Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has flagged off the construction of Gusau International Airport, saying it will stimulate economic activities in Zamfara State.

On the June 12 Democracy Day event on The Platform, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra state, gave a masterful speech. It was about how democracy could have helped development in Nigeria if things had been better managed in the past decade. After 25 years of continuous democratic experimentation under the 4th Republic and 64 years of independence, many have questioned if Nigeria is anywhere close to where it should be.

Nigeria has experienced both military dictatorship and varied democracy over this time, moving from a parliamentary to a presidential system and military rule to a military presidency (whatever that means). And now, the nation has returned to democracy yet again, which is still more of a civil rule even though it is working towards becoming truly democratic.

Speaking in his capacity as Professor Chukwuma Soludo rather than the governor, Soludo took a critical look at the flaws in our kind of democracy as well as development and nation-building. “We have made so many efforts over the past 20 years, but as a nation, we are still largely going in circles,” he said, referring to gaping deficits in the liberty, freedoms, security, wealth, and happiness of the people. His view was that if these goals are not met, neither democracy nor the economy will survive in the long run.

Soludo pointed out that a sustainable democracy endures the test of time, gains fundamental legitimacy and acceptability regardless of the political party in power, produces dynamic dividends of justice and equity, good governance, peace, and fundamental freedoms, accelerates economic development, and supports and defends property rights and private enterprise. Put another way, since democracy is merely a form of government, it cannot be valuable unless it fosters development and happiness, and all efforts must be directed towards achieving that synergy.

In general, Soludo said that though democracy and the market economy are the preferable systems, fundamental reforms are needed “as we muddle through politics without ideologies” and to achieve the kind of democratic or free-market arrangement that will maximise welfare.

Regarding the relationship between democracy and development, Soludo warned: “The woman who has no food to eat or place to sleep will not care much about whatever intrinsic values that democracy bestows.” In other words, the health of the economy determines the viability of democracy. Soludo believes that democracy, and indeed any form of governance, has to deliver tangible social and economic benefits to the majority of citizens to be credible and sustainable.

Is Nigeria a rich or poor country? was the question that the international economist, Soludo, attempted to address and summed it this way: “Let’s admit a fact that most Nigerians don’t seem to appreciate, Nigeria is an extremely poor nation with severely damaged public finances”. One agrees with Soludo that this acknowledgement is essential to any rational conversation about the pathway out of the present quagmire.

He said that the ups and downs in the oil industry have primarily shaped Nigeria’s uneven economic trajectory for more than 50 years, since the country’s initial oil boom. Nigeria has been “reacting” to the volatility in the oil sector ever since President Shagari’s Economic Stabilisation (Austerity Measures) Act, 1982; President Buhari’s extreme austerity of 1984–85; President Babangida’s Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAP) (1986–92); President Obasanjo’s National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS); and finally, President Buhari’s command and control regime, 2015–2023. This displays just one thing: unpredictability.

He recalled how, even though the public debt was growing uncontrollably and FGN had been borrowing money since 2010 to finance its ongoing expenses, the country’s GDP was rebased in 2014 and its dollar value skyrocketed to $574 billion, making Nigeria the “biggest economy in Africa.” Soludo noted that the economy was latently and structurally in an avoidable crisis and that public finance was broken.

According to Soludo, the “largest economy” in Africa with a GDP per capita is now roughly $1,200 down from over $2,500 a few years ago. Despite the country’s great advancements, he observed, it appears to remain stagnant—like a barber’s chair! He highlighted the money illusion that is the mistaken hope of higher revenue resulting from the removal of subsidies due to the naira’s rapid depreciation.

For the same reason, for more than 130 million Nigerians who live in multidimensional poverty, times are inevitably difficult.

Indeed, the basic concerns must be addressed to begin to address the current appalling situation of the Nigerian economy. The reasons why companies are fleeing Nigeria and why the vast majority of Nigerians are significantly poorer now than they were ten years ago cannot be concealed by any amount of spin from government officials in the country.

The headwinds that Soludo identified as presently destroying Nigeria are the improper practice of democracy, corruption, insecurity, and mismanagement. These headwinds stem from the Buhari administration and continue to pose a threat to foreign direct investments, diaspora remittances and investments, entrepreneurship, enterprises, and the country’s ability to grow its wealth.

The country has to act quickly to complete the following tasks to produce adequate dollar revenues, receivables, capital inflows, and remittances to provide surplus dollar liquidity in the Nigerian economy and guarantee forex and price stability. For the reason of returning the country to productivity, Soludo questioned on The Platform as to why Nigeria is averse to restructuring.

Nigeria’s present security setup has been accused of being ineffectual, reactive, submissive, and corrupt, and some of its officers and men are believed to be complicit in the current chaos the country is going through. The terrorists, criminals, bandits, and kidnappers are not ghosts. If given the proper training, tools, and legal rights, Nigerians can simply drive the bandits and terrorists out and destroy them. Nigerians know where they are and locations of their camps, and their identities but can’t do anything about it due to lack of capacity and legal framework such as state police.

As the target of these killer herdsmen, bandits, and terrorists, Nigerians are morally obligated to defend their families and ancestral homes. Soludo would have preferred for the populace to be in charge of their security, put the nation back on track, and help resolve the issues of insecurity in the country.

The Bola Tinubu administration needs to gather the guts, political will, and sincerity to implement real reforms and restructure the country.

Soludo pointed out that by blaming President Tinubu for the state of affairs, Nigerians are ignoring the fact that the country arrived at this predictable sad situation after more than a decade of reckless economic management and denial. “We are bearing the consequences of misguided and delayed adjustments,” he said, adding that from the perspective of macroeconomics, the economy that President Tinubu inherited was akin to a dead horse standing.

Soludo called the situation an emergency requiring deliberate systemic disruptions to undo the knots and pointed out that Tinubu has the historic responsibility to mobilise Nigerians to clean up the mess for future generations. Soludo is concerned about the struggle between the need for statesmanship for the next generation and the pressure to be a good politician to win elections, which will hamper the hard but necessary unpopular decisions.

According to him, resolving the systemic insecurity, damaged public finances and economy, damaged oil and gas industry, deteriorating infrastructure and environmental degradation, increasing social tensions, and regaining the public’s trust will necessitate taking a few less-travelled paths. He strongly noted that there are no simple or fast fixes to restore the country’s economy, security, food security, and natural resources.

Nigerians were reminded by Soludo that competitive federalism was the framework that our founding fathers agreed upon for Nigeria. “We have tried hard to develop with unitary federalism since the military incursion, but we are still moving in circles,” he said. For a fact, to keep doing the same thing and expect a different outcome is absurd. Soludo wants the country to revert to the original federalism that the founding fathers left us.

