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Author: Val Kosi

  • Money politics has killed Nigeria –Accord national chair

    Money politics has killed Nigeria –Accord national chair

    National Chairman of the Accord party, Prof. Chris Imumolen, speaks to DANIEL AYANTOYE about his emergence as the leader of the party, the current hardship faced by Nigerians, among other national issues

    You were the presidential candidate of the Accord party in the 2023 election, but a Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise you as the party’s national chairman. How did it happen?

    After the 2023 election, I noticed that there was a lot of homework we needed to do in the party so that we could be better prepared for the election, and also stand out as one of the strong political parties in Nigeria. Usually, you notice that most candidates of political parties like Accord, after running for elective positions, will jettison and go to the so-called bigger parties. But I stayed put because I still have so much to contribute to the party to give it a better political and national outlook.

    You know that we had a chairmanship that had spanned for about 16 years, and there was a need for us to rejig the party. So, we set up a caretaker committee to launch the party into convention. There were issues with the convention because the other people went to an unknown location to hold their convention and declared themselves the winner. We were surprised. They even sent us a video where we saw only 17 people at their convention.

    It was later we heard that they submitted a report to INEC which was signed by some INEC staff that over 500 voted for them. I am surprised. That was what shocked us and made us go to court. We went to court, and we got an order that INEC should recognise my person as the chairman. We went to court and the court ordered INEC to recognise a person as the chairman.

    We paid duly for the convention. So, it is in a bid to restructure the party and stop all these shenanigans and abnormalities in our political party that we are here because we had serious issues when we ran for the last election. We had party leaders who were not patriotic and did not want the party to win. They were only after how they would siphon from the candidates and make money for themselves.

    Since the court ordered INEC to recognise you as the national chairman of the party, have you received any notice of recognition from the electoral commission?

    We have sent notice to INEC. We keep engaging with them. INEC has its internal procedure, and we are working with them to finalise the procedure. The court order must be respected by every agency in Nigeria. Nobody is bigger than an order that is given by the court.

    The court also told the national executives to stop parading themselves as executives. What is the current situation with that?

    In the history of political parties, you will observe issues of contempt of court. Some will still keep parading themselves. But we are not bothered because we are on the side of the law. We have not called ourselves the national chairman. We have an order that describes that. So, whatever they are doing is none of our business. What is our business now is to reposition the party and we have started. Just last week, we had a southern stakeholders’ meeting where we called all those who were expelled from the party.

    Their system is that anybody who tries to correct abnormalities is expelled immediately. A political party is not a one-man organisation. So, what we did was to call back everybody who has been expelled. We followed the constitution, and we made sure that they were pardoned. We invited them back to the party because we needed to grow the party.  Very soon, we will be having the northern stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja. We were in Maiduguri where we supported about 3,000 citizens affected by the flood. Political parties should not only evolve during the election. They should also be engaged in nation building whether they are in power or not.

    Some political parties that are not in power will argue that the funding only comes in during the electioneering period. So, it will be difficult to fund such projects. What do you make of that?

    Giving to the people is from the heart and not from the hand. Some politicians believe in collecting, and not giving. They even collect what they don’t need. That mentality needs to change. What you have may not be equal to what other people have. But no matter how little it is, you can still give. If we can support 100 and PDP does 5,000 supports, the important thing is that something was done. Show that you care for your people. The widow’s mite can even be more recognised than those that give even far more. It depends on the heart.

    Now that you have been declared the chairman of the party, what happens to your presidential ambition? Do you intend to also be the party’s presidential candidate in 2027?

    2027 is some years from now. I think we are very focused on what is happening now. Nigerians are suffering. Life is hard. Opportunities are few. People are crying every day. How do we contribute to supporting them? It is not just about criticising government. What can we do as a people, as a political party to help ourselves? So, I am more focused on the present situation of our country, I am more focused on the exchange rate, I am more focused on the price of oil, and how people live.

    I am more focused on talking about the current issues because if we don’t see how we can change this present situation and it happens that we don’t have a country in 2027, who can contest the position of the president? So, let us look at how we can rescue our country. It is beyond the issue of our party. Our party is just a platform for us to have a voice and to speak on these issues.

    Do you feel that part of the issues that made you lose the presidential election has anything to do with the action or inaction of your party?

    Firstly, I will not consider that I lost the election because when you say ‘lose’, it is imperative. I won. Look at the present administration, and the appointment of youths into special advisers, ministers, and others. You have not seen that before. This emanates due to the bold step that is taken by people like us and others in making sure that youths are included in national politics.

    I will not say I lost because winning does not necessarily mean becoming the president. There are other agendas that we are trying to push, some of which I have told you. To your question, about not becoming the president after running the election, there are many factors. Internal party distractions are one of them, and we are trying to correct this. Even the media is among them because you people focus only on two or three parties and assume that other parties are negligible. So

    With the media, everybody talked only about these three parties. So, the media by itself had concluded on the candidate even before the people concluded. It is what the media feeds the people that they will feed from. We also had issues even with the security architecture in the country giving more preferences of protection to some people. We had issues with the hypocrisy of our national leaders.

    For instance, during a peace accord signing where political parties were supposed to sit alphabetically, the Accord Party should be number one since it starts with the letter ‘A’, but some people will be placed ahead of other persons. They say these are the main candidates. Is there anything called main candidates?

    If you don’t want parties to contest, scrap them and let us know that we only have two or three parties. In as much as we have 19 parties, every candidate is a candidate, and they must be treated equally when they are contesting. So, there are many issues surrounding our politics that might just take some time to solve.

    But some will argue that, unlike the past elections, the Labour Party became a third force due to the popularity gained by the Peter Obi factor and not the media. Don’t you think if your party had gained such popularity, it would have also helped its ambition to win?

    What happened to the Labour Party is not even about popularity. It is a movement that just adopted the candidacy of Obi. Obi was not the originator of that movement. There was agitation on the ground, and the agitators were looking for who they wanted to adopt. In June 2022, they just adopted him. By then, we had not done our primaries. Buhari also had such movements during his time in the North. I can tell you that if Buhari had not become the president of Nigeria, many people in the North would still believe that he was the messiah that would change this country.

    Thank God he had the opportunity, and we all saw what happened. So, it is about the movement. Yes, I will not liken that to media promotion, but the media has a role. In a civilised country, after God, the next is the media before the government. The media can tell the people yes even if the government says no. If the government has a policy, it needs the media to communicate it to the people through the media.

    But like you have said, which I also agree, there are many other factors. There is a lot of work we need to do. We don’t need to wait for 2027. We need to start working now to build a relationship with Nigerians and ensure that whoever comes out from our party should have better media acceptance.

    What are the lessons you have learnt from your experience in the 2023 general election?

    One thing is that as Nigerians, no matter the hard time we go through when it comes to elections, we are not ready. Money politics has killed our nation. Look at the hardship we are going through now. Believe me; money still plays a major role in deciding who becomes a leader instead of basic reasoning. The authorities need to sit up to ensure that Nigerians are well-educated on issues concerning politics.

    INEC should begin voter education now and not a year or a few months after the election. There is a need for mind re-engineering that will enable Nigerians to vote rightly no matter the amount they are offered. The country should get to the point that no matter how hungry Nigerians are, they will not collect N5,000 to sell their conscience. That is a long-time education. Poverty has been weaponised for too long and there is a need to change that narrative.

    As mentioned, poverty has been weaponised by the political elite. Do you think education alone can solve this current situation?

    Politicians are only but a fraction of Nigerians. I am telling you that 90 per cent of Nigerians will behave the same way if they get to that position. This is a Nigerian problem. It is not about the government; it is also not about the politician’s problem. It is a value problem. Some days ago, I took an accident victim to the hospital just to provide help.

    Even in the hospital, you will see the reaction of the people. Sometimes you need to give more money to get better services from the hospital. Sometimes if you take your child to a government school, you will be expected to provide more money to get their attention. So, it is a systemic problem about value.

    When you are given an appointment by the government, your relatives will come to celebrate with you. What are they celebrating with you? They will know that now that you have got the appointment, you will do something for them. It is a general problem. So, how do we solve this problem? It must start from the top. Those who are leading should identify the problem and work towards solving it.

    For instance, when we did our campaign, we didn’t have money to give to anybody. I see people telling you, ‘If you don’t have money to give us, we will not vote for you.’ At the places of some traditional rulers, they will not allow you to enter if you don’t go with money. There are some religious grounds, if you don’t give them money, they will not allow you to address the audience. It is about give and take. Even if you don’t want to give, they will ask that you give them.

    This again explains why some politicians steal public funds when they get into office. Don’t you think so?

    That is why I say that as a politician, you just try as much as possible to invest the least you can if you are not going to steal. Ordinarily, politics is not lucrative. It is only lucrative for the thieves. Once you are elected to a position, what is allocated is not even enough to fix things. So, you must be ready to sacrifice. Good politicians should leave office poorer, not richer. We need people with such a mindset to add value. So, when people say they invested so much and they are going back to steal, it is bad. We need to fight that narrative.

    People should not have the access to steal. We must go into politics to serve the people, the nation, and God. Do you know what is happening in our country? Many youths want to leave this country, almost all the youths; 99 per cent. The people remaining in this country are here because they do not have the means to leave. If everybody wants to leave Nigeria, who will fix our country?

    People have given up on this country and it is so critical that we must get to that point of realisation that we either die or fix this country. That is what happened to West India. So, it is not about having a reason to steal. Know that when you steal, you are stealing the general hospital, good electricity, good education, and many other good things that should make this country great.

