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Kemi Badenoch, United Kingdom’s (UK) Conservative party leader has announced a new immigration strategy aimed at deporting 150,000 illegal migrants each year, describing it as the toughest reform Britain has ever seen.

In a video statement posted on her X account, Badenoch introduced the Radical Borders Plan, which includes the establishment of a new Removals Force that is modelled on the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The agency is intended to strengthen border enforcement and significantly reduce illegal migration. ‘My message is clear. If you are in the UK illegally, you will be detained and deported,’ Badenoch declared. ‘Our new Removals Force, modelled on US ICE, will oversee the deportation of 150,000 illegal migrants annually.’

Known for her hardline stance on immigration, Badenoch criticised previous Conservative and Labour governments for their management of the UK’s migration issues.

‘Today, I am launching the Radical Borders Plan which is the most rigorous reforms Britain’s border laws and operations have ever seen,’ she said. ‘Successive governments have failed on immigration. Labour promised to smash the gangs but, in just one year, they presided over record small boat crossings, more than 50,000 illegal arrivals, 32,000 asylum seekers housed in hotels, and billions of pounds wasted. It is pure weakness.’

The plan proposes a ban on asylum claims from illegal entrants, the repeal of the Human Rights Act, and the UK’s withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Badenoch added that all illegal entrants would be deported within seven days, with legal obstacles to mass deportations removed. The plan also includes visa sanctions against countries that refuse to repatriate their nationals.

She further asserted that the new enforcement body would shut down the asylum hotel racket, saving taxpayers billions and restoring public confidence in Britain’s border controls.

‘Only the Conservatives have a serious, credible plan to strengthen our borders,’ Badenoch concluded. ‘If you come here illegally, you will be deported’, she said.

Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State and senator representing the Edo North senatorial district, has said that only the enemies of former President Goodluck Jonathan will want him to contest in the 2027 presidential election.

Oshiomhole, a former national chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), gave the advice to former President Jonathan on Sunday while featuring during Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on October 5.

In recent weeks, there have been reports suggesting that former President Jonathan may contest the 2027 elections against President Bola Tinubu.

Although Jonathan is yet to make an official statement regarding his intentions, several leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been calling on him to run on the party’s platform.

Nigeria’s main opposition, the PDP, once regarded as the most formidable opposition has now disintegrated and become a shadow of itself.

While some Nigerians support the idea and even suggest alternative platforms for Jonathan to join the 2027 presidential race, others have advised him not to join the race, the recent being Oshiomhole.

He advised former President Jonathan not to contest in 2027 to save the current image he enjoys both in the political space.

According to Oshiomhole, Jonathan was defeated by APC even when the party (PDP) was the ruling party, not to talk of now the party followership has reduced remarkably.

‘The South-South is no longer PDP. Where’s he going to start from,’ he responded among other questions thrown to him by Seun Okinbaloye, the host of Politics Today and Sunday Politics on Channels TV.

Like Oshiomhole, other key stakeholders in APC have shown their support for President Tinubu’s second term. For instance, ahead of the 2027 general elections, members of the zonal executive committee of the APC have designed programmes for the success of President Tinubu’s second term ambition, saying he deserves a second term to consolidate what he is currently doing in the country. The presidency recently said it welcomes former President Goodluck Jonathan to the 2027 presidential race.

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated this while reacting to a statement credited to Jerry Gana, former minister of Information, who revealed that the former President would contest the 2027 Presidential election on the platform of the PDP.

Onanuga noted that it is premature desperation of the opposition ganging up against President Tinubu despite his glaring giant economic strides.

‘We are once again regaled with a cacophony of voices, most of them full of sound and fury, signifying nothing, to paraphrase inimitable Williams Shakespeare in one of his classic works, Macbeth.’

Unconfirmed report on Sunday suggested that former President Goodluck Jonathan is considering aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the party’s coalition of opposition forces gathers strength and intensifies consultations with key political stakeholders across the country.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a key contender in the opposition coalition ADC recently denied reports indicating that he would step down for anybody in the 2027 presidential race.

Atiku stated this in a statement by his media aide, Paul Ibe, on Thursday in Abuja.

Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State and key stakeholder in the ADC had said President Bola Tinubu will finish third in the 2027 presidential election.

‘Tinubu will be third in the 2027 election. I have done my maths and I can tell you Tinubu has no pathway to win. The worst case scenario is that there will not be any winner in the first ballot,’ he had said on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

This piece chronicles the Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s September engagements, capturing not just the events themselves but also the wider significance they hold for Ndi Enugu and beyond.

September in Enugu was a canvas on which Governor Peter Mbah painted strokes of diplomacy, development, and determined steps of progress. The Governor’s calendar was marked by high-level meetings, symbolic encounters, diaspora partnerships, and bold policy pronouncements. All of this easily weave into a narrative of transformation and progressive leadership of the Governor whose words are always matched with action and vision with measurable outcomes.

Diaspora philanthropy:

The month began with a powerful reminder that the heartbeat of Enugu resonates far beyond her borders. Dr. Shola Agboola, founder of the SAGA Foundation Inc. in Canada, donated critical medical supplies to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH). Governor Mbah, in receiving the gift, emphasized that it was more than charity; it was a reaffirmation of the unbroken bond between the diaspora and the homeland. In his words, healthcare is not a luxury but a right, and this gesture aligned with his administration’s vision of providing world-class healthcare to every citizen in the state. Governor Mbah threw an invitation for more diaspora groups to join hands in building a healthier and more prosperous Enugu. In a time when healthcare systems across Africa strain under limited resources, partnerships like these underscore the power of global solidarity.

Youth Empowerment and Industrial Skills:

In the month of September, the Governor’s attention shifted seamlessly to industry and youth development through capacity building. In Enugu, he welcomed Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and his team. Their discussions revolved around equipping Enugu’s youths with technical skills that will power tomorrow’s industries. For a Governor who envisions Enugu’s economy leaping from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in six years, such collaborations are not optional; they are absolutely foundational.

By engaging NADDC, Mbah is positioning Enugu both as a hub for commerce and also as a breeding ground for a skilled workforce that can sustain industrialisation.

Engaging the grassroots: Achi clan stakeholders

Achi Clan in Orji River Local Government Area, with its 13 autonomous communities, had their moment in the September spotlight. Their stakeholders met with the Governor in a gathering that reflected the democratic spirit of his leadership. The Governor’s message was simple but profound: ‘No community will be left behind.’ By nurturing such relationships, Mbah is embedding inclusiveness into the state’s transformation agenda. The Achi people, in turn, pledged their support, reinforcing the Governor’s claim that his vision enjoys grassroots legitimacy.

Sports Diplomacy: Kenneth Omeruo’s grassroots football dream

Football, the unifying passion of Nigeria, also entered the month’s diary. Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo, OON, visited the Governor with Rangers International FC’s General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku. Omeruo unveiled his scouting initiative to discover and nurture football talents across Enugu and the South-East. The Governor applauded the vision, pledging the State Government’s support. For Mbah, grassroots sports development is a tool for youth engagement, talent harnessing, and social pride. His commitment to Rangers International FC is a testimony that Enugu’s sporting legacy will not only endure but expand.

Selling Enugu to the World, address at the NBCC:

Perhaps, the most significant highlight of September was Governor Mbah’s address at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) in Lagos, under their prestigious ‘Meet the Governor Series.’ With poise and data-driven conviction, Mbah presented Enugu as a state not just waiting for opportunities but already on the move.

He declared that Enugu’s coal, premium in quality, with less than 0.5% sulphur, will not be treated as a stranded asset. With a target of generating at least 1,000MW of electricity, Mbah placed energy at the center of Enugu’s industrial future. Security, he noted, has been strengthened with investments that reduced crime rates by over 80%. This makes Enugu not only attractive for tourism but also for serious business investments.

The governor painted a picture of Enugu as a global destination:

. An International Conference Centre already tested by hosting 20,000 NBA delegates.

. A 5-star ICC Hotel nearing completion.

. The upcoming Cross of Hope monument, designed as a religious tourism landmark.

. Enugu Air’s rapid expansion, with six more aircraft arriving before Christmas.

. Four branded hotels scheduled for completion next year.

