Category: Opinion

Rafiu Ajakaye

One of the important legacies of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq are the many walkways in every part of the capital city Ilorin. Beyond being pleasing aesthetics which set the new Ilorin apart from its old self, these walkways come with lifestyle change and numerous health benefits for everyone. They reduce incidents of vehicles hitting pedestrians, potentially causing injuries and deaths.

But equally significant is the platform for exercise that these beautiful walkways offer to all. We need to sit less, walk more, and reduce the sedentary lifestyle which experts blame for the many cardiovascular complications that we see everywhere. Ibn Khalidun, historian and social philosopher, in fact linked sedentary lifestyle to the fall of many civilisations. So, kudos to the Governor for the thoughtful addition to the infrastructure in the state. It is one of his many legacies that our children will inherit and carry to the future.

These walkways have been accompanied by upgraded roads in every part of the city and beyond, especially in Offa town. But this infrastructure is seriously threatened by our general habits as a people. As I walk through these walkways every other day or on weekends, I observed that the roads, the walkways, and the drainages can only survive if we change our habits as a people.

Along with relevant government agencies doing their bits, people need to intentionally stop littering footpaths or dropping wastes as they drive by. I observed that virtually all the water outlets built to the walkways on Offa Road, for instance, are heavily littered with water sachet, trash, and other things.

The durability of public infrastructure hangs on how well we handle them. Burning trash on the road or improper refuse dump through water outlets of the walkways is a dangerous practice. Often, the difference between the lifespan of our infrastructure and the ones in Europe or US is the habit of the populace. To keep our infrastructure good and durable, our mindset needs to change. It is our headache if roads or schools built in two years collapse owing to the devil-may-care attitude to facilities done with our money. Let us care a lot more. That begins from every home: let’s decide to drop all the habits that damage public infrastructure.

A duty to ourselves

A few weeks ago, we debated to no end how esteemed teachers and Professor Shehu Raheem Adaramaja, SUBEB chief, picked trash at Amule Elementary School in Ilorin East. Painfully, we ignored the main issue: a collective inability to maintain standards and ethics to the extent that we have normalised things that we shouldn’t have. A Primary 3 pupil, for context, should have the orientation that trash is meant for the bin and that it is simply unacceptable to throw garbage from a moving vehicle to the road. Such basic orientation, among other things, will save us many problems.

As part of education multiplier effects, I plead that we adopt concerted cultivation in child rearing to refocus the trajectory of our nation right from the homestead.

Finally…

My love for our teachers is unmistakable. And so does the Governor. They deserve every good thing that life has to offer. It is cheery, therefore, to have the Governor approve 27.5% Teachers Specific Allowance (TSA), a move the NUT has commended. For context: the approval of the 27.5% TSA (in this form) is a 2012 prayer answered in 2025. Our teachers deserve it.

But the best is the enemy of the good. In addition to the TSA, which is exclusive to them, my teacher-friends want to also get the 30% peculiar allowance approved for civil servants in the core service. My reading of this position is that they just want better pay. It is normal for humans to want more. But there is a problem with their saying they want to benefit from the peculiar allowance which, right from the Federal Government where it emanated from, is meant for certain categories of workers.

The Peculiar Allowance was designed by the former Head of Service of the Federation Dr. Yemi Esan and Minister of Labour and Productivity Dr. Chris Ngige as a policy instrument to bridge the gap between what workers in the parastatals and agencies earned and what the core civil servants earned. It is a salary harmonization policy.

These core civil servants do not earn TSA or CONMESS (for doctors) or CONHESS (for nurses), among other benefits, hence the peculiar allowance.

As genuine as the campaign for improved welfare of my teacher-friends is, I fear that the fight to earn peculiar allowance is risky for everyone. Workers in other sectors may well agitate for the same. And my teacher-friends risk losing their TSA to counter agitations of equality from elsewhere. What is sustainable in many human endeavours is equity, not equality.

Two points need to be made here. The approval of the 27.5% TSA will add roughly N1.3bn to the wage bill every month, effective January 2026. That’s around N15.6bn more annually. This already has its consequences for governance deliverables, especially at the local government level, because tradeoffs are now inevitable for them. The money for the TSA is a tradeoff for other things they will not be able to do in the new year. But I feel that our teachers deserve it.

