www.newstower.ng

Menu
Facebook Twitter Youtube

Category: Politics

Achieving a brighter future for Nigerian children 

Posted on by admin50

 

By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

Quote:

 

“A Nigerian child who survives at birth is faced with hunger and malnutrition. Our nation today is home to over 18 million out-of-school children, among the highest in the world. This is not just a statistic — it is a deep national wound”

– Peter Obi ( Labour Party Presidential candidate, 2023 )

 

 

With the 2025 Children ‘s Day theme anchored on the moving mantra of: “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” it should serve as a clarion call on all the stakeholders in the significant function of child upbringing. That is, to walk the talk on providing a safe, secure, morally sound environment with access to quality education and healthcare delivery that are affordable for the socio-economic development of the Nigerian child, for now and the future. That of course, involves the critical role parents, teachers, opinion leaders, religious and traditional rulers in addition to that of the government have to play in safeguarding their lives and providing for their welfare. This has become imperative considering the dire economic situation that the present generation of our children are battling with.

 

 

Though President Bola Tinubu in his speech on the Children ‘s Day pledged to prioritize child protection under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), which he recently launched he has to be reminded on the root causes of violence against children. These include the escalating wave of poverty, hunger, joblessness amidst high cost of living. These have affected that of food items , fuel, electricity tariff, taxes, school fees, and of course rents all of which have skyrocketed over the past two years of his administration.

 

 

In as much as his plan to provide a comprehensive roadmap to prevent abuse, prosecute perpetrators, and support victims, backed by robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination are commendable initiatives, the fear factor right from the family level through educational and Industrial sectors will persist as long as the operational environment is harsh on both the psychological and physical wellbeing of the average Nigerian citizen.

 

 

All the same, his administration should take decisive steps to prevent, detect, and respond to all forms of violence against children, as promised. So, it is good to note that his government has initiated a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015). The aim is to expand the scope of protection, strengthen their provisions, close implementation gaps, and ensure nationwide enforcement. Also notable is the that of leveraging the Cybercrime Act, which is in full force, to protect children from cyberbullying, exploitation, and abuse

 

 

Similarly, it is worthy of commendation that the 36 states of the federation have domesticated the Child Rights Act. This, according to Tinubu reflects the governments’ collective resolve to protect and provide for the welfare of children. And with the introduction of the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools and developed Guidelines for School Administrators, the learning environment should be free from fear and all forms of threats and intimidation.

 

 

Of significance also is the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children. Its noble aim is to create inclusive pathways for every child to learn, thrive, and succeed, regardless of background. That reminds of the Almajiri School Program under the then President Goodluck Jonathan. It should have been sustained devoid of political sentiments. As Peter Obi rightly noted: “Each out-of-school child represents a dream deferred, a future endangered, and a country that is failing to uphold its most sacred responsibility.”

 

 

With specific regards to the children ‘s welfare urgent steps should be taken to reduce the scourge of poverty. In fact, a 2024 UNICEF report revealed that around 11 million children here in Nigeria are suffering from severe food poverty, with one in four under the age of five stunted due to malnutrition—particularly in rural areas. That on its own is a form of brutality. So is that of the 2022 National Bureau of Statistics report which found that 46.5% of Nigerian children aged 5–14 were engaged in child labour.

 

 

Yet, with the 2023 report from UNICEF estimating that over 110 million people under the age of 18 live in Nigeria no effort should be spared to ensure that this national asset is provided with the best quality of life. But doing so would involve the contribution of all the stakeholders. Certainly, all manner of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, yahoo-yahoo scammers and drug traffickers come from one home or the other. If the parents are there for them they would not be engaged with such crimes and criminality.

 

 

Both the state and federal governments should learn some lessons from the laudable initiatives of one of the most patriotic Nigerians, the Efik-born Prof. Eyo It’s. He returned to Nigeria from the United States in 1933 after clinching two Masters Degrees and a doctorate degree in Philosophy. Concerned about the future of Nigerian children the educationist saw to the birth of the Nigerian Youth Movement, NYM. He predicated his vision on the palm philosophy with the five fingers of Health, Economy,Beauty, Knowledge, Patriotism and Religion. He was passionate about young Nigerians who would be well educated and resourceful, to become useful citizens to the country. That was during the colonial era. If he could actively engage the young minds then why not our current leaders in the first quarter of the 21st Century?