. An ambitious target to attract three million visitors annually. This was not rhetoric; it was a roadmap for turning Enugu into a $30 billion economy. The Governor’s presentation underscored a key message: ‘Enugu is open, Enugu is ready, Enugu is on the move.’

Federal roads and oversight:

Infrastructure is a backbone of economic expansion, and in September, the Governor hosted the Joint National Assembly Committee on Works, led by Hon. Akin Alabi. Their oversight of federal road projects in Enugu came with commendations for the Governor’s support to contractors and the enabling environment created.

Yet Mbah did not mince words. He urged the lawmakers to push for faster work on the Enugu-Onitsha and Enugu-Makurdi expressways, arteries vital to commerce and connectivity. His readiness to clear bottlenecks, be they rights of way, compensation, or security, was a sign of leadership that prioritizes results over excuses.

Diplomacy with Côte d’Ivoire:

September also welcomed international diplomacy. The Governor received His Excellency Kalilou Traoré, Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, who toured Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing facilities with Chief Innocent Chukwuma. The visit spotlighted Enugu as a budding hub of African industrial cooperation. Côte d’Ivoire’s interest in deepening economic ties with Enugu reflected the Governor’s broader vision of making Enugu an investment destination, not just nationally, but across the continent.

Strategic partnerships like these are critical pathways in the Governor’s pursuit of exponential GDP growth.

Honouring Bishop Emeritus Francis Emmanuel Okobo:

In Nsukka, the Governor joined thousands of mourners at the funeral of Bishop Emeritus Francis Emmanuel Ogbonna Okobo.

Mbah paid glowing tribute to the late cleric, describing him as a shepherd, teacher, and builder of communities. He pledged that in his administration, the Bishop’s legacy will live on through education, healthcare, and service to humanity.

Business Partnerships: NSCCIMA and Afia TV:

September also saw Governor Mbah strengthening ties with the business and creative communities. He hosted the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NSCCIMA), where discussions centered on unlocking Enugu’s economic potential through private-sector partnerships. He later received Chief Emeka Mba, MD of Afia TV, whose media outfit has become a vibrant platform for South-East stories and culture. Mbah praised Afia’s growth and pledged government’s support for the creative economy, highlighting it as a pillar of Enugu’s emerging identity.

Together, these meetings underscored the Governor’s multi-sector approach, seeing commerce, media, and culture as interconnected drivers of growth.

Conclusion

As the month of September winded down, all of these wonderful engagements were a coherent narrative that our state is on the rise. Diaspora philanthropy, youth empowerment, grassroots inclusion, global promotion, infrastructure oversight, and international diplomacy have become regular occurrences in this administration.

With Governor Peter Mbah in the saddle of leadership, Enugu is no longer a sleeping coal city but a rising state, reclaiming its place as a hub of enterprise, culture, and opportunity.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a future disruptor; it is a present weapon for democracy, which faces the dual pressures of internal erosion and external manipulation today.

Around the world, AI is already being used to weaken democracies, manipulate public opinion, prop up authoritarian regimes and dampen diplomatic credibility. Yet the risks are not confined to national borders. A recent DW report warned that AI-driven disinformation could destabilise elections across Africa in the coming years. With 18 African countries scheduled to hold elections between 2025 and 2026, the stakes are global. As these reports emphasise, Africa is one of the key battlegrounds where the integrity of democracy will be tested by the malevolent use of AI. Technology has become a tool of destabilisation and control, with AI-generated deepfakes sowing doubt in elections and synthetic propaganda amplifying the appeal of military juntas. This dual threat makes AI one of the defining battlegrounds of the 21st century, and for Nigeria, Africa’s most populous democracy, the question is not whether AI will shape our political and social life, but how we choose to govern AI in ways that strengthen our democracy rather than undermine it.

The evidence is mounting. In Nigeria’s 2023 elections, deepfakes and coordinated disinformation campaigns flooded social media, fuelling polarisation and public scepticism about democratic institutions. This is not a uniquely Nigerian problem but part of a global trend. A 2024 report from the Institute for Security + Technology warned that AI-powered disinformation campaigns are now a norm, with direct consequences for electoral integrity and citizen participation.

