Opinion

Who Is Fighting Womanhood?

Published

16 years ago

June 26, 2010

It is pertinent and high time that those of us that know the intrigues of, and on goings in Kwara politics react to the multitude of rubbish being peddle and published by the media in recent time about the politics of the state.

Those who are supposing that they know, when they know nothing, and those who tend to speak with authority when they are indeed sponsored and are mouth pieces to some cowards hiding under religion to undermine their opponents and perceived enemies should be considered as devil’s tools and political enemies of the state.

Islam and other religions may have refused women (female) of religious leadership but certainly not leadership rights in the political or social arena.

The Scroll Nigeria of June 14, 2010, Vol. 3 No 24, claimed that Senator Gbemisola Saraki has been purportedly endorsed “to contest for the 2011 governorship election by the Kwara state ‘king makers’. The magazine went on to state that “various Islamic groups had declared their disapproval over the endorsement of Gbemisola to contest in next year’s election as governor”. These and many others like it are just the machinations of some cowards who tend to hide under religion to undermine their opponents and perceived enemies. Many of the so-called Islamic religious bodies are acting out a script as spelt out by their financiers and sponsors.

From what we know, many of those who signed the fliers being circulated are not known and for some of the fliers, there were no names. Those who sees Gbemisola as a threat to the realisation of their dreams/ambition, those that feel the women folks might undermine their authority at home and those who feel that with Gbemi on board, a lot of their misdemeanours would or might be exposed are scared and terribly threatened of her coming on board because they have skeletons to hide.

However, I am a woman, but not a politician though a watcher of politics and other unfolding events in the state, I feel it is high time we do away with trivialities and unwholesome acts because of our desperation to be relevant and put food on the table.

Some of the opposition and the supposedly clerics are doing what they are doing so that they can get attention and make some quick money before the turn of events.

To clarify issues, many of us in the state know that Dr Olusola Saraki has not named any body as successor to Governor Bukola Saraki, whom one of the writers alleged “did not do anything for the state”. It is on record that Bukola Saraki has greatly impacted on the state, if compared with other governors that had held rein at one time or the other in the state.

And for those in opposition that spoke or wrote under anonymity, I could well tell them that they are cowards and are not sure of what they said. The ANPP chieftain who craved anonymity and asked for the achievements of Bukola Saraki while alleging that Olusola Saraki was selfish should be asked where he was some 8, 10, 12 years ago. It is interesting that such a person would claim to come from Igbaja when Igbaja people are known to be bold and daring. If their is under development in Igbaja, they should ask one of their ‘own brothers’ in the Saraki camp what happened.

After all, during the second republic, a woman leader from Igbaja and in the NPN was able to woo the government to tar the road, bring a bank and some other developments to the area and making sons and daughters of the town relevant.

The anonymous ANPP member said Gbemi “hardly talk in the House”, it is a shame that the man is daft and not enlightened enough to know that he could easily access contributions of members through the internet or possibly go to the National Assembly to get the facts.

The ‘selfish’ Saraki installed Adamu Attah, made his followers to vote for Cornelius Adebayo of the opposition party, installed Alhaji Shaba Lafiaji, Mohammed Lawal in Kwara state that is, not talking of a number of people he had helped in other states to realise their political ambitions, before he ever thought of bringing his son.

Many are wont to say that he claimed to have been implored and pressured to bring his son, as far as this writer is concerned, the fact is that if anybody has done as much as installing one, two, three people in governance, when indeed he has children old enough to hold the same post, nothing should stop him from hoisting his children, if he could. It is what many of our leaders could do and what they are doing these days. The important thing is for them to behave well and govern the people to the best of all abilities.

Former Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos is today so desperately want to be relevant in the affairs of Lagos state; he has hoisted and is still hoisting his own loyalist in various states for different juicy positions. The senior Adebayo installed his son as Governor in Ekiti state, Bankole is a son of a political heavy weight and so on. There are still many of the former governors and politicians that are seriously fighting to make waves and retain relevance by being god-fathers and political deciders and no one is complaining. In several of the states in the country today, the issue of god-fatherism has been brewing violence while discordant tunes had led to sorry tales among the people, but not so in Kwara state. There have been relative peace and progress, in spite of Saraki’s roles and perhaps he had a way of carrying every one along.