Also, the approval of TSA, which is calculated based on the new minimum wage, still places teachers above those in the mainstream service even with their 30% peculiar allowance. For instance, a level 7 step 1 in the core service will now earn 99,978.65 after the 30%, whereas a level 7 step 1 TSA teacher will earn N101,623.94. And while Level 8 Step 1 TSA teachers will now earn N106,648.57, their counterpart in the core service will earn N103, 962. 38. The gap continues like that.

If the government acceded to my teacher-friends’ request to also earn peculiar allowance, it means that a level 7 step 1 TSA teacher would earn N132,111.12 — exactly N32, 132.47 more than their mate in the core service. This will further widen the gap the government had sought to reduce, defeat the whole essence of the peculiar allowance and wage harmonization policy, and trigger an unending service-wide civil war that will further destabilise the system. Stability is underrated.

Dear teachers, this administration cares for you, and this is glaring from the progress so far made in massive school infrastructure upgrade and your welfare: 345% outstanding salary arrears since 2016 paid up; prompt and full payment of salary; promotion arrears from 2017 fully implemented with 2025 already approved; disparity between TESCOM and SUBEB workers bridged; two new minimum wages implemented back to back; regular capacity building for SUBEB teachers since 2019; deductions of cooperatives restored; and annual incremental steps restored since the last three years — a first in many years.

The administration can only beat its own record and it always will because we do not doubt that you are a critical part of our journey. But let’s not trigger a civil war in the process. You always have the esteemed regards of this administration. Compliments of the season, everyone!

Successive Nigerian governments have tried to close the country’s yawning electricity metering gap, rolling out a series of ambitious programmes with limited success. Today, Nigeria still has a deficit of more than six million meters, out of an estimated 12 million electricity consumers.

Why does metering matter? Is it not simply another way to make Nigerians pay more at a time when wallets and purses are already under severe pressure? In reality, metering delivers benefits that many people do not fully appreciate.

Beyond its direct cost-control advantages for individual consumers—particularly those who have suffered the arbitrariness of estimated billing—metering strengthens the entire electricity system and, by extension, the broader economy. It allows distribution companies (DisCos) to collect revenues more efficiently and transparently. Modern smart meters are sophisticated pieces of technology, capable of collecting, interpreting, and processing granular data.

That data is invaluable. It enables better planning by providing a clearer picture of demand, allowing investments and infrastructure to be targeted more accurately. Crucially, it also makes targeted subsidies possible. With reliable consumption data, government can identify who needs support and where they are, ensuring assistance reaches those at the bottom of the economic ladder. This is standard practice around the world.

For too long, Nigeria has relied on subsidies that are neither targeted nor supported by credible data, resulting in massive losses, fraud, and wastage. The petrol subsidy scandal that erupted in 2012 remains a vivid reminder of what happens when subsidies are applied indiscriminately: those who benefit most are often not those who need help the most.
Metering, therefore, is of immense importance. It is one of the most underrated pillars of a functioning economy.

President Tinubu’s response to Nigeria’s metering challenge is the new Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI). For perhaps the first time, the issue is being driven by direct presidential intervention—an indication of how seriously the federal government views the problem.

As always, the devil is in the detail. The PMI has mobilised substantial funding from both federal and state governments to finance the rollout of the millions of smart meters required to close the gap. This marks a notable departure from previous efforts, which treated metering almost exclusively as a federal responsibility.

With state governments now involved, there is a broader sense of ownership—an important factor given that states hold equity stakes in the DisCos, who are ultimately responsible for deploying the meters.

Another point to note: the PMI rollout is expected to involve a mix of imported and locally assembled smart meters. The case for local meters is straightforward: Nigeria must deepen local content across all sectors of the economy. This has become even more pressing following the launch of the Nigeria First policy.

The argument for imported meters is equally compelling. The scale and urgency of the task mean that Nigeria cannot afford to rely on a single source. While local manufacturing capacity has grown in recent years, it is not yet sufficient to deliver millions of meters within a short timeframe. In short, patriotism must be balanced with pragmatism.

