Mr Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, in this interview monitored on Arise television, speaks on his political journey and achievements. Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, also expresses concerns about Nigeria’s current electoral system and the lack of focus on legacy in modern politics. Excerpts:

Much of your time has been consumed by your involvement in Nigerian politics. With age and experience, does it get easier?

Let’s set the ground rules. I agreed to this interview on the understanding that we wouldn’t discuss politics. There are only three political matters I’d like to clarify before we move on to social issues.

First, nobody made me governor. God did. God, Peter Odili and the Nigerian judiciary made it possible.
Nobody else. As journalists, no one has ever asked the man who claims he made me governor how he did it. Nobody has asked him that question.

So how did you become governor?

I don’t know. I went to court. Perhaps my lawyer knows—he’s now the Attorney-General, so you should ask him. What I’m trying to make very clear is that I did not become governorin anyone’s favour. It’s also not true that I called Mohammed bin Adoke from Abuja to Port Harcourt to say that Nyesom Wike asked me to make him Commissioner for Finance and I refused. That’s not how it happened. I wanted him as Chief of Staff so I could supervise him directly. I never offered him the position of Commissioner for Finance.

I’m saying this now because I don’t want to trade words with children. I simply don’t. We’ve finished with politics.

When you say you wanted to supervise him, does that mean you felt he was a bit of a renegade?

I don’t want to discuss politics. I’ve said I respect him as a governor and that’s the end of it. He made himself Chief of Staff, governor, and minister. Let’s leave it there.

Do you feel satisfied with what you’ve achieved at 60? Would you describe yourself as a man of substance?

Every time I speak, I begin by thanking God. Then I thank Peter Odili and his wife for the roles they played in my life. I’ve said to my wife and children that no matter what happens, I’ll never go against the Odilis. They’ve done things to me, things that could make one scream, but I hold back because I believe God used them in my life. So, to respect God, I must respect them.

Looking back on your achievements, you’ve said the rest was hard work. But again, that sounds political…

Let me just say this: if the current chairman of INEC had been in office in 2015, we wouldn’t have won. That’s an important point. We were lucky to have Attahiru Jega. He ensured some level of transparency. The current chairman can’t be compared to Jega. When we wanted to register APC, Jega opened the door and allowed the process. This one, even if you comply with all the requirements, won’t register you. INEC is already biased. But again, please don’t take me back to politics.

You must be proud of your accomplishments. You’ve certainly achieved more than most…

It’s not because I’m the best. I simply made the most of the opportunities I was given. When I became Speaker of the Parliament, Peter Odili felt I deserved it. I performed my duties and was later elected Chairman of the Speakers’ Forum. Since I left, I wonder if that Forum even still exists. Later, I became governor by the grace of God, Peter Odili, the people of Rivers State, and the judiciary. The judiciary pronounced me governor.

And did you perform well as governor?

Absolutely and I’m ready for you to call people in Rivers State to confirm it. While others are making noise about building 12 flyovers, I built six and didn’t shout about it. I didn’t call the president to commission anything.

I built primary schools—let any other governor in Rivers State come forward with a better record. I built secondary schools that looked like universities: two children per room. I even brought in Indian agencies to manage them, along with science teachers from India. And now, sadly, those schools are abandoned and vandalised. That breaks my heart.

We tried to build a new city with a 24-hour power supply. It was abandoned and vandalised too. But give me an assignment, and I will deliver.

You also served as a federal minister. What were some key projects you completed?

I began and completed the Lagos–Ibadan railway. I began and completed the Lekki Deep Sea Port. In Kano, I completed an inland dry port and insisted the investor build a secondary school and primary school for local children, which he did.

I started the Kano–Kaduna railway and completed Kaduna–Abuja, which President Goodluck Jonathan had initiated. I also started the Kaduna–Maradi railway. When I take on an assignment, I deliver it without resorting to insults or unnecessary drama.

Do you think most politicians today care about their names and character?

Sadly, no. Many don’t care about legacy or the shame their actions may bring to their children.

As you reflect on turning 60, have you changed personally? And has Nigeria changed in that time?

A lot has changed. Have I changed? Yes, for good, I hope. Has Nigeria changed? In some areas, yes. In others, we’ve regressed.

Is the country progressing or regressing overall?

