Author: Salisu Sani-Idris

The present administration of President Bola Tinubu has made bold, albeit controversial, choices geared toward securing Nigeria’s economic future.

Nigerians are still reeling from the impact of some of the policies announced by President Bola Tinubu in 2023 and are thus eager to see tangible improvements in their daily lives, hoping that the long-term benefits promised will soon outweigh the short-term difficulties.

As we make progress, striking a balance between providing immediate relief and implementing sustainable economic reforms will be crucial.

The term citizen implies a certain type of relationship between the people and government.

Therefore, it is imperative that those in positions of authority to prioritize the needs of the people, create an inclusive society, and work towards policies that promote justice, equality, and the common good.

By aligning their actions with the aspirations of the Nigerians, our leaders can steer our nation towards a brighter future where every citizen can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.

No doubt some have pleaded that the administration met an unwholesome economy from previous administrations which preceded it such that there was need to allow the measures introduced more time to begin to yield desirable results.

But the administration has embarked on a broad scope of economic intervention to alleviate the plight of the citizens, one of such measures is the Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSME) interventions and capitalisation including the N200 billion for all segments of the business population operating in the country.

President Tinubu’s focus on ‘stomach infrastructure’ through initiatives targeting food security and robust social welfare schemes also underscores his profound commitment to uplifting the lives of all Nigerians.

One such way is the recent signing of the N70,000 minimum wage Act into law, ending months of deliberations between government authorities, labour unions, and the private sector.

But ensuring that government actually works for the public good requires informed, organized, active and peaceful citizen participation.
It is in this light that the recent Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, has given Nigerians, especially the poor, the ability to hold their local leaders to account for their actions and inactions.

Also, the Access to Higher Education Act, was signed into law, to enable indigent students to access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution. And passionate about reducing the cost of fertilizers for Nigerian farmers, the price was reduced by fifty percent in a bid to achieve food security in the country.

Therefore, as we journey through the path of nation-building, it is of utmost importance that we embrace the spirit of patriotism and unity that is at the core of our identity as Nigerians.

Participation is an instrumental driver of democratic and socio-economic change, and a fundamental way to not only empower citizens but to create confidence in the minds of the citizens and political stakeholders.

However, though governments are answerable to the people whose lives are affected by their actions and decisions, citizens have the right to hold peaceful protests, can form pressure groups, and influential groups and pressurize government to take certain decisions, and also take part in the decision-making process by giving feedback to the government on certain issues, laws, and policies.

Thus, the recent reintroduction of the old National Anthem serves as a symbolic gesture of the government’s efforts to set the country on the right path.

This anthem, with its stirring lyrics and evocative imagery, encapsulates the essence of our national identity and the values we hold dear as Nigerians.

Through its verses, we are reminded of the importance of truth, justice, peace, and unity in building a strong and prosperous nation for generations to come.

“Nigeria, we hail thee

Our own dear native land

Though tribes and tongues may differ

In brotherhood, we stand

Nigerians all, are proud to serve

Our sovereign Motherland.”

These words resonate with the spirit of unity in diversity that defines Nigeria.

Despite our differences, we are bound together by our shared love for our country and our commitment to serve with pride and dedication. Let us embrace this unity and let it guide us in our actions and decisions as we work towards a brighter future for Nigeria.

The National Anthem stanza speaks of values of integrity, peace, and legacy that we hold dear as Nigerians. Also, our flag represents our commitment to upholding truth and justice in all our endeavours, whether in times of peace or in moments of challenge.

Since leaders are sourced from among the citizens, and in line with the popular saying that “you can’t give what you don’t have”, here are several steps we can take to cultivate a sense of patriotism in our daily lives and contribute to the well-being of our beloved country, Nigeria.

These steps will be our practical ways to embrace patriotism in our everyday actions as we wait for our opportunities to serve and toolkit for service:

1. Respect for National Symbols; 2. Participate in Civic Activities; 3. Support Local Businesses; 4. Stay Informed; 5. Celebrate Nigerian Culture; 6. Promote Unity and Harmony; 7. Practice Good Citizenship; 8. Engage in Political Process; 9. Support National Development; and 10. Teach Patriotism.

Let us therefore strive to build a nation where these values are upheld and passed on to the next generation, ensuring a legacy of honor and dignity for all Nigerians.

May our actions be guided by the values of our re-introduced National Anthem, and may they inspire us to build a Nigeria where truth, justice, peace, and unity reign supreme.