Beyond local manufacturing, the PMI also promises benefits for local technical capacity. A successful mass rollout will require thousands of trained technicians, creating opportunities for young Nigerians willing to acquire new skills. The initiative plans to oversee such training programmes in collaboration with public and private sector partners.

These skills will likely extend beyond meter installation, forming a foundation for broader electrical expertise applicable to construction, manufacturing, automobiles, and other sectors.

On paper, the PMI appears well thought out and carries many of the hallmarks of a potential jinx breaker. But it must prove itself in practice. Its success will ultimately be judged by the quality and speed of implementation, and by whether it truly departs from past initiatives that stalled or progressed at a crawl.

Public awareness will also be critical. This is where institutions such as the National Orientation Agency can play a supporting role, leveraging their national reach and renewed momentum. For the PMI to succeed, all hands must be on deck. This is not a task for government alone. Every stakeholder in the electricity value chain has a role to play in successful implementation—because when DisCos plug revenue leakages, they are better positioned to meet their obligations to generation companies, which in turn can pay their fuel suppliers. It is yet another example of the cascading benefits of effective metering.

Will the PMI live up to the high expectations surrounding it, or will it follow the path of previous interventions? In 2026, Nigerians should have a clear answer to this all-important question.

By Musa Ilallah,
A public affairs analyst based in Abuja.
He can be reached at musahk123@yahoo.com

As we embark on this promising year of 2026, my heart is filled with profound hope, deep gratitude, and an unshakable conviction in the bright future awaiting our beloved Kwara State. I empathize deeply with every Kwaran who has faced hardships in the past, yet I am profoundly inspired by the selfless, steadfast leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

In a nation grappling with formidable challenges, his quiet genius, marked by integrity, prudence, and an unwavering commitment to inclusive progress, positions Kwara as a shining example of effective governance.

This year, 2026, heralds not just survival, but genuine prosperity, built on solid foundations laid with foresight and dedication. The dawn of a new era is upon us, and under His Excellency’s guidance, Kwara is poised to thrive like never before.

A Bold Fiscal Foundation for Sustainable Growth and Security

The N644 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill, presented with such clarity and purpose, stands as a testament to Governor AbdulRazaq’s profound understanding of our state’s needs.

With nearly 66 percent allocated to capital expenditure, this budget is a sacred pledge to prioritize tangible, lasting development over short-lived measures. It focuses resolutely on completing ongoing projects while initiating new ones that will transform lives across all 16 local government areas.

Roads, bridges, water supply systems, modern healthcare facilities, and world-class educational infrastructure will emerge stronger, fostering connectivity, health, and knowledge for generations.

What moves me most deeply is the deliberate emphasis on security, a cornerstone without which no prosperity can endure.

By ring-fencing substantial resources for law enforcement enhancements, community safety programs, and initiatives like the recruitment of forest guards, the Governor demonstrates a heartfelt commitment to peace.

In recent days, we have seen schools reopen safely amid resolved security concerns, allowing our children to pursue education without fear.

This prudent approach not only shields our communities but attracts investment, safeguards agricultural yields, and nurtures an environment where families can flourish. Amid national uncertainties, Governor AbdulRazaq’s fiscal wisdom provides a shield of resilience, ensuring that Kwara remains a haven of stability and opportunity.

Transformative Reforms and a People-Centered Vision for Inclusive Prosperity

As an entrepreneur who has witnessed the struggles and triumphs of business in our state, the unveiling of the 2026 Action Plan for Ease of Doing Business fills me with immense pride and optimism. This comprehensive strategy, spanning key pillars such as modernizing land administration, promoting agricultural investments for food security, accelerating infrastructure delivery, and strengthening public-private partnerships, reflects visionary leadership at its finest. It is designed to create a truly conducive environment where businesses thrive, jobs multiply, and economic growth benefits all.

Particularly inspiring is the commitment to renewable energy, exemplified by the planned statewide solar farm project, which promises to illuminate rural and urban areas alike, powering socio-economic advancement sustainably.