That’s hard to say. In some aspects, yes; in others, no. It feels like the system has been captured, with electoral institutions now used as political tools.

If electoral reform is not happening, how does that make you feel as a former public official?

I once said I wish the National Assembly could amend the Constitution to keep Jega in office until real electoral reform was achieved. Because without reforms, you need a man of conscience. Jega was that. Even though the system wasn’t perfect, he made it transparent enough for people to believe in the process. That’s how we won in 2015.

And you don’t believe that exists today?

No. If I were the current INEC chairman, for the sake of my name, I would have resigned. INEC has already taken sides. They’re blocking the registration of new political parties, which is unconstitutional.

But in fairness, hasn’t the current INEC chairman proposed some reforms?

He may have proposed reforms, but to whose benefit? If opposition parties aren’t allowed to register, then what’s the point of reforms?

Are you referring to the opposition coalition you’re part of? A new party perhaps?

Whether new or existing, the Electoral Act allows the registration of parties. The current government doesn’t obey the law, not even the Constitution.

In 1999, at just 34, you were elected into the Rivers State House of Assembly and became Speaker. How significant was that breakthrough, and were you hesitant to fully commit to politics at the time?

At 34, I became Speaker. The process then was more transparent than it is today. If you lost an election and went to court, you could trust the verdict. As young as I was, I got elected and did my job. I served for eight years. We had an opposition party, APP, and managing them wasn’t easy, but I did everything to ensure both the ruling and opposition parties worked together for the state. Then at 42, I became governor.

Was there an ideological reason behind your entry into politics? Or was it about power and recognition?

Let me flip that question: based on what I’ve told you, would you say it was transformative or not?

That’s a fair point, but I’m asking about your motivation.

I ran a free education programme in Rivers State. Not just free—it nearly became compulsory. We were careful with the funds, but it worked. Private schools began to shut down because parents were moving their kids to government schools. We reduced class sizes from 150 to 25 or 30. We built proper secondary schools—1,000 students, 2 children per room, 25 per class. And I modelled the primary schools after what I saw in Australia.

I made sure each community had one. We also built primary healthcare centres, hired 400 doctors to add to the existing 200, bought 600 cars for them, and built housing for those in rural areas. If you visit, you’ll see. I can even raise funds for you to take a tour.

What would you say your greatest achievement was during your time as governor?

It’s hard to pick one, but education stands out. I wanted to make sure children in Rivers State had a future. Before we came in, the idea of free education was laughable. But we made it real and not just free, but quality. Students were given uniforms, books, and proper school environments. That mattered to me. Health was also critical. We built over 160 primary healthcare centres across the state, employed professionals, and equipped them. The goal was to make basic healthcare accessible to the people—especially in rural areas.

What values or principles guided these choices?

Justice, equity, and a strong belief that government should serve the people. I also believe in God. That’s not just something I say—it genuinely shapes how I think and act. I constantly remind myself that I’ll give account to God for what I do here. That helps keep me grounded.

What are your thoughts on Nigeria’s current political leadership?

I’m being very careful not to speak about the current government. But generally speaking, I think the focus should be on competence, not tribe or religion. If someone is capable, let them lead—regardless of where they’re from.

Some Nigerians have called for a restructuring of the country. Where do you stand on that?

I support restructuring, but not as an excuse to divide the country. For me, restructuring means giving more power and resources to the states so they can develop at their own pace. That includes state police. But it must come with checks and balances because we’ve seen how governors behave with absolute power.

What would you tell young Nigerians who feel hopeless about the future?

Don’t give up. This country has potential—immense potential. I understand the frustration; things aren’t easy. But if you run away, who will fix it? Stay informed, get involved, and demand accountability from your leaders. Change takes time, but it’s possible.

If you had the chance to do anything differently in your life, what would it be?

Maybe I’d speak less and listen more. Sometimes I was too blunt, and too fast to speak. But I’ve learned. And as I grow older, I see the wisdom in silence.

Do you have any regrets?

Not many. I did what I believed was right at the time. I worked hard. I made mistakes, of course—but I tried to serve. If I have any regret, it’s that some of the projects we built with such care are now abandoned. That’s painful. You put your heart into something, and then someone else lets it rot.

How do you want to be remembered?

