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The case of Mr. Aminu Ladan, the suspended Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area in Niger State, highlights a critical issue plaguing Nigerian local governments: the disconnect between autonomy and accountability. While advocates rightly argue for greater local government autonomy to empower grassroots governance and address local needs, the reality is that many local government officials, even with existing powers, fail to deliver essential services and are rife with corruption. Granting greater autonomy without addressing these underlying issues would be akin to giving a loaded gun to someone who doesn't know how to handle it – the potential for misuse and harm far outweighs the benefits. The Ladan situation exemplifies several systemic problems hindering effective local governance in Nigeria: Lack of Accountability: The allegations against Ladan – mismanagement of funds, illegal land sales, contract irregularities, and failure to adhere to financial reporting requirement...

~~ Hauwee Saeed  Today, International Day of Friendship, we pause to appreciate the profound impact of human connection. Friendship, in all its forms, is a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. From the deep, intimate bonds of lifelong companionship to the fleeting but joyful encounters with acquaintances, these relationships shape our experiences and contribute to our overall well-being. What have we gained from friendship? The benefits are multifaceted and profound. Friends provide emotional support, a crucial buffer against life's challenges. They celebrate our triumphs and offer comfort during difficult times. They offer different perspectives, broadening our understanding of the world and fostering personal growth. Sharing laughter, experiences, and inside jokes creates joy and lasting memories. Friendships, whether built on shared interests, common goals, or mutual respect, enrich our lives with diverse perspectives and a sense of belonging. Beyond the individual benefits, ...

Nigeria is grappling with a severe economic crisis, manifested in a plummeting Naira and a drastically declining standard of living.  While ordinary citizens struggle to afford basic necessities, the opulent lifestyles of the nation's political elite stand in stark contrast, fueling widespread anger and resentment.  The sheer extravagance displayed by government officials, as highlighted by their massive motorcades, underscores a profound disconnect between the rulers and the ruled. The article details the staggering number of vehicles comprising the convoys of high-ranking officials: the President's 23-vehicle fleet, including armored luxury cars; the Senate President's and Speaker's similarly extravagant entourages; and the equally lavish motorcades of ministers, the Inspector General of Police, service chiefs, and state governors. These convoys, often featuring armored vehicles and luxury SUVs, represent a staggering waste of resources in a country battling economic ...

~~ Dr Wey George Danlami Consultant-Family Physician   Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting millions worldwide. In 2019 alone, an estimated 18 million individuals lived with this debilitating condition, with women disproportionately impacted (approximately 70%) and a significant portion (55%) being over 55 years old. A staggering 13 million experienced moderate to severe RA, highlighting the urgent need for effective rehabilitation services. While RA's systemic nature impacts multiple body systems, its most prominent effects are seen in the joints – particularly the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, knees, shoulders, and elbows. Overview of Rheumatoid Arthritis RA is a chronic inflammatory disease causing persistent pain and inflammation throughout the body, primarily affecting the joints. Left untreated, it can lead to severe joint damage, impacting surrounding tissues and potentially causing complications in the heart, lungs, or nervous system. Common ...

Last month, the story of a Nigerian university's "no bra, no exam" rule, enforced through the troubling physical examination of female students, sparked widespread outrage and rightly so.  The viral video depicting female staff touching students' chests to ensure they were adhering to the policy highlights the problematic nature of the dress code and, more broadly, the increasingly inappropriate methods some Nigerian universities use to address perceived breaches of decorum.  This incident exposes a critical concern about the apparent erosion of traditional African values and customs among Nigerian students, and the urgent need for a re-evaluation of these practices. This incident compels us to address a multifaceted problem demanding immediate and collaborative action from all Nigerian universities.  This is not merely about a dress code; it’s about respect, dignity, appropriate enforcement mechanisms, and the preservation of cultural identity in the face of evolving...

For decades, Nigeria's state-owned refineries have been a festering wound on the nation's economy, a monument to mismanagement, corruption, and a blatant disregard for the suffering of its people. Billions – yes, *billions* – of dollars have been poured into these facilities, yet they remain largely non-functional. This isn't incompetence; it's a systemic failure, a betrayal of public trust on a grand scale. While our leaders continue to offer empty promises and engage in PR exercises, the reality is stark: Our refineries are obsolete, technologically outdated, and hopelessly inefficient. Attempts at rehabilitation have been nothing short of disastrous, leaving taxpayers footing the bill for a broken system that consistently fails to deliver. Aliko Dangote, a Nigerian business magnate who successfully built a world-class refinery, has bravely called out this charade. His words – that these refineries are beyond repair and should be sold – are not harsh; they are br...