Opinion

Nigeria On Age of Prosperity?

Published

8 seconds ago

October 5, 2026

Quote: “The real test of prosperity is not what government announces, but what the ordinary Nigerian can afford, earn and hope for.”

Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary came with a message of hope from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: the country has moved beyond the difficult phase of economic reforms and is now entering what he called an “age of prosperity.” In his October 1 national broadcast, titled From Reform to Prosperity, the President argued that the painful economic measures of the past three years had corrected the country’s economic direction and laid the foundation for shared and widespread prosperity.

The declaration is significant because Nigerians have lived through an extraordinarily difficult period. The removal of fuel subsidy, exchange-rate reforms, rising living costs and other economic adjustments have placed considerable pressure on households and businesses. Government’s argument has consistently been that these sacrifices were necessary to correct structural weaknesses and prevent an even deeper economic crisis. President Tinubu therefore used his Independence Day address to announce what he sees as the beginning of the reward phase.

According to the President, the economic indicators now point in the right direction. He said Nigeria’s economy had grown by more than four per cent in 2026, while both the oil and non-oil sectors contributed to the growth. He also cited declining oil theft, falling inflation from its peak, rebuilt foreign reserves, greater stability in the foreign exchange market and more than $6 billion in non-oil export revenue in 2025.

But economic statistics, important as they are, must eventually be translated into household realities. For the average Nigerian, prosperity is not merely a matter of GDP growth, foreign reserves or export figures. It is the ability to buy food without anxiety, pay school fees without borrowing, travel at affordable cost, access healthcare, secure decent accommodation and earn an income that provides dignity.

This is where the President’s new promise becomes particularly important. He said prosperity would mean a Nigeria where farmers can cultivate their land safely, produce at lower cost and earn decent returns; where factories have reliable electricity; where businesses can obtain credit; where young people can find productive employment; and where food, transportation and education become more affordable.

That vision places production at the centre of the prosperity agenda. Nigeria cannot permanently consume its way out of poverty. The country must produce more food, manufacture more goods, create more jobs and export more competitive products. This requires reliable electricity, good roads, efficient rail and port systems, accessible credit, security for farmers and investors, and an environment in which businesses can survive and expand.

The President’s emphasis on agriculture is therefore noteworthy. Nigeria has vast arable land and a large youthful population, yet food insecurity and high food prices remain major concerns. Expanding irrigation, mechanisation, access to inputs, storage and transportation could help reduce production and distribution costs if properly implemented. The challenge, however, will be moving from policy announcements to measurable results across the farming communities.

The same applies to employment. Nigeria’s youthful population can become an enormous economic advantage, but only if young people have opportunities to acquire relevant skills and participate meaningfully in the economy. President Tinubu spoke of expanding digital connectivity, supporting industries, using domestic gas to power factories and helping Nigerian businesses grow.

These are areas that deserve sustained attention because prosperity cannot be built on government spending alone. It must be driven by productive citizens, viable businesses, innovative entrepreneurs and industries capable of creating wealth and employment.

Yet, the transition from reform to prosperity must also recognise the millions of Nigerians who cannot afford to wait indefinitely for the benefits of future growth. The President acknowledged that many families still struggle with food, school fees, medical expenses and transportation. His administration therefore pointed to social support programmes, education loans, consumer credit and other interventions as bridges towards greater economic opportunity.

The question Nigerians will inevitably ask is: when will the promised prosperity become visible in their homes and communities?

That question should not be dismissed as impatience. It is the legitimate demand of citizens who have been asked to endure sacrifice in anticipation of better times. If reforms are to retain public confidence, their benefits must progressively become tangible. Lower production costs should ultimately mean lower prices. Increased investment should create jobs. Higher agricultural output should improve food availability. Economic growth should broaden opportunity rather than remain concentrated in statistics and balance sheets.

President Tinubu’s declaration that “the age of reform has done its work” therefore carries a heavy responsibility. The next phase must demonstrate that the sacrifices of Nigerians were not merely endured but converted into lasting national benefits.

Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by repeated promises of a better future. At 66, the country cannot afford another cycle in which hope rises with political declarations only to fade under the weight of everyday hardship. The promised age of prosperity must be measured by the quality of life of ordinary Nigerians.

The President has declared that Nigeria has passed through its own “Red Sea” and that the destination is now in sight. The road ahead must therefore be one of delivery, accountability and inclusion. Prosperity must reach the farmer in Rivers, the trader in Kano, the manufacturer in Lagos, the student in Enugu and the young entrepreneur in every part of Nigeria.

The age of prosperity, if it is to mean anything, must not remain a presidential phrase. It must become an experience Nigerians can see, feel and confidently pass on to the next generation.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

The NBA’s Triumphant Return to Port Harcourt Justice Whyte

Published

1 minute ago

October 5, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”…the decision to return was not “compensatory” but a fulfillment of a promise: if democratic normalcy returned to Rivers State, the NBA would return with it.

The ancient city of Port Harcourt recently played host to a momentous gathering of legal minds as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) convened its 66th Annual General Conference, themed “Beyond Limits.” The event, which brought together over 23,000 lawyers and delegates from across Nigeria and beyond, was more than just a professional assembly; it was a powerful symbol of Rivers State reclaiming a significant opportunity lost to the turbulent tides of political crisis.

In 2025, Port Harcourt was initially slated to host the NBA’s flagship event. However, the political landscape of Rivers State was thrown into disarray when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials. In response, the NBA, citing the unconstitutional and undemocratic nature of the emergency rule, made the difficult decision to relocate the conference to Enugu.

This decision was a significant blow to Rivers State, which had prepared to welcome the legal community. The economic and prestige loss was huge

The Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) Annual General Conference (AGC) represents one of the high profile gatherings of legal professionals in Africa, generating huge economic benefits and prestige for its host city. In a dramatic turn of events that underscores the intersection of politics and institutional integrity, Rivers State lost the opportunity to host the 2025 NBA Conference to Enugu State—a direct consequence of the political crisis engulfing the state.

This decision, stemming from President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency and suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, illustrates how unhealthy political dynamics can undermine economic development. The relocation of the conference, not only deprived Rivers State of an estimated N7 billion in economic activity but also served as a powerful statement from Nigeria’s legal community against unconstitutional governance practices.

The Nigerian Bar Association’s historic decision to relocate the conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu was announced in April 2025, just four months before the scheduled event. This made the then-administrator of Rivers State even demanding the return of the N300 million support fund provided by Governor Fubara’s administration for the aborted conference. Thank God for the NBA’s triumphant return to portharcourt and opportunity reclaimed.

However, the NBA was resolute in its principles. As NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, clarified, the relocation was not punitive but a direct consequence of a constitutional breach. “We left Port Harcourt because we said the declaration of state of emergency… was unconstitutional,” Osigwe stated. He emphasized that the decision to return was not “compensatory” but a fulfillment of a promise: if democratic normalcy returned to Rivers State, the NBA would return with it.

When democratic governance was restored under Governor Fubara’s reinstatement, the NBA honoured its pledge. This return in August 2026 for the “Beyond Limits” conference was heralded not just as a professional event but as a symbolic victory for constitutionalism. The return of the NBA conference injected a significant economic boost into the state. With an estimated 23,000 lawyers and support personnel converging on the city, the hospitality, transportation, and food sectors experienced a major upswing in business.

This influx of delegates represented a tangible demonstration of the state’s stability and its readiness to host events of national and international scale.

While the event was a celebration of legal practice and national development, it was impossible to ignore the political context that had nearly derailed it. The long-running, bitter feud between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara hung over the conference like a spectre.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in his address to the conference, struck a tone of resilience and a call for justice. He used the platform to charge lawyers and judges to defend the rule of law and hold governments accountable, reflecting on his administration’s experience of walking “through the furnace of power.” Fubara urged judges to be “courageous as the ultimate guardians of democracy and good governance,” emphasizing that the legal profession must prevent the abuse of power.