Jumai Ahmadu PhD, Ag. Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, FCTA, wrote from Abuja

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Mr Tosin Adeyanju, the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) has appealed to Nigerian youths to shun planned nationwide protests in the interest of peace and stability of the country.

The executive secretary made the appeal when he paid a courtesy visit on the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, in Abuja.

Adeyanju, who spoke passionately about his experience as a former student and youth leader, urged the youths to give President Bola Tinubu’s administration time to implement its policies, emphasizing that the president means well for Nigeria.

“I have been at the barricade before, and I understand the plight of the youths. But I urge you to give President Bola Tinubu time. He means well for Nigeria, and his policies will soon yield positive results.”

The NLTF boss also commended President Tinubu for appointing more youths than any previous administration since 1999, demonstrating his commitment to youth empowerment.

Adeyanju’s appeal comes as various groups plan nationwide protests to express their grievances.

However, he believes that engaging with the administration will yield better results than taking to the streets.

 

By Ahmad Muazu

The 2024 Hajj has come and gone, leaving a lasting impression on the global Muslim community. Like an exam with familiar questions but ever-evolving answers, the pilgrimage presented its unique challenges, defying even the most seasoned experts’ predictions. Yet, amidst these challenges, remarkable successes emerged, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of those involved.

Central to this year’s achievements was the leadership of Mal Jalal Ahmad Arabi, the Chairman/CEO of the commission. His vision for transforming the Hajj industry aligned seamlessly with the aspirations of Nigeria’s commander-in-chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, bringing a wave of innovative policies and operational changes. These changes not only disrupted the traditional methods but also laid the groundwork for significant improvements.

One of the most notable impacts of Jalal’s leadership was on the staff of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Under his guidance, a renewed sense of dedication and fear of Allah was instilled among the staff, resulting in an unprecedented level of passion, zeal, and commitment. The sacrifices made by the staff this year were unparalleled, never been seen and thus reflecting a deep-seated desire to serve the pilgrims better.

Tackling the challenge of Hajj fare was a monumental task for the fifth board. Much like the lungs need air to function, the Hajj fare is crucial to the Pilgrimage success. After several adjustments, the commission settled on a fare that was affordable for pilgrims. Federal government interventions provided the necessary boost, allowing the commission to finalize and arrive at a reasonable amount.

For the first time in history, the commission issued visas weeks before the airlift began, eliminating delays that had plagued previous years. This efficiency extended with the reduced number of days pilgrims spent in Madina, with all Nigerian pilgrims visiting the holy city during the first phase of operations. While some may argue that fewer days were spent compared to other years, the reduction significantly lowered dollar expenses and streamlined the process.

The airlift itself commenced with a record three flights departing Nigeria on the inaugural day, demonstrating the commission’s commitment to a smooth operation. The number of airlines was also reduced from five to three, further simplifying logistics.

Learning from past mistakes, the Commission ensured the Musassah lived up to expectations. During a meeting with the chairman of Ithra-al-Khair, Jalal emphasized the importance of adhering to contractual agreements. This year, pilgrims benefited from improved services, including beds, blankets, health kits, and single-use pillows. In Arafat, sleeping kits provided for the Muzdalifa stay, which replaced the bare floors or makeshift arrangements of the past. Adequate food and water supplies, along with adherence to Jamarat timing, resulted in fewer casualties.

The medical team’s performance was exemplary, thanks to the foresight and preparation under new leadership. Their efforts ensured enhanced service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims, addressing potential challenges before they arose.

The return flights proceeded smoothly, with no state feeling sidelined. This sense of justice and fair treatment instilled calmness among the pilgrims, contributing to a positive overall experience.

However, not all challenges were overcome without incidence. The situation at Tent A, where elites were affected, stood out. The Saudi government’s refusal to allow the usual upgrades from Tent D to A caused panic among tour operators, leading to miscommunication and attempts to circumvent regulations. Blaming the commission for the problems. Such distractions threaten the commission’s future success and highlight the need for continued vigilance and integrity.

In conclusion, the 2024 Hajj was a testament to the power of visionary leadership and innovative policies. While challenges remain, the successes achieved this year set a new standard for future pilgrimages. With continued dedication and a commitment to serving the pilgrims, the Hajj industry in Nigeria is poised for even greater accomplishments. (Flowerbudnews)

Ahmad writes from the public affairs unit of NAHCON

muazu.ahmad@nahcon.gov.ng