    When that happens, we will have half-baked educated Nigerians and half-baked doctors who will kill us when we go to the hospital. Half-baked engineers will build roads and bridges that will collapse and kill us, and half-baked pilots will fly our planes and kill us.

    There are deliberations about a one-term, six-year tenure for a president. What is your take on this?

    Will that change Nigeria? If you have a terrible president, even if he serves one term, what will that change? Can we stop looking at issues from the surface? Now, our President has four years, and he will be trying his best because he believes that if he performs well, he will be elected the next time.

    But if he spends six years, one term and he does not perform well, what will happen? What is the relevance of having six times? The only benefit is that people can easily reduce the eight years. In the next election, everybody still believes that it is going to be Tinubu. So, the system benefits the political class, not the masses.

    There has always been a disconnect between the people and the political elite. You see the same situation repeating itself where a candidate will make many promises but end up not fulfilling them. Why is it so?

    They are not ready for leadership. Many of them have not even studied the problems of the country. They are just making promises. If you want to take over an organisation, you must study the problem, and how to tackle it, then draft your policies to tackle those problems. Many manifestos were released during the campaign, and when we read them, we just said these people are just making promises that Nigerians want to hear.

    Look at the policies politicians are making; harsh policies that affect the people. For example, the policy that if you are not up to 18 years old, you cannot write WAEC is not good. I saw on the news that any private company that will not pay N70,000 minimum wage risk jail. What kind of nonsense is that? I don’t know the kind of country we are.

    They keep bringing out policies that are not in tandem with the development of the country. They are not ready. They are only after power and not after the country’s development. Once they get it, they start thinking.  They become divided. One of their cabinet members will issue a statement, and another one will issue a counter-statement. So, you saw what happened with the media aide, Ajuri Ngelali.

    Talking about policies and the situation of the country, how would you assess the current situation of the country?

    It is terrible. Everybody knows and you don’t need to be told. We have never had this kind of inflation. A common man does not need to know statistics. How much is a bag of water, bottle of water, rice, bread, curry, and other items? It is terrible. People can hardly feed. Many families have adjusted to one square meal per day. Our girls have turned to another thing. Our men are jobless. The highest employment of labour currently is yahoo, yahoo.

    Are you aware that our system is now prospering through criminality? Some sectors would have collapsed if people were not criminals. For instance, the hospitality; the hotel business is thriving because of Yahoo Yahoo. The same thing applies to real estate, supermarkets, and several others. Apart from crude oil, the people who are bringing more forex into Nigeria may even be these boys.

    So, we now have an economy that is thriving through corruption, through criminality. This is how bad it has been. No job, no hope. Look at our doctors. Some hospitals only have two. No doctors again in Nigeria. Nurses have left this country. They are trying to stop them through the nursing council but they are leaving en masse. Bank managers are leaving Nigeria to the UK to turn to nannies and home care workers.

    What is the hope for our children? School fees are increasing, and income is not increasing. People now go to work and at the end of the month, even their salary is not enough to pay their transport fare. It is just that we are a pretentious nation. Everybody is pretending and things are getting worse. Let us be sincere to ourselves. If you are afraid to say this thing because people will attack you, then keep closing your mouth until you are attacked by poverty.

    All these started with the removal of subsidy by President Tinubu, although most of the candidates during the 2023 election agreed that they would remove it. What would you have done if you had won the election?

    Even though I stated that I would remove fuel subsidy, it was not from day one. You have to study it very well. Nigeria is a locomotive economy. Some countries are already running both industrial revolutions where they have a lot of things, including 24-hour electricity, industrialisation, etc. But we have a country where we cannot even provide ourselves with 24 hours of power. So, everything is still running on fossil fuel. Our vehicles run on petrol, which to a large extent, influences the cost of things.

    Our houses are run on generators. Our industries are run on all these things. So, any slight change or removal will cause a national security issue. We would have done the same, but we would have done it more systematically because now, the justification for the removal of subsidy is that we are paying too much debt. The question now is who took these loans? What was this loan used for? Where is the money?

  • Some men assume I’m cheap because of my disability – Female cobbler

    Some men assume I’m cheap because of my disability – Female cobbler

    In an environment where adversity often stifles dreams, Nkiruka Miracle rises like a phoenix from the ashes of her tragic accident. Confined to a wheelchair but unbound in spirit, this remarkable female shoemaker from Enugu State defies the odds, crafting not just footwear but also a powerful narrative of resilience and triumph. In this interview with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, she opens up about her extraordinary journey—one marked by immense challenges and inspiring victories as she navigates life with a disability

    How long have you been operating this shoemaking business?

    I am a passionate shoemaker and the proud owner of a salon in Enugu. My journey in the shoemaking business began seven years ago when I honed my skills and built a loyal customer base. This year, in May, I took a leap of faith and expanded my entrepreneurial ventures by starting my salon business. Despite the numerous challenges that come with managing both businesses, I remain grateful for the successes I’ve achieved thus far. It hasn’t been an easy road, but through hard work and determination, I feel truly blessed to be where I am today.

    What inspired you to embark on your journey as a shoemaker?

    Years ago, I stumbled on a Facebook post showcasing an impressive shoemaking skill. Intrigued, I began to reach out to my network to find someone who could teach me the craft. Eventually, I connected with a skilled shoemaker who graciously agreed to come to my home to provide lessons. Over the course of six months to a year, I diligently honed my skills, transforming my passion into a viable business.

    My motivation to start both my shoemaking and salon ventures stemmed from a deep desire for independence. I didn’t want to be a burden to my family or friends; I longed to create something meaningful for myself. This drive to rely on my own abilities and contribute positively to my household propelled me forward on this journey, allowing me to carve out a space in the world despite my challenges.

    How did you end up in a wheelchair?

    I wasn’t born with a disability; I was once living a vibrant and active life, full of dreams and aspirations. All that changed in an instant when I was involved in a devastating accident. I had just completed my JAMB examination and was on my way to celebrate this milestone when a car collided with me, the driver fleeing the scene without looking back.

    Rushed to the hospital, I was met with a heartbreaking diagnosis: the doctors informed me that I had lost my ability to walk and would never regain it. It felt like the ground had vanished beneath my feet, plunging me into a world of despair and uncertainty. However, amid the pain and grief, I refused to let this moment define me. I am determined to keep moving forward, holding onto the unwavering belief that I will walk again one day. This mindset fuels my resilience and drives me to embrace life, despite the obstacles I face.

    How did you feel when you first received the news?

    The experience was profoundly heartbreaking and left me feeling utterly devastated. Imagine living a life where you’ve always walked on two legs, only to have that ability stripped away in an instant. It was as if my entire world had crumbled before my eyes, plunging me into an overwhelming darkness.

    In the aftermath of the accident, I found myself spiralling into depression. It was one of the most challenging periods of my life, occurring when I was just 20 years old in 2013. Adjusting to life in a wheelchair felt like an insurmountable mountain, and the weight of my new reality was incredibly heavy.

    Now, 11 years later, as I navigate my early 30s, I reflect on this journey with a sense of resilience. Though I have faced countless challenges, each obstacle has taught me invaluable lessons about myself and the strength that lies within. I’ve come to understand that life can be a series of ups and downs, but what truly matters is the ability to keep moving forward, despite the difficulties that arise.

    How did your family and friends support you during this time?

    Throughout my journey, my family has been an unwavering pillar of support. Coming from a loving and nurturing family, their initial struggle to accept my condition was palpable, yet they quickly adapted to the new reality of my life. As the youngest child, I have always received immense support from them, both emotionally and financially. The burden of my medical care and needs weighed heavily on them, and it was tough to see them make such sacrifices.

    Understanding the extent of their dedication to my well-being ignited a fire within me to strive for independence. I longed to be a source of support for my family, rather than a burden. This motivation became the driving force behind my decision to launch my shoemaking business.

    When I first delved into shoemaking, I found pure joy in the craft. Each stitch and design brought me a sense of purpose, and I never complained about the hard work. However, the prevailing economic challenges in the country made it difficult for me to invest substantial funds into the business. To navigate this, I adopted a more strategic approach: I began creating shoes and footwear only when customers placed orders. They would send me samples of what they wanted, and I would craft those designs, proving that distance was no obstacle; I could ship the finished products anywhere.

    This method not only enabled me to support myself but also allowed me to uplift my family and contribute to my community. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that, through my passion for shoemaking, I am making a tangible difference in the lives of those around me while also pursuing my dreams.

    At what point did you accept your circumstance?

    There was a time when I felt as if life had lost all its meaning. I felt like giving up entirely. Then, one fateful night in 2018, everything changed. I woke up with a renewed sense of awareness and realised that I needed to change my mindset.

    I understood that while life had thrown numerous challenges my way, it was essential for me to accept my situation wholeheartedly. I chose to trust that God would perform miracles in my life.

    Even now, I hold onto the belief that I will walk again one day. The weight of my struggles felt insurmountable at times, but deep down, I knew I had to find the courage to keep moving forward. I wanted to inspire hope in those around me; if they saw me breaking down, they would feel broken too. So, I made it my mission to remain strong—not just for myself, but for my family and friends who depended on me.

    Accepting myself has been a winding journey filled with lessons. I learned to actively focus on the positive aspects of my life, no matter how small. Being patient with myself was crucial. I had to acknowledge that healing and acceptance take time. I began setting small, achievable goals and celebrating each step forward. I started surrounding myself with supportive friends and family and this became a lifeline that kept reinforcing my sense of worth.

