Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has commended President Bola Tinubu for his intervention and timely visit to Benue State.

The National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, gave the commendation in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Othman-Ngelzarma also lauded the Federal Government and security agencies for their prompt actions to restore normalcy in the affected areas.

“We wish to thank President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for his intervention and timely visit to Benue.

“We also thank Mr. President for having the courage to urge political and traditional leaders in Benue State to seek peaceful coexistence among themselves.

“We hope that this visit will help restore the much-needed peace to Benue State and the nation at large,” he said.

He expressed condolences to the Federal Government, the Government and people of Benue State, and all Nigerians over the senseless loss of lives and destruction of property in the state.

“As the umbrella organisation of Fulani cattle breeders and herders in Nigeria, MACBAN remains committed to the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of Nigeria’s more than 300 ethnic groups.

“As major stakeholders in the Nigerian project and one of the biggest contributors to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, it is in our best interest to promote peace with other Nigerians.

Unfortunately, much as we try to live in peace with other Nigerians, Fulani Cattle Breeders are often isolated for ethnic profiling, stigmatised, taunted and abused.”

Othman-Ngelzarma alleged that between September to December 2024, 12 Fulani herders were killed in Logo Local Government rea Benue State.

” Also In January 2025, eight herders were killed in Kwande Local government of the state and 268 cattle either rustled or killed, ” he alleged.

Othman-Ngelzarma emphasised the need for political, traditional, religious, and community leaders in the state to commit to promoting peaceful coexistence between agrarian and livestock-rearing communities.

He also urged leaders to stop pushing divisive narratives that undermine peace and unity.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Taiye Olayemi

The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), in partnership with Training Heights, has trained over 80 Chief Information Officers and senior IT professionals in global IT standards.

This is contained in a statement on Monday by Mrs Joke Adeyemi, Head of Corporate Communications at the NIA.

The training, aimed at improving technical competence, took place in two sessions held on May 31 and June 14.

It covered international standards such as ISO 27001 (Information Security Management), ISO 20000 (IT Service Management), and ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management).

Mrs Bola Odukale, Director-General of the NIA, said the initiative promotes digital resilience, innovation, and secure IT governance within the insurance sector.

She noted that the training supports the theme of the current NIA Chairman’s administration: ‘Digital Disruption and Social Innovation: Reshaping Our Traditional Models.’

According to her, the programme was created to upskill participants and advance the association’s wider digital transformation agenda.

She urged attendees to make the most of this opportunity to manage information systems securely and efficiently in today’s digital age.

“This marks a major step toward a digitally empowered insurance industry ready to face new challenges with innovation and trust,” Odukale added.

The sessions were led by Dr Olumide Orlando, CEO of Training Heights and a well-known expert in IT standards and compliance.

Participants included Chief Digital Officers, Heads of IT, and other technology leaders from NIA member companies.

By Correspondent

Dr. Dauda Adamu, Director-General, Tinubu National Alliance for 2027 (TNA’27) and National Coordinator, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Stability Project, says President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima remained focused on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda to the Nigerians.

Adamu, in a statement on Monday, emphasised that it is imperative to state without ambiguity: there are no cracks in the Presidency.

He added that there is no vacancy in Aso Villa, and certainly no vacancy in the Vice President’s office, saying ” what we have is a united, dependable, and purpose-driven leadership.

The director general said that the recent speculations in some corners of the media attempting to suggest tension, disloyalty, or any form of rift between the President and his Vice are nothing but unfounded tales.

He described the speculation as a desperate distraction from the evident progress being made by President Bola Tinubu administration.

” These rumours are not only false but are being deliberately weaponised by those who fear the success and stability of the current government.

” Instead of acknowledging the visible achievements under this administration, they resort to conspiracy and misinformation to stir doubt where none exists” he said.

He recalled that during the recent APC National Policy Summit earlier this year, President Tinubu himself dispelled these doubts when he publicly described Vice President Shettima as “a Tick Tact Team”—a metaphor for a well-oiled, rock-solid unit.

” He did not mince words in affirming Shettima’s position as a dependable partner, a trusted ally, and a foundational pillar in Nigeria’s national transformation journey.