As someone who tried. A man who worked for his people, who wasn’t perfect but gave it his all. A father, who cared, a husband who tried, and a leader who refused to steal.

And what’s next for you?

Only God knows. I’m still active, and still involved. But I’ve also learned that sometimes it’s okay to step back, to rest, and to reflect. I’m open to what God wants me to do next.

[Vanguard]

Four Nigerians studying at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, United States, graduated with distinction at the school’s 166th graduation ceremony.

Seven Nigerians were among the first-degree earners; four graduated with top-of-the-class academic performance and a perfect grade point average of 4.0.

Their excellence was particularly evident in mathematics, computer science, and the health sciences.

The four Nigerians include Iteoluwa Jesutoromo Ibitoye, Chinyere Obiageli Offor, Praise Olalekan, and Osoname Fortune Omonagbe.

Brendan Allen, president of Lincoln University, praised the four individuals for their resilience, determination, and “exemplifying good character and self-discipline” during their academic years.

“These valedictorians showed focus despite the distractions around them. They displayed great courage, good character and self-discipline. There is no doubt, they will be great ambassadors of this university,” he said.

Iteoluwa, daughter of Toyin Ibitoye, the veteran journalist, appreciated God for her journey throughout her years in school.

She described the new feat as “the beginning of greater things to come”.

“I am so happy that everything has turned out this way. I thank Jesus Christ, my Lord, for seeing me through,” she said.

“I am also very happy that I have made my parents and siblings proud, and along with my other Nigerian valedictorians, given a good impression of our dear nation. I believe God and know that this is the beginning of greater things to come.”

Lincoln University was founded in 1854 as the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the US.

[TheCable]

Yes, I have seen cases of hopelessness changed to testimonies. Just look at the story of that desperate woman in Mark Chapter Five. That is one of the most difficult and hopeless situations in the bible. She was very sick for 12 years. She was losing her blood (life) every second of the day. She spent all she had looking for solution, yet none came. She suffered so much and the condition grew worse. No improvement. No cure. No hope. No help. Even the doctors got tired of her case. And the worst was that even when she had a glimpse of solution, the surging crowd became an obstacle, a barrier to reach the solution. My God! What can be worse than this? Does this sound like your situation? Look at it here, “Jesus went with him, and all the people followed, crowding around him. A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse. She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, ‘If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.’ Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.” Mark 5:24-29

   Some of you reading this message are like this woman today. You have been in that situation for a long time now. It looks incurable and terminal – the type that was described as being sick unto death. You helplessly watch as your life, your resources, your joy dim and slip away from your hand. The more you try is the more the problem, the frustration increases. It may not be your health directly, but things around you have become sick – your business, your relationship, your marriage is sick, dying, etc. You go a step forward and three steps backward. And no help, yes nobody cares to help again.  People, friends and relations are now tired of helping. You know that there is a limit to what people, even relations can offer at the time of trial. True.

   Look at that woman again. Did you hear anything about her friends or relations? Maybe some good ones have tried and got tired, got exhausted and then left her to her fate. They left her to  pain, stain and drain. Remember also that her condition was the type that will always attract unpleasant smell and constant demand for resources to stay clean. So everybody ran away. Please, don’t get very angry when people desert you at the middle of your trial. It is just human. But let them go because God is coming to meet you. If they don’t go, if they don’t betray you, you may never know the real manifestation of God’s unfailing power and love. Now, what I love most about this woman is her determination and faith. Yes, the situation was very desperate and hopeless, but she totally refused to give up. She had no more relations, no neighbours and friends to turn to, but was ready to try Jesus. And she had a crowd as a wall of obstacle but was also ready to press against it to snatch her needed solution. 

“Because of its hatred for the Ant, Cockroach voted for Insecticide. Immediately Insecticide took power and swung into action, both Cockroach and Ant died, including Housefly that did not vote!” - Adewunmi Adegoju.

I scribbled what you are about to read the day after the new Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland was crowned on Friday, 23 May this year. It centred on the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa-Akure federal highway. It went thus: “I received with mixed feelings news of the presidential approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that action be taken on the death-trap that the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa federal highway has become. Mixed feelings - Feelings of joy and also of sadness.