    Through this transformative process, I discovered that self-acceptance is not merely about coming to terms with my situation. It’s about embracing my worth and recognising my potential, despite the limitations I face. Each day, I remind myself that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle in my path. And as I continue on this journey, I make it a point to encourage others to do the same, reminding them that they too have the strength within to rise above their challenges.

    What challenges did you encounter at the beginning of your journey?

    I faced numerous challenges, particularly in the early stages of my journey. One of the most significant hurdles was my inability to attend school. Being in a wheelchair made it difficult for me to participate in activities that other children could easily enjoy, which left me feeling discouraged. However, my passion for shoemaking kept me motivated, and I was determined to keep pushing forward despite the obstacles.

    Another challenge I encountered was the societal perception of people with disabilities. Many individuals seem to believe that those of us who are physically challenged lack value and cannot achieve anything meaningful. This prevailing attitude can be incredibly disheartening and often undermines our self-worth.

    The quest for love has also proved to be difficult. People with disabilities have so much love to give, yet we often struggle to connect with the right partners. Unfortunately, there are times when individuals exploit those of us who are physically challenged. While I have encountered kind people who treat me with respect, they are not always easy to find.

    Despite these challenges, I remain committed to believing in myself and my worth. I constantly remind myself that I have much to offer, and I maintain hope that brighter days lie ahead.

    Have you ever been in a relationship?

    Yes, I was in a relationship before the accident, and it ended after the accident. It is not what I would like to go into, as I see relationships as a personal aspect of my life.

    Have you ever felt that people write you off because of your condition?

    Yes, unfortunately, I have encountered that. On social media, I have met several individuals who view me merely as someone to flirt with. They often approach me with intentions focused solely on sexual conversations. When I choose not to engage with their advances, their reactions can be quite harsh. I’ve faced comments like, “Look at this girl; I’m doing you a favour by even talking to you, you wheelchair lady.”

    These experiences highlight a troubling mindset where some people fail to see me as a person with feelings and aspirations, reducing me to a stereotype. It can be disheartening, but I remind myself that their attitudes reflect their limitations, not mine.

    Have you had any other negative experiences in person?

    Yes, I have experienced that. There have been moments when individuals approached me in person with incredibly inappropriate propositions. One man even reached out to me, offering N50,000 in exchange for sex, insisting that he wanted to “help” me. It’s disheartening to witness how some people reduce me to nothing more than my disability, treating me without any respect. Such encounters serve as a stark reminder of the prejudices that still exist in society and the urgent need for a shift in perspective towards those with disabilities.

    How do you manage these challenging situations?

    I constantly remind myself that other people’s opinions do not define me. I take pride in who I am and recognise that my worth extends far beyond what they perceive. It’s crucial for me to focus on the positive individuals in my life—those who genuinely understand and support me. I firmly believe that by sharing my experiences, I can raise awareness and encourage others to recognise that everyone deserves respect, regardless of their circumstances. My journey is not just about my struggles; it’s also about inspiring a change in perspective and fostering empathy within our society.

    What message would you like to share with others who are facing similar challenges?

    I want to tell everyone out there that they are not alone. While negative people may always exist, we cannot allow them to diminish our self-worth. Embrace who you are and don’t be afraid to speak out. Surround yourself with those who uplift you and recognise your true value. Together, we can change perceptions and demonstrate that everyone has something unique and special to offer. Let’s support one another on this journey, creating a community where everyone feels valued and respected.

    How do you manage to stay happy all the time?

    I believe I am a beautiful woman, and I make it a priority to focus on happiness every day. There are several strategies I employ to maintain a positive outlook.

    First, I actively avoid situations or people that bring negativity into my life. If I sense something will upset me, I steer clear of it. Creating a peaceful environment is crucial for my well-being.

    Second, I consciously choose to surround myself with uplifting individuals. Being with supportive friends and family significantly enhances my happiness and overall mood.

    I also work on building my confidence and courage. I regularly remind myself of my strengths and accomplishments. Practising self-love is essential; I indulge in activities that make me feel good—whether that’s dressing nicely, pursuing my hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones.

    Lastly, I focus on the little things that bring me joy. Each day, I choose to see the bright side of life and appreciate even the smallest moments of happiness.

    What advice do you have for people living with disabilities?

    My primary advice for those living with disabilities is to stay strong and positive. It’s vital to focus on what brings you happiness and to have unwavering belief in yourself. You matter in society, and great things can emerge from your situation—often more than what others may expect.

    I encourage you not to feel limited by your disability. Explore activities that you enjoy, whether they’re hobbies, sports, or creative pursuits. If possible, pursue your education or learn a new skill or trade that interests you. Surround yourself with positive people who uplift and inspire you. Remember, every struggle has a light at the end; things will improve.

    Life can be challenging, but I believe that God supports us all. Keep pushing forward and believe in yourself. Good things will come your way if you stay determined and work hard.

    Lastly, focus on what makes you happy, and don’t let others’ opinions weigh you down. Everyone has their own path, so it’s essential to follow your dreams and embrace your journey.

    What are your plans and aspirations?

    I aspire to become a remarkable woman who positively impacts the world. My goal is to achieve success in both my career and personal life. I dream of building a thriving business that not only flourishes but also supports others in my community.

    On a personal level, I hope to get married and raise children, instilling in them values like kindness and strength so they can become good individuals in the world. I also aim to help those around me in any way I can, regardless of how small the gesture may seem. I believe that even little acts of kindness can make a significant difference in someone else’s life.

    What are you most grateful to God for?

    I am primarily grateful to God for the strength and determination to live a fulfilling life, even while in a wheelchair. Despite the challenges I face, I have learned to appreciate what I can do and the support of those around me. I’m thankful for the opportunities to grow, the valuable lessons I’ve learned, and for discovering happiness in unexpected ways.

    I am grateful for everything I have. Although the economic situation is challenging, I am seeking support to enhance my business and improve my circumstances. Any assistance would be deeply appreciated.

  • Poor parenting, teenage pregnancy behind high out-of-school children – Literacy expert

    Poor parenting, teenage pregnancy behind high out-of-school children – Literacy expert

    The Executive Director, Kids Resource Centre, Deborah Mogho is a literacy specialist, educator, and content creator who uses her projects to help out-of-school children build confidence through literacy initiatives and creative skills. In this interview with BIODUN BUSARI, she speaks on parenting, teenage pregnancy, social media, and other factors adversely affecting children’s education

    What’s the idea behind the Kids Resource Centre and Smart Kids Literacy Foundation?

    The Kids Resource Centre started on January 19, 2022, after I noticed that many children in Bonny Island, Rivers State, were struggling with reading. This issue wasn’t limited to just primary school children; even secondary school students had difficulty spelling simple words. I began to think of better ways to address these problems, and I decided to start from the foundation. I initially began with six children, between the ages of three and five, by starting a book club that year. I realised that many of them lacked reading materials and resources, so I got some books and began the club in my backyard.

    By the following week, the number of children grew to 15, and the week after that, it increased to 30. The numbers kept rising.

    As the group grew, we moved from my backyard to a church children’s hall, which gave us more space to learn. Over time, God blessed us with a dedicated resource centre where the children now feel comfortable.

    Our mission at the Kids Resource Centre is to empower children, particularly those from underserved communities, to become the best version of themselves through literacy education and mentorship programmes.

    We aim to help them actualise their dreams. We believe that every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to quality education, and we provide them with the essential tools they need to thrive.

    Our vision is to create a world where children are empowered through literacy. We see education as a key tool in eradicating poverty. Many of the children in the slums are out of school, which perpetuates a cycle of poverty passed down from parents to children.

    Something needs to change, and we believe that education is the light that can bring about a break in this cycle. That’s why we are passionate about our cause—providing education and resources to ensure children have access to literacy at an affordable cost.

    What are the goals you had in mind for these children before you ventured into this project?

    Our long-term goal is to ensure that every child in our community has the right tools and resources to succeed academically. This is why we dream and desire that the Kids Resource Centre can eventually be in every state in Nigeria.

    We want even the most disadvantaged child to have access to the basic foundation of literacy. That’s our ultimate goal. I’m not sure what it will take, but I have a deep desire for every child to have access to the Kids Resource Centre – a safe place where they can receive the education they need.

    What are the tools and strategies used in achieving these goals?

    We initiate programmes that foster educational development. One of our major initiatives is the ‘Read Across Slum’ project, which focuses on young children living in slums.

    In these areas, there are over 5,000 children, and I can confidently say that out of five, four have either never been to school or have dropped out.

    This is a serious issue, as it poses a threat to the future of our community and society. How can a child grow up without the ability to read or write?

    When we started working in those communities, we initially engaged with around 20 children during school hours. However, during our most recent ‘Read Across’ session, we identified 60 more children.

    Shockingly, out of these 60, 90 per cent were attending school but still couldn’t read. It was heartbreaking to see that some couldn’t even identify the titles of the books we were about to read.

    At that point, our focus shifted to getting these children into our ‘Read Across Slum Academy’, where we could train them and provide the basic tools for effective reading.

    Additionally, we run a weekly book club, which gives children the opportunity to read independently.

    For those who struggle, we offer a guided reading plan, where someone who can read helps guide them.

    If they encounter difficulties with any words, our teachers are always on hand to assist. We conduct this programme every Saturday.

    We also run a Spelling Bee club, where children are taught to spell words properly. They are equipped with the right materials and knowledge to become excellent spellers. Some of the children have even gone on to win prizes for their schools in spelling competitions, which is one of our success stories.

    You can find all of these stories on our Facebook pages. We train the children to read, write, and spell so they can excel in their school environments. These are the tools and strategies we use to expand our literacy mission, and we are incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made.