” That remark was not a flourish of political theatre; it was a deliberate and sincere acknowledgment of the strategic synergy and mutual trust that defines the Tinubu-Shettima relationship.”

He said that Vice President Shettima, from the onset, has shown unwavering loyalty, clarity of purpose, and administrative dexterity.

” Shettima continues to provide strong support to the President in both foreign and domestic engagements—whether representing Nigeria on the global stage, supporting national security efforts, coordinating humanitarian interventions, or contributing to the economic agenda.

” He has proven himself not only as a loyal Vice President but as a statesman with deep understanding and commitment to the development of this country.

” The Tinubu-Shettima ticket was not an accident of convenience—it was a deliberate convergence of competence, character, and shared progressive ideals.

” Their joint mandate is built on a foundation of trust and a common vision to uplift Nigeria.

” This administration is not distracted by gossip; it remains fully engaged with the pressing task of nation-building—delivering key infrastructure projects, revitalising agriculture, tackling insecurity, empowering young people, stabilising the economy, and restoring confidence in our democratic institutions.

” These are the pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda, and they are being pursued with vigour by a Presidency working as one cohesive unit.

He called on all Nigeria particularly the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rise above rumour and political distractions.

” Let us not be drawn into speculative narratives that only serve the interests of a few.

” Instead, we must stay focused on the broader national mission and lend our support to a leadership that has shown courage, consistency, and capacity. Now is not the time for political noise. Now is the time to consolidate, to build, and to stand firmly with the democratic leadership that Nigerians freely elected.

He insisted that there are no cracks in the Presidency, no betrayal, no division. Only loyalty, clarity, and commitment.

Dr Adamu noted that the bond between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima is one forged in trust, mutual respect, and national responsibility.

” With this kind of leadership maturity and political stability, Nigeria is in safe hands. The road ahead is long, but with unity at the top and the collective will of the people, our nation will not falter.”

By Taiye Olayemi

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has partnered with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) to combat domestic and sexual violence, with a particular focus on the girl-child.

The partnership was unveiled as part of activities marking the 2025 edition of AXA Week for Good, the global corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of the insurance company.

The collaboration will see AXA Mansard and DSVA embark on a series of sensitisation campaigns, employee-led school activations, and public awareness drives designed to educate and advocate against sexual and gender-based violence in Lagos State.

Speaking after a partnership meeting at the DSVA headquarters in Lagos, the Head of Marketing at AXA Mansard, Mr Olusesan Ogunyooye, commended the efforts of the DSVA.

Ogunyooye in a statement, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting ongoing initiatives that protect vulnerable groups, especially young girls.

“For us at AXA Mansard, our posture is that the future shouldn’t be at risk. And if we have to protect the future, then we must protect the children.

“So, building on our works against sexual and gender-based violence, we thought it fit to work with the DSVA during this edition of our annual global CSR week, AXA Week for Good.

“We note the remarkable works that DSVA is doing in combating domestic and sexual violence in Lagos and sees this partnership as an opportunity to let them know that their work is appreciated, but more importantly is working with them around this shared interest to rid our society of violence,” he said.

Citing the 2014 National Survey on Violence Against Children in Nigeria, Ogunyooye highlighted that 25 per cent of girls in Nigeria experience sexual violence before the age of 18, while 15 per cent of those who are coerced or forced into sex become pregnant.

“What is even more disturbing is that these acts often occur in places where children should feel safest, their homes and schools.

“Over time, this contributes to the dangerous normalisation of violence against children, often justified by cultural norms,” he said.

Also, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, welcomed the partnership, describing it as timely and necessary.

She emphasised the importance of private sector collaboration in reinforcing the Lagos State Government’s zero-tolerance stance on all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.

“Partnerships such as this are critical in amplifying our message and broadening our impact. DSVA is committed to providing technical expertise and guidance to ensure that the AXA Week for Good achieves meaningful results,” Vivour-Adeniyi said.

She noted thst the year’s campaign theme, “Being a Girl Shouldn’t be a Risk,” aims to spotlight the impact of domestic and sexual violence on the girl-child and mobilise community and institutional support for prevention efforts.