The Westerner Magazine in its edition wrote, “Though, the second term legislator has not publicly declared her intention to run for the coveted seat come next year, there is serious indication that she desires to succeed her elder brother and incumbent governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki”. As a human being, it is natural to want to try out something that others feel you could be good at. The senator, according to a source close to her never give a thought to wanting to run for the gubernatorial seat of the state, she was contented with her seat in the National Assembly until the hues and cries about her purported desires to be governor.

Obviously, The Westerner was right to say that the main problem was the fact that she is a woman, when it wrote that “A battle line appears drawn between the protagonists and antagonists of a female governor in the next dispensation”, meaning that the opposition was actually based on gender. The supposed battle therefore is against the female folks and a violation of her rights as a woman as provided for in the Nigeria Constitution.

However, the Emir of Ilorin and state chairman, Council of Chiefs and Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu-Gambari, represented by Mogaji Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Salihu Woru Mohammed, recently declared that there was nowhere in the Holy Qur’an, which discriminated against women holding elective office; that is coming from the custodian of the Ilorin people’s Islamic religion.

Here in Nigeria, we may recall the story of Queen Amina of Zauzau (Zaria) and other more Islamic countries in Africa that had had and still have women as their political leaders. Politics is entirely different from religion and the fact that Nigerian male chauvinists tend to combine them has always resulted in chaos, mayhem and imbroglio across the nation.

No wonder the Emir said “Politics is about comfort and making life comfortable for the people. Politics is about development; therefore, traditional rulers must take part. I have not seen anywhere in the Qur’an where women are discriminated against. My advice for you is to play politics of love and live peacefully with other people”.

As against the dissent voice of some Islamic scholars who said “While it is unequivocally stated in Shariah literature that a woman can occupy, and indeed women have occupied, the position of subsidiary leadership, as Ministers, Commissioners etc, the grand leadership of a state or a nation is exclusively men, Masculinity is usually stated conspicuously as a prerequisite for the position of leadership of a state or a nation”.

“Leadership in Islam is a responsibility and not a privilege; hence, restriction of grand leadership to males alone never suggests discrimination against women. The fact we had/have female

leaders in very few Muslims countries-compared to the overwhelming majority of them”.

Binta Bunmi Ibrahim

Opinion

Policy Intervention: More Than Administrative Reform

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”This policy intervention proves that education reform is not just about administration, but about restoring dignity, equity, and integrity to the learning process.”

On September 24, 2025, the article” A Growing Emergency: How Marked-Up Textbooks Are Sabotaging Nigeria’s School Children”, written by King Onunwo, was published in The Tide Newspaper. In the said article, the writer expressed pains in what he viewed as ‘a silent but damaging practice’ taking root in homes across Nigeria, one that threatens the academic future of millions of children in primary and secondary schools. From the paintings of the writer, this seemingly minor convenience where older siblings complete their homeworks directly inside their school textbooks, may seem harmless on the surface. On the contrary, it is creating a dangerous ripple effect. What used to be a normal practice—siblings reusing textbooks year after year to ease the financial burden on families—has now turned into a nightmare. The writer could best describe its impact in our educational system as a stumbling block for students, and a ticking time bomb for the education system and to say the least, a source of distress for countless parents.

The core message of the article is that writing homework and classwork inside textbooks has evolved from a harmless household habit into a national educational crisis that is quietly undermining learning outcomes in Nigeria. Specifically, the article argues that: marked-up textbooks sabotage learning by denying younger students the opportunity to think independently, practice problem-solving, and engage meaningfully with lessons. Economic hardship has normalized textbook reuse, but misuse has turned a cost-saving strategy into an educational disadvantage. The problem is systemic, not merely individual, reflecting failures in policy enforcement, public awareness, and educational support structures. Hence, government’s intervention is urgently required, including regulations, awareness campaigns, textbook audits, penalties, and subsidized writing materials.

