As journalists, we often recount the dangers others face. But on a recent journey back from the 8th Triennial Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Owerri, Imo State, we became the story—a harrowing encounter with death that underscored the fragility of life. By Abdulrazak Bello Kaura The conference had been a moment of celebration, particularly for me, Abdulrazak Bello Kaura, re-elected unopposed as Secretary for NUJ Zone A (Northwest). However, the joy of victory turned into an ordeal during our return journey to Zamfara State. The fateful journey Our team of 15 embarked on the journey…
Author: TheStories
In Nigeria, numerous “Foundations” claim to assist the needy, but many exist primarily to promote the founders’ interests rather than provide genuine help. This distinction underscores the difference between true philanthropists, who fund meaningful societal assistance, and others who engage in superficial acts of charity for self-promotion. Corporate responsibility, in my understanding, transcends random acts of assistance. It involves a deliberate and sustained effort by individuals or organizations to give back to society a portion of their wealth, acknowledging God’s grace and society’s role in their success. This approach defines the BUA Foundation. Unlike many foundations that seek attention, the…
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has commissioned the repaired government-owned Port Harcourt refinery. He reportedly issued marching orders for the repairs of the remaining three refineries owned by the federal government. I am not a tribal bigot, but President Tinubu appears to be one—unapologetically so. This observation has been made by many people, including a TikTok user who detailed the president’s appointments, claiming they overwhelmingly favour his Yoruba kinsmen. According to this individual, who also claimed not to be “a tribal bigot like President Tinubu,” the breakdown of key federal appointments in Tinubu’s…
Two superlative nouns, pomp and circumstance, were repeatedly used to describe the celebration of the opening of the “repaired” Port Harcourt Refinery by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday. This comes after years of the refinery remaining comatose and billions of naira allegedly spent on repairs going down the drain. However, a disclosure by Mr Timothy Mgbere, Secretary of the Alesa Community Stakeholders, alleged that the commissioning of the “repaired” Port Harcourt Refinery was a hoax played on Nigerians by the current regime. According to Mr Timothy, “The products dispatched from the facility on Tuesday were not newly refined but…
The Islamic preacher, known for his religious sermons to the opposite gender, was subjected to serious condemnation by people from major religions for attending a high-profile event recently, with some accusing him of being present at any occasion where “money is involved.” In an angry response during a sermon to a male audience, the popular cleric, who was criticized by an African Muslim from faraway New York City in the United States (US), retorted that all the Muslims serving in the present government at both federal and state levels, as well as all the Muslims in the assemblies, were the…
God Himself has repeatedly told mankind that only they can change their situation, either for good or bad. Nigeria’s situation cannot be any worse; we must, therefore, change it for the better. A former leader once asserted that “nobody will come from outer space and do it for us but ourselves.” By Abdu Labaran To say that Nigeria is in bad shape is an understatement. The country is in terrible condition, and if care is not taken, there may come a time when there will be no Nigeria at all. “God forbid,” all good compatriots will chorus. But the truth…
There is no doubt that the relative peace in Kaduna State was ushered in by Governor Uba Sani who has been working tirelessly in line with his promise during his electioneering campaign. By Dr Kabir Ahmed Recalling the ugly incidences of banditry attacks and criminalities in the State, and in particular the Southern in the last ten years with heavy human casualties as well as wanton destruction of properties, one would wonder if peace can be actualized, but Thursday event that witnessed repentant bandits in their hundreds couldn’t be anything other than the governor’s resilience to getting the people of…
The African continent, like the rest of the world, has witnessed the abuse of power manifesting as a pervasive hallmark of immunity of impunity. Glaring corruption thrives with little to no consequences, eroding the very essence of justice and accountability. Weak institutions, often crippled by systemic inefficiencies and deliberate sabotage, struggle to function as neutral arbiters of fairness. This dysfunction breeds disillusionment and fuels a culture of manipulation, where those in power exploit tribal and ethnic sentiments to shield themselves from scrutiny. The masses, driven by blind followership and misplaced loyalty, rally around corrupt kinsmen or tribal representatives, enabling the…
In the intricate nature of Nigeria’s socio-political setting, the proposed tax reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are becoming a focal point of contention. The apprehensions voiced by Northern Nigerians are not merely reactions to policy changes; they are reflections of deeper historical, economic, and cultural currents that shape their interactions with the federal government. As the reforms make their way through the National Assembly, the North finds itself at a critical juncture, grappling with the implications of these reforms while navigating the complexities of representation and accountability. Historical Context and Economic Realities To understand the fears surrounding the…
The proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in Africa poses a grave threat to peace and development. With an estimated 100 million SALW circulating, the continent faces widespread conflict, violence, and instability, hindering progress across numerous sectors. Nigeria, grappling with its internal security challenges significantly exacerbated by this proliferation, exemplifies the multifaceted difficulties and political obstacles inherent in tackling this critical issue. The establishment of the National Commission Against the Proliferation of Arms, Light Weapons and Ammunitions (NATCOM) represents a notable, albeit troubled, attempt to address the problem, highlighting the urgent need for strong political will and effective…