    How have these helped the children in creative thinking and communication skills, which are essential tools for success these days?

    Creative thinking is one of the core areas we consistently emphasise with the children. We provide opportunities for them to write their own stories, regardless of their age. Even a young child of three is shown pictures, and we ask them critical and creative questions about those images.

    They offer different perspectives, speaking creatively about what they see. We then gather the stories they tell and compile them into storybooks for them.

    We also have what we call ‘Kid Tedx’. To engage the children, you must start with something that interests them. You can’t just begin to talk about Nigeria, you have to start with something they are passionate about, capturing their imagination. As they tell their stories, we follow up with critical questions like, “What happens next?” or “How will it end?”

    We also ask them to act out some of the stories from the books. Through acting, they contribute creative ideas to the characters they portray. During Kid Tedx, we organise presentations where they discuss topics they’ve practised, which has significantly built their confidence, communication skills, and creative thinking.

    Would you say that social media has adversely affected the reading culture among Nigerian children and youths?

    Social media has both its good and bad sides. However, when it comes to young children, I can’t even imagine a child being on social media, yet many parents are exposing their children to it, often for financial gain.

    Children should be allowed to enjoy their childhood experience and innocence, but now, they are being exposed to things meant for adults. One major reason why young people are failing exams is that their focus has drifted from academics.

    When I was in secondary school, we didn’t have phones. I understand times have changed, but now they spend hours chatting, scrolling through Facebook, or surfing TikTok.

    Young children should focus on their academics and engage in activities that build their lives, like leveraging advanced tech tools to improve their careers.

    Excessive time on social media leads to the adoption of vices. They start idolising celebrities whose wealth is questionable, wanting to emulate them.

    If you want your child to grow into the best version of themselves, it’s essential to restrict their social media exposure until they are mature enough to make discerning choices. At that point, they can choose content that adds value to their lives.

    Sadly, there’s little parental control these days, and children are left to consume inappropriate content, which shouldn’t be the case. Social media has negative effects on young children. As adults, we can make informed choices, but parents must help their children focus on developing their creativity so they can shine when they grow older.

    Social media also affects the reading culture. Why should a child that is developing reading habits be spending hours on social media, chatting and laughing? This leaves little time for homework, which is designed to make them think, or for chores.

    Social media is highly addictive, and parents must limit their children’s screen time. There should be structure in the home, allocating time for reading and chores.

    Sometimes, you even see children playing on their tablets on their way to school. How can they focus on their studies when their minds are already preoccupied?

    Parents need to engage them in discussions because, as the saying goes, “A child who reads is an adult who leads,” and we know that readers are leaders.

      What are the challenges faced by your centre, and what mechanisms were adopted to address them?

    One of our major challenges is funding. However, our passion for the project keeps us going, and we don’t let anything hold us back. We’ve developed sustainable programmes that have been instrumental in addressing this issue.

    We partner with schools and individual organisations that support our projects. When we have new initiatives, we write to them, and they always assist us.

    Additionally, we create income-generating projects like the Spelling Bee Club and summer camps, where children pay a small token.

    Although the fees are minimal, they go a long way in keeping our projects running. We also provide scholarships to children who cannot afford the fees. Some of the people who support us financially are friends and individuals who believe in our cause.

    Another challenge is finding volunteers. We have both regular, active volunteers and project-based volunteers. To overcome this challenge, I visit churches and speak to people about the importance of volunteering. Currently, we have about 20 young people working with us on various projects, including top teachers who volunteer to help us expand our cause.

    In terms of community-based challenges, poor parenting and teenage pregnancy are significant issues. Many families living in the slums perpetuate poverty because some parents prefer to have their children run errands or sell goods in the market rather than attend school.

    Teenage pregnancy is also a common issue, as girls often follow in their mother’s footsteps. These factors contribute to the rising number of out-of-school children. To address this, we go door-to-door, encouraging parents and children to come to the centre for a better future.

    We work to convince them that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.

    How many children would you say have been impacted by the Kids Resource Centre?

    Since its inception in 2022, the Kids Resource Centre has impacted over 3,000 children through various programmes and projects.

    Nigerian teachers are among the most poorly paid in the world. How can they improve their financial status in this economy?

    It’s true that Nigerian teachers are among the lowest-paid globally. My advice is for teachers not to rely solely on their salaries. They should explore side hustles such as private tutoring or conducting both online and offline courses. Additionally, they should continuously upgrade their skills by attending workshops and earning online certifications. Being well-equipped puts teachers in a better position to take on roles such as consultants or school administrators, which come with better pay.

    Teachers should also leverage technology. Creating educational content and posting it online can be a valuable source of income. Starting a YouTube channel or blog to share educational videos or ideas can be highly beneficial. Social media platforms can be used to sell knowledge. Teachers can also start businesses related to education, such as bookshops or crèches. The key is to monetise whatever skills or resources you have.

    What do you recommend that the Federal Government and stakeholders do to make education fun for children?

    To make education engaging, the government and stakeholders must ensure that learning is fun and exciting. When lessons are fun, children retain the information better. A strict, rigid teaching approach won’t capture children’s attention.

    A fun learning environment with activities that encourage engagement will enhance their learning experience. The Nigerian school curriculum is often too strict and should be more flexible to accommodate alternative strategies like the Montessori or American curricula, blending these with other workable methods.

    Reading should be a daily part of the schedule, and interactive activities like ‘Storytime Lounge’ on WhatsApp, where children learn before bed, should be encouraged.

    Schools should establish book clubs where children can discuss what they’ve read with their peers, friends, parents, and teachers.

    Many schools currently lack libraries, and those that do have them are often more like bookshops. Child-friendly libraries should be created, with welcoming librarians who make reading enjoyable and accessible.

    Ultimately, our goal is to expand the Kids Resource Centre to every state in Nigeria because we’ve seen the immense value of providing children with access to low-cost education. When given the opportunity, children become excited to learn, and with the right resources, we can create a brighter future for them.

  • Navy Intercepts 193 Bags of Cannabis in Lagos, Arrests Suspect

    Navy Intercepts 193 Bags of Cannabis in Lagos, Arrests Suspect

    The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT patrol team has intercepted a large wooden boat laden with 193 bags of cannabis sativa, weighing about 7,443 kilograms and a suspect, Mr Asamani Emmanuel along Badagry waterways in Lagos.

    In a press release, the NNS BEECROFT Base Information Officer, Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim revealed that this is an outcome of the advancement of the ongoing Operation WATER GUARD.

    According to him, the Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo said that the operation was successful as a result of effective use of Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facilities.

    He stated that the contrabands and suspect have been handed over to the officials of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    “The Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo while briefing newsmen disclosed that the contrabands were intercepted by NNS BEECROFT patrol team on Saturday, 16 March 2024 through effective utilization of the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness facilities, Falcon Eye Alignment and Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Centre as well as human intelligence”

    ” Commodore RT Oladejo explained that the effort was sequel to the Strategic Directive of Chief of the naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to maintain credible presence along Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks to rid the maritime environment of all forms of crime and criminality. He further warned perpetrators of illicit drugs to desist from such acts as NNS BEECROFT will not rest on its oars to pursuing all criminal elements operating within its area of operation”

    ” This successful arrest of large quantity of narcotics underscores the unwavering commitment of NNS BEECROFT to curtailing spread and use of illicit drugs among teaming youth which negatively affect their health and threaten national security”.

    ” The arrested narcotics and the suspect were handed over to the officials of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Marine Command, today 26 March 2024 for further investigation and possible prosecution” the statement read.

     

     

  • My rape ordeal in Nigerian Army making other female victims contact me – Discharged soldier

    My rape ordeal in Nigerian Army making other female victims contact me – Discharged soldier

    A former soldier, Ruth Ogunleye, while speaking with BIODUN BUSARI, recounts her nightmarish ordeal of alleged sexual assault perpetrated by her superior, at the Nigerian Army Cantonment Medical Centre, Ojo, Lagos

    You made allegations of sexual assault against your superior while you were in the Nigerian Army. How did it happen?

    This incident occurred in 2022 when I was serving in the Medical Corps at the Nigerian Army Cantonment Medical Centre, Ojo, Lagos. The Colonel (name withheld) was the commanding officer at the time. I had only been in the unit for three weeks when he started sending me gifts, which I refused to accept.

    On February 27, 2022, he called and summoned me to meet him at the Eagleston Hotel by 5pm. When I arrived, he said he wanted to have sex with me. He offered me N50,000 to do that and even promised to help me get admitted into a military school. I refused, reminding him that it was against the Nigerian Army’s code of conduct for superiors to engage in sexual relations with subordinates.

    After that encounter, he became vindictive and began to maliciously deal with me, subjecting me to extra duties and unjust punishment.

    He later began injecting me with largactil, a drug typically administered to mentally ill patients to sedate them.

    Were you conscious while he was injecting you?

    Yes, but I had no choice. He would either point a gun at me or have soldiers pin me down before injecting me. Sometimes, he would personally handcuff me. He would also instruct the doctors in our unit to administer the drug. After being injected, I would be unconscious for days, completely unable to function.

    After sexually assaulting me, he would put me in a body bag and order that I be dumped at a psychiatric hospital.

    This happened several times. He didn’t allow me to attend any military courses. He denied me access to school. He didn’t allow me to visit my parents even during festive periods. I didn’t benefit from anything.

    Sometimes, he would instruct soldiers to come to my house and bring me. They would come to my house at midnight and give me the injection. There was a time he kept me in his office for four days.