Violation of education equity was also fingered as children are academically punished due to circumstances beyond their control—birth order and family income. King Onunwo opined that small oversights can cause large-scale damage, and ignoring such “minor” issues threatens Nigeria’s broader educational goals. Ultimately, he called for a national textbook integrity policy to protect learning materials and ensure fairness in education. Deductively, the writer ‘s feelings and emotional tone conveyed a deep concern and alarm, repeatedly framing the issue as a “growing emergency,” “ticking time bomb,” and “quiet academic crisis.” which signals a genuine fear that the problem if unchecked, may have irreversible consequences.

The writer ‘s tone is outrightly that of an advocate, not a neutral observer, speaking with a strong sense of justice, emphasizing on education as a right, meaning that children should not be academically disadvantaged by family circumstances, hence, the need for society to protect educational tools.The repeated calls for “immediate,” “urgent,” and “no time to waste” action showed impatience with delays and excuses. The writer believes every academic term lost worsens the damage. It is not just about textbooks—it is about educational dignity, equality, and systemic responsibility. The closing metaphor (“the handwriting is on the wall”) reinforces the writer’s belief that the consequences are already visible and that failure to act would be inexcusable. By responding decisively to growing concerns around the misuse and rising cost of learning materials, the Federal Government has demonstrated that thoughtful advocacy still matters—and that public interest writing can indeed influence policy in meaningful ways.

The recently unveiled education policy banning disposable workbooks and mandating the use of durable, reusable textbooks is a commendable step in the right direction. It directly addresses the very issues raised by King Onunwo and other concerned writers and parents who have long warned about the silent damage being done to Nigeria’s school children through poorly designed textbook practices and unchecked misuse of learning materials. For years, families—especially those with multiple children—have struggled under the weight of repeated textbook purchases. Worse still, the culture of writing directly into textbooks turned what should have been reusable learning tools into single-use items, sabotaging younger siblings who inherited books already filled with answers, errors, and confusion. The new policy does not merely reduce costs; it restores the integrity of textbooks as reference materials meant to guide thinking, not replace it.

By insisting on standardized, high-quality textbooks designed to last four to six years, the government has effectively validated the core argument of education advocates: that sustainability, affordability, and quality learning are deeply interconnected. The decision to prohibit the bundling of disposable workbooks—often used as a commercial tactic to force annual purchases—is particularly laudable. It signals a shift away from profit-driven educational practices toward child-centered learning. Equally important is the policy’s emphasis on strengthening assessment and quality assurance for instructional materials. This tackles another long-standing problem: superficial textbook revisions that compel parents to buy “new editions” without meaningful improvements in content. Such practices have eroded trust in the system and placed unnecessary financial strain on households already stretched thin.

Beyond textbooks, the introduction of a uniform academic calendar and the rationalization of graduation ceremonies show a broader sensitivity to the hidden costs of schooling. These reforms recognize that education expenses are not limited to fees alone but are compounded by traditions and inconsistencies that quietly drain family resources. This policy intervention is more than administrative reform; it is proof that government can listen, reflect, and act when issues are clearly articulated and grounded in lived realities. It affirms the value of public-interest writing as a bridge between citizens’ experiences and policy action.While implementation and enforcement will be the true test, the direction is encouraging. Parents, teachers, and school administrators must now play their part to ensure that these reforms translate into real change in classrooms across the country.

In acknowledging and addressing the concerns raised by writers, educators, and families, the government has taken a vital step toward protecting the learning future of Nigerian children. It is a reminder that when the handwriting on the wall is read early enough, it is still possible to rewrite the story—for the better.However, kudos to Federal Government for the intervention, but it should not end on the table rather should be given accelerated attention in order to ensure full implementation.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Redefining New Year Resolutions

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “Transformation begins the moment intention meets action.”