This initiative, alongside broader reforms, will empower our youth, support farmers, and invigorate sectors like services, creative industries, and agribusiness. Governor AbdulRazaq’s inclusive governance, free from exclusion or division, resonates profoundly. His recent call during the APC e-registration for no one to be left behind, coupled with his New Year proclamation of 2026 as “a new dawn for Kwara,” stirs the soul and calls us all to unite in building enduring legacies.

We have already seen remarkable strides: revitalized education with incentives like the newly approved 27.5 percent Teachers Specific Allowance, upgraded healthcare, urban renewal in Ilorin, and expanded rural networks. In 2026, these seeds will blossom into abundant harvests, job creation for our teeming youth, enhanced livelihoods for families, and a Kwara more vibrant, viable, and prosperous than ever imagined. Even as national headwinds persist, His Excellency’s people-centered approach fosters unity, resilience, and broad-based progress.

In this defining year, Kwara will prosper because it is led by a governor whose genius manifests in dedicated execution, moral fortitude, and an enduring vision for the common good.

Under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, our Harmony State is not merely enduring challenges; it is ascending to unparalleled greatness. With profound conviction and heartfelt optimism, I affirm: Kwara’s most glorious days are here, and 2026 will inscribe this truth indelibly in our history. Let us embrace this journey united, for our state and its people deserve nothing less than excellence. Together, we shall witness the full flowering of this new dawn.

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) intensifies preparations ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, one name continues to resonate with clarity, credibility, and confidence across party structures and communities; Benedict Olugboyega Alabi (BOA), former Deputy Governor of Osun State and a proven financial expert with an enviable record of service, humility, and visionary leadership.

Widely respected for his calm disposition, strategic thinking, commitment to people-centered governance and readiness to listen to everyone, BOA has emerged as the most formidable and broadly acceptable aspirant within the APC family. His aspiration is shaped not by personal ambition alone, but by a sincere desire to restore unity within the party, rebuild trust among citizens, and reposition Osun State for accelerated development.

Having served meritoriously as Deputy Governor, BOA brings an insider’s understanding of governance, policy implementation, and what it takes to deliver impactful outcomes. His experience is combined with a refreshing moral compass, deep grassroots connection, and a reputation for integrity; qualities that make him the ideal standard-bearer for APC at a time when competence, credibility, and electability matter most.

BOA’s blueprint for Osun is bold yet practical. His agenda prioritizes mechanized agriculture for food security, robust healthcare delivery, infrastructural renewal, economic expansion, and opportunities for youth, women, artisans, and small businesses. His development philosophy is built on inclusivity; ensuring every zone of Osun feels the presence of government and enjoys equal access to prosperity.

Within the APC, BOA is regarded as a bridge-builder capable of uniting stakeholders, harmonizing interests, and leading a strong, cohesive campaign capable of reclaiming the state. His message has continued to inspire confidence across wards, local governments, and among key opinion leaders who see in him a reliable, visionary, unifier and electable candidate.

At a time when Osun requires stability, strategic development, and leadership with unquestionable character, BOA stands out unmistakably. His candidacy is a promise of renewal; a shift from politics of division to politics of progress; politics of inclusivity and from recycled promises to measurable results.

The All Progressives Congress has a defining choice to make: a choice that will determine not only the strength of the party going into the 2026 election but the future of millions of Osun citizens seeking purposeful leadership.

Hence, For APC, BOA represents the strongest, most trusted, and most prepared option to lead the party to victory and lead Osun to a new dawn.

Benedict Olugboyega Alabi is not just an aspirant; he is the leader Osun needs and the candidate APC can confidently present to the people.

BOA is ready.
Osun is ready.
APC must now move forward with its best.

By Adekunle Salawu
Boripe LG, Osun State

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a beacon of potential on the continent, continues to navigate a complex landscape of economic reforms, security threats, climatic vulnerabilities, and global pressures as of late 2025. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, launched with ambitious goals of economic diversification, security restoration, infrastructure revival, and social welfare enhancement, remains the guiding framework for national progress. Yet, two and a half years into the administration, tangible outcomes in several critical sectors fall short of the urgency demanded by citizens facing daily hardships, from blackouts and food shortages to rampant insecurity and untapped cultural wealth. 

