In a world filled with conflicts and discord, a story of diplomatic success is truly refreshing. This week, Senator Akpabio of Nigeria broke a 59-year-old jinx by being elected to the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). This accomplishment is not just a win for Nigeria, but a victory for global diplomacy and cooperation. For over five decades, Nigeria was absent from the IPU’s Executive Committee, a prestigious global parliamentary body focused on peace through dialogue. Senator Akpabio’s recent election demonstrates that persistence and dedication can break even the toughest barriers. The Inter-Parliamentary Union, formed in 1889, is a…
Author: Emma Baggi
Imagine a world where no one goes hungry, where Africa feeds itself and the rest of the world. This is not a fantasy, but a possibility, thanks to a historic $1 billion pledge for Nigeria’s agriculture. This game-changing investment, led by Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), will create Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) in Nigeria and 12 other African countries. These zones will boost productivity, value addition, and market access for farmers and agribusinesses. The AfDB and its partners have committed $1.5 billion to support SAPZs in Africa, with Nigeria receiving the largest share. Nigeria,…
President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to appoint a new leadership team for the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) is a commendable and forward-thinking move that could potentially revolutionize Nigeria’s civil service. The appointment of Prof. Tunji Olaopa, a distinguished scholar and expert in civil service reform, to lead the team is a promising choice, showcasing the President’s commitment to change and efficiency. In the modern age, digital transformation is paramount for efficient governance. President Tinubu rightly emphasizes the importance of digitization in enhancing transparency and accountability within the civil service. This shift towards digital processes can not only streamline government…
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has delivered a landmark judgment that reaffirms the legitimacy of the 2023 Presidential election and the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is a historic moment for Nigeria’s democracy and a testament to the strength of our institutions. The ruling, which dismissed the petitions filed by the opposition candidates, was based on sound legal reasoning and evidence. It upheld the principles of justice and the rule of law, which are essential for a functioning democracy. The court also demonstrated its independence and impartiality, resisting any external pressure or influence. The verdict puts an end…
Nigeria is a country blessed with abundant natural resources, especially oil. However, for many years, the country has struggled with economic challenges, corruption, and insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic only worsened the situation, as oil prices plummeted and lockdowns disrupted businesses and livelihoods. But in the midst of these difficulties, there is a ray of hope. The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), which is responsible for distributing revenue among the three tiers of government, has announced that it received a record N1.6 trillion in September 2023. This is the second time in a row that the government has increased its revenue…
Nigeria’s fuel subsidy removal has been a hot topic of debate for a long time. The subsidy, which was supposed to make fuel affordable for Nigerians, has been accused of being wasteful, ineffective, and corrupt. The IMF estimated that Nigeria spent 1.4 trillion naira ($3.6 billion) on fuel subsidies in 2019, which was 18% of its budget. The IMF also projected that the subsidy would cost Nigeria 0.5% of its GDP in 2020. In September 2020, the Nigerian government decided to liberalize the downstream sector of the oil industry and let market forces set the price of petrol. This led…
In the heart of West Africa lies a nation of incredible diversity, rich culture, and boundless potential – Nigeria. With a population exceeding 200 million people, Nigeria is not only the most populous country on the continent but also one of the most culturally vibrant. Despite its many virtues, Nigeria has struggled with issues of integrity and justice, two pillars essential for the nation’s growth and prosperity. Nigerians, it’s time to come together as one again to rebuild the country, ensuring that the next generation won’t endure the same issues we’re facing today. The adage, “Nigerians are the problems of…
Patriotism plays a crucial role in nation-building, serving as a driving force for progress. This deep-rooted love and dedication that citizens harbor for their homeland serves as a wellspring of inspiration, uniting them towards a common purpose. Nigeria, a nation teeming with immense potential, stands to achieve its aspirations through the collective synergy of its people. Patriotism, as Nelson Mandela once remarked, ‘Patriotism is not the exclusive property of any one group,’ emphasizing the inclusive nature of this fervor. Indeed, patriotism transcends personal interests, compelling Nigerians to place the welfare of their country above their individual desires, thus entailing hard…
In recent days, Nigerians both at home and abroad have been caught in the whirlwind of a thought-provoking question that is yet to receive a satisfactory answer. The question that has stirred this wave of curiosity concerns the admission of former governor and presidential candidate of the 2023 election in Nigeria, Peter Gregory Obi, into the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The controversy stems from the revelation that Mr. Obi secured his admission into UNN with a mere P8 grade in both English and Mathematics, despite the university’s clear admission requirements specifying the need for a credit in these…
On October 11th, Nigeria, like the rest of the world, observes the International Day of the Girl Child, a day dedicated to recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities that girls face. In Nigeria, this day holds special significance, as it provides an opportunity to both celebrate the potential of Nigerian girls and assess the policies in place to empower them. In Nigeria, the International Day of the Girl Child is more than just an observance; it is a nationwide commitment to recognizing and addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by girls. These challenges include limited access to quality education, early…