 

 

In fact, so impactful was the NYM in the training of young Nigerian doctors,lawyers and teachers that in that same 1933 the likes of Dr. J. C. Vaughan,Ernest Okoli, Samuel Akinsanya and H.O. Davies all based in Lagos keyed into the vision. With it they challenged the poor quality of the then Yaba Higher College. Its tempo and tenor spread nationwide prompting the return of the Great Zik from Ghana to kick start and give life to the dream and desire for Nigeria’s political independence. That was then.

 

 

Now we need our political leaders to drastically reduce the issue of both physical and emotional brutality. The government should therefore, provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive. The costs of transportation, food items, electricity tariff, school fees and rents should be reduced to make them affordable. The government should reduce both the tax and debt burdens on the citizens so that the parents would be capable of meeting the financial burdens of their children. It should also come up with pro-people policies that would act as catalysts for both industrialization and good governance. With all that there will be a brighter future for Nigerian children

2027: Northern Muslim group urges Tinubu to pick Christian VP

Posted on by admin50

A northern Muslim advocacy group has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider choosing a northern Christian as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

The group, Concerned Northern Muslim Ummah, made the call in a press statement issued on Sunday by its convener, Bala Duguri.

It said the appeal followed wide consultations across northern states with various Islamic organisations, aimed at forging a unified political direction ahead of 2027.

Duguri noted that the group’s decision stems from its support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as yielding “positive results toward a greater Nigeria.”

“Our group has undertaken wider consultations across the northern states with different Islamic organisations in a bid to speak with one voice over the political direction in the APC-led administration. The outcome is very encouraging,” Duguri said.

He emphasised that, based on their findings, there was a growing consensus that political equity and fairness demanded a religious balance in the 2027 ticket.

“We have carefully considered the present situation of our country, coupled with deep concern for the well-being of our people, in the spirit of fairness, equity, and justice,” he said.

The group acknowledged the success of the Muslim-Muslim ticket during the 2023 elections, attributing it partly to the support of the Christian community, and called for that gesture to be reciprocated.

“The sacrifices made by our fellow Christian brothers and sisters in the 2023 presidential elections, in the spirit of unity and national progress, need to be acknowledged. It’s time for Muslim political actors to make similar sacrifices,” Duguri added.

The statement appealed to potential Muslim vice-presidential aspirants within the APC to step aside and support the nomination of a Christian running mate in 2027.

“As a Muslim organisation, we use this opportunity to call on all potential Muslim nominees for the vice presidential slot to make the necessary sacrifice by dropping their ambitions for the good of the country.”

The group also urged President Tinubu, the APC National Executive Committee, the National Working Committee, the Board of Trustees, the Progressive Governors Forum, and other stakeholders to consider its appeal in the spirit of unity, equity, and justice.

Duguri stressed that the recommendation was not merely political but rooted in a genuine concern for national cohesion, democratic stability, and the continued success of Tinubu’s administration.

“After extensive consultations across religious, ethnic, and political lines in the North, we believe the most appropriate step forward is for a Northern Christian to be selected as the Vice Presidential candidate in 2027,” he said.

The group pledged to continue engagement with major religious and traditional institutions, including the NSCIA, JIBWIS, CAN, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, JNI, and the Northern Traditional Institution, to lobby for support for their position.

“This move will not only stabilise our democracy but also improve the electoral chances of President Tinubu, who, with this adjustment, will surely win by a landslide,” the group stated.

However, its call is in sharp contrast to that of Borno State APC stakeholders who have called on President Tinubu to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima, a Muslim from Borno State, as his running mate.

The Borno APC made the call in April in a communiqué issued following a critical stakeholders meeting held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Government House, Maiduguri.

“The meeting prayed for Mr. President to retain His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima as his Vice President for his second term,” the communiqué read in part.

IS ATIKU “SERUBAWON?”

