UNTIL our government tackles health issues seriously, we cannot lay claims to being a developing country, because our health system has been steadily sliding since independence.‘Patients groan as UCH hikes fees’ is a pointer that our government is insensitive to the health needs and interests of the masses.

A torrent – nay, an avalanche – of tributes, such as has seldom been witnessed in our nation has been cascading down the pages of newspapers since Gani Fawehinmi passed on barely seven days ago. Yes, Gani deserves his rest no less than he merits these spontaneous expressions of the admiration of his compatriots.

Since the death of Gani Fawehinmi, a lot has been said and published about him: about his dogged fighting spirit; about his passion for improving the fortunes of the less privileged and the poor; about his fierce battles against injustice and wickedness in high places. The list is longer.

It’s all part of the game. I remember the names they called Ibrahim Galadima when Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. I remember the humiliation he went through. I also remember how Christian Chukwu was still on his way back to Enugu when he was disengaged without a letter till date. Angola had come to Kano to earn a draw and that ended our dream to the World Cup from a group that appeared to be a piece of cake to all eyes.

THE tragedy in Afghanistan continues with the massacre of 70 persons by NATO bombers for the crime of scooping fuel from two oil tankers, and the results of fraudulent national elections.