He observed that the attempts to reshape Nigeria from the centre have failed. For how the nation can move forward, Soludo wants Nigerians to try a drastic devolution of powers and resources to the States and encourage cooperative competition. He suggested giving the States greater control over the duties outlined in the Exclusive List as well as at least 60–65% of the revenue. He equally wants each state to choose the local government structure that works best for it, just like in any other federal system. In addition to other deep reforms, he argued for a unicameral National Assembly.

Soludo thinks the overarching reforms needed are reminiscent of The “New Deal” of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1938), the “Great Society” programmes of President Lyndon Johnson (1965–1967), and the European Recovery Plan (often known as “the Marshall Plan”) following World War II. Indeed, a major reordering of national priorities is now inescapable, along with significant investments in infrastructure and social programmes (particularly in the areas of health, education, and social safeguards). Without it, the poor and angry Nigerians, who are now in the absolute majority, will soon no longer allow the rich to stroll down the street or sleep.

He demanded the creation of a new public officer code of conduct and the reinvention of MAMSER of the Prof Jerry Gana days. Soludo lamented that though Nigeria is a poor nation, governments’ and their officials’ lifestyles don’t reflect that stark reality, particularly about the outrageous flamboyance of public displays. For example, the 10th NASS took off by gifting each member an N160m SUV to add to their jumbo pay. Nigeria had the largest contingents to the AUC trade summit and ILO Annual Convention. NASS as a matter of priority wants brand new jets for the President and Vice, and so on. All this ostentatious spending occurs in the face of a buckling economy, to use the words of the New York Times while describing Nigeria’s economic downturn.

With an estimated 440 million people expected to live in Nigeria in the next 26 years, Soludo wondered how Nigeria would be able to maintain democracy in the ensuing decades without development. Even though he considers himself to be an unrepentant optimist about the potential greatness of the Nigerian nation, Soludo does not envision a wonderful future without major reforms that will unleash the youth of the country and provide Nigeria the opportunity to become the world’s and the twenty-second century’s great nation.

Bottom line: To justify democracy as a better form of government, Soludo showed a clear practical pathway to firming up democracy and economic recovery.

Nigeria, we hail you.

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, says it is disheartening to hear those in charge juxtapose Nigeria’s challenges with those of other nations.

On Monday, President Bola Tinubu said Nigeria is not the only nation in the world grappling with poverty.

The president spoke in Lagos when he received a delegation from the national assembly who came to felicitate with him on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

“Yes, there is poverty; there is suffering in the land. We are not the only people facing such, but we must face our challenges,” Tinubu said.

Reacting in a post on his official X page on Friday, Obi said the problems facing Nigeria are well known to all citizens.

Obi called on the federal government to provide concrete solutions to the country’s numerous challenges, rather than simply acknowledging that other countries face similar problems.

The former Anambra governor said a true leader provides direction, guidance, solutions, and reassurance in times of crisis.

He expressed disappointment that those in charge are instead making statements that downplay the severity of the situation.

“The problems facing Nigeria are well-known to all Nigerians,” Obi wrote.

“We are the poverty capital of the world, among the most insecure people on earth, among the hungriest, have poor education quality and the highest number of out-of-school children, high infant mortality, corruption, unemployment, the highest income gap between the poor and the rich, high corruption perception index, infrastructure and healthcare challenges, and more.

“It is disheartening to hear those in charge, who were hired to address our problems, make statements like ‘we are not the only ones struggling with poverty and hunger’.

“Instead of merely acknowledging that other countries face similar challenges, we need to hear a thorough plan of action to tackle our unique struggles.

“We require concrete solutions and a clear vision to address these issues, not comparisons that downplay our circumstances.

“I urge those in leadership positions to offer tangible solutions, not mere reminders that others face similar challenges.

“We need a comprehensive approach to tackle our specific challenges, not generalizations that dismiss our experiences. A true leader provides direction, guidance, solutions, and reassurance in times of crisis.”

Obi called on leaders to provide a roadmap for overcoming obstacles and to work towards a better future for all Nigerians.

“This is the hallmark of visionary leadership and a trait of nations that are making progress and advancing their development. They don’t simply state the obvious but offer a roadmap for overcoming obstacles,” he added.

“Just like a pilot who doesn’t just announce turbulence, they assure passengers that they will do everything possible to ensure a safe journey.

“Only then can we begin to trust that our country is in capable hands, working towards a brighter future for all Nigerians.”

[TheCable]

“Freedom of the press is not just important to democracy, it is democracy.”

– Walter Cronkite

For the second time since his inauguration last year, President Bola Tinubu has made a show of the Democracy Day, and using it as a reminder to the public of his democratic credentials as an activist, protester and a man who deployed the media in setting the nation’s political agenda. The last one was even more so, as he virtually raised the dead heroes of Nigeria’s Democracy, with an uncommon outpour of encomium.

It all started 31 years ago, when the fairest and freest election ever conducted in Nigeria and which was presumably won by Chief Moshood Abiola, was annulled by then military President, General Ibrahim Babangida. It would lead to a torrent of political activities and struggles that ultimately resulted, 6 years later, to the return to civil rule. The struggle not only claimed Abiola‘s life, his wife, Kudirat, and several other political figures including General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Pa Alfred Rewane, among others, paid the supreme price.

While many others were hunted down, the likes of Tinubu were hounded into exile, from where they intensified their advocacy and put it on the international agenda. Fittingly, the man who paid the tributes, is one of the leaders of the struggle.

There also lies the contradictions.

Since his inauguration last year, many had expected that the Tinubu federal administration would be a shining light in upholding the tenets of democracy, free speech and human rights. The expectation was based on his antecedents as a private citizen, but to say that some actions of his government have disappointed, is to state it mildly. His administration has displayed a rare attitude of intolerance of dissent and this has been glaring, especially, in the way journalists have been treated in the past year.

In a very absurd effort to muzzle the media and free speech which is guaranteed by the 1999 constitution, as amended, many journalists have been abducted and incarcerated without any charge. The case of Segun Olatunji, the editor First News, is a case in point: he was seized by 15 government security operatives in the presence of his wife and children in the Alagbado area of Lagos on March 15, 2024, and locked for a news report against a top official of the government. The Defence Intelligence Agency eventually released him after spending nearly two weeks in custody without trial.

While he was blindfolded and his whereabouts kept secret, media enquiries was spurned until the government succumbed to pressure and released him in the most bizarre manner, under the Asokoro bridge. In this ordeal, Olatunji is not alone, as no less than 4 senior journalists have experienced this bitter taste of detention without trial, on Tinubu’s watch. It took the pressure from rights groups before another journalist, Daniel Ojukwu, a reporter at the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, who was abducted in Lagos on May 1, was released after nine days without trial.