In a display of commitment to judicial development, he highlighted his administration’s efforts in expanding access to justice, appointing more judges, and constructing a new Federal High Court facility.

Despite the historic nature of the return, the conference was not without its critics. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, described the event as “lacklustre, uninspiring and deeply disappointing,” particularly criticizing the quality of conference materials and logistics.

Furthermore, the keynote address by former Liberian President George Weah drew criticism from human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN. Falana blasted the NBA for inviting Weah, whom he labelled a “dictator,” and accused the NBA of inviting “African dictators” to address Nigerian lawyers. He cited alleged human rights abuses and the weakening of democratic institutions during Weah’s tenure, questioning his suitability as a speaker on the rule of law.

Conclusively, the NBA’s 2026 Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt was a multi-layered event. It was a triumphant return for the legal profession, showcasing the resilience of democratic institutions in Rivers State. For Rivers State, it marked the reclaiming of a significant national platform that had been lost to “unhealthy politics.” Yet, the echoes of the political conflict that caused the loss were still present.

It represented both the restoration of lost opportunity and a reminder of the delicate political peace that now prevails.

By: Justice Whyte

Opinion

Too Old, Who Says?

Published

1 week ago

September 25, 2026

The Tide

Quote:…”rather than discouraging people who want to return to school because of their age, families should provide encouragement and support wherever possible.”

The story of a 68-year-old Nigerian grandfather, Chris Osagbaekhoe, who recently bagged a first-class degree from Goldsmiths, University of London, United Kingdom, deserves more than a passing mention. It is a story of determination, courage and discipline and, above all, a powerful reminder that age should never be allowed to place a limit on one’s dreams. Osagbaekhoe, a person living with disability, reportedly enrolled as a mature student at the age of 64 and completed the four-year Social Work programme, graduating with first-class honours. At a time when many people are discouraged from pursuing their educational ambitions because of age, family responsibilities, financial difficulties or what society may say about them, the achievement of this grandfather offers a refreshing lesson: it is never too late to pursue knowledge and fulfil a dream.

A friend recently told a story of how her colleagues at her workplace, friends and even some family members made fun of her when she returned to the university to pursue another degree at the age of 52. Some boldly told her that she was too old and should stop “embarrassing herself.” She was, however, not deterred. Today, she has a second degree to her name. For some people, education is considered a race that must be completed at a particular age. There is an unspoken expectation that one should graduate from secondary school, proceed immediately to university, obtain a degree, secure employment and move on with life. But life does not always follow a straight line. Financial difficulties, marriage, child-rearing, illness, career demands, migration, family responsibilities and other unforeseen circumstances can force people to suspend their educational pursuits.

Unfortunately, when this happens, some people begin to believe that the opportunity has passed.It has not. The story of the 68-year-old grandfather proves that dreams may be delayed, but they do not necessarily have to be abandoned. At 68, when many people may be thinking primarily about retirement and spending more time with their children and grandchildren, Osagbaekhoe chose to return to the classroom and pursue academic excellence. Rather than allowing his age and disability to define what he could achieve, he demonstrated that determination can overcome many of the barriers that people often regard as insurmountable. His first-class degree is therefore more than an academic qualification. It is a message to anyone who has ever been told that they are too old, too late, too poor, too busy or not capable enough to pursue their educational dreams.

There will always be people who discourage others from pursuing their ambitions. Sometimes, such discouragement may come from people who genuinely believe they are offering practical advice. At other times, it may come from people who simply cannot imagine themselves doing what another person is attempting. A person who decides to return to school at 40 may be told, “What is the point?”Someone who wants to obtain a master’s degree at 50 may hear, “You are already too old.” Another person contemplating a doctorate at 60 may be asked, “When will you finish?” These questions can be painful, particularly when they come from family members, friends or people whose opinions matter to us. But those who have dreams must learn to distinguish between constructive advice and discouragement. Nobody should determine the limits of your potential.