Reports said the president has approved the rehabilitation of the dual carriageway for ease of transportation. Speaking at the coronation of the 41st Owa Obokun of Ijesa land, Oba Adesuyi Clement Haastrup, Ajimoko III, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who represented the President, reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to grassroots development while also announcing that ‘the President has ordered the release of an intervention fund for the rehabilitation of the Ilesa-Ife-Ibadan expressway, which is critical to the economic vitality of Osun and neighbouring states.’

“I have written repeatedly on the perilous state of that road. Other writers, such as my brother Lasisi Olagunju, of the Tribune Newspapers and Lekan Shote of The PUNCH, have also written about their nasty experience on that road. It is, therefore, heartwarming that the Federal Government has paid attention to our many cries - and those of others - and is now moving to do something about the road. It is immaterial that it has chosen to tie it to the inauguration of the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland as a coronation gift to Kabiyesi!

“Long may Kabiyesi reign. I remember sitting him down for an interview after he left being the deputy governor of Osun State. After a period of turbulence and wilderness experience that must have tried the soul of any mortal, Kabiyesi today sits on the throne of his fathers. Long may he reign!

“But we should tell the Presidency that the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa expressway needs more than rehabilitation! That road, having expired totally and irrevocably, needs total reconstruction. All efforts to rehabilitate it in the past have failed. Sukuk-funds parchments here and there have failed to redeem the road. It must now experience total reconstruction - except we are only interested in throwing hard-earned money down the drains.”

On Monday, however, the sadness and any other reservations I might have had evaporated when I heard, life and direct, from reliable sources made up of very strong media handlers of Mr. President that what the President actually approved - and which is what will be executed - is a complete and full reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa-Akure dual carriageway. Sometimes, we need to hear from the horse’s mouth, as they say, to know that the government actually responds to feedback from the people.

And also that those of them in Government are not as indifferent to the plight of the common man as some would have us believe! Could anyone have imagined that the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, upon travelling on that road, reported her experience and demanded that something be done? Could you also have imagined that Gen. Alani Akinrinade, upon being invited to the Presidential Villa, made the reconstruction of the same deplorable road a condition for him to make the trip from his Yakoyo country home to Ibadan where a presidential jet might be waiting for him? These, and many others, are stories that are hardly heard by the people.

This is one more confirmation - I have heard of others in the past - that this President has listening ears. If only this other problem can also grab his attention... 

Still on the compulsory voting bill…

The bill that proposes to criminalize non-voting at National elections has been withdrawn by its sponsors. Their advertised reason for doing so was the public outcry against the bill. It is good that they listened to the voice of the people; how I wish they can do similarly in other instances on issues that directly affect the wellbeing and welfare of the people!

 But withdrawal of the bill should not be the final say on the matter. As we stated last week, there are many reasons propelling voter apathy, and these must clinically be addressed or else, democracy will be dead in no time and anti-democracy forces, as we have witnessed in countries around us, may one day berth on our own doorsteps.

Today, I bring to us some of the views of my readers on additional reasons for voter apathy and what must be done to address the problem. It is important we all pay attention and take heed. Acting like the Housefly (apathy) as depicted in the opening quote above does not exonerate or safeguard anyone!

“You lost count of one special group who do not vote or partake in any political activity because of their religious beliefs: the Jehovah Witnesses. They believe there can not be a righteous government run by man in this world until the second coming of Jesus Christ. Hence their members do not participate in politics and they don't vote. On the side of INEC, I was disenfranchised during the 2023 elections by BVAS’s failure to recognize my face. I had actually complied with INEC instructions that voters above the age of 50 years who had registered on or before 2014 should update their picture using an android phone or at the INEC office. I did mine on my phone, uploaded it, and obtained a printout upon the successful completion of the update. On election day, BVAS denied me my voting right! Funningly enough, my neighbor whom I encouraged and assisted to do the same thing at the same time, using my phone, was accredited by BVAS to vote with ease at the same polling unit by the same machine. I was totally embarrassed; the electoral officers expressed their surprise as well. I did not lose hope in the electoral body's ability to bring credibility into our electoral system. So, preparatory to the 2024 gubernatorial election in the state, when the electoral body called for voter registration and other related exercises, I decided to replace my PVC, which was done and I was issued a new card. Lo and behold, the BVAS robbed me of my voting right the third time within one year! So, will the compulsory voting law protect me from prosecution if it becomes operational? - Owolabi Daramola.