    There was a time when the ex-President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs Salamatu Yahaya came to commission a maternity ward at the cantonment where I worked at the time. She came as the wife of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Farouk Yahaya. During that period, I was inside the colonel’s office lying unconscious when she came. He knew very well that the NAOWA president would inspect his office. However, that day, I was still feeling very unconscious after he had sexually molested me. He, then, ordered a National Youth Service Corps member (name withheld), who is a doctor in the unit, to give me a particular injection that neutralised the largactil injection he gave me. When I regained consciousness, I saw myself naked.

    Did the NAOWA president come into the office where you were?

    The woman and other dignitaries were still at the back of his office for the commissioning ceremony, and he was with them. Before they entered the office, the doctor, following the colonel’s orders, instructed me to dress up quickly and exit through the front gate. As I looked back and saw the crowd of people, I realised that was why he had asked me to leave that way. After that incident, the doctor routinely gave me another injection to counter the effects of the largactil injection.

    Did he ask you out before inviting you to the hotel?

    It was embarrassing because he never did. He was my boss, so, I hardly saw him. In the army, you will go through many protocols before you see your superiors. I was even surprised that he called me because I was new in the unit. Just like that, he asked me to sleep with him without initially asking me out.

    You mentioned being ordered to be taken to the psychiatric hospital. What was that experience like?

    Most times, I spent up to one month at the psychiatric hospital without being placed on medication. Whenever I was kept there, he would seize my phone and  ATM card.

    From your account, are you suggesting that your colleagues in the unit were aware of the sexual assault and other forms of harassment you experienced?

    Yes. All the personnel in my unit were aware. They witnessed everything because he didn’t hide what he was doing. Some of those who were bold enough to confront him got posted out of the cantonment to the North. At one point, he instructed the personnel in the unit not to speak with me.

    There was also a civilian doctor who he asked to write a report that I had a mental illness but the doctor refused. So, he made sure that the doctor got sacked.

    Did your colleagues show concerns and wanted to help you at those trying times?

    Some of my colleagues asked me to apply for a four-year course that would take me out of the unit. It was expected that after that four years, I would not be posted to that unit again and probably, he might not be there by then.

    All the advice amounted to nothing because he refused to approve my application as my boss. I even went to the school – the Nigerian Army Medical School, Lagos – and it was ascertained that I was given admission.

    The colonel blocked my application, claiming I was mentally ill. He continued to ensure that I couldn’t progress in my career, either by ensuring I didn’t attend courses or get promoted.

    There was a time I also applied for admission at the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Benin City, Edo State, but he refused to let me go.

    Did you make any effort to escape the sexual harassment and intimidation?

    In the army, commissioned officers are not allowed to date uncommissioned soldiers. The Nigerian Army frowns at it, so it is an offence. I was not paying attention to the man at first when he was giving me the injection.

    Sometimes, I could get injected thrice a week. This affected my tongue and body system. It got to a point that I was not comfortable with it again. He denied me access to calls. I could not go anywhere. If I applied for any course, he would use his influence to tell them not to give me admission.

    After a while, I summoned the courage to seek redress, but in the military, such grievances need to pass through your superior officer. The colonel  never forwarded my complaints. It wasn’t until I contacted the current Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. C.G Musa, that I received a response.

    However, at that time, he simply advised me to “endure” the situation and did not take any concrete steps to address the issue.

    At the time, he had not assumed the position of the CDS. I begged him to persuade the colonel to let me go for a course. Apart from the fact that I wanted to leave the unit, I would not be promoted if I didn’t go to school. Moreso, I couldn’t fight him because if I did, I wouldn’t win.

    Later, he intervened and told me that my former boss said I had a mental illness. He told me that he was not in the medical line, so he could not do anything.

    He made me to understand that he was an infantry officer, which I knew as well, and advised me not to be in a hurry.

    Eventually, after exhausting all options, I sought advice from the Army Legal Service and was guided through the process of submitting a redress for the third time. I also visited the Provost Commander, Brigadier-General M.L Abubakar at Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island, who was surprised by my story and assured me that I had the right to seek justice.

    When my redress got to the board, they just viewed me as someone who should come, talk and leave. I was expecting that they would ask for my evidence. They did not ask for witnesses or evidence. They just decided to allow the matter to die. With this, my former boss continued his act.

    What led to your eventual discharge?

    In January 2024, after making a video about my experience on social media, I was invited by the Nigerian Army Military Police for an investigation. The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, got involved and took me for various tests, including drug and mental health evaluations.

    The results were clear – I was not using drugs, and I did not have any mental illness.

    During the investigation, the minister asked me what I wanted, and I told her that I no longer had any interest in continuing my military career. She then advised me to apply for voluntary discharge.

    However, since I had only served for five years, I wouldn’t be eligible for any pension benefits. The minister promised to help me secure a job at the Ministry of Women Affairs through the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    Later, I was contacted by the Chief of Army Staff, who informed me that the Army would compensate me with a medical discharge that would entitle me to pension benefits.

    Were there other female soldiers facing similar sexual assault from their superiors? 

    Yes. After I shared my story online, specifically on TikTok, some other female soldiers reached out to me. They told me about their experiences and I shared their stories on my page. But, I cannot reveal their identities as they are still in the service. They were too afraid to come forward publicly for fear of losing their jobs.

    What steps did your family take during this saga?

    I reported him to my dad after I exhausted all the options I had at that time. My dad requested his phone number and called him. When my father asked him why he was treating me unfairly, all he told my father was that he should tell me ‘to obey the last order.’ It was at that moment that I told my father that he wanted to be sleeping with me.

    Why did you dare the Nigerian Army to publish the report of the investigation?

    I knew the truth of what happened, and I had evidence to support my claims. During the investigation, the military police even confided in me that I had won the case. So I dared the Nigerian Army to make the report public because I believe in the strength of my evidence.

  • What I tell Wizkid when Davido’s supporters attack him – Father

    What I tell Wizkid when Davido’s supporters attack him – Father

    In this interview, Chief Munir Balogun, the father of popular afrobeat star, Ayo Balogun, aka Wizkid, tells AYOOLA OLASUPO the motivation for the family’s generosity, his counsel to his son when attacked by Davido’s fans, among others

    You are trending online for doling out cash to the people in your former community in Surulere, Lagos. Your son said you go there often to give money to people. Why do you do this?

    We lived in Somade many years back and we have our house now at Tafawa Balewa. I don’t go to Somade anymore. I only visit Small London in Surulere, and that is where my brother, who is the father of the Surulere Local Government chairman resides. I normally go there to see him and we sit down together and talk. I don’t go to Somade at all and it’s been many years since we left the place.

    But you still observe your prayers at Oluwaseyi Mosque which is in that neighbourhood even when you’re no longer there. Why do you do that?

    You know our house is in Tafawa Balewa and it is closer to that mosque. I’ve lived in that area before but I have left the place. My daughter is still there and everything is there. So why should I leave the area? I don’t give it to anybody and we don’t rent it out so that is why I’m constantly there and I also told you that my brother is in Small London.

    In a post on Twitter, Wizkid said your generosity is also a motivation for his giving back to the people of his childhood community. What can you say to that?

    That is the truth because one has to give back to his community. There is no need to force anybody before doing that. Children will always do whatever they see their fathers doing. Some people have more than enough money but to spend just a kobo for the people out of the money will be very difficult for them. That is not the case in our family and that is what I will tell you about that. We are ready to assist with whatever we have; we give it out. We are a kind of family that does not like when people are suffering, especially when someone says he or she has not eaten since morning. I don’t like hearing that because that alone always moves me a lot so I will have to give such a person some money at least to eat. That is our nature and that is why we always treat people well. Even when things were not as rosy as now, we were still doing the little we had then. So, that is the only thing I see there. I’m a Muslim and that is what my religion teaches us and one has to learn how to give out to people.

    Now that Wizkid is big and famous, do you still advise him on certain things?

    We talk very often. We talk regularly and he is not far from me at all. He is someone that is very close to his family and he doesn’t joke with his family at all. If I have anything to discuss, I call him and he does that too. In fact, he is not far from the family at all; he sees family as number one.

    Wizkid and Davido have always been having banter for some time now. What do you think about the entire situation?

    Yes, I’ve read it. I saw it on Facebook or Instagram and I read what everybody was saying.

    What is your view about the situation and have you advised Wizkid about it?

    I have done that and I told my son that he shouldn’t look or listen to whatever the boys who are supporters of Davido are saying. The supporters are only looking for what they will say to collect money and all of that. They are just looking for what they are going to eat and I told him not to pay much attention to them. I’ve told my son to take things easy with them and overlook whatever they say because I don’t blame them.

    You lost your wife recently. What do you miss about her?

    You know we were husband and wife and I do not have any other wife. When such a thing happens you should know what will be on the mind of the husband or wife as the case may be. What we know is that man proposes, but God disposes. We cannot blame God.

    How has the family been coping with the loss?

    We are coping with the situation and we just leave everything to God.

  • Governors who can’t pay N70,000 minimum wage should resign – ADC National chair

    Governors who can’t pay N70,000 minimum wage should resign – ADC National chair

    In this interview with Ayoola Olasupo, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Ralph Nwosu, sheds light on internal challenges facing the party, pressing national issues and key political, economic, and social hurdles stifling Nigeria’s progress

    Before the APC removed Senator Ali Ndume as the Chief Whip of the Senate, you were one of the stakeholders who criticised his remarks on President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Do you believe this is a productive stance for an opposition party?

    I never criticised him. He has caused significant harm, even during President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure. The character of the APC in this country is dangerous. They claim to fight corruption but end up becoming part of it themselves. If you join the APC, all your sins are forgiven, regardless of the party you originally come from.