What Nigeria experienced in 2023 is not an isolated episode. It is a preview of the aggressive information warfare already unfolding in its neighbourhood. In the Sahel, technology is accelerating authoritarian consolidation. In Burkina Faso, for example, deepfake videos have transformed Captain Ibrahim Traoré into a mythic figure, depicted as Africa’s messiah in digital campaigns featuring AI-generated music, starlike endorsements, and grandiose claims about infrastructure and social programmes. In one wave of AI-generated content, a synthetic announcement by American Pan-Africans purportedly supporting the junta surfaced days after France withdrew its troops. In Mali, manipulated content on social media frames France and the UN as complicit in prolonging insecurity and exploiting the region’s resources, while in Niger, AI-generated videos amplify pro-junta messaging and discredit calls for a return to civilian rule. These campaigns are often linked to Russian-influenced information networks, illustrating how generative AI is now a tool in the geopolitical competition over Africa’s political future, shaping public support for undemocratic regimes and destabilising regional governance. If Nigeria fails to respond decisively, the same forces could undermine its institutions, deepen polarisation, and destabilise West Africa’s largest democracy. Meanwhile, surveys confirm the danger is real as faith in democracy is declining across Africa. Afrobarometer reports that while roughly two-thirds of Africans still prefer democratic rule, support has fallen by seven percentage points in the last decade due to military coups and corruption. In 2025, the Mo Ibrahim Index noted that 78 per cent of Africans live in countries where governance and democratic participation have worsened, often due to repression of civic and media freedoms. This context makes AI-fuelled disinformation a force multiplier for democratic decay because it accelerates the spread of false narratives, erodes trust in legitimate institutions, and overwhelms citizens’ ability to discern truth from fabrication.

By amplifying conspiracy theories, delegitimising elections, and glorifying authoritarian figures, AI-driven campaigns deepen cynicism and normalise undemocratic alternatives. For Nigeria, this is a national security challenge, not just a technological one.

The dual-use nature of AI – capable of tampering with democracies yet also empowering authoritarian actors – underscores the urgency of crafting global governance frameworks. The responsibility is twofold for Nigeria: to safeguard its democracy at home and to champion norms abroad that ensure technology does not undermine Africa’s democratic future. In that regard, democracy in the age of AI requires more than defensive measures. It demands proactive investment in digital literacy, robust regulatory frameworks, and international cooperation. Here, Nigeria can lead by example. With more than 220 million citizens, half of them under the age of 19, Nigeria represents both the vulnerability and potential of the digital era. A youthful population that is globally connected but unevenly protected from digital manipulation is at once a risk factor and a resource for resilience.

This makes Nigeria the best-placed country to set the tone for an African-led response, and the country has already begun to act in tangible ways. The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has launched the development of a National AI Policy Framework to regulate the ethical use of emerging technologies in governance and electoral processes. Just recently, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Nigeria unveiled N-ATLAS, a pioneering AI language model trained in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Nigerian-accented English – a bold signal that the country is staking its claim in shaping global AI technology in ways that reflect African voices and realities. Fact-checking civil society organisations such as Dubawa have deployed AI-powered tools to detect and debunk disinformation in real time, especially during election cycles. These domestic initiatives are reinforced by Nigeria’s multilateral engagement. The government is aligned with UNESCO to train its civil service on AI and digital governance, embedding global best practices into public institutions. Diplomatically, Nigeria has used its influence in ECOWAS and at the African Union to press for stronger regional standards on electoral integrity and emphasise African agency in multilateral forums. Taken together, these actions show that Nigeria is actively building the frameworks, tools, and alliances needed to protect democracy and set a model for the continent.

This is where Nigeria’s soft power can be most effective. Nollywood and Afrobeats are reshaping global perceptions of African creativity; extending this influence to digital democracy is a natural progression. Nigeria can spearhead a continental coalition on AI ethics, champion digital literacy campaigns targeting its massive youth population, and continue to press for African inclusion in global AI governance forums. Such initiatives would not only protect Nigeria’s democracy but also give Africa a voice in shaping the rules of a technology that will define the future of governance worldwide.