In similar gestapo fashion, Jones Abiri, editor and publisher of the Weekly Source newspaper, was also abducted by security operatives in Bayelsa state and detained without charges. International watch dogs, including Amnesty International, described the manner of his arrest as ‘humiliating’.

The media was one of the institutions honoured by Tinubu last Wednesday, at least in words. He had declared “we could not have won the battle against military dictatorship without the irrepressible Nigerian journalists who mounted the barricades along with the pro-democracy activists”, adding that despite the might of the past military governments, the walls of dictatorship have been pulled down and they no longer exist.

Really? While the military is gone, it is not exactly true that the obnoxious ideals they enthroned have all gone. The media and the extent of freedom individuals enjoy in the exercise of free speech, is a more plausible indicator of democracy than the length of the President’s babanriga. For a President who, according to Comrade Shehu Sani is the grandfather of protests and activism in Nigeria, Tinubu’s records does not show it. The press do not only feel used and dumped by Tinubu, they are now struggling to be allowed to breathe.

The President was right to say that we cannot reduce our democracy to “the mere holding of periodic elections where one candidate and party outdo another”. Most Nigerians would agree, except that even that mere ritual of periodic election, has been reduced to one big farce. The election that brought him last year, would count as an inglorious example.

For a plural society like ours, a country of over 250 nationalities cobbled together in one nation, we should be more liberal to free speech, differing opinions and diverse perspectives. The application of force to virtually every dissenting viewpoint, indiscriminate arrest of journalists and observed hatred against the Igbo, do not have a place in a democracy like we mouth.

The wastefulness of government and the greed, haughtiness and avarice by its officials, are all antithetical to the concept of democracy that puts the people, especially the majority poor in Nigeria, at the center. What obtains is that public office has become an avenue to massage narrow personal interests rather than for the service of the common good.

Those are among the real threats to our democracy and the President should not only pay lip service to the ideals of democracy, but make it a point to uphold the rights and freedoms of the people, ensure free speech and ensure all are treated fairly in a nation we should all be proud of.

Sheddy Ozoene is the Vice President (East) of the Nigerian Guild of Editors

Anthony Kila reflects on the one year in office of President Bola Tinubu as well as the celebration of the 25th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic rule in the country with a submission that a people’s constitution that respects the nation’s diversity is needed for Nigeria to grow democratically

Dear Readers,

IIn the last two weeks, we witnessed two significant and related Republican events in Nigeria. 

29th May 2024 marked the one year in office of the present government led by President Bola Tinubu. Lest we become guilty of what we accuse others of, it is crucial to remind all that the same date also marked the one year in office of most state governors across the federation. So far, governors in Nigeria tend to enjoy so much power and so little scrutiny and accountability. 

More than about celebration, my take is that the one year in office should be more about responsibility for the service of the government of the day than any other theme. If you are not a family member, friend or beneficiary of those elected into office, a year in office should be more about accountability and reflection than celebration for you as a citizen or a legal entity. 

June 12th, 2024, marked twenty-five years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria. 

For me, June 12 is a date truly worthy of Republican celebration and reflection for all, regardless of our proximity or stance to the government of the day. 

Aptly described as “Democracy Day”, June 12 (1993) was the day an extraordinary majority of Nigerians with one voice and in clear terms expressed the way they wanted to be governed and thought they would get it, but alas, very few people annulled the legal and clear will of the very many. 

Readers of these notes will know how critical we have been here of former President Muhammadu Buhari, but we must readily admit that it was his administration that recognised June 12 as Democracy Day. 

As I have said elsewhere, June 12 is a memorable date and a symbol of national expression of desire and vision, a collective action of resistance and resolve, and a personal tragedy for many. 

The story of June 12 is a personal tragedy for many who lost their lives in the battle to defend the democratic choice that Nigerians made on June 12 and for families who lost their loved ones.  

It is also the day Nigerians, with one voice, regardless of their ethnic and religious divide, clearly expressed their desire and vision of the kind of Nigeria they wanted and who they wanted as the leader of such Nigeria. Sadly, a very few annulled that clear decision and vision of the very many. 

June 12 then became the rallying point of those who decided to resist the imposition of the very few on behalf of the many. It is important to note here that not all resisted; some sat on the fence, and some even conspired with those who were against the people’s will. To each its own. 

We celebrate today and forever all those who stood for something noble when it was challenging and risky to stand for the common good. Allow me to pay special homage to those who, since 1993, have not allowed time and the opportunities and challenges of life to blur their vision or corrupt their souls. 

Twenty-five years later, we have an uninterrupted democratic process to celebrate because of those who resisted, dreamed of, and fought for a democratic system of government. Any capable and objective observer will agree that we still do not have the kind of democracy that was dreamed of and fought for 33 years ago. 

Unluckily for the ego of those in power and, unfortunately, for the sanity of the rest of us, there is a general tendency to interchange democracy for good government. 

The expression for good democratic government in Nigeria is “dividends of democracy”. In the context of the prevailing mindset that equates good government with democracy, it is easy to see why we cannot but observe that we still have a lot of issues alien to democracy afflicting the people of Nigeria. I refer to issues of police brutality, dysfunctional bureaucracy, nepotism, corruption, distrust among ethnic groups, religious division, and a federation that is not genuinely federal, not to mention the dire economic condition of most Nigerians today. 

Yes, it is safe to say that while some things have been done, much more needs to be done for our democracy to be a true democracy we can trust and be proud of. 

To ensure that June 12’s essence and even magic are not wasted or regretted, those who care about democracy must remind themselves and educate others that democracy is a spirit-like process that needs to be continually nurtured and worshipped. Those with clarity of mind and courage of voice need to remember at all times that the minimum and the best they can do for all is to work towards a more perfect democracy by improving on what we have and making sure the good in democracy does not turn to evil. These will, of course, require sacrifice and vigilance.

An excellent place to start is to push for a people’s constitution that allows the people of Nigeria to democratically decide the kind of country they want to live in, the rules they want, and how much power they want to cede to the federal, state, and local governments. No amount of amendments will suffice; a people’s constitution is the answer. 

This year, the Patriots, led by Chief Emeka Anyakou and the June 12 Movement, once again resolved to help create the atmosphere for the emergence of a people’s constitution. I want to call on people of goodwill to join us in working towards a people’s constitution that will create a Nigeria that respects our diversity and is designed for our peace, progress, and prosperity in dignity. 

