Between August 1 and 3, the Finance Ministers and central bank governors from the African continent converged in Abuja for an all-important meeting under the aegis of the “African Caucus.” The three-day meeting with the theme, “Facilitating Intra-African Trade: Catalyst for Sustainable Development in Africa,” was declared open by President Bola Tinubu, who the Vice-President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, represented. By Kadiri Abdulrahman The African Caucus was established in 1963, with the objective of strengthening the voice of African Governors in the Bretton Woods Institutions (BWIs), as represented by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG), on…
Author: TheStories
Perhaps I should not be alive. But I am. Despite the odds, I turn 58 today. I am still frail and fragile. But now, I can stand on my feet again, bearing testimony to those sacred words of the Almighty Allah (God) himself that, “No soul can ever die except by Allah’s leave and at a term appointed (Quran 3: 145).”
Water, they say, is life. It is believed to be the foundation of health, education, and economic development. The availability of potable water has a remarkable impact on lives, while its absence affects living standards and hygiene in any community. In rural areas, women and children often spend valuable time searching for drinking water, time that could be spent on other social and economic activities. By Mohammed Baba Busu A UNICEF report states that poor water supply and sanitation cost the Nigerian economy about 1.3% of its annual GDP, roughly translating to 1.9 trillion naira. These losses are due to…
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT), has addressed the nation. However, many critics, who prefer strikes over peaceful resolutions of their complaints, were not impressed. Numerous compatriots, including the ambivalent ones, are perpetual cynics who criticize without offering solutions. Such individuals are impossible to please, regardless of the effort made. This should not concern Mr. President, as these critics would deride him no matter what he says, claiming he has said “nothing.” As the wise Hausa people say, “idan ka fada ruwa, maqiyinka zaice ka tada qura” (if…
“A recent and particularly egregious example of this is the advertisement placed by Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, in Oyo State, published in the Tribune on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, inviting candidates to apply for its two-year Daily Part Time (DPT) programme.
I must by now be known as a frequent open letter writer for some people to take this one seriously. I am appealing to such people to be patient with yours faithfully again. I am not a proponent or opponent of the split of Nigeria into North and South, as are some fellow compatriots. I am, however, a strong believer in the dictum ‘what will be, will be,’ and an UNAPOLOGETIC supporter of the North and its interests. By Abdu Labaran Malumfashi I used the bold letters in the second to the last sentence of the above paragraph in remembrance…
Hunger is a basic human need that cannot be ignored or easily controlled. It is a primal instinct that drives individuals to seek out food to survive. In a world where food insecurity is a pressing issue for many people, the idea of restricting or imposing curfews on someone who is starving seems both cruel and ineffective. How can a man who is deadly hungry be confined and restricted? By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman In the face of such intense hunger, attempting to impose curfews, confinement, or strict restrictions on an individual is futile. The urgency of the body’s need for sustenance…
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has disclosed that the Nigerian government will partner with the National Council for Civil Society of Nigeria to combat insecurity in the country. He also commended the Councilfor their non-participation in the ongoing protests and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his numerous initiatives aimed at revitalizing the Nigerian economy for the benefit of all citizens. During a meeting with a delegation from the National Council, led by Comrade Johnny Emmanuel, at his office in Ship House yesterday, the Minister emphasized the importance of collaborating with civil society organizations to address insecurity. He…
Nigeria has a long history of political and social unrest, with violence often being used as a tool for change. This raises questions about the effectiveness of violence as a means of bringing about social and political change, and whether non-violent methods of protest might be more effective. As a student of Sociology, I am aware of the theories that view violence as a tool of change, as well as those that critique such theories and emphasize the importance of peace and non-violent methods of protest, as exemplified by Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi. By Usman Mohammed Binji One theory that…
Protests have long been a tool for citizens to voice their grievances and demand resolution from their governments. The traditional method of protest, which involves taking to the streets in a mass gathering or public rally, has been the go-to approach for many activists and organizations around the world. By Abdul-Azeez Suleiman However, this approach is not without its risks and limitations. In recent years, we have witnessed how street protests can quickly escalate into violent clashes with law enforcement, leading to injuries, arrests, and property damage. In the context of a country like Nigeria, where protests are a common…