The average Nigerian believes the buck stops at the table of the president, they are half right. There are the buck bringers, the ministers who work closely with him and this is addressed to them. This opinion, grounded in fact and data looks at performance in four pivotal ministries: Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; Defence; Power; and Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. The intent is constructive: to highlight gaps not for blame, but to propel actionable reforms. 

Harnessing Nigeria’s Vast but Underutilized Soft Power

Under Honourable Hannatu Musa Musawa, the ministry’s merger of tourism, arts, culture, and creative economy was visionary, aiming to position these sectors as pillars of non-oil revenue and job creation. Nigeria’s assets are unparalleled: over 1,000 annual festivals, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove and Sukur Cultural Landscape), 14 tentative listings, vibrant Nollywood (second-largest film industry globally), Afrobeats dominating international charts, and natural wonders like Yankari National Park, Obudu Cattle Ranch, and the Idanre Hills.

Yet, as of November 2025, performance remains disappointing. International arrivals hover below pre-COVID levels, with World Bank data showing stagnation around 1-2 million annually, far behind Kenya (over 2 million) or Rwanda (rapid post-pandemic recovery). Tourism contributes less than 5% to GDP, compared to 10-15% in peers like Thailand or Kenya. Revenue projections for 2025 are modest at $3-5 billion, per Statista and WTTC estimates, despite potential for $10-15 billion with proper harnessing. Domestic tourism, vital amid economic constraints, lacks aggressive promotion—Lagos’ “Detty December” generates millions but remains localized.

In just 365 days, under the astute leadership of Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has done what previous administrations feared to even attempt: it has fully activated the NIHOTOUR Establishment Act 2022. Where others saw lawsuits and entrenched interests, Dr. Fagade saw a sacred mandate. He moved decisively to enforce registration, certification, grading, and regulation of practitioners across hospitality, travel, and tourism.  

The physical transformation is breathtaking. From a mere six campuses and zonal offices, NIHOTOUR has exploded to twenty-nine locations across the federation in under twelve months. 

This is not just brick-and-mortar expansion; it is a deliberate democratisation of skills and opportunities. Thousands of youths, women, and previously excluded practitioners now have access to internationally benchmarked training in culinary arts, tour guiding, hotel management, and customer service excellence. E-learning platforms have been scaled, curricula modernised, and partnerships with international bodies initiated.          ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Perhaps most revolutionary is the regulatory courage displayed. Dr. Fagade’s three-phase strategy stakeholder dialogue, systematic implementation, and unapologetic enforcement (with security agencies where necessary) has forced compliance from powerful operators who had grown comfortable in the shadows. Hotels, travel agencies, restaurants, and event centres are now being graded and certified. Standards are no longer optional. Revenue that previously disappeared into private pockets is beginning to flow properly to government coffers and, more importantly, service quality is rising. Youth unemployment is being attacked at its root through genuine skill acquisition. Investors can now see a regulated, professional sector worth betting on. In one year, NIHOTOUR has become the brightest spot in Nigeria’s entire tourism ecosystem.          ​​​​​​​​​

Few days ago, the Honorable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, in an act that can only be described as inexplicable, announced the immediate suspension of all NIHOTOUR enforcement activities nationwide. The very agency that has delivered the most tangible progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda; the one actually implementing President Tinubu’s diversification agenda while the ministry itself has remained largely invisible,  has been deliberately crippled.

Challenges persist: insecurity deters visitors, visa processes are cumbersome (despite e-visa improvements), infrastructure at sites is poor (e.g., poor roads to Sukur), and marketing is fragmented. Initiatives like the D30 Data Platform (launched for creative economy insights) and collaborations with NIHOTOUR show intent, it should not be extinguished. Nollywood exports grow organically, yet government support for formal distribution and IP protection is inadequate. The creative sector employs millions informally but suffers from piracy and limited funding.  

Comparatively, Rwanda’s “Visit Rwanda” campaign (Arsenal sponsorship) boosted arrivals 20-30% annually post-2018, generating billions. Kenya’s Magical Kenya brand and visa-free policies for Africans drove 32% growth in 2023-2024. Thailand’s integrated cultural-tourism strategy (festivals + eco-sites) yields over $60 billion yearly.

