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Sermon: Harvest of Shame 3

By Babatunde Jose
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
The mutual rivalry for piling up (the good things of this world)
diverts you (from the more serious things) (Quran 102:1)
The growth in Nigeria’s economy since independence in 1960 has not significantly affected the lives and the general wellbeing of majority of its citizens. Nigeria has been dependent on crude oil resources for a very long time, yet, what it offers the economy is a disarticulated and directionless economy, bequeathing nothing but misery and poverty of every kind on the people. Nigeria is richly endowed with 44 different minerals types scattered in more than 450 different locations across the country. This means that development of the solid mineral sector could generate even development of the entire regions of the country.
Among other things, the legislative list in the constitution presents a problem. Part I of the Second Schedule of the Constitution which places mines and minerals on the exclusive legislative list and the fact that “lands” still remains a residual matter within the legislative purview of the sub-national states is a conflict which creates legal obstacles. This tension has kept the law courts busy for decades. This can only be mitigated by a restructuring and a return to true federalism where the states or federating units have control over the economic life of their domain, as it was during the pre-military era.
Despite the huge revenue proceeds amounting to over US$700 billion in foreign exchange, over the years, the country could best be described as witnessing a “jobless growth”. Most of these proceeds were frittered away in frivolous and poorly executed projects; many of which are abandoned, some uncompleted and much of the money stolen in an orgy of self aggrandizement. Hence, the admonition in Sura Takathur, Quran 102: Acquisitiveness, that is, the passion for seeking an increase in wealth and position may affect whole societies or nations. And when it becomes inordinate and monopolizes attention as it is in our clime, it leaves no time for higher things in life. This is the bane of our leadership today.
As a matter of priority, what the country needs is a complete paradigm shift which is believed to be the only viable option to survive mounting economic uncertainty, retrogression and worsening socio economic conditions; which will soon be exacerbated by the impending population explosion.
Diversification alloys us to maximally utilize our abundant resource-base and to enjoy the benefits of all the linkages, synergy, economies of scale, grow national technology and foreign investment profile, build human capital, exploit new opportunities, lessen averagely operational costs, increase national competitiveness and grow the standard of living and confidence of the citizens for national renaissance. The Nigeria solid mineral sector with its long history offers us this great window of opportunities against the Dutch Disease and the resource curse of oil.
In times past, solid minerals such as coal, tin and columbite contributed immensely to the economy of Nigeria. Nigeria was at one point in time the largest world producer of tin and columbite.
Yet with these potential money spinning resources, states in the country are starved of funds and are currently facing a cash crunch. Nigeria as a nation is passing through economic hardship. The low activity in the solid mineral sector is not yielding the desired financial benefit as there are no records of payment of taxes and royalty to the government.
Nigeria is losing lots of resources from untapped mineral deposit as well as from the little that is being mined mostly by illegal miners who smuggle the products out of the country.
“Despite the fact that Gold and Barites were being mined across the nation, there is no record to show that these minerals are among the mined or exported minerals. Further finding shows that barites are mined in Benue and Nasarawa states, they are also purchased by multinational oil companies as drill fluids, despite high activities of miners there are no record of royalty payments. “From the available records of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, there was no evidence of royalty payment on these exported minerals. Thus, even in the mining of our solid minerals, ‘chua chua’ is going on. It is a Nigerian trait, embedded in our DNA.
Stagnation in the solid minerals sector cannot simply be attributed to the meteoric rise of oil: poor management by state-owned enterprises – compounded by corruption and an incoherent exploitation of resources – has also played its part, including a lopsided federalism.