Leadership also means leading by example. Nigeria’s own electoral reforms, including the digitisation of voter registration and the expansion of civic education, must be accelerated to show that technology can strengthen democracy. Regulation should focus not only on punitive measures but also on supporting innovation that defends civic space, protects human rights, and enhances transparency. Such leadership would reinforce Nigeria’s credibility as a defender of democratic norms in a period where coups and authoritarian backsliding have threatened regional stability.

The age of AI will test democracies everywhere, but it also offers an opportunity to reimagine global cooperation. Nigeria has the size, the voice, and now the tools to lead Africa’s response. The choice is stark: allow external actors to script the future of its democracy or shape the rules of engagement for a digital century. Acting decisively now would turn Nigeria’s domestic vulnerabilities into diplomatic capital. That is the essence of soft power: projecting influence through culture or diplomacy, while embodying solutions that others seek to emulate.

The world is entering uncharted territory where the boundaries between truth and falsehood can be engineered with a few lines of code. Nigeria cannot afford to be a passive recipient of these forces. Our responsibility, and indeed our opportunity, is to help shape how democracy survives, adapts and thrives in this new era.

Complicit in what?

Could you make it explicit how AI is a multiplier for democratic decay?

When you think of London’s entertainment business, the spotlight often shines on artists in front of the camera or centre stage. Yet, behind the lights, a network of women is shaping the industry, building empires, and guiding creative talent. Among them is Duchess Letitia Kapuscinska, a multifaceted entrepreneur, singer-songwriter, and creative force whose journey weaves together music, business, and innovation.

Duchess Letitia Kapuscinska is more than an artist; she is a brand. She founded the Letitia Antoinette enterprise, spanning fashion, creative media, and mentorship, yet her heart beats strongest for entertainment. Drawing on her postgraduate studies in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management, she transformed her vision into a business platform that nurtures creativity, empowers emerging artists, and delivers leadership training for those hoping to break into the industry.

At her core, Letitia is an award-winning singer-songwriter with a voice compared to legends like Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. Her versatility crosses genres, jazz, RandB, reggae, blues, and hip-hop, making her a rare talent who bridges audiences across cultures. Together with her husband, producer Daniel Kapuscinski, she has recorded more than 80 tracks and 200+ compositions, blending artistry with business acumen.

Her performances extend beyond the recording studio. From UK charity concerts and festivals to television and radio appearances, Letitia uses her platform to support causes and inspire audiences. She has collaborated with international artists and producers, including projects connected with Rick Ross, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Busta Rhymes, showing her reach across global entertainment networks.

Her upcoming projects, such as the single ‘Criminology’ featuring Derric Brock and a collaboration with artists like Lil Wayne and Trina, promise to cement her place on the international stage. ‘Music is therapeutic,’ she says. ‘It’s about telling real stories that resonate with real people.’ But what makes Letitia a true force is her role behind the lights. Beyond her own artistry, she mentors and coaches emerging creatives, teaching them how to navigate the entertainment industry with resilience and vision. She hosts the Letitia Antoinette Podcast, interviewing global voices in wellness, innovation, and the arts, offering a platform for diverse stories and perspectives.

Her business ventures in fashion, beauty, and media are not distractions but extensions of her creative identity, proof that in today’s London, entertainment is not just about performance; it’s about building ecosystems of influence and opportunity.

In an industry that often underestimates women behind the scenes, Duchess Letitia Kapuscinska is rewriting the narrative. She embodies what it means to be both artist and executive, performer and builder, storyteller and mentor.

Her journey reflects the evolving face of London’s entertainment business: diverse, entrepreneurial, and unapologetically female.

A new logistic company, MS FastTrack has made a debut into the Nigerian market, promising to offer cutting edge and technology driven logistic services that will give clients maximum satisfaction and enhance growth for their businesses.

Speaking to Journalists during the media unveiling of the company in Lagos, according to a statement, Muoh Sylvia Onyedikachukwu, founder and Chief Executive Officer of MS FastTrack said the firm was established not only to change the game in logistic business but to give individuals, organisations and business owners a new experience.