For the longest time, one project i have expected from the ministry has been a VR guided tour of the wonders of Nigeria; Old Kano city, The Ife sculpture, Benin walls, Igboukwu Terracotta carvings. Ease visas as Rwanda did, turning arrivals into millions. Fund creative hubs like Korea’s Hallyu wave, exporting Nollywood to billions. Certify sites for safety, involve communities as Benin kings once did their guilds. This is the chance to unlock 20 million job to rival the glory of oil. 

Defence in an Age of Shadows

In the tales of old, Ogun, god of iron, forged weapons for justice, not tyranny. The Oyo Empire’s cavalry swept vast lands; Kanem-Borno’s knights repelled invaders across deserts. Leaders like Sunni Ali Ber of Songhai protected caravans, fostering peace for trade. Yet when shields cracked, empires fell to hubris.  

Nigeria stands at such a monumental moment in our history, Hannibal stands at our gate, infact, to put it into proper context, Hannibal has already crept through the crevices. Boko Haram’s resurgence, bandits in Zamfara’s forests, Lakurawa’s terror in the northwest. In 2025 alone, over 2,266 killed in the first half, surpassing all of 2024. Some villages have been sacked overnight, hundreds killed. The schoolgirls of Chibok are in our rearview mirror, Just a few days ago, another school was ransacked, and school students were carted away again. Kidnappings haunt highways; 33 million face hunger partly from untended farms. 

Honourable Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the defense minister, is supposed to stand guard against these marauders; however, that has not been the case. To see real gains, we must seal loopholes that leak information to the insurgents, shift to population-centric counter-insurgency (COIN) and protect civilians first (Colombia model vs. FARC). Night operations, mobility upgrades; reduce special forces over-reliance. The need for oversight is needed; AI/drones for real-time surveillance. Community intelligence networks will be better.  

Security is the lifeblood of investments; we cannot say foreigners or even local investors should come and put their money where insecurity reigns. Mohammed Badaru needs to tighten his belt. The military must come back to working for the people, not their own selfish agenda and ambition.  

Powering Nigeria’s Path to Industrialization

Reliable electricity is the lifeblood of modernization. Under Honourable Adebayo Adelabu, the Ministry of Power has pursued reforms like tariff adjustments and the Siemens deal for grid upgrades. Yet, in 2025, challenges endure: frequent grid collapses, estimated losses of over N10 trillion annually to businesses from unreliable supply, and only about 4,000-6,000 MW generated against a demand exceeding 20,000 MW.

Public frustration is palpable; tariff hikes without corresponding service improvements have sparked outcry from labor unions. While privatization aimed at efficiency, distribution companies (DisCos) struggle with metering, theft, and collection. Rural electrification lags, exacerbating poverty.

Progress includes some mini-grid initiatives and renewable pushes, but the gap between policy and delivery widens hardship amid inflation. There have also been a number of power grid issues this year. To see more gains, there must full implementation of constitutional allowances for states to generate and distribute power. Support models like Lagos and Rivers’ independent projects. Aggressively pursue solar and hydro, targeting 30% renewables by 2030. Partner with private firms for off-grid solutions in rural areas, akin to Kenya’s M-KOPA success. Also the ministry should look into establishing an independent regulator with citizen representation to oversee tariffs and performance, ensuring hikes tie directly to service improvements.

A Compassionate Response to Vulnerabilities

With overlapping crises,displacement from insecurity, floods affecting millions, and economic shocks, the ministry (post-reshuffle under new leadership) manages safety nets like school feeding and cash transfers.

Yet, 2025 projections are grim: 33 million in acute food insecurity, up significantly, with Emergency levels nearly doubling. Floods submerged farmlands, cholera outbreaks surged, and aid access remains blocked in conflict zones. Past scandals eroded trust, though reforms aim to clean up.

This ministry is one on which there are weights of expectation and a lot of eyes look to. In a bid to revamp soiled reputation, transparency must be the order of the day. The ministry must work on integrating disaster management with agriculture for flood-resistant crops and early warning systems in partnership with states. Empower state emergency agencies and NGOs for faster response, reducing bureaucracy.

