support. Major backers include UNDP, Youth Climate Justice Fund, Amahoro Coalition, Villgro Africa, and Hikma Health. ‘We’ve raised around $300,000 so far. But we’re also testing revenue pilots-community health insurance, subscription telemedicine, and institutional contracts, she has .’

This push toward financial sustainability is intentional. ‘We want to build something that lasts,’ Maryam said. ‘Not just a project, but a system communities can own.’

Daily operations are coordinated through a central team led by the co-founders, supported by regional coordinators and trained community health workers. ‘Clinical consultations and records flow through our EHR,’ she said. ‘Outreach scheduling, supply logistics, and monitoring dashboards run on cloud tools. We hold weekly team syncs and monthly impact reviews.’

Feedback loops are central to their model. ‘Beneficiaries guide our evolution,’ she said. ‘We listen, we adapt, we iterate.’

Looking ahead, Maryam envisions Parker’s Mobile Clinic as a Pan-African network of community health hubs and resilient telehealth services. ‘In five years, we want to reach millions,’ she said. ‘Anchored by AI-enabled systems for anticipatory response, strong government partnerships, and a self-sustaining financing model.’

Her vision is bold: a future where climate shocks no longer mean cut-off care. ‘Communities will be prepared,’ she said. ‘Data will drive early action. And women and youth will lead locally owned health systems that protect lives and livelihoods.’

For Maryam, the work is personal. ‘I’m a techie, yes. But I’m also a daughter of this soil. I’ve seen what happens when systems fail. And I believe we can build better.’

She tasks other young innovators to step up, ‘Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start where you are. Use what you know. Build with your people.’

In a world where climate change is reshaping everything, including healthcare, Maryam Bello is proving that innovation doesn’t have to be distant or elite. It can be local, inclusive, and life-saving.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the claim that there is religious persecution in Nigeria is a lie from the pit of hell.

Tinubu stated this on Tuesday while speaking at the launch of the book authored by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state.

The book, titled ‘A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance,’ was launched in Owerri on Tuesday.

Tinubu said Nigerians are more united and civilized under him than what is being projected. ‘Our Muslim brothers and sisters, our Christian brothers and sisters; our fathers are helping us to build a nation. We are united. No religious persecution in Nigeria. It is a lie from the pit of hell,’ he said.

Tinubu appealed to those saying ill of Nigeria to stop, saying his administration gives pride of place to an all-inclusive government.

He commended Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for documenting the successes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in a book and executing projects that will positively impact the livelihood of his people.

While commissioning the 60-kilometre Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia federal road, Tinubu described it as ‘a bridge to prosperity, connecting markets, families and dreams.’

He also inaugurated the Assumpta Flyover, the Imo Digital Learning Centre, and the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, which he called symbols of ‘progress and opportunity.’

Uzodimma, in his speech, said the book was the product of months of deep reflection, careful research, and honest writing.

‘It offers a clear account of the APC’s journey in government from 2015 to 2025: the milestones, the challenges, and the lessons. More than a record of events, it is a reference point for where we have been and a guide for where we must go.

‘For me, the moment feels like the birth of something meaningful. After all the long hours and intense work, this book is now no longer mine alone; it belongs to the APC family, and indeed to the Nigerian people.

‘I was partly inspired to write this book out of curiosity. I know that the All Progressives Congress entered government in 2015 with enormous expectations on its shoulders. We inherited a fragile economy, deep security challenges, and a weary citizenry. Over the next decade, we faced storms, some of them global, some of them home-grown. Yet, at every turn, Nigerians looked up to us for answers. So, my curiosity was to find out if we provided the answers after ten years,’ he said.

A farmer, identified as Ishaku Abalis, has been beheaded in the Panyam District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Bulus Dabit, the National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, stating that the attack occurred amid incessant attacks and kidnappings in the Panyam and Pushit districts of the Mangu LGA.

Dabit, who described the attacks as relentless, called for the creation of state police, explaining that local policing is critical to enhancing federal security operations, effectively tackling unlawful killings, and ensuring the safety of all citizens.

He stated, ‘Abalis’ head was cut off and taken away by the killers. The local security outfits are aware. The Sector Commander in Mangu LGA mobilised his officers and men to the site and is aware of the sporadic attacks on our people. The DPO Mangu is aware.’

The National President also called for an enhanced security presence to prevent the vulnerability of the region, urging for a strategic and robust deployment of security personnel to the most affected areas.

He believes that a visible security presence can deter further attacks, instill confidence among residents, and safeguard innocent lives from the lurking threat of violence.

While calling for the deployment of security forces, Dabit also urged security agencies to intensify their efforts in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators of these heinous acts.

Major Samson Zhakom and DSP Alabo Alfred, spokespersons for Operation Enduring Peace and the State Police Command respectively, did not respond to inquiries from our correspondent regarding the incident at press time.

The newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Tuesday, played host to some leaders of the coalition force led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and declared that he is no more a politician having assumed the role of a traditional ruler.

Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, was crowned the 44th Olubadan at a well-attended coronation in Ibadan last Friday.

President Bola Tinubu, four serving governors, including the host, Governor Seyi Makinde, first class monarchs and other top personalities graced the occasion.

However, Atiku, who was absent at the ceremony on Tuesday, led a former Senate President, Iyorcha Ayu; former governors of Kaduna and Cross Rivers states, Nasir El-Rufai and Liyel Imoke, and other prominent members of the African Democratic Congress, to pay homage to the Olubadan. Atiku attributed his non-appearance at the coronation of the former governor to protocol arrangements.

Speaking with reporters at the new Olubadan’s private residence in Ibadan, Atiku said it was not intentional not to honour Oba Ladoja during the coronation.

He said, ‘We are here to say congratulations to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional. Protocol arrangements did not allow us to come during the coronation, not that we didn’t want to come.

‘We know your roles and relationship with some of us. We are here to congratulate you. Kindly accept our apologies for not making it to the coronation. We regret not attending the programme.’

Responding, Oba Ladoja declared that he is no longer a politician, adding that he had good times with Atiku and other politicians in the country.

‘I’m not one of you again. I am Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am no longer one of you. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.

‘Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in anything other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.

‘We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in the Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.

‘All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people. Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice,’ the monarch said.

Residents of Oke Ode community in Kwara State have started relocating following bandits’ attack last week.

This is just as troops launched a coordinated air and land assault against the gunmen, killing many in the process.

Oke Ode was attacked on Sunday by the terrorists, leaving several people dead and others abducted.

The police confirmed 12 deaths, including hunters, newly recruited forest guards, vigilantes and civilians. A viral video showed fleeing residents packed into trucks, buses and tricycles, among other means of transportation.

A resident, Mrs Esther Amode, said they were leaving the town without a clear destination.

‘Some of us will get down at Ajase Ipo while others are heading to Offa, among other places, we feel we can find refuge as this is getting out of hand,’ she said.

A driver, Amuda Onaolapo, stated that the town was being deserted, with many residents stranded due to a shortage of vehicles.

He added that residents could no longer continue to live in an atmosphere of fear.

Daily Trust reports that there have also been peaceful protests by affected residents in Ajase Ipo, Isanlu-Isin and other communities.

Meanwhile, the state government, in a statement by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said criminals have been under massive attack from combined security forces following the launch of a major onslaught on their hideouts in Ifelodun on Monday.

He said the operation took place around Baba Sango forest on Monday night and along the Kogi border with Kwara, adding that the development resulted in multiple casualties among the gunmen.

‘The Nigerian Air Force also confirmed aerial strikes on the criminals’ positions in the area, introducing a new phase in the efforts to dislodge them,’ he said.

The Nigerian Army has immortalised the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, by naming a golf range at the TYB Golf Course in his honour.

The unveiling ceremony drew senior military chiefs, dignitaries, and members of the General Ibrahim Attahiru Foundation.

Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General O.O. Oluyede, the Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), Major General Adetokunbo Fayemiwo, said the initiative underscores the Army’s commitment to preserving the legacies of its fallen heroes.

He described Attahiru as ‘a distinguished officer and visionary leader whose sacrifices and service to the nation will continue to inspire generations of officers and soldiers.’

Former COAS, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya, who commissioned the facility, praised his late predecessor, recalling his reforms, vision, and drive to build a professional, people-focused Army.

Secretary of the General Ibrahim Attahiru Foundation, Hon. Usman Shehu Bawa (ABG), hailed the gesture as ‘a symbolic effort to safeguard the ideals and values’ that the late Army Chief stood for. He also commended the Army’s leadership under General Oluyede, noting that it would strengthen military-civil relations while preserving Attahiru’s legacy.