We must not end this series without touching on the vexed issue of cattle ranches, RUGA and armed herders. No doubt in everything we do in this clime, we exceed the limits and bounds of God. “But those who disobey Allah and His Messenger and transgress His limits will be admitted to a Fire, to abide therein: And they shall have a humiliating punishment”. (Quran 4:14). What have we made of the endowment in cattle? Our dairy industry is nothing to write home about. We talk of grazing land and herding of cattle when other less endowed countries continue to make huge monies from their cattle. As at 2015 Nigeria was number 14 in World Cattle Inventory according to the FAO. Nigeria had 20 million cattle; far more than Russia , France, South Africa, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Sweden, Portugal and Norway. What distinguishes these other countries from us is that they have striving dairy industry and a meat culture unlike here where our cattle are not capable of yielding good meat as a result of their aimless wondering in search of fodder. Their meat is non-nutritious and even their hide are of low quality. Yet, we import corned beef and other meat products from these countries. Shameless people, our elite take delight in consuming sirloin-steak, rump-steak and other quality beef products, all imported. It’s time we change the paradigm.
The whole issue of herders, ranching and RUGA boils down to the need for restructuring; if each state or federating unit were in control of its resources, the federal authority will never have had the insolence, audacity and the nerve, not to talk of the temerity and impertinence of commandeering state land for Ruga or whatever.
Barka Juma’at and a happy weekend
Babatunde Jose
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IGP Revokes Sanusi’s Invitation, Orders FID to Obtain Emir’s Statement in Kano

By Eric Elezuo
Acting on the instruction of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigerian Police Force has withdrawn the invitation letter to the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II while ordering the Force Intelligence Department to obtained the emir’s statement in Kano.
The directive, according to a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Sunday, was as a result of concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the invitation.
Below are the details…
IGP DIRECTS FID OPERATIVES TO OBTAIN ALHAJI SANUSI’S STATEMENT IN KANO
As NPF Withdraws Invitation Letter
The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Aminu Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025. The invitation was initially issued to enable Alhaji Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.
However, following advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn. Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement.
Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two (2) disputed Emirs in Kano State -Alh Ado Bayero and Alh Lamido Sanusi were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals. The Durbar Festival is a long held tradition which involves a recognized Emir riding on horses around the city in company of his people.
To forestall possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, deployed the Coordinating DIG for the North West who also serves as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, mni , to engage in dialogue with the two disputed Emirs in kano and the Kano State Government. It was mutually agreed that no Durbar Festival would be held to preserve peace and public safety and none of the disputed emirs will ride on horse on Sallah day.
Despite this agreement, Alhaji Aminu Sanusi who had attended the Eid Prayers in his car, decided to mount a horse in a procession after Eid Prayers on Sallah Day, accompanied by local vigilantes. This triggered a confrontation by youths in the community, leading to the tragic death of one Usman Sagiru, and leaving several others injured. A situation which the Force had earlier warned against and intended to avert by the emissaries sent earlier to both Alhaji Sanusi and Alhaji Ado Bayero
The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains resolute in its commitment to conducting its criminal investigation duties with the highest level of professionalism including the investigation of this incident. All individuals found culpable will at the end be brought to justice. To this effect, some arrests have been made prompting invitation to Alhaji Sanusi. The Force also wishes to reiterate that its actions are guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professiona
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Food for Living: The Need to Define Yourself

By Henry Ukazu
Greetings Destiny Friends,
Defining oneself is one of the most difficult things to do. As human beings sometimes we find it difficult to express who we are, or what we represent. This is because several things battle for our time, alignment and intention.
As a human being, if you are asked who you are, what will be your response? Some will say I am a lawyer, doctor, entrepreneur, artist, author, teacher, professor, sociologist, leader, engineer and more. The list is endless. But the big question is who you really are. It’s important to note that what you are is God’s gift to you, and what you become is your gift to God.
It’s also worthy of note that as human beings, we do evolve. Growing up as a child, we all have different dreams and aspirations, when we enroll into high schools, and colleges, we have different interests where we align, or what we would like to be associated with. But our outlook and preference for life seems to change when we begin our career path or after a few years working in different fields of life.
If I may ask, what changed our mindset and desires? Well, it can be as a result of variable social, economic, religious or political factors which spur our interest due to policy change or personal interests.
We live in a society where people decide on what they want to do with their lives. While some are intentional, others just live free by taking the day as they come.