Nigeria’s challenges are surmountable with leadership that embraces feedback. To the Honourable Ministers of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; Defence; Power; and Humanitarian Affairs: this is a professional appeal to redouble efforts. The Renewed Hope Agenda can shine brighter with innovative, inclusive, and accelerated implementation.

We, as patriotic Nigerians, stand ready to support through dialogue, expertise, and partnership. Let us move from critique to collaboration, for a secure, prosperous, and vibrant Nigeria.

Ibraheem Abdullateef

It looks like Kwara PDP PRO Olusegun Adewara Sholyment is now working for the Kwara State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC), inadvertently. The scope and quality of his press statements have helped to promote and edify the policies and decisions of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq more often than not, even if he thought he was attacking him.

Take, for instance, today’s own. Sholyment has rushed to write in acknowledgement of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s approval of another 8.1bn to pay the gratuities of state and local government retirees in Kwara.

This follows the N4bn released in January 2025 for the same purpose.

Since 2019, this administration has paid 20bn in gratuities in total — apart from the new approval. A vast amount of these funds was used to defray backlogs inherited from the previous administration.

The above shows that gratuities are gradually cleared but in phases because of other obligations, including the much-acknowledged building of several developmental projects across the state.

Like every Kwaran, Sholyment and his PDP folks are happy to witness the impact of a responsible and caring government steadily addressing critical issues of governance to improve the quality of life of the citizens. But in order to save face, he would claim that the Governor has taken action merely because of the criticism of a Bishop Isreal Amoo, who was himself, a staunch appointee of successive PDP-led administrations in Kwara.

Assuming without conceding this claim, how does that take anything away from the altruistic decision of the people’s Governor? It would rather further raise his stock as a democratic, humble, and patriotic leader who places high value on the feedback of the citizens regardless of their political leanings.

This shows his difference from the tone-deaf, obstinate, insensitive leaders who racked up the pension and gratuities arrears in the first place.

These were Senator Bukola Saraki and Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed between 2003 and 2019. They defaulted in paying pension and gratuities for retirees, but awarded themselves humongous packages as their own pension benefits.

We do not owe Bishop Amoo any apology. If Sholyment were to be fair, he should be helping the former governors from his party to draft one to Amoo and entire Kwarans for failing to prioritise the welfare of workers when they held sway. He should also encourage them to be thankful for the grace of a more competent and magnanimous predecessor who helps them to wipe their dirty behind.

The Governor’s approval, obviously, is beyond the comedy of that fact-free assertion at Oke-Onigbin that led to a deluge of more horrendous revisionist takes on gratuities and pension arrears in Kwara. It is inherent in his belief for probity, prudence, and respect for workers, as seen in the prompt payment of salaries, clearance of promotional exercises, and historic implementation of minimum wage twice in office.

Or, may I ask, who will PDP give the credits and ‘apologies’ for these? 😂

I recognise PDP’s profound lack of discernment that this is another moment of thanksgiving for the senior citizens for their trust in politics that works in 2019.

I wager that even Bishop Isreal Amoo now shares in this beautiful moment of fulfilment in dreams and possibilities under a purposeful government, which is held by Kwarans of all classes, who elected to vote Governor AbdulRazaq into office to clean the mess that had been made of our state. I commend their bravery, patience, and continued faith in his leadership.

However, the Governor also does not expect any gratitude from Bishop Amoo or the PDP for yet another action in cleaning the Augean stables. He simply did his job.

He would rather take pride in the joy and happiness with which thousands of people have received the announcement since yesterday. It is noted as a referendum in the governor’s style of progressive leadership that places the people first.

We hear you, Kwarans. We hear you. 👊

●Abdullateef is Senior Special Assistant to Kwara Governor on Communication

By Tejumola Olusegun Orilemola

Considering the vehemence with which, Most Rev. Israel Amoo, on Saturday, openly rebuked the Kwara State Government over what he described as the unbearable suffering of pensioners and the deplorable state of rural roads across the state, it is however embarrassing how the church have allowed itself to be used by politicians.