Your analysis of all relevant points and issues was tip-top. I cannot understand how on earth our honourable men and women in the House of Representatives came to the conclusion that enacting a law to make us vote, whether we like it or not, is the way to go in order to solve the multifaceted political and electoral problems that have bedevilled Nigeria since it became an independent nation in 1960! What a way to missthink! And what a misplaced priority!! Instead of those elites in the so-called hallowed chambers to face reality and endeavour to investigate the root cause(s) of Nigerians’ apathy to voting, they chose to engage in an exercise in futility - a wild goose chase as you rightly said. Before any compulsory voting law, let them address or proffer solutions to all the problems you highlighted and then give us the following assurances: That

1. There will be good governance.

2. They will be accountable to the people who voted them into power.

3. They will not go to the House to serve their own interests.

4. There will be no more impunity and they will ensure that the rule of law reigns supreme.

5. They will not be a rubber-stamp henceforth, but shall always check and balance the Executive, which is the constitutional responsibility of the Legislature.

6. There must be zero tolerance for corruption at all levels of government.

7. They will enact laws that will punish public office holders and politicians found guilty of corruption.

8. They will put pressure on the Executive to build and maintain our roads, schools, hospitals and all infrastructure to world class level.” - Ayorinde Abiola.

“The compulsory voting bill makes me remember the plan of some of our rulers to stop our medical personnel from going for greener pastures abroad; but the proposal did not see the light of day. It also reminds me of the saying that those that the gods would destroy, they first make mad. Some people of faith say that 2025 will be a landmark year. We don't know if it will be another form of COVID-19 or not. We just hope our leaders will allow God's mercy to abound for us all. How many millions of people will they penalize for not voting? We should be getting our priorities right.” - Pastor Seun Sogunro.

“Another group who will not vote are those whose religious inclinations will not let them; an example are the Jehovah Witnesses.” - Professor Biodun Anifowose.

Thanks for your comments. Our legislative houses have work to do. If they don’t and democracy kaputs here, as they say, it is the Legislature that is always completely obliterated.

 Former editor of PUNCH newspapers, Chairman of its Editorial Board and Deputy Editor-in-chief, BOLAWOLE was also the Managing Director/Editor-in-chief of The Westerner news magazine. He writes the ON THE LORD'S DAY column in the Sunday Tribune and TREASURES column in New Telegraph newspaper on Wednesdays. He is also a public affairs analyst on radio and television.

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, extends heartfelt congratulations to Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha, emphasizing the importance of embodying the festival’s core values of sacrifice and devotion to God.

In a press statement released by his media office on Thursday, Atiku encouraged Muslims to seek God’s mercies through prayers for the nation during this sacred period. 

He stated, “The essence of Eid-al-Adha, rooted in the traditions of Prophet Ibrahim and upheld by Prophet Muhammad, calls us to reflect kindness and peace in our lives.”

The Waziri Adamawa urged Muslims to extend charity to the less privileged, noting, “kindness and generosity are integral to our faith - values we must uphold not only during this celebration but at all times.”

He also called on leaders at all levels to embrace compassion and sacrifice, as exemplified by the festival. 

“Leadership demands forbearance and commitment to the greater good. I appeal to those in authority to show compassion and prioritize the welfare of the people, in line with God’s command,” he said.

Atiku concluded by advocating for peace and unity, encouraging Nigerians to pray for harmony in their homes and society during this sacred time.

Signed:

Atiku Media Office

Abuja

The Federal Government has deepened its engagement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to advance the implementation of a ¥15 billion (approximately $110 million) emergency loan facility aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food security.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Finance and Coordinating Ministry of the Economy on Wednesday following a strategic meeting involving the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and senior JICA officials.

According to the ministry, “The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, today met with senior representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to advance the implementation of the Food Security Emergency Loan Support Programme.” 

A loan for boosting food production and resilience 

The loan, targeted at enhancing food production systems and increasing resilience across Nigeria, comes at a time when global supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures continue to strain the nation’s agricultural sector.

“The JPY 15 billion facility (approximately $110 million) aims to support Nigeria’s food production systems and enhance resilience amid ongoing global supply challenges,” the ministry stated. 