Posted on by admin50
  By Tunde Olusunle Politics in Nigeria over the years has always been denominated by notable peculiarities. This of course is relative to time and season. The gamut of its aesthetics resides in the frills and thrills, dramas and theatrics, which it throws up. Electioneering engenders colourful rallies in stadia and open arenas, complete with songs, chants and dance. Oftentimes, such events build up into resplendent carnival crescendos in the African sunshine. Roadshows offer similar excitement, music booming and blaring from loudspeakers mounted on branded automobiles, electrifying the streets and cities, as huge processions accompany mobile platforms. It is the season when aliases are minted and sobriquets conjured, when major political dramatis personae are conferred with novel honorifics and nomenclatures. Nigeria’s First and Second Republic politics featured notable legends like Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo; Samuel Ladoke Akintola; Augustus Meredith Adisa Akinloye; Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi; Busari Adelakun and Adeniran Ogunsanya, from Nigeria’s present day South West. From the South East came icons like Alvan Azinna Ikoku; Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe; Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe; Michael Iheonukara Okpara, while today’s global North had the Abubakar Tafawa Balewas; Sa’adu Zungurs; Aminu Kanos; Yusuf Maitama Sules, among others. Awolowo was nicknamed Awo evidently derived from the full spelling of his surname, while the fearless, daring Adelakun was festooned with the alias Eruobodo, which means the “river fears no one.” For his pan-Africanist endeavours, Azikiwe was commonly referred to as Zik of Africa, while Aminu Kano was the Baba’n Talakawa, on account of his strident advocacy for the proletariat, the down-trodden. Aliasing on the political trail subsists even up until the present. Lamidi Adedibu a colossus in the politics of Oyo State in his time, was reputed for his affinity with the underprivileged. As many urchins and street kids who accessed his expansive home in Molete, Ibadan, were assured of regular meals, the staple being amala, yam flour. While Adedibu in one breath was the exemplar of amala politics, he was also famously known as Alaafin Molete. Alaafin is the title of the king of Oyo, a foremost kingdom in Yoruba and Nigerian history. Adedibu was said to have been eminently influential in his district, Molete, Ibadan, his hands strengthened by the swarming army of youngsters beholden to him as their ultimate benefactor. His wishes were his commands. The title of Alaafin, arguably the Number One royal in Oyo State, was therefore appropriated and honorarily bestowed on him. For as long as he lived, Adedibu was a major factor in the politics of Oyo State, whose voice indeed echoed in Aso Villa, seat of national governance. Nigeria’s botched Third Republic brought forth Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke as Governor of Osun State, in January 1992. He was a very cosmopolitan and charismatic personality who was born in Enugu in Nigeria’s South East. He was noted for the remarkable styling of his headgear, which pointed skywards like that of a chef, as against the norm in Yoruba land. He contested for the governorship of Osun State on the platform of the extinct Social Democratic Party, (SDP) and won, just months after the creation of the entity in August 1991. The manner of his first time sweep of the gubernatorial poll earned him the sobriquet Serubawon, the one dreaded by his adversaries. Isiaka Adeleke’s younger brother, Ademola Adeleke who like his older sibling is Governor of Osun State, has since adopted and popularised his brother’s signature cap. Such are the variegated spin-offs of politics in our own part of the world. Conversations around Nigeria’s 2027 presidential poll have begun rather early. The administration of President Bola Tinubu is barely two years in office, yet the national space has been drowned in the din of an election which is more than 700 days away. Cross-carpeting and defections have assumed fever-pitch as politicians try to secure their places in the political scheme, post-2027. Governors, parliamentarians, government appointees, serving and retired continue to move around like yo-yos. Their whole lives, their eternal relevance seem solely predicated on the sustenance of their proboscis, deep inside the torso of our collective patrimony. Many politicians in the present milieu have become permanent fixtures in our politics. As though they are the only Nigerians capable of adding value to governance and nation-building. Proclamations about Tinubu being the sole presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in the 2027 presidential ticket have been made. He will run unopposed. Olusegun Obasanjo, the First President of the ongoing Fourth Republic, was challenged at the 2003 presidential primary of his party at the time, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), by no less a politician and statesman, than Alex Ekwueme, Nigeria’s Second Republic Vice President, a foundation member of the PDP. This underscores the politics of accommodation promoted by Obasanjo a strong President in his own era. Affirmations are equally being chanted, as affixture to the on your mandate we shall stand chant, popularised by Tinubu promoters during the 2022/2023 electioneering exercise. Mere mortals are making matter-of-fact declarations and pronouncements with the manner of certitude and conviction about the future which presupposes they know the plans and workings of the mind of the Almighty God Himself. Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has remained a very formidable factor in Nigeria’s politics since the days of the primordial SDP, back in 1992. Despite being a newcomer to partisan politics having just retired from public service at the time, Atiku posted a notably strong performance for a newbie at the party’s presidential primary in 1993. This ensured he was a decider in the subsequent emergence of Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, (MKO), as presidential candidate of the SDP. Abiola beat Baba Gana Kingibe, in the runoff between both men, in Jos that year, largely because of Atiku’s personal sacrifice. Atiku continued to hone his skills as a politician, build cross-national friendships and relationships and to align with democratic elements even under the dreadful regime of Nigeria’s former pseudo-maximum ruler, Sani Abacha. He was tracked to his Kaduna home by Abacha agents and attacked. A number of armed security operatives on guard in his house were neutralised just as he escaped by the whiskers and went into exile. Atiku was Governor-elect of Adamawa State, early 1999. He was awaiting inauguration when he was chosen to pair Obasanjo’s presidential ticket, after the PDP presidential primary. Instructively, the primary took place in Jos, where the SDP presidential primary in which he previously participated, held six years before. The Obasanjo/Atiku ticket won the presidential election proper and Atiku Abubakar became the First Vice President of Nigeria subsisting Fourth Republic. Talk about one politician who has friends and associates across all of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas and you find that in Atiku Abubakar. He needs not grope in the dark searching for acolytes. And because he is ever in touch with his affiliates and foot soldiers, they rally spontaneously to his beckoning and causes. If there is one politician today whose name evokes trepidation in the ranks of the establishment, that person has to be Atiku Abubakar. His vast public service experience; his successful forays into the private sector; his profound knowledge of the Nigerian conundrum; his deft organisational skills; his flexibility as a team player; his charm and charisma, combine to underline his formidability. Concerned Nigerians in recent weeks and months, have been reaching out to Atiku to lead the charge for change in the nation’s political leadership. While the overall socioeconomic health of the nation is draped in gloss and fine print by incumbents, the situation is excruciating on the streets. There is palpable hunger, worsened by skyrocketing inflation. Insecurity continues to pummel the citizenry by way of kidnappings, banditry, insurgency and wanton killings across the breadth of the country. Depression has accentuated suicide rates as many succumb to despair and despondency. The national space is thick and dark with tangible foreboding. True, Nigeria’s opposition parties are almost irredeemably discombobulated as we speak. The very thought of Atiku commitedly attempting to sew a pathway out of the tatters, however, is very concerning to the status quo. The experience of the 2023 presidential election where the APC capitalised on the fact of the dismemberment of the PDP behemoth into three political smithereens remains very fresh. Hopefully, political archaeologists will some day unearth the debauchery and chicanery which attended the tallying of the final results of that election. To forestall a recurrence of that incident, a viable cross-party partnership is being conceived to rescue Nigeria from its present abyss, as Nigerians continue to agonise about the glaring failures and failings of the incumbent regime. This underlines mass angst, with the Tinubu administration consistently fingered for excruciating hardship and the attendant national lachrymose. The evolving political alliance calculated to confront the incumbent dispensation, is gathering adherents by the day. At the centre of this movement is Atiku Abubakar whose every guest, every visit to like-minded politicians, every event he participates in, evokes interest and debate, in opposing political quarters. Atiku is fittingly the contemporary Serubawon. He is the one whose sneezes reverberate across the political sphere, causing tremors in the ranks of his adversaries. The journey to 2027, by the way, is just beginning. There are no foreclosures as yet. Not at all.   Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja

I’ll Invest Greater Funds To Uplift Vulnerable Africans – Dangote

Posted on by admin50

 

Africa’s business mogul and philanthropist, Aliko Dangote, has vowed to invest more money to aid the upliftment of vulnerable populations across Nigeria and Africa.

 

The Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation revealed that he intends to uplift the less privileged as part of his philanthropic efforts to give back to society.

 

The respected entrepreneur was named among the top 100 philanthropists listed by TIME Magazine on the 22nd of May, alongside other global personalities like Michael Bloomberg, David Beckham, Stephen Curry, Melinda Gates and Oprah Winfrey.

 

Speaking on the sidelines of the TIME100 Impact Dinner held at ASPIRE at the One World Observatory in New York City, USA, Dangote declared that his investment in key sectors like Health, Education and Economic empowerment form part of his foundation’s main priorities.

Investing in nutrition, health, education, and economic empowerment is our contribution to setting Africans up for success,” he said.

 

Among Dangote’s ongoing efforts to make life easier for Africans is a $100 million multi-year initiative to combat severe childhood malnutrition.

 

Every year, his foundation spends $35 million on average on several initiatives across Nigeria and Africa. This is coming after he equipped the Aliko Dangote Foundation with $1.25 billion, with the sole purpose of giving back to a continent that played such a vital role in his success.

 

100 public figures from 28 nations have been honoured for their philanthropic efforts in 4 categories: Titans, Leaders, Trailblazers, and Innovators. TIME referenced Dangote’s remarkable growth over the years, having amassed lots of billions via ventures in cement, agriculture, and oil refining in Nigeria.

Education is another key area where the business mogul is making his mark. He recently announced a $10 million donation to the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, based in Kano State.

 

His crucial investments in education include offering vocational training, providing scholarships at the secondary and tertiary levels, and delivering yearly fellowships through the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders programme.

 

“We need to create the next generation of African leaders. My mother instilled in me the ethos of giving back, which inspired my philanthropy 30 years ago. I trust my three daughters will continue this legacy, just as they will continue to grow our business and impact. I want to be known not just as Africa’s richest person but also as its biggest philanthropist,” he added.

Nigeria-Morocco $25bn gas pipeline tops Tinubu’s priority projects – Jimoh Ibrahim

Posted on by admin50

 

President Bola Tinubu is committed to the $25bn gas pipeline project between Nigeria and Morocco, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Nigeria at the executive session of the African Parliament Union, announced on Wednesday in Casablanca.

The senator stated that this gas initiative is at the forefront of the Nigerian government’s priority projects, with Tinubu poised to review all abandoned projects to ensure their swift completion.

According to Ibrahim, the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline is designed to transport 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas per year across a distance of 5,660 km.

The pipeline’s route will traverse 13 African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco, with Nigeria serving as the central gas supplier.

Ibrahim highlighted the transformative potential of the project, emphasising its expected impact on job creation and regional development.

“This project is expected to create thousands of jobs, boost industrial and digital development, and contribute to a more sustainable energy future for the participating countries,” he explained.

He further noted the significant advantage for Morocco, which stands to benefit from supplying European countries with gas.

In light of the opportunities the project is set to generate, Ibrahim urged Morocco to consider revising its visa policy for Nigerian visitors.

He called for the Atlantic to be opened to create more opportunities and for Morocco to “allow Nigerian visitors to enter without visa restrictions, given the level of opportunity that the new investment will generate for both countries.”

Currently, the project is in its feasibility study and route planning phase, with ongoing discussions involving relevant authorities and stakeholders.

The Final Investment Decision, initially slated for 2023, has been postponed to 2025, reflecting the complexity and scale of the undertaking.

Ibrahim also revealed that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, is actively working to provide legislative support for  Tinubu’s vision.

This legislative backing aims to “eliminate, through legislation, any converging complexities that may obstruct the successful implementation of the project.”

The executive members of the African Parliament Union expressed excitement regarding the developments of the Nigeria-Morocco gas project, following the briefing by the senator.

Emefiele: EFCC hands over 753 duplexes to Housing Ministry

Posted on by admin50

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially transferred ownership of 753 duplexes linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede handed over the forfeited property to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, during a brief ceremony held on Tuesday.

The massive estate, comprising uncompleted duplexes, is situated in the Lokogoma district of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. According to the EFCC, the properties were recovered as part of ongoing investigations into financial misconduct linked to Emefiele’s tenure at the apex bank.

A statement by Dangiwa said President Bola Tinubu had directed that the recovered estate be completed and made available to the Nigerian public through a “transparent and accountable” process.

Dangiwa said the ministry will ensure that all pending structures are completed to make the estate functional and suitable for habitation.

“As a next step, we will conduct a comprehensive integrity and structural assessment of all buildings and associated infrastructure to ensure safety and suitability for habitation,” the statement reads.