Amao antecedents reveal that he was part of the failed political dynasty which had a backlog of pension arears that was settled by the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

He was Chairman, Kwara State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (2003–2007 and 2011–2015); Chairman, Kwara State Library Board (2008–2011) and Chairman, Fact-Finding Committee on the Kwara State College of Education, Oro (2006). This shows that he was part of the 16 years administration of Governor Bukola Saraki.

His political history reveals that he served the administration of Governor Saraki, yet he never knew or investigated before mounting the pulpit to accuse Governor AbdulRazaq of the plight of pensioners.

His gaffe should not be pardoned but viewed from the prism of being used to project the hot ambition of the opposition to demarket the ruling government.

Ordinarily, it is a terrible absurdity for the pulpit to be used, and worrisome is the flame of furry exhibited by Reverend Amao in remembering Governor AbdulRazaq that power is transient, when he and his masters present; Saraki and Ahmed should be ones seeking restitution for plunging Kwara state into abysmal bliss for their horrendous 16 years administration.

The implication of Amao’s gaffe was clear to many discerning Kwarans. He is religious linchpin of the opposition. Everyone knows that 2027 is around the corner, and their hearts have been in turmoil and heads aching violently with the massive acceptance of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq across the state .

However, we wish to remind Amao that his present base, according to the website of Anglican Church is New Bussa in Niger state.
The Niger State Government has banned unlicensed religious preaching across the state, directing that anyone who wishes to preach must first obtain official authorisation. Probably, it is safe to state that Amao’s outburst was a planned action to embarrass the Government, which he couldn’t have been able to attempt in Niger state.

The rumour that Segun Adebayo is having political romance with the opposition which has been hatched in utmost secrecy is not without foundation. Yet it was TAHL ENGINEERING. LTD owned by Segun Adebayo, the son of the late former Governor C.O. Adebayo that was awarded the contract for the construction of Isin road. He abandoned the project and absconded with the state government funds till date.

With the failure of Segun Adebayo’s company to deliver on the dilapidated road project, it would have been Amao’s wisdom to speak the truth no matter whose ox is gored, but he decided to call a spade by another name.

Tejumola is the Convener, Society for Sustainable Governance.

Rafiu Ajakaye

Kwara State PDP has just issued a statement raising an alarm that Kwara State pilgrims in the holy land Saudi Arabia are stranded.

As a policy of the media team, we checked to see if anything is amiss, contrary to what we knew about the scheduled return of our pilgrims.

I spoke with the Ameerul Hajj and Olupo of Ajase-Ipo HRM Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu and the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims’ Board. They both had a good laugh at the statement of the PDP because there is nothing as such.

Kwara has some 2,204 pilgrims this year, one of the biggest contingents from Nigeria. These pilgrims are scheduled to depart Saudi in four batches as follows: June 21st, 23rd, 25th, and 27th. This schedule was not designed by the Kwara State Government; it was designed by all the stakeholders: NAHCON, airlines, and the pilgrims’ board.

Many states of the federation still have pilgrims in the holy land. Nigeria has some 41,000 pilgrims this year; of these, only 6,951 are back, according to NAHCON figures this afternoon.

Today is June 17th. How did the story of being stranded arise?

As a reporter, I’m for a democracy that allows for free exchange of information and robust conversations on issues of shared interest. But I am not for sheer mischief and irresponsibility. They serve no good. In fact, mischief constitutes existential threats to all of us. This is why false alarm attracts stiff penalties in many societies.

“It’s only when we discover how to live with one another peacefully, governed by institutions, rules, and norms to which we mutually consent, that we can turn our attention to other vital issues,” according to Jeremy Weinstein.

I appeal to our colleagues in the media, legacy or new, to adopt a higher level of scrutiny for what they accept from anyone at all — ruling or opposition politicians. This is important for the good of all. If we allow just anything and no line is too sacred to cross, we risk psychological numbing to issues of grave significance to the public welfare or safety.

Pray, where did the PDP get the idea that Kwara pilgrims are stranded? How are they stranded? When are they expected back home? Has that time lapsed? If purveyors of fake news know that people will ask questions, they will think twice before dishing it out. I beg that we set the bar very high in our own interest.

▪︎Rafiu Ajakaye is CPS to the Governor of Kwara State