At the dawn of a new year and throughout its early days, millions of people across the globe make promises to themselves—to improve, to grow, and to transform. The New Year carries a unique sense of renewal, hope, and possibility. It offers a clean slate on which aspirations are rewritten and goals are redefined. But beyond the excitement and optimism lies an important question: what truly gives power to these resolutions, and how can they be sustained to positively impact individuals, families, and teams?

New Year resolutions emerge from different platforms, perspectives, and points of need. For many, the focus is personal growth—acquiring new skills, practicing mindfulness, improving physical health, or cultivating emotional resilience. Others prioritize relationships, seeking to strengthen bonds with family and friends, heal broken connections, or build new ones. Career development also ranks high, with goals such as professional advancement, job transitions, skill enhancement, or entrepreneurship. Financial stability—saving money, paying off debt, investing wisely—remains a major concern, while some individuals turn to creativity, exploring new hobbies, talents, or artistic pursuits.

Regardless of the resolution, a clear roadmap is essential. Transformation begins with reflection—understanding personal values, clarifying what truly matters, and identifying the change one desires to see. This process often involves shedding unproductive habits and mindsets to create room for growth. Setting specific and achievable goals, then breaking them into manageable tasks, increases the likelihood of success. Equally important is establishing an accountability system—whether through self-monitoring, trusted partners, or structured reviews—to sustain commitment over time.

New Year resolutions embody the power of intentional living. They allow individuals and groups to pause, evaluate past actions, and consciously chart a new course. When intentions are clearly defined, it becomes easier to identify growth areas, develop a realistic plan, maintain motivation, cultivate healthy habits, and strengthen relationships. Setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—ensures that resolutions are practical and purposeful rather than vague aspirations. In addition, prioritizing self-care enables the mind, body, and soul to function optimally, providing the stamina needed for long-term success.

Many resolutions require learning something new—whether acquiring professional skills, developing hobbies, or broadening intellectual capacity. For personal growth, this may include learning a new language, reading more books, or gaining knowledge that enhances competence and confidence. Involving family members in shared goals strengthens bonds and encourages collective responsibility. Regular family activities, open communication, shared meals, and intentional time together help instill values such as kindness, empathy, discipline, and accountability.

Career-focused resolutions may involve enrolling in online courses or certification programs, improving digital literacy, or networking with professionals in the same field. Financial growth requires discipline—creating and adhering to a budget, building a savings plan, investing wisely, and paying off debt systematically. When creativity or leisure is the focus, starting a journal or blog, learning an instrument, engaging in arts and crafts, or pursuing writing can be both fulfilling and therapeutic.

For families and teams, resolutions foster unity and shared purpose. When goals are collectively set and pursued, they promote collaboration, trust, and mutual support. Teams that align their resolutions with shared values experience improved productivity, morale, and accountability. Clear communication, regular progress reviews, and celebrating small wins reinforce commitment and sustain momentum throughout the year.

However, common pitfalls must be avoided. Unrealistic expectations often lead to discouragement and failure; goals should be challenging yet attainable. A lack of planning or strategy undermines even the best intentions, while poor accountability increases the risk of giving up prematurely. To make resolutions stick, it is important to track progress using journals, planners, or digital tools; celebrate milestones; remain patient with setbacks; and review goals periodically to adjust when necessary.

As the year unfolds, may our goals, hopes, and resolutions inspire meaningful change. Resolutions are not merely seasonal rituals—they are journeys of growth and discipline. With intentional planning, focused action, and collective effort, individuals, families, and teams can thrive, transform, and make lasting strides toward a better future.

By: Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi

Opinion

Trans-Kalabari Road: Work In Progress

Published

1 week ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”This Dream project is one of the best things that have happened to the people and residents of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas in recent times.”

This is the concluding part of this story featured in our last edition.