“We will also complete all outstanding infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems, and other essential amenities, to make the estate fully functional.

“Additionally, a standardized housing design framework will be developed to ensure architectural uniformity and provide guidance to prospective allottees.

“Finally, the housing units will be offered for sale through a transparent and competitive process, which will be widely advertised and managed via the Renewed Hope Portal.”

In December 2024, the anti-graft agency secured the final forfeiture of the estate following a ruling by Jude Onwegbuzie, a judge at the FCT high court.

The EFCC had said that the forfeiture of the estate is the “largest single asset recovery” of the agency since it was set up in 2003.

The agency did not mention the name of the individual who forfeited the property but mentioned that it belonged to a “former top brass of the government”.

However, in April 2025, Emefiele approached the FCT high court with an application seeking to reclaim the estate forfeited by the federal government.

The former CBN governor had sought an extension of time to apply to set aside the interim and final forfeiture orders made by the court in December 2024.

Emefiele had contended that the entire forfeiture process was conducted without his knowledge and alleged that the EFCC published the interim forfeiture notice in an “obscure” section of a newspaper, making it difficult for him to respond timely.

Onwegbuzie dismissed the application filed by Emefiele and held that the section 17(2) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 stipulates the notice requirements for forfeiture proceedings.

He rejected Emefiele’s claim that the publication was obscure, adding that the half-page notice in a national newspaper was sufficient and could not reasonably be described as “hidden”.

 

Nigerian loses viral English test to Briton after immigration debate sparks challenge

Posted on by admin50

 

A Nigerian based in the United Kingdom, Ifedayo Johnson, has lost in a viral English skills showdown to an English X user who goes by the name Angantýr, with the handle @BasedNorthmathr, on social media.

Johnson, who hails from Oyo State, scored 79, losing by just four marks in the EFSET quiz competition with Angantyr, the Britain who scored 83.

The competition took place in separate X Spaces on Sunday, and was followed live by over 5,000 netizens.

PUNCH Online had reported that a heated immigration debate on X has turned into a linguistic showdown after the British user claimed the UK care sector had become “critically dependent on Nigerians who barely speak English.”

Angantýr said, “Why did we make our care sector critically dependent on Nigerians who barely speak English and each bring with them three dependents?”

Johnson with the X username @Ifedayo_Jimcruz, who faulted what he called the disrespect on Nigerians challenged Angantýr to a full English language proficiency test, including writing, listening, reading, and speaking.

Johnson tweeted, “I’m openly challenging you to an English Language skills test. This would entail writing, listening, speaking and listening tests.

If your overall score is higher than mine, I’ll quietly pack my bags and leave this country within 24 hours.

“But if I score higher than you, you’ll keep your mouth shut and never again question or disrespect the English Language skills of any Nigerian.

“Let me know when you’re ready, so we fix the date and other modalities. About time y’all are put where you belong.”

After the competition results were announced on social media on Sunday, mixed reactions had followed the Nigerian-born contestant’s loss, with both criticism and praise pouring in.

In response, Johnson took to his social media handle to challenge the stereotype that Nigerians hardly speak English, asserting that this misconception has long been disproven.

“I hate to explain as I like how everyone is running their narratives. I enjoy it so much and it’s expected.

“The challenge was to have the test done in the four Basic Language Skills but we couldn’t come to terms on that and only did two.

“Meanwhile, those were the strong forte of native speaker of any language.

“Let me repeat, Nigerians speak English and they do so very well.

“Yes, I boasted and I’m still boasting. If you have a problem at boasting about what you know you’re good at, that’s your problem.”

For Angantyr, he took to his X account immediately to announce the results, declaring that he had made England proud in the linguistic showdown.

He wrote, ”Honour defended. England conquered.”

Recall, the controversy started when Rachel Clarke tweeting as #doctor_oxford wrote on Monday, “1 in 5 of the UK’s care workforce have a non-British passport. Starmer would have us believe these carers are the ‘squalid’ result of a ‘failed experiment.’

“I say they do vital, necessary, humane, skilled work and they are worth their weight in gold.”

Pope Leo XIV receives US VP Vance, Rubio

Posted on by admin50

 

Pope Leo XIV received US Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican Monday, a day after the new US pontiff’s inauguration mass.