According to the CEO, ‘A strong vision statement for a logistics company should outline its long-term aspirations, while a mission statement should describe its core purpose and how it will achieve its goals. For us at MS FastTrack, we have designed a long term brand architecture to position us to be the nation’s leading provider of sustainable and innovative supply chain solutions. Besides, as stated in our mission statement, we want to stand as the connecting rod to connect businesses and customers locally and globally through efficient, reliable, and eco-friendly logistics services’.

She further stated that the company was designed to be a leading global provider of supply chain solutions that will enable customers to succeed in a global marketplace. Speaking on measures being taken to make the brand the world’s preferred supply chain logistics company, that will connect people, businesses, and communities to a better future through logistics, applying insight and service quality, Silvia, pointed out that the organisation will prioritise customer service as well as preventing customer goods from being lost in transit.

‘MS Fasttrack Solutions is implementing a multi-faceted approach encompassing inventory control, security measures, and customer service excellence. This includes automating inventory tracking, using RFID technology, hiring loss prevention specialists, and providing exceptional customer service to address any concerns or issues that may arise’ she further stated.

Speaking on what informed the establishment of the company, she stated that passion and the spirit of entrepreneurship in her, right from her school days propelled her to establish the company.

To address issues related to loss items, Silvia said the company is implementing a multi-faceted approach encompassing inventory control, security measures, and customer service excellence. These, according to her include; automating inventory tracking, using RFID technology, hiring loss prevention specialists, and providing exceptional customer service to address any concerns or issues that may arise.

Amidst crumbling infrastructure, meagre salaries, overwhelming workloads, and a lack of professional support, Nigerian teachers continue to carry the weight of the country’s future on their shoulders.

Despite their critical role in shaping minds and driving national development, they are often treated as afterthoughts in policy and public discourse.

In the 2025 budget, President Bola Tinubu allocated N3.52 trillion to education; and earmarked N1.64 trillion for personnel costs, teacher salaries included.

However, that was not enough, because to meet the requirement of paying all 2.3 million registered teachers at a N70,000 minimum monthly wage, the government would need about N1.93 trillion just for salaries.

That leaves a shortfall of N290 billion, which simply suggests the government intentionally had planned that some teachers would not be paid fully and/or on time.

Many teachers receive salaries that are not commensurate with their workloads or qualifications; there are reports of months of unpaid salaries. Some teachers are paid a monthly salary as low as N25,000 to N50,000, in a country where the national minimum wage is N70,000 and the cost-of-living-crisis has deepened and made a nonsense of the minimum wage.

Worst still, these teachers live in societies where the cost-of-living is at 20.12 percent as shown in August CPI numbers. A loaf of bread is at N1,500 in many Nigerian cities, and house rents have tripled, among other cost-of- living crises.

Jessica Osuere, chief executive officer at RubiesHub Educational Services, reflecting on the fate of teachers in Nigeria, said, despite the many challenges teachers continue to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to their students.

Unfortunately, she emphasised that many teachers still work under very difficult conditions, such as low pay, poor welfare support, overcrowded classrooms, and limited opportunities for professional growth.

Gift Osikoya, a teacher, said October 5, being World Teachers’ Day is a reminder of how central teachers are to the progress of any nation; but in Nigeria, this noble profession is often undervalued. ‘Teachers are nation-builders, they shape young minds, instill values, and equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills to thrive.

‘Unfortunately, the reality for many Nigerian teachers is discouraging. Low remuneration, delayed salaries, overcrowded classrooms, lack of modern teaching aids, and limited opportunities for career growth have weakened the profession and, in turn, our education system,’ she said.

Similarly, Isaiah Ogundele, a school administrator, describes teaching in Nigeria as discouraging due to the government and societal attitudes towards the profession.

‘The government is not paying teachers well, and they’re not recongised as professionals like doctors, lawyers, and engineers, among others, unlike in advanced countries where teachers are held in high esteem,’ he noted. In 2023, UNICEF reported an average pupil teacher ratio of 124:1, especially in states such as Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa. In many public primary schools in Ogun State, the average pupils’ teaching ratio exceeds the national average.