With the 2025 rainy season already underway, the ministers stressed the urgency of executing core components of the programme to ensure timely support for farmers and rural communities.

“Both Ministers emphasised the importance of swift, coordinated action to maximise impact for farmers and rural communities,” the statement read. 

JICA seeks formal clarification 

JICA, in its response, reaffirmed its commitment to the partnership but requested formal clarification on proposed implementation changes.

It was agreed that immediate production activities would continue as planned, while other components, such as aggregation and financing, would be reviewed against the terms of the original agreement.

“JICA welcomed the government’s commitment to delivery and requested formal clarification on proposed implementation adjustments. It was jointly agreed that core production activities would proceed immediately under the existing framework, while additional components, such as aggregation and financing, would be reviewed in line with the original loan agreement,” the ministry added. 

The programme forms part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to address food insecurity, improve agricultural productivity, and stabilise the economy through sustainable partnerships.

What you should know

• President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate seeking approval for a fresh external borrowing plan totalling about $21.5 billion under Nigeria’s 2025–2026 borrowing programme.
• In addition to the multi-billion-dollar request, the President is also seeking the legislature’s approval for a loan of 15 billion Japanese Yen and a €51 million grant to support key development priorities.
• According to the letter submitted to the National Assembly, Tinubu explained that the new facilities are intended to generate employment, promote skill acquisition, foster entrepreneurship, reduce poverty, and enhance food security.
• The president’s loan request comes at a time of rising concerns over Nigeria’s growing debt profile.
• Most recent figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO) show that as of December 2024, Nigeria owes the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) $53.31 million, representing 0.88% of Nigeria’s total bilateral debt and 0.12% of the country’s overall external debt stock.
• If approved, the new food security loan will likely push Nigeria’s debt to Japan to $163.31 million.

[Nairametrics]

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is firmly in control of his administration, dismissing speculations that a cabal is pulling strings behind the scenes.

Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, made the assertion on Thursday while delivering the 2025 OAU Distinguished Personality Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Naija News reports that he praised Tinubu’s decisiveness and leadership, stating that the President is demonstrating firm control of governance and not allowing shadow influences.

“He has shown that he has the courage. Under Tinubu, there is nothing like cabal. This is a president that is in charge,” he said.

The FCT Minister took a swipe at previous administrations, saying they lacked the political will to take bold economic decisions. According to him, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan could not muster the courage to end fuel subsidies or unify the country’s exchange rates.

“So many people would still be benefitting from fuel subsidy fraud if Tinubu had not removed it,” he added.

Despite acknowledging that Nigeria has underachieved since independence, Wike maintained that the nation still holds the potential for greatness if the right leadership and systems are put in place.

“Though Nigeria has underperformed in the last six decades since independence, and all imaginable fault lines are cracking, the nation can still rise and blaze in glory,” he said.

He emphasised the need to rebuild trust and reinforce national unity, noting that nation-building must be deliberate and inclusive.

“The desired Nigeria won’t fall from heaven. It will require vision, sacrifice, hard work and purpose. Let us leave for the next generation resolves and not regrets,” Wike urged.

Taking a jab at critics calling for his removal as minister, Wike questioned their sense of judgment and defended his capacity to deliver in office.

“Something is wrong with those who say I lack the capacity to deliver,” he declared.

He also stood firm on his stance that ground rent defaulters in Abuja must fulfill their financial obligations.

“Ground rent debtors must pay their outstanding debts. Heaven will not fall if they do so,” he said defiantly.

The lecture drew an array of dignitaries including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Samuel Ortom (Benue), among others.

[NaijaNews]

The Country Director, Secure-D-Future International Initiative, Chinaemerem Iwuanyanwu, has said mental health challenges in Nigeria are significant, marked by limited access to services and a lack of social awareness and an inadequacy of mental health professionals.

According to research, approximately 25-30% of Nigerians experience mental illness, but less than 10% have access to professional care.

It is in an attempt to bridge this gap, which is attributed to societal attitudes that hinder access to treatment, hence the Secure-D-Future International Initiative; a Non-Governmental Organization has held its 4th Annual Counselors Summit and unveiled its Mental Health Guideline framework, at a Two-Day event, themed: “Bridging The Gap: Integrating Counseling Into Mental Health Policies; Opportunities & Challenges.”