Academic pursuits can be challenging, especially for mature students balancing family, work and other responsibilities. There may be self-doubt and discouragement, but age should never be a barrier. Instead of asking, “What will people say?”, ask, “What do I want to achieve?” If the goal is worthwhile, obstacles should not automatically become reasons to abandon it. There is also an important lesson here for parents and families. Rather than discouraging people who want to return to school because of their age, families should provide encouragement and support wherever possible. Families should encourage, rather than discourage, those who wish to return to school, regardless of age. A mother, father or grandparent pursuing education should never be made to feel that the opportunity has passed. Learning is a lifelong process that broadens the mind, builds confidence and creates opportunities.

Osagbaekhoe’s achievement should inspire people across generations. For young Nigerians, his story is a reminder that academic success requires commitment. Intelligence alone is not enough. There must be discipline, perseverance and the willingness to continue even when the journey becomes difficult. For older people, it is evidence that an unfinished educational dream does not have to remain unfinished forever. For those who have been discouraged by failure, it is a reminder that failure is not the end of the journey. And for those who have been told repeatedly that their dreams are unrealistic, it offers a simple but powerful response: let your results speak for you. We live in a society where people sometimes place unnecessary emphasis on age and social expectations. We often ask people why they have not achieved certain things by a particular age.

But people do not all travel through life at the same speed. One person may graduate at 21. Another may graduate at 35. Someone else may obtain a first degree at 50 or 60. The timing may be different, but the achievement remains meaningful. We should therefore stop measuring people’s lives solely by the timetable we have created for them. The important thing is not always how early one starts. Sometimes, what matters most is having the courage to start. This is why Osagbaekhoe’s achievement should resonate particularly strongly with mature students, persons living with disabilities and anyone who has been made to believe that their time has passed. His message, delivered as he walked across the stage during his graduation, captures the essence of his remarkable journey: “Your dreams do not expire because of your age.”

Sometimes, the most inspiring chapter of a person’s life begins when others think the story should already be over.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

CNG, Environmental Governance in Rivers’ Energy Transition

Published

3 weeks ago

September 14, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “Rivers State must move beyond merely producing gas to building a gas-utilising economy that delivers cleaner transportation, new jobs and a healthier environment for its people.”

As a Rivers woman, an engineer and an environmental professional, I have often reflected on the contradiction we live with. Rivers State is richly blessed with oil and gas, yet our people continue to bear environmental and health consequences associated with conventional fuels and poor environmental practices. We do not need anyone to explain what pollution feels like; we live with it. For years, our communities have endured black soot, industrial emissions, gas flaring, vehicle exhaust and other forms of air pollution. Anyone who has stood beside a smoking commercial bus or Keke in Port Harcourt traffic knows how unpleasant it is to breathe in those fumes. Across busy junctions, motor parks and markets, ageing petrol and diesel vehicles release exhaust fumes directly into the air. This is why the conversation about Compressed Natural Gas, commonly known as CNG, goes beyond energy. It is also about our health, environment, economy and how Rivers State can put its abundant natural gas resources to better use.

CNG is primarily methane stored under high pressure and used as fuel, particularly for vehicles. A petrol-powered vehicle can be professionally converted to run on CNG while retaining the option of using petrol, known as a bi-fuel system. Compared with petrol and diesel, CNG generally burns more cleanly and produces less particulate matter and fewer harmful exhaust pollutants. This can mean less visible smoke and cleaner combustion. Imagine replacing the smoky exhaust from some buses, taxis and Keke with properly converted and maintained vehicles running on a cleaner fuel. For a state that has suffered serious air-quality problems, this is a benefit we should take seriously. CNG matters to Rivers State because it is one of Nigeria’s leading oil and gas-producing states. We should not be interested only in producing gas; we should also ask how that gas can improve the daily lives of our people.

