In the Nigerian political space, few leaders have commanded attention quite like Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi state. Relatively unknown before his meteoric ascent to power, his youthful demeanor endeared him to the people, heralding a new era from the politics of the old. Following the death of Kogi State APC Governor-elect, Abubakar Audu during the gubernatorial election in November 2015, there was a dramatic turn of events in the state leaving a power vacuum and plunging the state into uncertainty. In the midst of grief and chaos, Yaya Bello emerged as a polarizing figure, ultimately ascending…
Author: Kalu Okoronkwo
The recent allegations of embezzlement and fraudulent contracts against the management of Tertiary Education Trust Fund( TETFund)will be a big dagger piercing through the hearts of higher education in Nigeria as it is the only agency that has been commended hitherto for helping to bridge the infrastructural gaps in our tertiary institutions: universities polytechnics and Colleges of Education across the country. As students strive for knowledge and educators labour to impart it, the rot festering within the corridors of the funding institution threatens to undermine their noble pursuits. The Fund’s procurement process serve as fertile ground for corruption to flourish.…
There is hope in the horizon that the insecurity in the country which has brought Nigeria to her knees will soon be history following the very robust strategy and clear and resolute vision from the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. Nigeria has been grappling with persistent insecurity, with headlines often dominated by stories of violence, kidnappings, deaths and general uncertainty. Communal conflicts, herders and farmers conflicts, crude oil theft illegal mining have also been in the front burner for years now. The pervasive nature of insecurity has cast a shadow over the country’s prospects for…
Nigeria as a nation has constantly find itself grappling with a persistent and debilitating issue – the trifecta of lackluster leadership, a legal framework in disarray, and an ethical deficit that permeates its governance structure. The recent unravelling of more corrupt leaders further accentuates the unending woes that have plagued Nigeria’s governance system. As each revelation comes to light, it serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive culture of corruption that has permeated the corridors of power, undermined the trust of the citizenry and obstructed the path to progress. The recent Betta Edu scandal for instance is evidence of…
The uncommon humility displayed by Senator Godswill Akpabio during the launch of The New Narrative Newspaper at a time he was already Senate Minority Leader and having being Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State for two terms have left me at sea in finding the perfect description for the incumbent Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria as he turns 61. Akpabio’s journey from his humble beginning to the pinnacle of political influence is a narrative steeped in humility and tenacity. His early years laid the foundation for a leader who would not only understand the struggles of the common man…
President Bola Tinubu’s assumption of office on May 29, 2023, marked a critical moment in Nigeria’s political landscape, evoking both expectations and scrutiny. His landmark speech during his inauguration that brought about the much-touted oil subsidy removal was a turning point in the country’s economic policy. This is because many perceived the issue of subsidy removal as a hard nut to crack hence previous administrations only paid lip service to it. Six months in the life of a new administration is very much early day for a four- year tenure but the augury mirrors what lies ahead. An unbiased and…
They have been significant advancements in the higher education sector in Nigeria, practically induced by the advent of private tertiary institutions. This development in the higher education sector have marked an era of gigantic transformation for the academic institutions across the nation and making the country’s education sector globally competitive and dynamic in a manner of speaking. Recognizing the increasing demand for higher education and the need for diversified academic offerings, the Nigerian government opened the door for private sector involvement in the provision of quality tertiary education to its citizens in the early 80’s. The first private university in…
As a leader, your greatest leadership obligation is succession planning. However, recent happenings in the Nigerian political scenario points to the contrary with an unfolding disquieting narrative: a breed of leaders who prioritize manipulation over genuine leadership, resulting in declining tradition of political mentorship. The return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999 starting with President Olusegun Obasanjo era till the present government worsened the situation as nurturing of political leaders in Nigeria is no longer based on merit but on imposition with political godfathers in various states, especially outgoing Governors picking their cronies to succeed them. Historically, political mentorship has…