AXA Week for Good is the flagship initiative under AXA Mansard’s employee volunteering platform, AXA Hearts in Action. In 2024 alone, employees of the company volunteered over 20,000 hours toward community development projects. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Taiye Olayemi

AIICO Insurance Plc has emphasised the vital role of mindful inclusion of visually impaired children within the society.

Mrs Abimbola Shobanjo, AIICO’s Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Manager, made the call on Thursday during a visit to Bethesda Home and School for the Blind in commemoration of the 2025 Children’s Day.

Shobanjo said the kind gesture was a commitment to inclusive and impactful corporate social responsibility.

She said, “Children’s Day is a powerful reminder of the hope that young lives carry.

“At AIICO, we are intentional about reaching every child, especially those who are less privileged or differently abled.

“Our visit to Bethesda is about more than giving; it’s about recognising their worth, reminding them that they matter, and reaffirming our belief that they belong and have a bright future ahead.”

Shobanjo noted that the initiative was part of AIICO Insurance’s broader strategy to drive meaningful social change, championing education, inclusion, and the well-being of vulnerable groups across Nigeria.

Beyond the donation of essential food items and gifts, AIICO staff spent quality time with the 286 children at the home listening, learning, and sharing laughter.

The leadership of Bethesda Home & School for the Blind expressed deep appreciation for the visit and generosity shown by AIICO, noting the positive emotional impact it had on both the children and staff.

By Stanley Nkwocha

The trademark of governance in a democracy is its regular consolidation. This has been the challenge with Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999. Yearly, at individual and corporate governance levels, aspirations are set out to be pursued – objectives to be achieved and missions to which unflinching commitment is required. Where the vision is strong, the pursuit is fierce.

The slogan of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presidency on assumption of office on May 29, 2023 was, and remains, a significant cut-down on insecurity, poverty, enhanced transparency in the conduct of government affairs and management of the nation’s commonwealth, increased provision of infrastructures as well as enhancing economic condition of Nigerians.

In this pursuit, President Tinubu and his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, set out to pursue economic transformation with all the vigour available to them. They spent the first few months criss-crossing the length and breadth of the global investment space, all in a bid to explain to the world the ease of doing business in Nigeria and why the country should be the investor’s delight.

Undoubtedly, the last two years of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima have unveiled what is possible where a president is engrossed in selfless service to his nation, and his deputy is devoted to his boss’s policies, principles and ideals. Senator Shettima has consistently declared that he will remain loyal to his principal, President Tinubu, whom he has described as a reformer, builder and visionary leader. At various fora, he has constantly assured Nigerians that the President is fully committed to his campaign promises encapsulated in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Two years down the line, it is evident that the administration’s multi-pronged approach is working. The economy has witnessed positive growth in the last two years and is progressing strongly. Just like the President has maintained that he will not have respite until Nigeria’s reputation as a $1trillion economy and investment destination is restored, his deputy, Senator Shettima has sustained the tempo in his capacity as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), with meaningful government interventions, programmes and initiatives being spearheaded in the office of the Vice President.

Below are some of the key accomplishments of the Tinubu administration initiated and overseen by the office of the Vice President in the last two years:

AGRICULTURE

It has been manifestly clear from the beginning in 2025, when President Tinubu was seeking the position of the president of the country, that agriculture was going to be the major thrust of his administration. It is not surprising to see the President living up to that promise. The administration set out a regime of incentives to make farming more attractive once again, as it was in the 60s when Nigeria had groundnut pyramids in the North, cocoa in the West and palm oil in the East. Then Nigeria had enough to feed its population and an excess for export.

To this effect, Vice President Shettima embarked on international diplomacy to attract agricultural investments. As chairman of the NEC, he has been overseeing several agricultural initiatives. At the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Forum in China in November 2023, he promoted Nigeria as a safe investment destination for the agricultural sector. During his visit to the United States for the African Development Bank (AfDB) World Food Prize-facilitated Norman Borlaug International Dialogue, he sought investors’ commitments towards Nigeria’s agro-food sector development.

The Tinubu administration, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American agricultural machinery manufacturer John Deere. The partnership aims to establish a tractor assembly plant in Nigeria to boost agricultural mechanisation and food production. Under the agreement, John Deere is to supply about 2,000 tractors annually to Nigeria over the next five years. The Vice President played a key role in initiating this partnership during his visit to the United States, where he met with John Deere officials.