At the event in Abuja, which had participants from schools, communities, partners and stakeholders from across the country, Iwuanyanwu disclosed that the fourth annual counselling summit is a gathering of school counselors, private practitioners, private workers including policy makers who have come together in order to upscale themselves, and have conversations that border on the practice and the services that the association offers.

According to Chinaemerem, the key highlight of the event is the unveiling of the guide on “effective mental health counseling”, bridging the mental health gap in Nigeria.

She revealed that the production of the book was the work of a number of professors and doctors, who are professionals in mental health.

“The idea behind it is for every social worker and counselor including policy makers to have that required understanding on; what do I need to do, as a counsellor.”

She further revealed that findings and interactions of the SDF in schools have shown that some people do not pay adequate attention to issues relating to mental health as they focus more on ‘career counselling’.

In her words, “There is no way that you can separate mental health from career counselling. There is no child with mental health issue that can do well academically. This is a fact.”

She further revealed that, “The Association, in partnership with the Secondary Education Board, SEB (and with particular reference to the FCT Education Board) including the Counseling Association of Nigeria has been trying to develop a lot of capacity building programmes to bring them up-speed. Stating, that the purpose is to make them understand that counseling is good but one must pay attention to the mental health of these children.

“‘With this guide we have developed, as a school guidance counselor, they are now well equipped as to what is expected of them,” she stated.

Speaking earlier at the event, Dr. Sada’atu Adamu, the Founder of Secure-D-Future International Initiative (SDF), revealed that the SDF initiated the establishment of mental health clubs in the various schools where it caters for individuals; especially students that are struggling with mental health and challenges, so that they can get used to it, enjoy their space and in the same vein, equip themselves on how to provide support to others.

The SDF founder noted that not all mental health issues require medication, psychiatric hospitals and all sorts.

She said, “Counseling is one of the major things that we have to look at and also, integrate into the mental health frame work. One cannot do much as it concerns mental health without counseling.”

She mentioned also, that the SDF has rehabilitation centres where it caters for people struggling with drug use/abuse, and an institution where professionals are trained on the basic tools and techniques on how to support people with mental health. “What you are seeing today, is part of what we bring onboard as an organization”.

Reacting to questions on how the SDF is working alongside its partners and collaborators to address “bullying in schools”, for which the Minister of Education recently inaugurated a committee on Bullying in Schools, Dr Adamu disclosed that the SDF has been working with the Secondary Education Board on the policy. “We are also part of the consultants that supported them through the training on “Understanding the Impact of Mental Health around Bullying”.

In his address, Prof Malami Umar Tambawal, the Vice Chancellor of the Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto, noted that addressing the issue of mental health requires the collective effort of all, including the government.

“We have to make it a policy if we want to be serious. This is why the SDF is coming up with the mental health policy framework so that with this document, the issue of mental health can be redressed in all of our educational levels.”

He disclosed, that the Association is working tirelessly through various schools counselors to see that the issue of mental health in the country gets the attention it deserves.

“The Association has been having conferences and seminars on issues of mental health but presently, “we want to go down the grassroots levels and visit various secondary schools, tertiary institutions to address individuals with this mental health issue.

“There are issues relating to mental health everywhere in the society today especially with the economic situation in the country as it has also affected our cultural disposition, which has changed.

“The society has to re-orient towards thinking right. The SDF remains committed towards the implementation of this policy and had pursued an Act from the National Assembly that was given approval to which the former President, Muhammadu Buhari gave his Assent. The Council had its inauguration last month by the Minister of Education and gave the legal backing to start working towards resolving mental health issues in the country.”

[Leadership]

Former Nigerian senator and ambassador, Professor Jibril Aminu is dead. He died at the age of 85.

His death occurred on Wednesday in Abuja after a long illness.

Professor Aminu served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2003.

He later became a senator, representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District from 2003 to 2011.

A respected heart specialist (cardiologist), Professor Aminu got his first medical degree from the University of Ibadan in 1965.

He later earned a PhD in medicine from the Royal Post-Graduate Medical School in London in 1972.

He is survived by two wives and nine children.

[DailyPost]