The Vatican released photographs of Vance and Rubio smiling as they met with the Chicago-born pope, who was elected as head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics on May 8.

Vance then met with the Holy See’s secretary for relations with states, Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican said.

“During the cordial talks held at the Secretariat of State, satisfaction at the good bilateral relations was reiterated, and the collaboration between Church and State was discussed, as well as some matters of special relevance to ecclesial life and religious freedom,” the Vatican said in a statement.

“Finally, there was an exchange of views on some current international issues, calling for respect for humanitarian law and international law in areas of conflict and for a negotiated solution between the parties involved”, it said.

Vance and Rubio were among the 200,000 dignitaries, royals and faithful gathered Sunday to mark the official start of Leo’s papacy in St Peter’s Square.

Before becoming pope, Leo reposted on his personal X account criticism of US President Donald Trump’s administration over its approach to migration and also pilloried Vance.

But Vance insisted Sunday that the United States was “very proud of him”.

“Certainly our prayers go with him as he starts this very important work,” Vance said at a meeting with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

AFP

When Books Become a Luxurious items

Posted on by admin50

 

By Halima Abdulazeez

As a lifelong book lover, I recall vividly the excitement of walking into a bookstore, the scent of paper come with. Kind of dopamine, the spines of countless stories ringing a bell of promises of escape into the writers’ world. These spaces, was once a home for curious minds like mine and other literary souls. Unfortunately we now feel the increasing burden and the heavy weight of reality: Printing cost is threatening the already dwindling reading culture.

The numbers don’t lie. While concrete data specific to the Nigerian market can be difficult to come by, anecdotal evidence and reports from elsewhere paint a concerning picture. The cost of paper pulp, the very lifeblood of printed books, has skyrocketed, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Shipping expenses, already a significant hurdle in a country with often-challenging infrastructure, have further inflated the price of imported books. This ripple effect is palpable, squeezing publishers, readers, and authors alike.

This and more dominated the discourse around the just concluded Nigeria International Book Fair, held in Lagos, a few days ago. How does an average reader maximize his access to books? Book has been crucial throughout history, serving as a tool for shaping human understanding. It preserves histories, inspires new ideas, and influences thought.

The local publishing industry, already grappling with numerous challenges, now faces agonizing choices. Print runs are being slashed, potentially leading to gaps and frustrating readers eager to discover new voices. Marketing budgets, essential for reaching audiences and driving sales, are stretched thinner than ever, leaving promising titles to languish in obscurity.

But the most devastating impact is felt by the readers themselves, the heart and soul of any literary ecosystem. In a country where economic realities are harsh for so many, buying new books is rapidly becoming a luxury, an indulgence reserved for a privileged few. This forces readers to make difficult choices: turn to often unreliable and poorly stocked secondhand markets, rely on overstretched and underfunded libraries, or, perhaps most tragically, simply read less. A society that reads less is a society that is less informed, less engaged, and less equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

Authors, the creative engines of the literary world are caught in the crossfire. Smaller print runs translate directly to lower initial royalties, the reward for their dedication and artistry. Reduced marketing support further diminishes the visibility of their physical books, limiting their reach and potentially hindering their ability to build a readership, even if their e-book sales are performing reasonably well. The message is clear: the people who breathe life into our literary culture are being squeezed to give up their breath and the trade at the same time.

However, there is a glimmer of hope in the digital tunnel.

E-books, once viewed with doubts, are now proving to be essential gap-fillers, offering a viable path forward in the face of the print crisis. They are cheaper, easier to carry, and generally more accessible than their hard copies.

The economic advantages of e-books are undeniable. The absence of printing, binding, and physical shipping translates directly to lower production and distribution costs, making them significantly more affordable for readers. Instant access is another compelling draw, eliminating the wait times and shipping fees associated with physical books. For those seeking immediate gratification, particularly in genres consumed quickly like thrillers and romance, e-books offer an irresistible combination of convenience and affordability.

But the potential of e-books extends beyond mere cost savings. They offer opportunities to reimagine the reading experience entirely. Interactive elements, multimedia integration, and enhanced searchability can create added value, attracting new readers and transforming the way we engage with stories.