    Another example is that if you speak against the APC or their government, you are ostracised. If you lack commendable character, as long as you are in the APC, it’s not an issue.

    For instance, if you stole N50bn, just join them, and your sin would be forgiven. Now, if you criticise the APC, the president, or Godswill Akpabio, you will be ostracised. This is dangerous for our country’s development and democracy.

    Can anything stop that?

    People in the executive chambers are exploiting the masses and have devised a palliative economy, aware that they have imposed hunger and fear on the people. From the outset, they claimed they would eradicate poverty, hunger, and address the needs of the people, yet they planned a governance model reliant on palliatives. Unfortunately, we lack strong political parties or institutions on which the government can build.

    Instead, we have leaders who are heavy-handed and believe they are in control because they have the money and think they can silence everyone.

    This mindset is detrimental to nation-building. These leaders corrupt the youth—the supposed leaders of tomorrow—by promoting values of corruption, luxury, and a belief that they are above the law.

    If we allow young people to adopt these values, what kind of future will we have? What kind of future will we create if they are schooled in these destructive principles? That’s why we are still fighting in politics—to make a difference. By God’s grace, if we succeed, people will understand what integrity, hard work, and resilience can achieve, even in the midst of confusion.

    A lawmaker from your party, Leke Abejide, recently expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the African Democratic Congress had become uninhabitable, and even hinted at his potential defection. Does the National Working Committee have any specific plans in place to address his grievances and prevent this defection?

    The legal framework is in place, and the ADC is a constitutionally recognised political party. Our moral code is grounded in ethics, integrity, and values, which sets us apart from others.

    When people join the ADC, we make this clear to them, and that’s why our platform has a global reach—because we are a learning organisation.

    The ecosystem, including us, is polluted; it is vast and complicated. People often don’t take us seriously because they approach us only when they want to contest elections.

    We issue them certificates because ours is a transformational model of leadership, symbolised by the handshake. This handshake should clearly signify our commitment to serious leadership.

    I have worked with the ADC for almost 20 years, and we make sacrifices because we believe Nigeria must improve. This is not the case for 90 per cent of those in other political parties, so it takes time for some to change.

    We have established a committee, and any defaulting member will be referred to it; this is normal. We don’t believe that joining the ADC absolves anyone of past misdeeds.

    That’s why, when people come to the party, they may eventually relent. Our committee, chaired by Dr Bamidele Ajadi, will carry out this responsibility effectively.

    Has the committee reached out to Leke Abejide concerning his defection notice?

    We’ve established the committee, and we will allow them to do their work. I trust they will handle it effectively. Abejide is a thorough person. Although we have state executive members, we prioritise quality contributions and membership. Even in years when we had no members, we pushed forward with our registration through the volume of votes. Eventually, Nigerians will desire the ADC, and when they do, we must be ready to deliver.

    Why are we here? Why do we have Africa as the first word in our name? If Africa makes up 20 per cent of the global population and contributes more than 20 per cent of the world’s resources, we can’t afford to plan in isolation.

    Africa, democratic governance, and the elevation of democracy will be central to our leadership. The handshake, our symbol, represents building collaborations, friendships, and partnerships.

    That’s the only way to be a nation-building party. Within our party, we don’t have the APC DNA. You’ll see young men and women working hard, pursuing an agenda that can elevate Nigeria to the next level. By God’s grace and through the hard work of our people, we will take power.

    By 2027, we will be 20 years old as a party. When we registered, we thought it would be a sprint—maybe within four years, we would take over the villa because the country was in bad shape. Now, it has taken us 20 years. Nigerians are yearning for liberation, and we will deliver it.

    The nationwide protest against hardship was widely rejected by various stakeholders and government agencies. Why did you support it?

    I visit markets, hospitals, and other places where I see the suffering firsthand. The death rate has more than tripled, and mortuaries are full. Many patients can’t afford their hospital bills, and if you check Nigeria’s mortality rate, it has increased. When this happens, and people can’t speak out, and the government tries to silence them, then I question President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    Why are they more interested in giving money to agencies to discourage protests instead of addressing the issues?

    He was given the country to govern—something he has wanted since 1993. We were there with MKO Abiola, even with Tinubu, when we were planning this. For 25 years, Tinubu controlled Lagos State, planning and strategising. But where is his blueprint? He saw the challenges before emerging, so he should stop complaining and get to work.

    The money he’s spending to prevent protests could have been used for meaningful progress.

    They didn’t want the protests because they hold politicians accountable. They met with traditional rulers to stop the protests, but ask these rulers how many more people they are now burying in their territories compared to five years ago. If they ignore the people’s suffering, they will face consequences. Since Tinubu removed the subsidy, he said we would see results in three to six months, but it’s been over a year, and nothing has changed.

    But the Federal Government has promised there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

    Will there be light in one, two, or three years? How many people will be patient until then? Don’t be surprised if the agenda is to keep the masses hungry to increase the death rate because it makes no sense.

    Nigeria has no reason to be poor. Our oil and coal can generate revenue. If you explore the country’s nooks and crannies, you’ll find solid and liquid minerals everywhere that hold significant value.

    Is there hope that a national dialogue could provide a lasting solution to the current economic hardship?

    National dialogue is always beneficial, but the most crucial aspect is the participants. If you appoint individuals solely interested in making money, it will devolve into another jamboree. For example, if you pay participants N50m for three months of dialogue, they’ll focus on the money rather than finding a solution. Dialogue is critical, but it must be conducted correctly.

    Some stakeholders suggest that regional government is the solution to the restructuring Nigerians are yearning for. Do you agree?

    Not at all. The current political culture is rife with corruption, which is why nothing is being achieved at the national level, and corruption is rampant at the state level too. We need to critique this because state governments act like an octopus, strangling LGs. The structure I support empowers local governments because they are the ones at the grassroots.

    While financial autonomy was granted to LGs, governors still exert control over them. They conduct their elections and decide who wins. A structure that creates opportunities at the grassroots is what I advocate for because if LGs function properly, development will accelerate.

    There’s a view that the current government lacks the political will to lift Nigerians out of hardship and is instead worsening it. What’s your opinion on that?

    President Bola Tinubu has long desired to be president, and circumstances have favoured him. In 1999, he became the governor of Lagos State and challenged the status quo. He has maintained control of the state since then, and now he’s in the villa.

    He has had 20 to 30 years to plan for this moment, so it doesn’t reflect well on him that there is no clear strategy. The president trusts his associates, whom he has worked with for over 20 years. I wish them luck.

    This government has implemented several palliative measures to alleviate hardship. Are these initiatives not successful enough, or are they not what the country needs right now?

    In my view, governance through palliatives is fundamentally flawed. When you govern through palliatives, it indicates a deeper issue. Why delegate it to state governments that may not distribute it fairly, only for them to claim they gave a certain amount of garri each day?

    The new minimum wage of N70,000 has been approved by President Tinubu, but some governors continue to complain that their states are not financially buoyant to support such a wage. What is your advice to those state governments?

    State governors that can’t pay the new minimum wage to their workers should resign, as they were not forced into their positions. I know that some of these state governments are capable of paying N100,000. I commend Governor Godwin Obaseki for stating that he will ensure he pays the highest minimum wage among all the governors. However, it is one thing to say this and another to implement it. After the removal of the fuel subsidy, people are suffering, and there are disruptive elements within the two main parties.

    That’s why we are saying that the ADC must take control. While I commend Obaseki for his statement, all the governors should have realised that since May 29, 2023, when the subsidy was removed, they need to increase the minimum wage.

    When we campaigned for our candidates, we stated that he would lift our young people out of hardship and elevate them beyond mediocrity on a global scale. Even with the N70,000 approved, sustaining oneself is difficult. For instance, in Abuja, if you commute to Nyanya, you will spend N2,000 on transport to and from work. If you stay out for more than eight hours, you will also need at least N1,000 for lunch. Multiply N3,000 by 25 working days in a month, and that totals N75,000. This excludes the money you need to save for your children’s school fees, healthcare, rent, and so on. Even with the N70,000 wage, we are not enjoying the benefits of the Nigerian government. A living wage would at least make a difference.

    Can you elaborate on your previous statement that those in government are trying to stifle viable opposition?

    Yes, they are stifling opposition, even within their own ranks. Consider what happened to Senator Ali Ndume. You can imagine what this same government will begin to do to other parties. Are they open to criticism from other parties? What they are practising is authoritarianism, which dampens morale. When everyone stops talking, what kind of image are they creating? Even if they intend to create a banana republic, they should understand that it cannot survive because the economy has already failed. At this point, those in government are simply hoping that some form of magic will emerge to save them.

    You have served as the National Chairman of the ADC for over 10 years. Is this duration permitted by the party’s constitution, or has there been a lack of interest from others in the position?

    During the last elections, we had some internal issues. People came to contest in the election, but within a few months, they started causing problems. Once the election failed, they disappeared, running back to the PDP or APC because they were only seeking positions. They don’t want to build anything. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as a leader of the Action Group, spent time building with endurance and resilience, but modern politicians are different. When you invite them to join your party, the first thing they ask is what position they will get. In other parties, when you join, they offer you a position, and when you attend meetings, they give you money. Here, no one will give you anything. It’s only during the general election that they come around, wanting to be at the centre of power, and that’s the problem we face.

    If you’ve invested in building a party you believe will change Nigeria, would you leave when others abandon it?