Transportation is one area where CNG can make a real difference. The cost of transportation affects almost everything. When it becomes more expensive to move people and goods, the additional cost eventually shows up in food prices, services and other necessities. Wider adoption of CNG can provide motorists and transport operators with an alternative fuel while reducing dependence on petrol and diesel. It can also support vehicle conversion, refuelling, equipment supply, maintenance and technical training. For Rivers State, therefore, CNG offers both an energy and economic opportunity. Another advantage is its potential effect on engine performance and maintenance. As a natural gas, CNG produces fewer carbon deposits and combustion residues than conventional liquid fuels, potentially reducing some maintenance burdens.

When a vehicle is properly converted and maintained, cleaner combustion can reduce engine-oil contamination and deposits on certain engine components. Over time, this may help reduce engine wear and some maintenance requirements. However, these benefits depend on the quality of the conversion, the vehicle’s condition and adherence to recommended maintenance schedules. The words “properly converted” are important. CNG is stored under high pressure, so cylinders, valves, pipes, regulators and other components must meet approved safety and technical standards. Conversion must be carried out by trained professionals at authorised centres. Improvised conversion is dangerous and must never be encouraged. Affordability must not come at the expense of safety.

The benefits of CNG should not end with motorists. A well-developed CNG economy can create opportunities for young engineers, technicians, mechanics, entrepreneurs and investors. Rivers State will need trained conversion technicians, authorised conversion centres, properly located refuelling facilities, equipment suppliers, maintenance personnel, safety inspectors and emergency-response teams. People must be trained to install, operate, inspect and maintain these systems safely. This can create skills, businesses and employment opportunities while helping the state make better use of a resource it already possesses in abundance. Properly developed, the CNG value chain can give young people access to technical careers while enabling local businesses to participate in a growing domestic gas economy.

In this spirit of energy transition, environmental governance remains key. Moving towards a cleaner fuel does not mean setting aside our environmental responsibilities. CNG facilities must be properly located, with environmental and social safeguards duly followed. Required safety distances and applicable technical standards must be respected. Operators must be trained, and facilities inspected regularly. We cannot afford to solve one problem only to create another environmental or safety crisis. Environmental governance means ensuring that development takes place within rules and systems that protect people, property and the environment. This principle is at the heart of the argument I made in my book, The Blue-Green Continuum: An Integrated Framework for Sustainable Development.

Economic development and environmental protection are not enemies. We can develop our natural resources while protecting our environment. Sustainable development requires us to do both. The time is ripe for Rivers State to move from merely being a gas-producing state to becoming a gas-utilising state. For decades, Rivers State has played a major role in Nigeria’s petroleum industry. The next stage should focus on how our natural gas resources can support better living conditions, cleaner transportation, new businesses and meaningful economic opportunities. CNG will not solve every energy or environmental problem; it is still a fossil fuel and must be managed responsibly. However, it offers a practical transition option as we work towards a cleaner and more diversified energy system.

As a Rivers-born professional who has witnessed the environmental challenges confronting our people, this writer looks forward to a time when the sight and smell of heavy exhaust fumes from poorly maintained vehicles become increasingly uncommon on our roads; a future where Rivers’ abundant gas resources do more than leave her shores, and where her young people are equipped with valuable technical skills and supported businesses built around a cleaner domestic gas economy. It should be a future in which energy development and environmental protection move forward together. For Rivers State, energy transition should mean turning the resources we already possess into cleaner energy, lower operating costs, new economic opportunities and a healthier environment. We have been a gas-producing state for decades. The next step is to ensure that our people experience the benefits of a gas-utilising economy. It is time to move from being merely resource-rich to becoming resource-smart.

Engr. Owhonda, Juliet Nkeiruka, PhD, is a petroleum engineer, environmental safeguard specialist and gas policy strategist. She is the author of The Blue-Green Continuum: An Integrated Framework for Sustainable Development. She writes from Port Harcourt.