We must remember, though, that for all the benefits of eBooks, not everyone has reliable access to the devices required to read them.

Cost of device, Internet connection, and consistent electricity to power the device

Addressing these access issues and the concerns of literacy would greatly assist in drawing people in to reading more as it becomes more affordable.

To fully harness the potential of e-books and ensure that they serve as a bridge to a vibrant and inclusive reading culture, we must explore innovative pricing models. Subscription services like Kindle Unlimited offer a promising approach, providing access to a vast library of titles for a fixed monthly cost, making reading more budget-friendly for voracious consumers. Tiered pricing, offering enhanced features like author interviews or early access for a premium, could cater to diverse needs and budgets. Dynamic pricing, while complex to implement transparently, might offer opportunities for targeted affordability based on demand. These approaches, however, require careful consideration to ensure they do not undermine per-unit revenue for publishers and authors.

But let us not mistake e-books as a silver bullet. There is something inherently special about the tangible book. We must ask what the future of physical books is and how do we sustain that to allow future generations to not loose the feel of this magic. In the meantime, and considering the affordability of the digital avenue, it can be the solution to make books still available.

There needs to be a conversation had with the government to consider subsidises, or to create a non-profit sector that can make this available to readers for libraries and people in education.

In the end we all need to make sacrifices to protect our culture. The stories of our ancestors, and those of our society and the world help us create a sustainable reality for ourselves.

Ultimately, We need innovative pricing strategies, digital solutions, and continued investment in libraries and support for authors. Only then can we ensure that the page does not turn on Nigeria’s vibrant reading culture, and that the joy and power of books remain accessible to all.

The future of digital reading is bright, but requires a strategic and collaborative approach. By focusing on the value proposition, addressing misconceptions, empowering libraries, supporting authors, and leveraging data, the industry can unlock the full potential of e-books and audiobooks and reach a wider than ever before. These suggestions should assist you in designing and implementing.

Halima Abdulazeez is a poet and the author of the poetry collection “Soul Rants: A Journey from Within.” She is the Communication Officer at the Caprecon Foundation, the Treasurer of PEN International, the Nigerian Centre, and she resides in Lagos.

Contact: +234-8034816865 (mailt.umuhfaisal@gmail.com)

29-year-old Nigerian-British becomes UK’s youngest mayor

Posted on by admin50

In a significant breakthrough for youth leadership and the Nigerian diaspora, Princess Opeyemi Bright has been sworn in as the youngest Mayor in the United Kingdom at the age of 29.

 

Her inauguration as the First Citizen of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham took place on Friday, May 16, 2025, marking a proud moment for both her community and the wider Nigerian diaspora.

 

Bright, who was born in the UK to Nigerian parents, has been widely celebrated for her commitment to public service and her trailblazing political career.

This is nothing short of God’s grace,” Princess Bright said at the swearing-in ceremony.

 

“I’m proud to serve my borough, and as a proud Nigerian, I will represent my heritage with humility and excellence. May this journey inspire others to lead, serve, and rise.”

 

Her political journey began at just 22 when she was elected as a councillor. Over the past seven years, she has been a strong advocate for youth empowerment, social inclusion, and economic development in her local government area.

 

Bright comes from a family deeply involved in public service. Her mother, Dr. Councillor Afolasade Bright, previously held the position of Civic Mayor of Hackney (2006–2007), while her father, Pastor Gbolahan Bright MBE, is a senior minister with the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Her emergence as mayor underscores the rising influence of Nigerians in global political spaces. From UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch, to Labour MP Chi Onwurah, and extending to North America with leaders like Canadian Minister Uzoma Asagwara and Minnesota’s Esther Agbaje in the U.S., Nigerian-born individuals are making notable contributions to governance around the world.

 

Bright’s achievement defies conventional narratives about young people’s disengagement in politics and highlights the vital roles women and immigrants are playing in leadership today. Her rise is also seen as a powerful reinforcement of Nigeria’s soft power on the global stage.

 

For many, her story serves as a motivating example of what young Nigerians can achieve with the right support systems and values.

Her election also brings a broader message for Nigerian policymakers—to recognize and harness the potential of the diaspora in driving national development. Encouraging youth leadership and building strategic global partnerships with diaspora communities could unlock new opportunities for growth back home.