    The National Chairman of a party should receive a salary and have a convoy of vehicles, but in the ADC, the party hasn’t even provided a vehicle for the office of the chairman. I’ve spent my own resources to keep the party alive. People come to contest elections and leave, but those with a vision for the party will not abandon it. If I had left the party, opportunists would have come in just to gain power. I am one of those who have invested their money in the cause, but most Nigerians are only after positions. When you see someone who has built something by themselves, they are less likely to leave. If you’re committed to building a party, dealing with challenges, and creating leadership, it will eventually succeed. I have taken my party through several elections, and I have never asked anyone for money before they could contest. Instead, if I see a good candidate, I approach them because of their track record and tell them that if they campaign well, they can win.

    Based on your insights, is there a strategy in place to forge a robust coalition with other political parties ahead of the upcoming general election, aimed at mounting greater pressure on the ruling party in 2027?

    The ADC is like a missionary enterprise. We all have a vision and are sacrificing our time and energy. I have dedicated over 20 years of my life and resources to this cause. During the 2019 elections, we gained attention, and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and some former governors joined us. However, because we didn’t win as expected, within three months after the election, they returned to the PDP. Most politicians are opportunists who only come to the party when it benefits them, but I have invested over 20 years of my life here, and that means something.

    If you remember, a few months ago, the ADC held a political summit at the AREWA House, where over 12 political parties participated. We started discussions about forming a coalition, and we are continuing those talks. I believe that in 2027, it will be a breakthrough year for Nigeria.

    Many stakeholders from the South-East have suggested that the release of the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, will put an end to the insecurity and other issues in the region. What are your thoughts on this?

    I believe holding Nnamdi Kanu in custody in the first place was wrong, and people have the right to protest. We are pleading with President Tinubu to free Kanu. The government should allow Nigerians to express their views.

    Every Monday, business activities in the South-East are halted due to the sit-at-home protests, yet the government has not considered the financial losses in places like Asaba, Aba, Nnewi, and Enugu.

    This is a loss not only for the South-East but for Nigeria as a whole, as it affects the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

    However, they don’t seem to care. People want to protest, and the federal government is spending money on traditional rituals like Oro to disrupt those movements, which shows how disconnected they are from the people’s struggles.

  • My four-year-old son went missing during Lagos demolition – Father

    My four-year-old son went missing during Lagos demolition – Father

    Four-year-old Hazeem, vanished during the chaos that engulfed Oke Baba, a slum in Ebute Metta, Lagos, during a recent state government demolition exercise. His devastated father, Idris Malik, recounting the tragic events to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, speaks of the daily agony of living with the uncertainty of his son’s fate—whether he is alive or dead, and how the harrowing ordeal is pushing his wife deeper into depression

    Can you narrate the incidents that led to the disappearance of your son?

    On September 15, the day the Lagos State government came with bulldozers and its officials to demolish our homes in Ebute Metta, I was with Malik and three other children, all younger than him.

    It was in the morning and several policemen invaded the area. They began to destroy and burn peoples’ homes. When all this was going on, my son told me he was hungry, and I promised to get him some food.

    I asked him to stay with the three younger boys because the place where I could get the food was not far from our house—it was just a few minutes away.

    As I reached the food seller’s shop, suddenly, I heard that the policemen had fired tear gas. I panicked and rushed back to my son, who was standing with the other boys. Shockingly, when I got to where they were, my son was nowhere to be found, though the other three boys were still there. I asked them where my son had gone, but they couldn’t explain. They are very young, even younger than my son. Since then, my son’s disappearance has remained a mystery. I asked people around if they had seen him, but no one had.

    What did you do immediately after you found out that your son was missing?

    I went to Denton Police Station, which is the nearest to us at about 4 p.m. because, by then, it had become obvious that he was missing. When I got to the police station, I was asked to write a statement and told they would broadcast the news over their radio, two-way radio and Emergency Alert Systems, which they did. However, before the news was aired, I was told to go to different police stations to further file a missing person report. They said that, by law, they can only take further action after 24 hours.

    Since the reports were filed and broadcast on police radio transmitters, I haven’t heard anything.

    How do you feel about this situation?

    I feel shattered and unhappy.  First, our house was demolished, and secondly, it was during the demolition that my son went missing, just like that. It is a huge shock for me and my family.

    It’s an indescribable pain and every single day, I wake up hoping it was all just a terrible nightmare, and that Hazeem will run into my arms with his innocent smile. But instead, I’m met with silence. The uncertainty, not knowing if he’s safe, if he’s alive, eats at me constantly.

    It’s like a part of my soul is missing, and there’s nothing I can do to fill that void.

    Watching my wife struggle with the pain of losing a son and sinking deeper into depression, only makes it worse for me. We are both trapped in a nightmare with no end in sight.

    Have you had any issues or conflicts with anyone recently?

    I have no conflicts with anyone, absolutely none. I am a peaceful person, and my wife is very calm and easygoing as well. I even asked her if there could be any misunderstandings or issues with anyone, and she assured me that there was nothing like that. We both live quietly, just trying to raise our family without any trouble.

    What do you suspect could have happened to your son?

    I honestly don’t have an idea. I just feel someone might have kidnapped him.

    How did your wife react to the news?

    She’s completely shattered. The pain consumes her more deeply than it does me, and it’s been an unbearable journey for both of us. I’m doing everything I can to keep her strong, but it’s like we’re trapped in a nightmare. My wife, a hairdresser, was with our first daughter when it happened. They weren’t far, just trying to stay close. My son, though, always wanted to be with me. He refused to stay with his mother, and sometimes, he’d cry until he could follow me. Now, with him gone, it’s a weight that’s pulling my wife into a dark place. She’s slipping into depression, and it’s tearing us apart.

    We’ve been to several churches, mosques, and different places. They all told me my son would be found. I am trying to hold on to that faith but for how long will I continue to wait?

    What form of support have you received from your family and friends since your son went missing?

    They have all been quite supportive and trying their best to be there to do what they can, especially in terms of emotional support.

    They’ve taken me to different places. If I want to go anywhere in search of my son, they will go with me.

    What kind of assistance do you need most right now?

    I desperately need the help of kind-hearted individuals to find my son. I am also appealing to the Lagos State government to assist in locating him. Financial assistance is another pressing need because our home was demolished during the exercise, leaving us homeless. We’ve been moving from place to place, squatting with friends and relatives, and it’s been an extremely difficult time for my family.

    What do you think could have been done to prevent the incident?

    If the policemen hadn’t fired the tear gas, maybe I would have found my son. The smoke filled the area so quickly that it became impossible to see. My vision blurred as my eyes began to sting, and in those crucial few minutes, everything was lost. There were no traces of him—just thick smoke, confusion, and a terrible sinking feeling that something was wrong. Those moments of chaos still haunt me, knowing that my son was right there before everything became a blur.

    Has anyone contacted you demanding a ransom for your son’s return?

    No, I haven’t received any ransom demands. However, a few weeks ago, someone called, claiming they had spotted my son in Ikorodu. They asked for N3,000 upfront, but it felt like a scam. The person couldn’t answer basic questions about my son or provide any proof. It seemed like they were just trying to take advantage of our situation. Right now, we don’t even have the money to give, as my wife, daughter, and I are homeless after our house was demolished. We’ve been struggling just to get by.

  • Why Black Africans have more kidney problems in UK – Dela Idowu

    Why Black Africans have more kidney problems in UK – Dela Idowu

    In this interview, Dela Idowu, the founder of Gift of Living Donation, a charity established to raise awareness of the benefits of living donation, tells BIODUN BUSARI why chronic kidney disease is prevalent among Nigerians and blacks in the UK

    What is the idea behind the kidney donation initiative you founded in the United Kingdom?

    My name is Dela Idowu. I’m the founder of the Gift of Living Donation and the Black Living Donor Choir. I set up these two initiatives after coming forward as a living kidney donor for my brother, who had a kidney disease. I didn’t want him to spend four to five years on dialysis, which is almost the average for the African and Caribbean communities in the UK. In 2011, I came forward for him, but unfortunately, I could not proceed because we did not match. However I wanted to use the experience to raise awareness of kidney disease and living donation within the Black African and Caribbean community in the UK.

    How has the experience been since the inception of the initiative?

    One of the reasons I set up these initiatives for the African and Caribbean communities was to reduce the number of people who are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and to reduce their time on dialysis. When someone is from the African or Caribbean community, the person can spend up to four or five years on dialysis here (in the UK). This is not because we don’t have black living donors but based on unawareness. So, what we do is to raise awareness on donations. This is where someone can donate a kidney for their family or friends so they can have a transplant. It’s absolutely a safe operation. That’s the best treatment option for somebody with kidney disease instead of going on dialysis.

    What is the role of the Black Living Donor Choir in this?

    There are two programmes as I mentioned. The first one is our cheap programme, community hospital, and also patients and support. This is where we have kidney transplants. However, our choir is our community, which we use to raise awareness in the black community as we combine music and songs to tell donor stories. Every member of the choir has donated one of their kidneys to either their friends, family, or even strangers. Using that combination of their stories and music is absolutely a fantastic way to raise awareness and educate people. At the same time, we are entertaining them. With this, we have a lot of people coming forward as donors through the choir because it’s entertaining. And it’s a true life experience.

    How long has this initiative existed and what are the achievements you have recorded so far?

    I can’t really be specific with data at the moment. But since we started, we’ve had hundreds of people who have come forward with conversations about being donors that they wouldn’t have had with their families. I’d say about 20 to 30 patients have had potential donors who have come forward. You have to understand that even if we have so many people who come forward to donate their kidneys, the factor is that people from African and Caribbean communities are more susceptible to diabetes and high blood pressure, and in most cases, they are not able to continue because of those two sicknesses.