Also, the international engagement tripled the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) agricultural interventions in Nigeria from $500 million to over $1 billion. The cumulative effects of the commitment from AfDB include the groundbreaking for the federal government’s Specialised Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ) recently performed in Kaduna and Cross River State to revitalise Nigeria’s agricultural sector and reduce food import dependence. SAPZs are designed to industrialise rural economies by adding value to agricultural products, attracting investment, and reducing youth unemployment. Others are improved fertiliser availability for farmers, the establishment of Agro-Rangers to address farm security issues, and the implementation of modern agricultural practices.

In a bid to advance the Green Imperative Agricultural Project, the Vice President presided over the commercial signing of the $1.1 billion Nigeria-Brazil Green Imperative Project at the Presidential Villa. This initiative seeks to modernise Nigeria’s agriculture sector by supporting smallholder farmers and integrating them into global value chains. A government-catalysed, private-sector-driven agricultural industrialisation programme in Nigeria, VP Shettima is championing the Green Imperative Programme as an important component of the government’s broader strategy to boost agricultural productivity, increase crop yields, and make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production.

And to lead by example, Vice President Shettima launched the Kashim Shettima Foundation’s Agricultural Empowerment Programme in 2024. This personal initiative includes the distribution of essential farming inputs such as tractors, seeds, fertilizers, and herbicides to beneficiary farmers for the 2024 farming season; financial support of N100,000 per month to 50 beneficiaries for 4 months during the planting period, and the provision of startup funds up to N30 million for farmer cooperatives to establish commercial farms.

FOOD SECURITY

Throughout the history of humanity, agriculture has always played a pivotal role in social and economic development. Firstly, robust agriculture engagement ensures food security, which is the fundamental and best form of security because a nation that cannot feed its population is vulnerable, and in fact is sitting on a time bomb. When President Tinubu came to power in 2023, the first appeal he made was for Nigerians to return to the land, for therein lies true prosperity.

Acting on the President’s directive, Vice President Shettima inaugurated the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU), an initiative of the administration to tackle hunger and food insecurity in Nigeria. The PFSCU is tasked with harnessing resources and ideas from stakeholders, including state governors, to modernise farming practices, increase crop yields, and transform Nigeria into a self-sufficient food producer. If a person is food secure, it typically means that sufficient quality food is available, they have enough resources to buy food for a nutritious diet, and they have stable access to adequate food at all times.

NCP AND ECONOMIC REFORMS

In 2023, Vice President Shettima inaugurated the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) committee to drive the economic reforms of the Renewed Hope administration. The Council has remained a key institution in Nigeria’s journey toward a market-driven economy, balancing the challenges of reforms with the need for sustainable development. In late 2023, Vice President Kashim Shettima chaired a meeting of the National NCP focused on the recapitalisation and restructuring of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA). This initiative has helped greatly in revitalising the bank and making it more effective in supporting Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The Vice President has been actively involved in efforts to transform the BOA into a more robust financial institution capable of providing enhanced support to farmers and agribusinesses across Nigeria. Under Shettima’s supervision, there have been discussions about increasing the BOA’s capital base to strengthen its capacity to provide loans and other financial services to the agricultural sector. The Office of the Vice President has been working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and other relevant stakeholders to streamline the operations of the BOA and make it more accessible to smallholder farmers. There have been plans to leverage technology to improve the BOA’s reach and efficiency, including the possible introduction of digital banking services tailored for farmers. This is because the Vice President has been advocating for partnerships between the BOA and international development finance institutions to increase the pool of funds available for agricultural lending.

NUTRITION

Under the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima as Chairman of the National Council on Nutrition, Nigeria launched the transformative Nutrition 774 Initiative, a bold and historic step to tackle malnutrition in all 774 local government areas. Designed around the principle of “One Plan, One Report,” the initiative ensures alignment and coordination across federal, state, and local levels, anchoring nutrition at the heart of governance. The initiative was formally endorsed by the National Economic Council (NEC) and launched with a compact signed by all 36 state governors, signalling unprecedented political commitment to ending malnutrition. To date, over 200 Local Government Committees on Food and Nutrition (LGCFN) have been activated. In another first, House Committees on Food and Nutrition have been established at both the federal and state levels to institutionalise legislative support and drive budget prioritisation. As Nigeria’s first-ever government-led nutrition framework, and in line with the National Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition, Nutrition 774 provides a structured, multisectoral platform to align all actors—public, private, and development partners—around shared goals of improved financing, stronger accountability, and measurable results. The framework champions local ownership and cultural relevance, empowering communities to lead in addressing malnutrition based on their unique cultural, social, and environmental realities.

HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT (HCD) AND EDUCATION

As part of its resolve to position the nation among top 80 countries on the global Human Capital Index (HCI) by building a healthier, better-educated, and empowered Nigeria, the Tinubu administration stepped up government’s Human Capital Development (HCD) initiative aimed at improving education, healthcare, and skills training across the country to boost economic growth and create a more productive workforce. Under the chairmanship of Vice President Shettima, NEC took the initiative to its second phase (HCD 2.0), which focuses on areas like gender equality, climate change, digital economy, financial inclusion, and food and nutrition. It also aims to address unemployment, the informal sector, and low labour force participation. About 24 million Nigerians are set to benefit from the federal government’s Human Capital Development initiative, which aims to improve education, healthcare, and skills training across the nation. During the HCD Steering Committee meeting, VP Shettima insisted on swift, data-driven implementation of education, health, and workforce programmes across states. To this end, he launched the HCD Dashboard to monitor progress on key indicators like youth unemployment and learning poverty.

Also, the Vice President, implementing President Tinubu’s educational reform vision, launched the Accelerated Senior Secondary Education Programme (ASSEP), an initiative aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s educational infrastructure and modernising curriculum delivery systems. This programme addresses critical gaps in the educational sector while preparing students for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.

MSMEs

The Expanded National MSME Clinics is another initiative launched by the Tinubu administration to support and empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria, including in the agricultural sector. Vice President Kashim Shettima has played a central role in championing and overseeing the MSME Clinics programme, launching editions in states Benue, Ogun, Enugu, Jigawa, Borno and Ekiti States, with federal government grants for business owners. The MSME Clinics aim to boost economic empowerment and support small-scale enterprises, including agricultural businesses, by facilitating access to finance, markets, skills, and regulatory compliance. The MSME Clinics have led to the launch of major ultramodern fashion hubs in these states. The fashion hubs are expected to create millions of jobs.

ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

In April 2025, Vice President Shettima inaugurated the Board of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) to address national grid reliability. Also, VP Shettima, in meetings with the World Economic Forum President and other global stakeholders, championed the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline and Lake Chad recharge. These projects aim to address energy shortages in West Africa, strengthen Nigeria’s export footprint, and boost agricultural resilience in the Sahel.

The commissioning of the 181MW Geometric Power Plant in Aba is a significant addition to Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity under the Tinubu administration, providing much-needed power to industrial and commercial users in the South East region. The Vice President also launched strategic collaborations between Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) and private sector partners to supply dedicated power to major industrial clusters. The initiative began with the Agbara Industrial Cluster in Ogun State and aims to provide a consistent, reliable power supply without requiring public funds injection.

His leadership in chairing critical decisions to decentralise the national grid, as directed by President Tinubu, is a strategic shift toward more resilient and efficient power distribution systems that can better serve Nigeria’s diverse geographical and economic needs.

REVITALISATION OF THE NIGERIA-BRAZIL STRATEGIC DIALOGUE

In March, VP Shettima coordinated preparations for the revival of Nigeria-Brazil bilateral ties, which had stalled for over a decade. Discussions are now set to enhance cooperation in agriculture, health, military technology, and tourism, anchored on the upcoming Brazil-Nigeria Strategic Dialogue Mechanism.

RSPIC

The Tinubu administration launched the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict (RSPIC), a national initiative aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by internal displacements across Nigeria. The project, which is in its pilot phase, focuses on 7 states disproportionately affected by farmer-herder conflicts. They are Sokoto, Kebbi, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kaduna. Last year, Vice President Shettima, representing President Tinubu, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the RSPIC project in Kaduna State. Earlier, VP Shettima had inaugurated a steering committee to coordinate the implementation of the RSPIC initiative, fulfilling President Tinubu’s promise to improve the lives of Nigerians affected by conflict.