Good road network helps farmers to convey their agro-allied products to commercial hubs where buyers and sellers meet periodically to transact business. Road network engineers and motivates people resident in unfriendly geographical terrains, like riverine areas, to own property and shuttle home with ease. Some people will prefer living in their own houses in a more serene and nature-blessed communities to living in the city that is fraught with pollution, and other environmental, social and economic hazards. Prior to the cult epidemic that ravaged parts of Rivers State, the Emohuas, Elemes, Ogonis, and Etches were known for rural dwelling. Most public servants from these areas do their official and private transactions from their villages. For them it was comparatively easier to live in the village and engage in a diversified economic endeavours through farming, fishing or other lucrative business without outrageous charges and embarrassment associated with doing business in Port Harcourt, where land is as scarce as the traditional needle.

That is why the decision to construct the Trans-Kalabari Road by the administration of Dr. Peter Odili was one of the best decisions that administration took. When Dr. Odili vacated office as the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi took over and awarded contracts for continuation of the road project which in my considered view is the felt need of the people of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas. Unfortunately, Rt. Hon. Amaechi’s efforts to drive the project was sabotaged by some contractors some of whom are Kalabari people. The main Trans-Kalabari Road is one project that is dear to the people and residents of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas of Rivers State. This is because through the road commuters can easily access several communities in the three local government areas. For instance, the road when completed will enable access to eight of the ten communities in Degema Local Government Area, namely: Bukuma, Tombia, Bakana, Oguruama, Obuama, Usokun, Degema town and the Degema Consulate. It will also link 15 of the 16 communities in Asari Toru Local Government Area. The communities are: Buguma, the local government headquarters, Ido, Abalama, Tema, Sama, Okpo, Ilelema, Ifoko, Tema, Sangama, Krakrama, Omekwe-Ama, Angulama. The road will also connect 14 of 17 wards in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, and other settlements. It is interesting to note that It is faster, and far more convenient and economical for the catchment Communities on the Trans-Kalabari Road network to go to the State Capital than the East West Road. The people of the three local government areas will prefer to work or do their transactions in Port Harcourt from their respective communities to staying in Port Harcourt where the house rent and the general cost of living is astronomically high.

Consequently, development will seamlessly spread to the 28 out of 34 communities of Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas. The only Communities that are not linked by the road project are Oporoama in Asari Toru, the Ke and Bille Communities in Degema Local Government Area and the “Oceania” communities of Abissa, Kula, Soku, Idama, Elem Sangama of Akuku Toru Local Government Area. But because of the economic value of the unlinked Communities to Nigeria, (they produce substantial oil and gas in the area), the Federal, State Governments and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), can extend the road network to those areas just as Bonny is linked to Port Harcourt and the Lagos Mainland Bridge is connecting several towns in Lagos and neighbouring States.Kudos to previous administrations who had constructed the Central Group axis.

However, what is said to be the First Phase of the Trans-Kalabari Road project is actually a linkage of the “Central Group” Communities which consists of Krakrama, Angulama, Omekwe. Ama, Omekwe Tari Ama, Ifoko, Tema, Sangama. It is the peripheral of the Trans-Kalabari Road. The completion of the Main Trans Kalabari project will free Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor areas from congestion. It will motivate residents and people of the three local areas to contribute to the development of their Communities. If the Ogonis, Etches, Emohuas, Oyigbos, Okrikas, Elemes can feel comfortable doing business in Port Harcourt from home, residents and people whose communities are linked to Port Harcourt through the Trans-Kalabari Road will no doubt, do likewise. The vast arable virgin land of the Bukuma people can be open for development and sustainable agricultural ventures by Local, State and Federal Government.

It is necessary to recall that the Bukuma community was host to the Federal Government’s Graduate Farmers’ Scheme and the Rivers State Government moribund School-to-Land Scheme under Governor Fidelis Oyakhilome. Bukuma was the only community in Degema, Asari Toru and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas that has the capacity to carry those agricultural programmes. However the lack of road to transport farm produce to Port Harcourt and facilitate the movement of the beneficiaries of the scheme who lived in the community which is several miles away from the farms, hampered the sustainability of the programme. The main Trans-Kalabari Road remains the best gift to the people of Degema, Asari Toru, and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas. Kudos to Sir Siminilayi Fubara.

By: Igbiki Benibo