A true reflection on our 25-year democratic journey towards a more perfect democracy requires us to consider how some critical participants in the democratic journey have fared so far. If done honestly and deeply, such reflection will allow us to see what we must reconsider and pay attention to in our democratic process. 

Let’s delve deeper into these political events and their implications. 

Join me on Twitter @anthonykila to share your thoughts, ask questions, and continue these engaging conversations. 

THE visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korea and the United States yelling against it have diverted world attention this week. It has drawn attention from the immediate needs and steps to save Palestinian lives, especially those of babies and children.

How does Putin visiting his North Korean ally, Kim Jong Un, constitute a threat to world peace? US Defence Spokesperson, Pat Ryder, wailed that the visit has implications for peace in the Korean Peninsula and the war in Ukraine without substantiating such claims. White House spokesperson, Karine Jean-Pierre, lamented that North Korea supplies weapons to Russia in the war in Ukraine, implying that the visit may lead to more supplies. So what? Don’t the US and its allies supply weapons to Ukraine? There are tons of analysis that the visit may strengthen the trilateral relations amongst Russia, North Korea and China. So? Does the US not strengthen its own trilateral relations with South Korea and Japan?

Closely followed are the reports of Hezbollah threatening retaliation against Israeli bombings of Lebanese villages. The tit-for-tat attacks by both sides have been on for years. Maybe the only two pieces of news are the Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, revealing: “We now have new weapons. But I won’t say what they are…When the decision is made, they will be seen on the front lines.” The other news was Nasrallah declaring that if war were to break out, Hezbollah would also attack countries like Cyprus which are allegedly aiding the Israeli military. 

The attention of the world should focus on the United Nations, UN, which has taken two potentially live-saving actions on the needless deaths in the Middle East. The first is the release of the Report of its Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel.

It concluded that the Hamas attacks against Israel from October 7-8, 2023 had elements of war crimes. These included deliberate attacks on civilians, wilful killing and employment of inhuman or cruel treatment against the victims.

The UN body pointedly confirmed the allegations of on-going Israeli genocide in the Palestine. These had been brought before the International Court of Justice by South Africa on December 29, 2023. Also, the International Criminal Court, ICC, Chief Prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Hamas and Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for war crimes.

Due to direct Israeli military actions, the UN has lost 190 of its staff, 108 journalists are dead, 493 doctors, nurses and other health workers have been murdered and over 13, 800 children sent to untimely graves. It was therefore not surprising that the UN Report conclusively found that Israel is responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity. It reported that Israel violated international humanitarian and human rights laws, and weaponised the provision of life-sustaining necessities for political gains. These, it reported, include denial of food, water, fuel and electricity to the Palestinian populace as a means of collective punishment.

Israeli soldiers were also found to have carried out sexual and gender-based violence as weapons to dehumanise the Palestinians.

The second major action taken by the UN was by its Security Council which voted 14-0 for ceasefire in Gaza. Tragically, the resolution is not designed to take immediate effect, an action that might save more lives. Rather, it is in three phases. The first are negotiations, freedom for Israeli captives and release of Palestinian prisoners. This is to take place within six weeks. It states that within those weeks: “An immediate, full and complete ceasefire would come into force.” Also, Palestinian civilians would be allowed to return to their homes across Gaza. Apart from humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians, it is also envisaged that Israel would withdraw its forces from the “populated areas” of Gaza. The issue here is which areas of Gaza, a territory laid desolate, qualifies as “populated”? It is envisaged that the ceasefire would continue if the negotiations exceed the six-week period.

The second phase calls for a permanent end to hostilities, the release of any remaining captives and the complete withdrawal of Israel from Gaza.

The third phase envisages Gaza’s reconstruction and the return of the remains of any deceased captives that might still be in Gaza.

The resolution rejects any loss of territorial land space, “including any actions that reduce the territory” of Palestine.

China said the draft was “ambiguous” but voted for the resolution in the face of mounting deaths in Gaza. Japan which had voted for the resolution, added: “The catastrophic humanitarian situation is indescribable.”

To Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama: “This text is not perfect, but it offers a glimmer of hope to the Palestinians as the alternative is continued killing and suffering.”

Russia, which has a veto, abstained. Its ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, said it did so because the exact terms Israel was supposed to have agreed to, were not explicitly stated. He added that: “The Council should not agree to any agreement that has vague parameters…what specifically has Israel agreed to?”

President Joe Biden who had guaranteed Israel’s acceptance of the peace deal said the resolution was “not just a ceasefire that would inevitably be fragile and temporary” but also one that would provide a “durable end to the war”.

US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, claimed that if Hamas agrees to the resolution, fighting could stop immediately. She said Hamas should realise that the international community is “united behind a deal that will save lives and help Palestinian civilians in Gaza start to rebuild and heal. United behind a deal that will reunite hostages with their families after eight months in captivity.”

Hamas immediately accepted the resolution. Its official, Sami Abu Zuhri, added: “The US administration is facing a real test to carry out its commitments in compelling the occupation to immediately end the war in an implementation of the UN Security Council resolution.”

Although the resolution claimed Israel had accepted it hours after it was passed, Israel carried out deadly attacks across the Gaza. Its Representative to the UN, Reut Shapir Ben-Naftaly, said there would be no end to the war unless Hamas capability to fight is destroyed. Israel’s objectives, she added, are clear: “To bring all our hostages back home and to dismantle Hamas’ capabilities…and ensure that Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel in the future.” Ben-Naftaly added: “As we have echoed several times in this very chamber, once these goals are met, the war will end.”

The UN’s resolution sidesteps its 1967 Resolution 242 of November 22, 1967, which provides a permanent solution for the Israeli-Palestine crises. Its body language is that half peace is better than no peace. But even this resolution may not be implemented.

Following the outbreak of cholera in some parts of the country, at least 21 persons have been confirmed dead in Lagos State, with 401 suspected cases reported to the state Ministry of Health, with an increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases across multiple local government areas, LGAs, in the state.

Announcing the development in an update on the disease in Lagos, the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, disclosed that the total number of cholera cases has increased to 401 across the state, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, Ikorodu and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers.

Ogunyemi, while providing an update on the outbreak after meeting with members of Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, PHEOC, added that the death toll had also risen to 21, an increase of six from the previously reported 15 fatalities.

She said: “The rise in cases was anticipated, following the Ileya festivities, during which large gatherings occurred.’’

She, however, noted that suspected cases were subsiding across LGAs, particularly previously affected LGAs, due to the state government’s interventions and surveillance efforts.

Ogunyemi said the Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Health and other sister agencies, was maintaining rigorous surveillance and monitoring of the situation and implementing planned programs and activities to curb the spread.

“The ministry of Health, in collaboration with the state Ministry of environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, continues to collect samples of water sources, food, and beverages to identify the source of contamination.

‘’We have also intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly in affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on.

“We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education to ensure all precautions are taken in our schools to protect children and scholars as they return.

‘’Residents must, however, remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera,” the special adviser stated.

Ogunyemi urged citizens to seek medical attention immediately after they experienced symptoms, such as watery diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever, stressing that cholera treatment was provided free of charge at all public health facilities.

While noting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remained committed to ensuring that residents of Lagos received quality and affordable healthcare, the Special Adviser extended the gratitude of the state government to local, national, and international partners, including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross, and others, for their support in combating the outbreak.

“Appreciation is also extended to the dedicated team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab scientists, environmental health officers, Water Corporation officers, surveillance officers, heads of agencies, members of PHEOC, and volunteers who are working around the clock to combat the disease and keep Lagos safe,” she added.

Causes of Cholera

Cholera, a severe diarrheal illness, caused by infection with the bacterium vibrio cholerae, spreads primarily through contaminated water and food, thriving rapidly in unsanitary conditions.

As part of pre-emptive measures, following the initial alert and advisory issued by the Lagos State ministry of health, the state government, activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, PHEOC, at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.

Announcing the outbreak of the disease earlier, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, had revealed that the initial suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple local government areas, LGAs, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities.

“The laboratory investigation and test results have so far confirmed Cholera sub type O-1. This sub-type is associated with more severe disease. The pattern of new cases per day varies across LGAs, according to our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.”

“The Directorate of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment, have collected samples of water sources, food and beverage samples in all the affected LGAs, while inspections of facilities are ongoing.

“We are pre-positioning cholera kits in health facilities across the State. Our efforts to control the outbreak also include the distribution of Oral Rehydration Solutions, ORS, public health education campaigns,’’ Abayomi had said.

No surge of cases in LASUTH —CMD

Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos State Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Professor Adetokunbo Fabamnwo, yesterday disclosed that the five cholera patients admitted at the hospital last week had been discharged, adding that there was no surge of cases at the facility.

Fabamwo, who spoke to Vanguard, also urged Lagosians not to panic as the numbers were reducing, saying there was no surge at LASUTH.

“We had only five cases in LASUTH last week we do not have fresh cases and they have all gone home. As you know the trend is that even across the state the number is reducing. There is no cause for panic anymore,’’ he said.

Lagos Water Corporation issues red alert

In a related development, Lagos Water Corporation, LWC, has called on residents to be wary of untreated water in circulation, even as it initiated comprehensive measures to safeguard public health and ensure access to safe drinking water across the state.

But despite several health advisories issued by the state government, refuse heaps have continued to litter major roads of the metropolis, heightening the risk of Cholera and posing health hazards to residents.

A release by the corporation said it had commenced an extensive water sampling and quality monitoring campaign throughout the state.

Expressing deep concern about the recent outbreak of Cholera in parts of the state, particularly in Lekki and Victoria Island Areas, the LWC urged the public to refrain from consuming water from unreliable or untreated sources.

Residents were, however, encouraged to bring water samples from their homes or public spaces for testing by the qualified teams at LWC Headquarters, Ijora.

It added that the LWC water quality monitoring team would be monitoring water consumption across the state to identify and control the outbreak.

“According to the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the primary cause of the cholera outbreak has been linked to the consumption of contaminated water and inadequate sanitation.

“Every individual must take responsibility for ensuring their water is safe for consumption. The Lagos Water Corporation remains committed to providing safe and clean drinking water to all residents of Lagos State. We urge the public to cooperate with our teams and follow precautionary measures to prevent further spread of the disease,” LWC added.

PSP operators on 24hrs waste evacuation

Similarly, the state government also yesterday, directed assigned Private Sector Participant, PSP, operators to ensure a-24 hour seamless evacuation of wastes as part of measures to prevent further spread of cholera outbreak in the state.

The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who stated this, however, called on residents to observe the best personal and domestic hygiene, as well as proper waste management practices to curb the spread.

Gbadegesin said the measure had become necessary, following the increasing rate of deaths, leaving many hospitalised.

“The outbreak of cholera in the state is a serious public health concern. It is imperative that every resident takes proactive measures to prevent further spread of the disease.

‘’Ensuring proper personal and domestic hygiene, including efficient waste management, will go a long way in curbing the spread of the fatal disease,’’ he added.

Precautionary measures

The LAWMA boss suggested several precautionary measures, including: proper waste disposal; ensuring safe drinking water; frequent hand-washing with soap; food safety practices and use of proper sanitation facilities, among others.

Gbadegesin admonished residents to shun indiscriminate refuse disposal and imbibe the practice of bagging and disposing off their waste using covered bins to prevent the possible spread of the diseases by vectors, and to ensure seamless evacuation by assigned PSP operators.

“LAWMA will continue to intensify efforts at making sure that waste generated across the state is promptly and efficiently managed, with PSP service providers who are working round the clock to clean up black spots.

‘’We are fully committed to the health and safety of every Lagosian. Our teams are on the ground, ensuring that waste is properly collected and disposed off to minimise health risks. However, we need the cooperation of all residents to maintain a clean and safe environment,” he said.

Why Lagos is prone to cholera outbreaks — Analysis

Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling metropolis and commercial capital, is a city of contrasts, with crumbling shantytowns coexisting with glistening skyscrapers. Amid it all, are open drains crisscrossing the streets and people are exposed to the toxic contents of the overflowing, filthy contents.

Over the years, Lagos has witnessed a series of significant cholera outbreaks. The primary factors have been traced to the high level of migration, unhygienic living conditions, overcrowding, open defecation, and ignorance about the spread of the disease.

Cholera has a long history in Lagos, dating back to the first recorded cases in 1970, when the first major outbreak struck Lagos, causing thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths.

According to the World Health Organisation, WHO, from the 1990s to the 2000s and beyond, there have been a series of intermittent outbreaks, highlighting the persistent risk of cholera in Lagos.

Silently, cholera spreads from the dirty street vendor who wipes sweat from his forehead and the wary Lagos commuter or inhabitant who unintentionally drinks tainted water. Persons who are not strict about hand washing and personal hygiene are most at risk of the threat, and once infected, the bacteria grow and spread, creating a web of infection.

Cholera spreads so quickly around the slums as a result of migration, unhygienic living conditions, overcrowding, open defecation, and ignorance about the spread of the disease. The limited sanitation facilities in the city are a significant factor. Many Lagosians lack access to proper toilets, and resort to open defecation near the canals and drainages, leading to the contamination of water sources, creating cesspools and breeding grounds for the cholera bacteria.

In the densely populated slums and remote areas of Agege, Ikotun, Ejigbo, Ijeshatedo/Itire, Ilaje, Iwaya, Badiya and Ajegunle among others, overcrowding is a major issue. The same can be said for the floating Makoko community where the sanitation infrastructure is improper and grossly inadequate.

The overcrowding creates ideal conditions for the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera. Lagos perpetually struggles with blocked drainage systems, leading to stagnant water pools. that are breeding ground for vermin that can transmit cholera. The main routes of transmission are contaminated food and water.

The problem of unsafe water in Lagos is legendary. Unequal access to potable water forces many of the residents to rely on contaminated sources like wells or vendors selling untreated water. This can also contribute to the spread of cholera. These factors combine to create the perfect storm for cholera outbreaks in Lagos. Unsafe water sources, drinks sold on the street, and fruits that haven’t been thoroughly cleaned all contribute to the malady.

Water contamination and the spread of cholera are largely caused by widespread unsafe practices, such as open defecation and inappropriate waste disposal. The dense population makes it difficult to maintain hygiene and avoid close contact between sick and healthy people.

Public transportation, crowded markets, and gatherings all raise the risk of transmission. Healthcare systems are strained by the outbreak. For early diagnosis, case management, and outbreak containment, adequate resources, qualified staff, and well-equipped facilities are needed.

There are various obstacles to effectively combating cholera in Lagos. mainly the inadequate hygienic conditions and sanitation in densely populated urban slums where access to clean water is limited and adequate sanitation facilities are scarce.

It is essential to keep spreading the word about cholera prevention. People can learn about good hygiene habits and early symptoms through community education, risk communication, and ongoing public health campaigns. The wet season also plays a role because floods can worsen the situation by contaminating water sources and causing outbreaks.

A concerted effort involving community involvement, public health authorities, and healthcare professionals is needed to address these challenges. Effective cholera control requires giving priority to interventions related to water, sanitation, and hygiene.

[Vanguard]

I am not in the practice of crystal gazing. Something, however, told me at the time of his dethronement that he would be back. How and when my inner crystal ball did not say. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi had certain things going for him: Education of the right kind, exposure and courage of his convictions. He is an activist Emir, breaking traditions. He was saying certain things that were hitting at the problems of the North, the far North which the Northern Establishment saw as poisonous arrows but which served as an awakening tonic for the emergent youths. But the Northern Establishment failed to note the power of education and exposure and they thought the solution lay in removing the carpet from under his feet and disrobing him. The enduring pronouncement of Dr. Tai Solarin would appear to have been lost on them and that is: An educated citizenry is easier to rule but difficult to ride, easier to govern but impossible to enslave. And we are talking about Aminu Kano’s vanguard in a radicalized City of Kano, and about an exposed Emir who was frequently on speaking engagements in different parts of the free world.

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, for his first and Master’s degrees in economics. He lectured there as well from 1983 to 1985. He had a visiting Fellowship offer at Oxford University and an honorary doctorate in finance from the University of London. At Oxford, he was asked to write a book on his years at the Central Bank as Governor. Of course, I must state that Emir Aminu Bayero is also well-educated. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. He was at Flying College, Oakland, USA. He first served as Public Relations Officer for Kabo Air and later as Flight Engineer for the airline. But he is more on the quiet side, carrying himself with effulgent and dignifying royal majesty. So, I had this deep sensing that given the circumstances of his dethronement, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi would be back and I dropped veiled hints in this column of 12 March 2020. After all, In the Light of Truth, the Grail Message of Abd-ru shin says intuition can never be wrong. In other words, it is man who is disobedient to the admonition or warning flowing out of the intuition we all recognize as that quiet voice. When we fail to heed its admonition or warning, biting our lips, we say, “Oh, if I had known! Something within me warned me I should not go that way.” It is called the sixth sense and it is sharper in women than in men because of the special spiritual abundance they bear. What the implications of the re-enthronement would be I had no idea. I here reproduce the column run four days after Sanusi was deposed.

“In any controversy that Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (SLS) is at the centre there can be no sitting on the fence. You would either be for him or against him. Those for him love him passionately and those against, hate him fiercely. It is a mark of greatness. All who stand for something attract deep affection from some and at the same time, exceeding hate from others. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi always has strong views on issues. He does not have to be right; sometimes, there is a display of misguided patriotism; sometimes you wish for a touch of a higher degree of maturity and display of sensitivity in some of his actions and pronouncements, but you can trust he will take a stand. He is, therefore, seen as a rebel in the garb of conservatism. It is the fears of the revolutionary garb that have dogged his ascension and tenure as the Emir of Kano. In his kingdom, he is seen as a thorn in the flesh of conservatives who are in slumber and red-blooded elite circles, and outside the kingdom a monarch with an air of royal arrogance clutching some unguided missiles. It could not have come as surprise that his dethronement has dominated the headlines in both print and digital media. Step forward, His Majesty, Muhammad Sanusi 11 and take a bow.

“Lamido Sanusi is more of a Lagos boy. He started out his impressionable years at King’s College that could rightly be described as mini Nigeria. He met compatriots, mixed freely, was punished by his seniors and he made everlasting friends. It was the age seniors punished their juniors. The experiences helped him to form his views about liberalism, without losing grips of his roots. When he travels he does so with his eyes open. This has made him come to the conclusion that education is the catalyst for development and a gateway to yet other levels of education, education that opens the book to knowledge, and knowledge that leads to refinement. It does away with anachronism. It is in getting his people to throw out of the window hampering and anachronistic tendencies that has pitted Sanusi against the Northern Establishment. His downfall from the exalted Kano throne, temporary or permanent, will be seen by a great many—as a clash of entrenched retrogressive culture and reformation. One man, commenting on the Almaijiris phenomenon, for example, vigorously defended what he called the culture of the North. ‘How do you throw away your culture?’ he asked. ‘Reform, yes, but it should not be thrown away.’ That is what Lamido is seeking to do with the system. The commentator referred to can certainly not be said to have any of his children in the burgeoning community of Almaijis, so Sanusi believes.

“Two weeks ago, Emir Muhammad Sanusi 11, armed with his missiles, showed up in Kaduna, the erstwhile seat of what used to be Kaduna Mafia in the days of Yakubu Gowon and Olusegun Obasanjo, a powerful gathering of Northern elite drawn from professionals, but largely from the rank of senior federal permanent secretaries. The body is more known today as Arewa Consultative Forum after Ibrahim Babangida moved the federal capital to Abuja in 1991. This time, the gathering is to celebrate the 60th birthday of Nasir el-Rufai, the Governor of Kaduna State. The event had in attendance prominent Emirs like Sanusi himself and several other members of the Northern Establishment, and naturally his brother governors from several parts of the country. It was the occasion Emir Sanusi decided to throw his arrows to make the desired impact in the quiet bid to fight feudalism. It was like taking the war to the camp of the “enemies” who had caged his people. From then any discerning person would know the Northern Establishment would fight back. Hear what Sanusi had said in Kaduna:

’The truth is nobody who is leader in Northern Nigeria today can afford to be happy with 87 percent of poverty in Nigeria being in the North. You can’t be happy with millions of Northern children out of school. You can’t be happy with nine states in the North contributing almost 50 percent of the entire malnutrition burden in the country.’

“He spoke on the sore issue that has been a divisive factor in the country which has been spoken openly about and in closets by other parts of the country, but by which the core Northern Establishment was unmoved: the repugnant quota system. Said Emir Sanusi: ‘If the North does not change, the North will destroy itself. The country is moving on. The quota system that everybody is talking about must have a sunset clause. As we celebrate Nasir at 60 we need to celebrate him as a public officer who is addressing the core problems of his constituency. It is education; it is child begging, parental irresponsibility, demographic growth…You need not come from the North or be a Muslim to get a job. You come with your credentials, your competence.’

“He spoke about overbreeding in the North which does not take account of the capacity of the parents to look after them. Such children populate the Almaijiri system. He also touched on the drug abuse among the Northern youths and the lingering Boko Haram insurgency. It was Emir Muhammad Sanusi’s second bombshell in Kaduna, again invited by Mr. el-Rufai on the occasion of the State’s economic and investment summit. He accused states of misplaced priority. The innuendo was unmistakable. He was referring to the Northern states. It was on the occasion he accused people of marrying more wives than they can cater for with their offspring swelling the rank of the Almaijiris who account for more than 70 percent of Nigeria’s 13 million out-of-school children.

“His home government tried to shut him up and cut him to size, accusing him of blasphemy and misinterpreting the Qur’an. The State Government tried to whittle down his influence by creating new emirates where in some cases District Heads used to be. The final straw, therefore, would seem to be the dethronement as Emir of Kano. The government is in error. The government appears to be oblivious of the fact that it is dealing with an educated, exposed and highly informed public figure. He has a rich library. He has at his fingerprints indices of economic direction around the world every split second. He is the twin brother of Peter Obi, erstwhile governor of Anambra State and a banker like him. Call up Peter Obi any time he would tell you the stock position in Texas or in Beijing even in the face of COVID-19 ravaging the country in these times. Whether in the cage or out of it Sanusi Lamido Sanusi 11 will always be Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

“Governor el-Rufai obviously considers the action of Kano State Administration deposing the emir a slap on his face. Within 24 hours he has offered two appointments to Muhammad Sanusi 11. He appointed him onto the Board of Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency which is hoping to tap into what the governor calls ‘his solid reputation in global financial circles.’ A government statement quotes Malam Nasir el-Rufai as saying “Kaduna State is honoured to be able to call on the services of a man of such caliber to drive its development.” He has also been appointed Chancellor of Kaduna State University, succeeding pioneer Chancellor Tagwa Sambo, the Chief of Moro’a. Malam el-Rufai said of the appointment: ‘In public life, His Highness has demonstrated a strong commitment to education. Kaduna State Government has no doubt that as Chancellor, His Highness Muhammad Sanusi would provide symbolic and substantive leadership in raising the profile of KASU as an emerging centre of learning at the national and global levels…Kaduna State Government is grateful that HH Muhammad Sanusi continues to support and assist the realization of the governance objectives of Kaduna State Government.’

“There is also an international appointment from the United Nations Secretary-General. Antonio Guterres has named him and 16 other influential figures around the globe as Sustainable Development Goals Advocates ‘to push the agenda of the global development to a new height.’ The appointment has Mr. Nana Ado Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana; Ema Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway as Co-chairmen of the committee. And from Graca Machel, wife of Nelson Mandela, and founder of Graca Machel Trust as well as Foundation for Community came a message of solidarity. The message reads in part: ‘Your Highness we hold you in very high regard, and count on your knowledge, expertise, experience and wisdom to continue to lift the continent to higher heights. We proudly count you among the Grace Machel Trust’s International Board of Advisors and stand with you in your courageous efforts to speak truth to power. We are here for you should you feel there is something we can do to assist during the challenging time.’

“The Kano State Government accused the Emir of insubordination, the same transgression that was leveled against him by the Jonathan Administration. Jonathan was right given the recklessness in the claim that $20 million revenue could not be accounted for by the NNPC. In the end, this could not be proven. He also had a brush with the National Assembly. It would appear Muhammad Sanusi 11 has not come to terms with the doctrine of Magna Carta and years later with constitutional development engendered with the ascension of William of Orange in 1668 after James the Second was deposed. A new Bill of Rights and a constitutional agreement were passed which firmly put power in the elected representatives of the people. Since 1689 British Monarch has been a constitutional head but does not rule, although it could occasionally veto bills. It was barred from raising taxes, dismissing Parliament and forging foreign policy. Since 1911, the Monarch cannot intervene in parliamentary debate. It can only be briefed and it can deliver Speech from the Throne and invite the Prime Minister to assume office. The British are content with the Monarch setting the tone for public life and being the symbol of the British life with dignified carriage. Emir Sanusi would have been too delighted that we have such an arrangement, to be the symbol of his people, open parliament and sign bills into law. Having said all this, I hasten to state that the star of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi cannot be dimmed. Not with the glittering testimonials from the international community.

“The Emir is at home in the gathering of youths. I recall his speech at the launch of a book by Sir Olaniwun Ajayi in 2009 when he called out to them: ‘My grandfather was a Northerner, I am a Nigerian. The problem with this country is that in 2009, we speak in the language of 1953. Sir Olaniwun Ajayi can be forgiven for the way he spoke, but I cannot forgive people of my generation speaking in that language.’ He added: ‘Tell me how many governors has South West produced after Awolowo that are role models of leadership? How many governors has the East produced like Nnamdi Azikiwe that can be role models of leadership? There are only two major tribes in Nigeria: The Elites and the Masses. Once you make lots of money, you belong to the Elite tribe …youths are the worst victims of power play: they kill one another, call each other’s tribes, unprintable names, do terrible things and sometimes even lose their lives, thinking they are fighting for their rights., not knowing they are fighting for the personal welfare of someone whose children are probably safe in America or London…So youths, don’t hope on government. If you don’t have a job, create one. There is abject poverty in the South as well as in the North. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it well and never remain idle. Think clearly and deeply and you will realise that empowering yourself is the best course of action, not fighting one another. Youths, shine your eyes! Don’t always fall for these tribal and religious sentiments over and over again. Nigeria is bigger than these corrupt elites. They are the problem, not the poor masses.”