    We just finished doing a one-year pilot project with three transplant centres in the UK, where we are collaborating with surgeons and doctors. We let them know that when they have black patients as their patients, they should refer them to our community. From that way, we have donors for them maybe from Nigeria, Ghana, or the Caribbean, and with that experience, they are more likely to consider talking to them.

    The biggest barrier is that patients are not talking to their families because it is a very difficult conversation to have. It took my brother about eight months to tell me that he had a kidney disease and he needed a transplant. That’s what we do; we try to empower patients to have this conversation with their families.

    What is the data like for Nigerians with kidney diseases in the UK?

    If you take the UK as a whole, the majority of the people from African and Caribbean communities are living in London. We have about 800 of them with kidney diseases who are waiting for transplants. But, if we take that figure close to home, and take the South-East of London for example, where we have a high proportion of Nigerians, I can tell you that, though it is sad, the high percentage of these people who have been diagnosed with kidney diseases and waiting for transplants are Nigerians from this area.

    That’s why we really need more awareness within the Nigerian community, not only in Nigeria but also in London. People should know the impact kidney disease is having on our community. The general population of Nigerians living in the UK doesn’t know the impact of kidney disease on their lives, and that’s why we are doing this.

    Is kidney disease peculiar to the African and Caribbean communities in the UK?

    A lot of research has been done as to why people from the black community are more disposed to chronic kidney disease. One research says it is genetic. Black people are more genetically disposed to kidney disease. We are still working on why that has to be the case.

    And the second research, which is very important is about our diet. We, Africans and Blacks in general do consume more salt in our diets. Salt is one of the causes of high blood pressure especially within our community. This should help us to think about what we take in our diets as individuals. We do a lot of preventive work in terms of letting them know the amount of salt taken in our diets. Our foods are quite starchy and starch contains a lot of sugar. These are the issues that cause kidney diseases. But basically, the black community is more genetically disposed to kidney disease than other communities.

    What mechanisms do you use to raise this awareness?

    I need to say that the Black community is not working on improving its health. It’s sad. Africans and Caribbeans don’t take it as a top priority. So, our initiative lets them know how to take their health issues seriously, especially in terms of diet as to what to eat and drink. Then, we let them know the importance of exercise.

    As we talk about awareness, we intensify prevention. This awareness is also in churches, events, and cultural settings, but a lot also needs to be done.

    Do you have this project in Nigeria?

    I was born in the UK but a proud Nigerian from Ijebu-Remo, Ogun State. I do come home often. I started community service in 2000 when HIV/AIDS was pandemic globally, and especially in Africa. With my local church at the time, we set up a charity in Otukpo, Benue State, to educate them. We were able to provide educational support to a lot of children who have lost their parents to AIDS.

    In the light of this, as a charity, it’s important for us to think of what we can do for Nigeria. We have people in the UK who have families at home. But, at the moment we haven’t branched out to Nigeria because there is a major problem here in the UK. We want to first address the problem in the UK before we spread to work with other spaces outside the UK.

    How much does it cost to have a kidney transplant?

    It costs the NHS £36,000 a year to keep someone on dialysis. So, we need to change that. We need to make sure we encourage more people in our community to come forward as living donors for their loved ones.

    In Nigeria, I think it’s about N150,000 to put someone on dialysis for a week because three sessions are involved in a week. That’s why Nigerians need awareness. Prevention is better than cure.

    Having said that, Nigeria, especially, Lagos has got a fantastic transplant centre. If you are a Nigerian who has a kidney disease, and you have a donor, you don’t have to travel to India for a transplant because there is no need. We need to start that narrative because we have great consultants and expertise in Nigeria.

    What has your experience been generally doing this?

    Sadly, we are still the minority here, and we have to shout the loudest here. There are still racist barriers. Racism still exists because at some point or the other we have faced racism here. You may not have it directly on your face, but it’s there. All I have to say is that perseverance is key, do-not-give-up attitude and setting focus on the goal have been working for me. I’m 65 years old now so I’d say that’s what has made me succeed.

    What is your take on Japa syndrome?

    There have been changes here in the UK, and I like to say that the grass is not always greener on the other side. And it doesn’t matter who you are, we will always be treated as second-class citizens because this is not our home. I know for a fact that if Nigeria has good infrastructure, constant light, security, good education, and good healthcare facilities, 50 per cent of us who are abroad will not be here. We have the talents, wisdom, knowledge, expertise, and other qualities, so why are we not putting them back into our country? We shouldn’t have been in the UK, the United States, or other developed countries in the first place if things work well at home. But sadly, we have to be here.

    Nigeria just celebrated its 64th independence anniversary. What’s the feeling like for you?

    Well, Nigeria still prides itself as the King of Africa. But, I believe with the natural and human resources we have, we should have been the strongest country in Africa and even competing with developed nations. But, this is not the case. All I have to say is that this boils down to leadership. Until we have stamped out corruption in that country, Nigeria is not going to make headway. It is almost like corruption is in our DNA because as each government comes with a promise, it doesn’t just work. Some countries don’t have as many resources as we have but are 10 times better than us.

  • NDLEA Stops Lady ,35, From Exporting Illicit Drugs Concealed in Salad, Dried Vegetables

    NDLEA Stops Lady ,35, From Exporting Illicit Drugs Concealed in Salad, Dried Vegetables

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have detained a 35-year-old lady, Chidinma Chinenye Agbazue after she was caught attempting to export 20 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 10.70 kilograms concealed in African salad popularly called Abacha and dried vegetables to Doha, Qatar through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos state.

    According to Babafemi,NDLEA officers at the Lagos airport working in partnership with men of the Department of State Security had on Thursday 28th March intercepted Chidinma, an outbound passenger from Lagos to Doha, on Qatar Airways during clearance of passengers at the screening point of terminal 11 of the MMIA.

    He added “preliminary investigation revealed that Chidinma was based in Qatar but returned to Nigeria last December for Christmas celebration. She said preparatory to her return to Doha, she was lodged at Club Dice Hotel in Ikotun area of Lagos where the consignment was handed over to her for trafficking to the Arab country” the release said.

    Two suspects: Monday Okeke and Chigozie Emeka were on Tuesday 26th March arrested by NDLEA operatives in Oniwaya, Yaba and Agege area of Lagos, where they recovered from them 842,560 pills of opioids especially tramadol in addition to 15 litres of codeine syrup and 596 grams of Molly. Attempt by Okeke to bribe the NDLEA officers with N5 million cash was rebuffed while the money was documented as part of exhibits to prosecute the suspects in court.

    In Bayelsa, the bid by three suspects: Ebuka Eze, 31; Ugochukwu Okoro, 44; and Kingsley Uzim, 27, to smuggle opioids including codeine, molly, tramadol and diazepam weighing a total of 73.425 kilograms to the creeks in Southern Ijaw area of the state was thwarted on Wednesday 27th March by NDLEA operatives at Swali jetty, Yenagoa where Ebuka and Ugochukwu were arrested while Uzim was nabbed at Amasoma in a follow up operation.

    The drugs were concealed in jumbo sacks and conveyed to the jetty in a tricycle.
    While two suspects: Eniola Muyideen and Bankole Shuaib were arrested with 137 blocks of cannabis weighing 71kg during a raid at Orile Imo, Ogun state on Friday 29th March.

    NDLEA operatives in Taraba recovered 39,980 pills of tramadol from a suspect, Abubakar Mohammed, 33, in Lankaviri village, and another suspect, Apaji Vincent, 29, arrested in Wukari on Thursday 28th March with 131kg cannabis sativa.

    In Abia state, Nwachukwuu Chinedu, 28, was arrested on Friday 29th March at Akara Ahuba, Isikwuato LGA by NDLEA officers. Recovered from him include 46.65kg cannabis and different quantities of tramadol, methamphetamine and rohypnol as well as N71,500 monetary exhibit.

    At least, 127.5kg cannabis loaded in a Volkswagen Vento saloon car marked NTT 215 AA was recovered along Isua/Kabba road, Idoani area of Ose LGA, Ondo State, while a 30-year-old female suspect, Chinasa Christopher was arrested with 400 bottles of codeine syrup in Sabon Gari area of Kano. The owner of a consignment of illicit drugs intercepted along Zaria-Kano road, Bakura Goni was arrested at Mile 2 market in Lagos on Tuesday 26th March in a follow up operation and flown to Kano to face charges.

    The consignment consisting of cannabis and tramadol weighing 73.8kg was earlier seized in a truck conveying it from Lagos to Kano.
    While 278kg of cannabis going to Idoani in Ondo state was recovered during a raid at Oloma-Okpe forest, Akoko-Edo LGA, Edo State, not less than 3,065.255kg of the same psychoactive substance was razed on two farms at Amahor waterside forest in Igueben area of the state where three suspects: James Thankgod; Wisdom James and Akpa Festus were arrested on Thursday 28th March.

    In the same vein, Commands across the country intensified their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy lectures in the past week. These include: Sensitisation lectures for students of Federal University of Technology, Ihiagwa, Owerri, Imo; students and teachers of Community Secondary School, Eyo-Abasi, Oron, Akwa Ibom; students and teachers of Oke Iragbiji Grammar School, Osun; commercial motorcycle riders in Oye Ekiti, Ekiti state; commercial motorcycle riders at Ankpa, Kogi state and Muslim faithful at Aliade Central Mosque, Aliade, Benue state.

    While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Lagos, Edo, Ogun, Kano, Abia, Bayelsa, Ondo, and Taraba Commands of the Agency for their balanced efforts in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) equally applauded their counterparts across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures.