Since her assumption of duty as the new Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman -Ibrahim fsi has devised various political and administrative programs to ensure women and children are given the desired attention in the Nigeria society. Since children are the leaders of tomorrow, adequate care , attention and desired succour are needed to ensure their survival. Therefore, as soon as she assumed duty, the issue of detained minors who were on trial as a result of their involvement in EndBadGovernance was prioritised and…
Category: Opinion
Monday Lines: Desperate crowds and foods of death By Lasisi Olagunju
I died one bright day in 1969 – yes, died; crushed by a motorcyclist. It happened on Ileya Day (Eid el Kabir) in my hometown. I did not know, and still do not know, how it happened. All I know is that I was following my father to the eid praying ground in the morning, then I followed a crowd of other children to cross the road to the other side,…then I woke up in the afternoon, medics all over me, stitching and cleaning. Where I was turned out to…
Harvest of Human Chickens for Xmas,By Festus Adedayo
The unnamed woman had just given birth to a baby five days before. Her body was still wet as Yoruba say of mothers who newly underwent the pangs of labour and delivery. Pains must still be ricocheting round her navel. Ex-Queen of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, and an Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat, had promised her and her baby free food. This was done in a blast of publicity inviting her kid and 4999 other children to a funfair. The event was slated for Islamic High School, Bashorun,…
Why Nigerians no longer want to pay tax (1), by Hassan Gimba
There is this hullabaloo that has enveloped the country, with debates all over, in some instances threatening to degenerate into fisticuffs. It is all about the Tax Reform Bills. Even though, after all is said and done, it may end up as an issue that signifies nothing but being blown out of proportion, it made me recall Macbeth’s speech in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In his speech, he surmised that there is no meaning or purpose in life. Understandably, with his wife dead and armies marching against him, he…
2025 Budget: A Bold Vision or a High-Risk Gamble? By Lukman Laleye Babalola
On December 18, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu unveiled the 2025 Budget of Restoration, a ₦47.9 trillion spending plan designed to secure peace, rebuild prosperity, and set the country on a path toward sustainable growth. While the budget reflects a bold vision for Nigeria’s future, it raises critical questions about the feasibility of its ambitious goals, the risks involved, and the capacity to effectively implement such a vast plan. A Record-Breaking Budget With a 36.8% increase from the previous year, the 2025 budget sets the stage for significant…
Lessons from the Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra Stampedes – Preventable Tragedies By Lukman Laleye Babalola
In the span of one week, Nigeria has witnessed three heart-wrenching stampedes at events meant to bring relief and joy. The Ibadan Funfair, organized by Queen Naomi, former Queen of the Ooni of Ife, aimed to provide scholarships and incentives to 5,000 children but turned tragic as crowds overwhelmed the event. On December 21, 2024, two more incidents followed: one at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, during a food distribution for the less privileged, and another in Anambra, where palliatives were being shared to ease the burdens…
Leadership insights: 40 minutes with Governor Oyebanji (1) By abiodun KOMOLAFE
I recently had the honour of visiting Ekiti State, where I embarked on a self-guided tour to explore the projects completed or underway by Governor Biodun Oyebanji. From the bustling streets of Ado-Ekiti to the quaint towns of Ikere-Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti and Oke Ako-Ekiti, Oyebanji’s transformative initiatives have inspired optimism among residents, who appreciate his people-first leadership. As I concluded my tour, I sought out the governor’s perspective on his administration’s progress. Our thoughtful discussion revealed a leader committed to redefining the boundaries of possibility for all Ekiti residents. With…
2025 Budget: A Bold Vision or a High-Risk Gamble? By Lukman Laleye Babalola
On December 18, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu unveiled the 2025 Budget of Restoration, a ₦47.9 trillion spending plan designed to secure peace, rebuild prosperity, and set the country on a path toward sustainable growth. While the budget reflects a bold vision for Nigeria’s future, it raises critical questions about the feasibility of its ambitious goals, the risks involved, and the capacity to effectively implement such a vast plan. A Record-Breaking Budget With a 36.8% increase from the previous year, the 2025 budget sets the stage for significant…
Breaking the Silence: Ending violence against women and girls, by Fa’izatu Aliyu Doma
Violence against women and girls is fast assuming the magnitude of a global pandemic. In other words, it is a crisis that transcends borders, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. According to the United Nations, one in three women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. This overwhelming statistic is a compelling reminder of the urgent need to address this pervasive issue. Violence against women and girls takes many forms, including murder, domestic violence, rape, female genital mutilation and human trafficking. These acts of violence are often perpetrated by…
An Accidental Christmas Story By Azu Ishiekwene
If I’ve learned anything these past 35 years of journalism, it’s looking for a story in every situation. It wasn’t different when I left home for the airport on December 14, except that this time, the story found me. My Uber driver started the conversation: “Are you Mr. Azu of LEADERSHIP?” he asked. I confirmed I was but didn’t make much of his question since he could have gotten the information from Truecaller. I also found from my Truecaller that he was identified as “Doc. Jibrin.” However, in a…