Several dignitaries at the event applauded the move, stressing that immortalising leaders who paid the supreme price for the nation is vital to inspiring younger generations and reinforcing the spirit of sacrifice.

The golf range dedication adds to other initiatives by both the Nigerian Army and the Attahiru Foundation to honour the memory of the late COAS, who died in a plane crash in 2021 while on active duty.

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and philanthropist, Abdussalam Abdulkarim Zaura (AA Zaura), has felicitated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, describing the day as a moment for reflection, unity, and renewed commitment to nation-building.

Zaura, through his media aide, Dahiru Maihuddadu, noted that Nigeria has come a long way since attaining independence in 1960, and despite challenges, the nation continues to demonstrate resilience and potential for greatness.

He commended President Tinubu’s efforts in steering the country towards economic recovery and reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, urging Nigerians to rally behind the president’s vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.

‘As we mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the entire Nigerian people. This historic day reminds us of the sacrifices of our past leaders and the responsibility we all share in building a stronger nation,’ Zaura said.

He added that independence should inspire citizens to contribute positively to the nation’s progress, stressing that unity, tolerance, and patriotism remain the bedrock of Nigeria’s survival as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation.

Zaura, who has been actively involved in philanthropic initiatives across Kano and beyond, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting policies and programmes that promote youth empowerment, education, and economic opportunities.

‘Let us use this anniversary to renew our collective determination to ensure that Nigeria continues to thrive. With our vast human and natural resources, we have every reason to believe in a brighter future,’ he stated.

Zaura also prayed for peace, security, and prosperity for the country, expressing optimism that Nigeria will overcome its present challenges and take its rightful place among the leading nations of the world.

World number one Carlos Alcaraz beat Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4 at the Japan Open – before pulling out of this week’s Shanghai Masters.

Alcaraz secured his eighth ATP title of the year in Tokyo.

But he then announced that he has withdrawn from the tournament in Shanghai, which starts on Tuesday, writing on Instagram that ‘the best decision is to rest and recover’.

‘Unfortunately, I’ve been struggling with some physical issues and, after discussing with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover,’ he wrote.

The Spaniard twisted his left ankle during his opening-round match in Tokyo last Thursday.

Islamic scholars have said the widespread deficit of trust in Nigeria reflects societal decay rather than failure of political leadership.

They spoke in Ilorin at the 16th Annual Symposium of the Standard Bearers Islamic Organisation (SB), themed ‘Brave the Tempest: Build the Trust.’

The discussion comes amid growing public discontent over governance and social cohesion.

They warned that unless citizens embody trustworthiness, they will continue to get leaders who reflect their shortcomings.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Trust Deficit in Governance: A Clarion Call’, Dr Haruna Sanusi Lafiagi of Al-Hikmah University, stated that leaders since 1999 have largely been ‘accidental leaders’ who misunderstand the concept of trust (Amanah).

According to him, we can’t talk about the political leaders’ lack of trust without mentioning the society first.

‘Nigeria’s problem is not mostly leadership; the followers are the main problem. The followers lack trust, and that is the promise of God: that you will be given leaders that reflect your society’, he stated.

Dr Lafiagi noted that a good leader requires not only integrity but also strength and trustworthiness, qualities often overlooked in the nation’s political landscape.

In his lecture, Dr Ganiyu Abideen, Director of Pharmaceutical Services for the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, warned that ‘without trust, the community will be disconnected.’

He said the erosion of trust is evident in daily life, from partners defaulting on financial agreements to betrayals within families and the declining credibility of public figures.

He urged civil servants in particular to uphold the trust citizens place in them.

In his remarks, Alhaji Salihu Gidado, Chairman of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), Kwara State Branch, noted that, ‘It is our duty to be trustworthy as a people before we can call out our leaders.’

He charged the youth in attendance to ‘champion the theme, because they are the leaders of tomorrow.’

The Chief Host and Kwara State Coordinator of SB, Imaam Abdulhafeez Adeagbo, explained that the initiative aims to promote the core values of Islam.

‘Our vision is to ensure an enabling environment for Muslims to practice pristine Islam, and pristine Islam cannot be achieved without trust,’ he said.

He said rebuilding trust requires a combination of accountability, god-consciousness (taqwah), and calling to goodness (Da’wah).

The Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Habeeb Omokanye, described the symposium as a ‘wake-up call to take up the pledge we made to our country to be truthful and reliable.’

The symposium was attended by academics, community leaders, and students from various schools, including the Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen among others.