While the primary focus of the RSPIC is on providing relief and rehabilitation for conflict-affected communities, it is also linked to the administration’s efforts to address food insecurity in Nigeria. The areas targeted by the RSPIC have been significantly impacted by farmer-herder conflicts, which have disrupted agricultural production and food supply. By resettling and rehabilitating these conflict-affected communities, the RSPIC aims to restore their livelihoods and access to food, thereby contributing to the broader goal of improving food security in Nigeria.

FINANCIAL INCLUSION

Vice President Shettima has played an important role in advancing financial and economic inclusion as a foundation stone of the administration’s development agenda. In April 2024, he led the signing of the landmark Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion, uniting federal and state actors, financial institutions, and development partners around a shared commitment to integrate over 30 million unbanked Nigerians into the formal economy. He followed this with the launch of a national operating model aimed at transforming Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by 2030 through improved access to credit, digital payments, and financial literacy. And to promote economic growth and financial inclusion, the Vice President, in February 2025, inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI). The financial inclusion efforts of the administration have been serving as a vehicle that helps Nigeria to bring life to dead capital.

Indeed, while the first half of President Tinubu’s first term in office can best be described as a remarkable and impactful success story, the unalloyed belief in his economic policies, institutional reforms and developmental ideas, especially by his lieutenants led by VP Shettima, is as inspirational as it is legendary.

As the administration steps into mid-term of its first term in office, there is no doubt that President Tinubu’s foresight, vision, reforms, well-thought-out policies and programmes will impact tremendously on the lives of Nigerians. His absolute trust in the capacity of the Vice President and all others in the cabinet to plan and execute the programmes and interventions of the Renewed Hope Agenda will motivate them to ramp up the business of governance for the overall benefit of the people.

Nkwocha is the Senior Special Assistant, Media and Communications to the President (Office of the Vice President)

By Dr. Huseyn Zakaria Mohammed

In the quiet hours before dawn in Nigeria, as I rise for Tahajjud (the voluntary midnight prayer), my heart burns and tears flow endlessly—for Gaza. The pain is not mine alone; I am sure it echoes through the soul of every believing Muslim and every human being with a conscience.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught: “Whoever among you sees an abomination, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his words; if he cannot, then with his heart—and that is the weakest of faith.”

Today, Gaza is the abomination. Unfortunately, my hands cannot reach it. But my words, God willing, can bear witness to its agony.
Gaza’s Unspeakable Agony
Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that claimed 1,200 Israeli lives and led to the capture of 250 hostages, Israel has launched a campaign that is nothing short of catastrophic. The figures are staggering: more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed, including tens of thousands of women and children, and over 100,000 injured. These numbers are not just statistics—they are shattered families, dreams buried in rubble, lives extinguished while the world watches.

Over 80 per cent of Gaza’s 2.4 million people have been forcibly displaced. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins. Hospitals have been bombed, schools flattened, and basic necessities like food, water, and electricity deliberately cut off. The United Nations and Al Jazeera now warn of an impending famine, with 1 in 5 Gazans expected to face starvation by September 2025.

On April 16, 2025, fifteen children were killed in a single airstrike while playing football in Al-Maghazi camp. Their laughter was silenced in an instant. Those children could have been yours. They could have been mine.
A Calculated Siege, a Collective Punishment
The systematic destruction of Gaza is not war—it is collective punishment, a war crime under international law.

According to Amnesty International and proceedings at the International Court of Justice, the Israeli campaign may amount to genocide. Babies die not from bombs alone, but from hunger, dehydration, and untreated infections.

Gaza’s entire population is being subjected to what one UN expert called “an extermination in slow motion.”
A nurse from Gaza recently said, “We’re not just dying from bombs. We’re dying from hunger. From no hope.”

The West’s Complicity in Genocide
The role of the so-called civilized world is not one of bystander, but of enabler. The United States sends $3.8 billion annually in military aid to Israel—funds used to supply the very bombs that destroy hospitals and homes.