Many primary schools in Nigeria, especially in rural communities suffer teaching input deficits as only about 54.8 percent of primary schools have the minimum teaching materials, 38.2 percent of pupils had a Mathematics or English textbook. About 38.3 percent had accessible toilets, 27.4 percent had clean ones.

Teachers’ roles in sustainable development

Experts believe that Nigeria needs to enhance its education quality in order to achieve sustainable development goals in 2030. And to achieve that, teachers’ roles cannot be overemphsised.

Ogundele had this to say, ‘Teaching job is the root of all other professions in the world. Teachers should maintain their dignity; they should not get involved in corruption.

‘Besides, the government should prioritise teachers’ welfare and treat them like doctors and lawyers.’

The way forward

Experts believe that the government should prioritise teachers’ welfare, and continuous training, among other things.

Elizabeth Ohaka, a school owner, speaking on the need for teachers’ welfare, said, ‘A happy teacher builds a happy student; it is a wholesome teacher who will build a wholesome student. If a teacher is not satisfied with her job, her output will be below average, and when it is below average, it will tell on the output of the students; they won’t be able to be the best.’

Mary Udenta, a teacher, emphasised the need for continuous professional development and retraining for teachers in a fast-changing world. ‘Access to modern tools from digital resources to well-equipped classrooms, would make teaching more effective.

‘Beyond welfare, there must be a cultural shift where teachers are respected, celebrated, and given the honour they deserve,’ she said.

She said that for Nigeria to achieve a sustainable educational system that produces graduates with the requisite skills to tackle challenges with its economy, more attention needs to be paid to teacher training.

Chris Nmeribe, a teacher, said, ‘Training gives teachers the greatest chance of success and sustains them in the face of new challenges. Education is a learning cycle without an end. It is not going to stop after graduation and starting a career. Continuing training helps individuals to continually improve their skills and become more professional at their work.’

A number of other concerned Nigerians who spoke with BusinessDay on condition of anonymity said that the government must endeavour to change the age-long demeaning aphorism that ‘teachers’ reward is in heaven.’

‘We grew up to hear people say that teachers’ reward was in heaven. That cliché as I can call it has continued in Nigeria up till now. Until the government takes a deliberate step to change that, the nation’s education would continue to totter,’ a woman, who introduced herself simply as Rhoda, said.

Akwa Ibom State Government has explained why it has relocated its CNG bus terminal site from Odiok Itam in Itu Local Government Area to Obio Offot and Ikot Akpe communities in Uyo Local Government Area, saying it is for enhanced accessibility.

Governor Uno Eno noted that the decision to relocate the terminal after much consideration was made would ensure better accessibility for residents of the state.

He disclosed that the CNG Bus Terminal would consist of a gas station, Training School, repair workshop to train engineers, CNG technology and a maintenance unit. The governor who made this known during an inspection of the new site commended the host community for their cooperation in ensuring the success of the project, urged youths in the area to participate in the construction and protection of the facility from vandalism.

It would be recalled that in 2023, the Federal Government launched the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses through the Presidential CNG Initiative to reduce fuel costs, create jobs, and promote environmental sustainability by transitioning from petrol and diesel to CNG-powered vehicles.

To ensure that Akwa Ibom benefits from the initiative, the State Government through the Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria ordered 50 CNG buses to improve transportation in the state.

With the governor on the inspection were the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, and other members of the State Executive Council including the Commissioner for Transport, Anthony Luke.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani will lead a conversation on AI and Nigeria’s digital future at the grand award night of the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature and Science.

The 10 October event will dwell on the theme of inspire, drawing from the new NLNG tag line ‘Inspiring a sustainable future.’

‘All the Shortlisted will show up to be honoured at the Grand AWARD Night’, an NLNG organising committee member informed BusinessDay. He added, ‘We are also looking forward to receiving past winners.’ Shortlisted books are This Motherless Land by Nikki May, The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma, and Sanya by Oyin Olugbile.

The winner takes home $100 000, the highest prize money in Africa. The Advisory Committee ruled that none of the entries it received merited the Science prize.

