Beyond Gov. Otti’s N1bn gift to teachers
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State deserves commendation for placing teachers at the centre of the state’s development agenda. On October 5, 2026, at the Michael Okpara Event Centre, Umuahia, during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration, he announced a N1 billion Teachers’ Appreciation Fund, to be shared equally among teachers. He also ordered payment […]
Kidnapping, a thriving “industry”!
The latest report by SBM Intelligence should jolt Nigeria’s leaders into reality. Between July 2024 and June 2025, kidnappers demanded more than N48 billion in ransom. SBM Intelligence’s study titled: “The Locust Business: The Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry – A 2025 Update” confirmed that N2.56 billion was paid as ransom, with 4,722 civilians abducted […]
Making our waterways safer
Nigeria has once again been jolted by devastating news of boat mishaps, the latest in Sokoto State, where, within just two weeks, multiple accidents left many dead, dozens missing, and families shattered. From Sokoto to Niger and Bayelsa to Jigawa, these tragedies have become frighteningly routine. Between July and August this year alone, more than […]
Getting closer to state police
Living up to his political background as a “progressive”, President Bola Tinubu last week made progress in his drive towards the adoption of state policing when the Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF, gave their blessing for it. If this plan succeeds, it will break the monopoly of the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, established in 1930 […]
Need to tackle exam malpractice
One of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s educational system today is examination malpractice. It has spread across secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and even professional qualifying exams, eroding the credibility of our certificates. In 2025, the West African Examination Council, WAEC, withheld the results of 192,089 candidates over malpractice allegations, while in 2024, no fewer than […]
FG’s ban on shea nuts export
From faraway Brazil, President Bola Tinubu ordered an immediate, “temporary” ban on exportation of unprocessed shea nuts because it is against our economic interests. This message was delivered by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, at a multi-stakeholder meeting at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday last week. The directive was necessitated by the realisation that Nigeria, being […]