However, one thing is certain; something must define a man, and that is what the world will use to judge them. For instance, I have a legal background, but one can hardly know unless one searches me on google or looks through my social media platforms. If one is to judge on what I post on social media platforms or my works, one will confidently say, I am either a Life Coach or Human Capacity Development expert. This is simply because that’s what I post often and speak on. But more importantly, that’s what I want the world to remember me for, as a legacy.
When it comes to defining oneself, it’s imperative for one to be extremely careful because anything can define one either negatively or positively. For instance, if one is a leader, and he is accused of rape, sexual harassment or murder, which are heinous crimes; that, can define one’s leadership. Again, if one joins a particular group, association or organization, that person can be defined based on the doctrine of that group because it shows one’s interest in believing in their ideology.
Furthermore, if one is serious about moving on to the next stage of life, one must be able to define his or her career path by avoiding unnecessary distractions which might not align according to his path at the said point in time. And this can take several shapes. For instance, one can desire to take two to five years depending on their plans to build a profile, business, or academic background, and this will entail being focused.
It’s important to note that it’s either one stand for something, or he stand for nothing. Regardless of where one’s position aligns at any point in time, it’s always good to define his position. Those who find it difficult to define their position at any point in time runs the risk of losing focus
Defining what one wants is very critical in any endeavour. In fact, it is the foundation of any worthwhile project. If someone decides to start a family, they must be intentional on the partner to bring into their life, and this can be done by defining the kind of man or lady the person desires. Before one starts a business, he must define the vision, mission, and nature of the business. Before an employer hires an employee, he must define the kind of person he wants, and their roles. If one wants to work, the person must be strategic in choosing his job description to suit hiw he wants to be addressed. All these have a simple message; interest and desire.
There’s no doubt, defining one’s position can be difficult, especially when several interests are at play. It’s usually easy to characterize, tag or define someone based on a single act. Ordinarily, this shouldn’t be the case, because a single act is not generally capable of defining anyone. However, if it becomes a pattern, it can then be said that there’s a tendency of committing such acts as a way of life.
Just as many attributes, qualities or characteristics define a person, the combination of reputation, personality and characterization make him stand out. A person’s reputation is what people generally think about, his personality represents him while his character is true nature.
According to Yomi Garnett, a prolific ghost writer and author, “Your reputation is what everyone thinks you are. Your personality is what you seem to be and your character is what you really are”.
Take a moment to ask yourself, and answer these questions. Who am I? What will I want the world to remember me for? What do I represent? These questions are structured to make you think out of the box. Many uninformed minds are being tossed by the wind because they can’t stand for a particular position, and this a sad development. This set of people are usually swayed by material or societal influence. These acts are usually at play in political spaces where loyalty and alignment are usually at play.
Only strong minds can say no opportunities which don’t align to their beliefs, interests and passions to the causes they believe in.
In conclusion, as you forge ahead in life, take a deep breath to determine and define who you are, and work towards it because at the end of the day, if you don’t define yourself, the world will define you. Also remember that if you don’t talk about yourself, people will talk about you as it suits them; if you don’t write about yourself, people will write about you, and if you don’t speak up for yourself, it might be difficult for people to speak up for you.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer and author of Design Your Destiny Design Your and Unleash Your Destiny . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
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Court Stops Pro-Wike Rally in Bayelsa

The High Court of Bayelsa State sitting in Yenagoa has issued an order restraining associates of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, from holding a mega rally in the South-South State pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The proposed rally was scheduled for Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on April 12, 2025.
Hon. Justice I. A Uzakah granted the motion ex-parte in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CV/133/2025 was filed by the state’s Attorney General, Biriyai Dambo (SAN).
“An order of the interim injunction is hereby made or granted restraining the 1st and 2nd Defendants, whether by themselves, their agents, associates, privies, representatives (or any person whatsoever acting at their behest), from conducting, convening, coordinating, engaging in, organizing, participating in, holding, hosting, or facilitating any political assembly, rally meeting, or gathering within Bayelsa State, for the purpose of solidarity, hosting, and celebrating the 2nd Defendant in Bayelsa State, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction,” the court order read.
The matter has been adjourned to April 11, 2025, for hearing.