The U.S. has also vetoed multiple United Nations ceasefire resolutions, shielding Israel from accountability.
In a recent Middle East visit, former U.S. President Donald Trump sealed over $600 billion in Gulf business deals while speaking dismissively of Gaza’s suffering. His comments suggesting Gaza could be transformed into a “Riviera” or a “free zone” are not just insensitive—they are grotesque.

Across Europe, public sentiment is increasingly in support of Palestinian rights, yet governments have been hesitant to act. The United Kingdom has paused trade talks with Israel and sanctioned a few illegal settlers. The European Union’s long-delayed review of its €46 billion trade agreement with Israel lacks urgency. Of the €1.6 billion pledged in humanitarian aid to Gaza, most remains undelivered.

Betrayal by Arab Leaders
But perhaps the deepest betrayal comes from within the Muslim world. Many Arab governments, bound more by economic interest than Islamic brotherhood, have failed Gaza. The May 17, 2025, Arab Economic Summit was a display of hollow speeches and minimal action. Only 42% of Gaza’s urgent aid needs were pledged.
Even worse, some Arab states have reportedly shared intelligence with Israel and maintained backdoor diplomacy, prioritizing normalization over justice. One cannot help but feel that their silence is not a diplomatic strategy, but cowardice.

Their palaces are lit while Gaza remains in darkness. Their tables are full while Gaza starves. Their words of concern are drowned by the silence of their complicity.
A popular post on social media asks: “Where is the Ummah’s heart?” Today, the answer remains unclear.
A Global Pattern of Injustice
Gaza’s plight is not unique. From Iraq to Libya, from Yemen to Afghanistan, we see a pattern: weaker nations reduced to ashes under the guise of security, democracy, or counterterrorism. It is always the innocent who pay the highest price.
The recent plan to relocate 1 million Gazans to Libya raises alarming questions. Such a move, under duress and blockade, may amount to ethnic cleansing—yet another chapter in the long book of displacement and dispossession that Palestinians have endured for generations.

Our Shared Pain and Duty
As a Nigerian, I feel Gaza’s pain not as an outsider, but as a fellow victim of global injustice. I see echoes of our struggles in their suffering—the indifference of power, the betrayal of allies, and the resilience of faith.
Students protesting Gaza’s destruction are being arrested in the U.S., the UK, and even parts of Africa. Over 3,000 students have been detained in America alone for simply raising their voices.
Their courage gives me hope.

A Final Plea from Faith and Conscience
I write this article with tears in my eyes, but faith in my heart. I write not to accuse blindly, but to awaken the world to its conscience.
To the United States and its allies: Your democracy loses meaning when it supports genocide. If you truly value human rights, impose sanctions, stop arms sales, and demand a permanent ceasefire.
To Arab and Muslim leaders: History will remember your silence. End the blockade. Use your wealth to rebuild, not to entertain guests who justify Gaza’s destruction.

To the United Nations and humanitarian agencies: Do not stop speaking. Do not stop sending aid. Do not stop bearing witness. The 350 aid workers who died in Gaza died as heroes; the world will never forget them.
To my fellow human beings everywhere: You may not have power or weapons, but you have a voice. If you can’t act with your hands, speak with your tongue. If you can’t speak, let your heart burn with grief and resolve—for even that, as our Prophet said, is an act of faith.
A Prayer for Gaza, A Flame of Resistance
As dawn breaks again in Nigeria, I return to my mat, lift my hands in du’a, and fervently say, “O Lord, You are the Most Wise. If hardship is written, then grant resilience and victory in the end. Let Your light pierce through darkness, and let Your justice be swift. You never abandon those who call upon You sincerely.”

Let this article be my cry for Gaza. Let it ignite something in every reader’s soul. Gaza is not just a location on a map—it is a test of our shared humanity.
For Gaza. For truth. For justice.
Let us rise.

About the Author:

Sheikh (Dr.) Huseyn Zakaria Mohammed is an Islamic scholar, humanitarian, an Ambassador for Peace, and an advocate for justice. He is a teacher, consultant, and researcher specializing in Islamic ethics, gender justice, and cryptocurrency in Islamic finance. He resides in Abuja, Nigeria.