Governor Umo Eno is expanding access to healthcare services to rural communities of Akwa Ibom State. One of the ways this is being achieved is through the state health insurance agency, a social security system that guarantees the provision of needed health services to persons on the payment of a token contribution at regular intervals.

The latest beneficiaries are the people from the pristine communities of Amadaka, Elele and Kampa located at the tip of the Atlantic Ocean tributary in Eastern Obolo local government area of the state who trouped in large numbers to the Primary Healthcare Centre located at Amadaka to get enrolled for the exercise under the facility-based registration exercise.

Launched last year, the state health insurance scheme, since its establishment was informed by the inadequate condition of the state’s health healthcare services, the excessive dependence and pressure on government provided health-facilities and the dwindling funding of healthcare in the face of rising costs.

The poor state of the healthcare services has seen the state government declare a state of emergency in the health sector to fix it within a year and turn things around with plans to recruit over 2000 health workers, ongoing renovation of health facilities and the decision to recall healthcare professionals who have retired from service but have the eagerness to continue to contribute in the state. It has also moved to stop government-owned hospitals from being turned into theatres for social media content creation, an ugly development which had been a recurring decimal of late with people sharing videos of patients online over alleged negligence. The state government has now warned that ‘any individual who violates the rights and privacy of patients or staff members or disrupts public peace, will be held accountable.”

So, analysts believe the health insurance scheme has come at the right time to enable people have access to efficient and effective healthcare services to reduce ‘catastrophic health expenditure by pooling funds for strategic health care purchasing.”

According to community leaders in Amadaka, the scheme has brought healthcare closer to the people and has helped to cut down their expenditure on healthcare while lauding Governor Umo Eno for the vision over the health insurance scheme.

Gogo Owen Adaka, the village head of Amadaka, believes taking healthcare services to the people at the grassroots as seen in the health insurance registration exercise taking place at the community’s health centre is a remarkable achievement by the governor noting that members of his community would no longer have to worry about high cost of healthcare, ”we are happy that we can access healthcare with minimum cost in our community,” he said.

Echoing the sentiments expressed by Amadaka’s traditional ruler, another community leader, Benjamin Adolphus, a royal father in Kampa said the good intentions of the governor have been seen in the health insurance scheme adding that by bringing the registration exercise the community’s healthcare facility, the governor has shown his large heartedness and brought healthcare nearer to the people.

‘I have benefitted from the scheme, it is a commendable effort, he has brought development to the rural communities, we have seen the intention of the governor, he has a good heart,” he said. The royal father was however quick to remind the governor about the Okoroette-Elele-Kampa road whose contract has been re-awarded adding that the completion of the road would open up the once thriving community known for fishing and its rich maritime resources.

‘In addition to healthcare , the governor should do well to continue the work on the road linking the riverine communities with the different parts of the local government area,” he said..

Igbemi Arthur Igbemi, a medical doctor and an indigene of the community notes the peculiar topography of the area which is in the thick of the mangrove swamp forest region but expressed delight that despite the challenging topography the governor was after excellence in service and people who can deliver on his promises who could be found anywhere.

According to him, the governor has raised many people and ‘I am one of them,” promising to do whatever is needed to support the governor’s development agenda particularly in the health sector.

Igbemi, who is the Executive Secretary of the state Health Insurance Agency, noted the idea of facility-based enrolment was his contribution to the community who may not be in a position to travel to the agency’s head office in Uyo, the state capital for the registration adding that the response by the people has shown their readiness to embrace the scheme and their demonstration to support the governor’s development agenda.

‘I would not be somewhere and something is happening that would positively affect the people of my community, I would certainly bring it to my community,” he said.

Indeed, the health insurance has had tremendous patronage across the state since its inauguration with thousands of people registering for the scheme including pregnant women, the elderly and many others.

During its launch, the governor announced the subscription for all the junior workers in the state’s civil service, paying for them and later the senior civil servants have been enrolled bringing the formal sector into the scheme.

After the registration, contributors and their dependents are issued with identity cards with Personal Identification Numbers which will be presented to the chosen primary healthcare provider for treatment.

For the people of Amadaka, Elele and Kampa in Eastern Obolo and Iko clan of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, it is a golden opportunity which they have embraced wholeheartedly.