Today, there are two Emirs in Kano. The direction the pendulum will swing is hard to say. Aminu Bayero has Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje behind him with the Villa suspectingly lurking in the shadows; and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has Dr. Rabiu Kwankwoso the strong man with the youthful crowd solidly behind him, the huge crowd weaned on the revolutionary, anti-Establishment Talakawa doctrine of Aminu Kano. Yet, to ditch Ganduje in the contestation will be costly with 2027 beckoning in the horizon in a place where just 25 percent can perform magic, providing a lot of mileage on the return flight to the villa! Resolving the problem will require out–of–the–box dexterous political engineering or better still, we await the intervention of the courts!

Last December, on my last day of work before Christmas, I sat alone in my office in Abuja, reflecting on my life’s journey. I thought about my years in the media, especially the few years since I ventured into entrepreneurship. 

I remembered my post on Facebook in June 2015 announcing my resignation as Managing Editor at LEADERSHIP Newspaper and the planned unveiling of Sundiata Post as an online newspaper the following month. I thought about the people whose paths I had crossed in the media. 

I remembered the statement made by Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (Rtd) when, as military Governor of Kaduna State in the late 1980s, he said he could follow the then military President Ibrahim Babangida to war blindfolded. That was a profound statement of loyalty. Never mind that Col. Umar recanted after the 12 June 1993 election annulment in which the late MKO Abiola won. 

I thought about the people who have impacted my life and wondered if there were any of them I could follow to war blindfolded. Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene, known as “Azu” to many of us, his admirers, came to my mind. He is a man who has had a profound impact on the careers of many media practitioners who have crossed his path, and I have been a significant beneficiary of his generosity. 

In Lagos, where I was Features Editor for several years at ThisDay, Azu set the pace at PUNCH, where he became an editor and, later, Executive Director of publications.

Our paths crossed again in 2013 in Abuja when he signed me as Managing Editor at LEADERSHIP, where he was Group Managing Director. No one wanted to miss the Management meetings on Mondays, not necessarily because of strict protocols but because of Azu’s leadership style. 

I left the meetings enriched with deep insights into newspaper management, and they paid off for me when Sundiata Post was set up. When Sundiata Post was unveiled on 7 July 2015 in Abuja, Azu, ever supportive, was the moderator at the panel discussion on “New Media and the Future of Newspaper in Nigeria.” 

The panel discussed the paper delivered by Malam Mohammed Haruna, then a syndicated columnist. Malam Haruna is a national commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).  

However, Azu is better known for his writing. A hugely respected syndicated columnist, week after week, he writes about Nigeria, its history, the state of the union, and its place under the sun. 

His commitment to excellence is well-known to anyone who has worked with him. However, his concern about how journalists and content producers can earn money and live well would appear to be a revelation. This concern has kept many media practitioners awake at night, especially in the Internet age, when content is available almost free of charge or even stolen.

Getting paid for content is an issue that media practitioners have been grappling with. This has hit online publishers as they have no physical copies to sell. In the craze for traffic, they publish content without getting rewarded. 

In this regard, Azu’s new book, Writing for Media and Monetising It, is an idea whose time has come. No other person is more suited to write this book than Azu, a media management guru, content producer and columnist who has made his mark nationally and internationally.

True, Azu didn’t set out to write a book for entrepreneurs. He is clear about the purpose of the book. He could no longer ignore suggestions from admirers to share his experience in a permanent form, having been writing for more than 35 years. 

His words: “I thought perhaps it might be useful to combine my speaking experiences with decades of reporting, editing and writing a weekly column now enriched in both audio and visual formats, to serve the needs of a younger generation of content providers, especially students and those in the earlier stages of their career, trying to find their way and also trying to make an honest living while doing so.”

He has, however, written a handbook for media entrepreneurs, especially online publishers. The Nigerian media landscape is inundated with several online newspapers, most of them in the general news category, financially challenged and struggling to carve a niche in a way that can guarantee their continued operations. 

The critical issue in online publishing is content. Other issues like search engine optimisation, digital marketing, website friendliness, and social media presence are also vital to the success and sustainability of an online media business. However, the factor that binds all these and makes a platform stand out is content. That is why Bill Gates said content is king. 

An online publisher would find chapters 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 13 and 14 helpful. In these chapters, the author offers prescriptions that, if followed religiously, could lead to tremendous success. Apart from content, the author discusses the choice of subject, style, audience, staying out of trouble, etc.

His reference to an article by his former lecturer, Dr Olatunji Dare, on stalactites and stalagmites, for example, makes the point that evergreens do far better than ephemeral content, even on social media. 

In Writing for the Media and Monetising It, Azu delves into the distinction between style and substance. He takes the reader through the efforts he made to create his style from a long list of writers he admired, from acclaimed journalists like Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu and Yakubu Mohammed to literary writers like Chinua Achebe and Mark Twain before he settled on his unique style.

Azu deals with the subject of knowing one’s audience in Chapter 4. He writes: “Not everyone is interested in what you say. For those who follow you, however, you must find valuable ways of connecting with them in a world of many, often noisy and confusing voices.” 

The author gives tips on how a writer can build their audience and earn money from content provided for that audience. In online publishing, a platform can adapt the tips given by the author, carve a niche, focus on that niche and earn money from that niche.

 The author discusses content creation in detail, using the examples of Linda Ikeji, the blogger; Abdulsalam Idris, who has recorded tremendous success sharing content on X (now Twitter); Adeola Fayehun, producer of ‘Keeping It Real with Adeola’, and Tunde Olaoluwa Adekunle, blogger, comedian, entertainer and musician.

And hey, Azu’s book promotional videos in the last few weeks, ahead of the public presentation of his book in Abuja on June 26, is a master class in content creation!

His book is easy to read. I hardly put it down when I started reading it. The book’s strength lies in the practical examples the author uses to explain the issues discussed. He tells the reader about his own experiences, the challenges he encountered along the way, and the steps he took to overcome those challenges.

The sentences and paragraphs are short, and the design and layout are compelling. A reader can do exercises to engage or explore each subject further. In addition, each chapter has boxes, tips and reading lists for easy reading. 

Whether one is a mass communication student, a journalist, a journalism teacher, a media entrepreneur or a New Media enthusiast, there is something in the book for everyone.

This was written by Max Amuchie.

Amuchie, Founder/CEO of Sundiata Post Media Ltd, is a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers. He is also the immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Abuja CBD and the outgoing vice president of public relations at the Unity Toastmasters Club in Abuja.