Africa’s foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has called on the Federal Government to urgently legislate and implement the proposed “Nigeria First” Policy, describing it as key to reviving Nigeria’s struggling manufacturing sector. Speaking at the 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Lagos, Dangote said the policy could significantly boost GDP growth, create jobs, and reduce import dependence if backed by strong legislative support and consistent implementation. “The ‘Nigeria First’ Policy is not just a slogan but a call to action for sustained industrial development,” he stated. “If embraced, it will make Nigeria more competitive…
Author: TheStories
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration dismantled Nigeria’s rigid foreign exchange regime in 2024, critics were quick to call it a currency collapse. The naira plunged to ₦1,800 per dollar in March 2024, and headlines screamed of economic freefall. But beneath the noise, a deliberate, high-risk economic recalibration was underway, one that has now begun to pay off spectacularly. By August 2025, the naira had clawed its way back to ₦1,525/$1, marking a 15.28% strengthening in just five months, an annualised pace of nearly 48.9%. This wasn’t luck; it was policy. Increased oil receipts, swelling diaspora remittances, and the clearing…
Politics in Nigeria has never been a dull theatre. It thrives on suspense, defection dramas, and the constant choreography of power. Lately, the nation’s political landscape has resembled a revolving door, with governors, senators, and lawmakers shuffling in and out of parties at an astonishing speed. Within just forty-eight hours, the governors of Enugu and Bayelsa—Peter Mbah and Douye Diri have switched allegiance to the ruling APC, dragging along a convoy of lawmakers and loyalists. And if the whispers from political corridors are to be believed, Taraba’s Agbu Kefas and several others may soon join the exodus. The numbers tell…
As Anambra State prepares for the 2025 governorship election, the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) are leading a series of strategic media engagements to foster democratic accountability, inclusive participation, and credible elections. Themed “Enhanced Reportage, Inclusivity & Accountability of Stakeholders Towards the Anambra Governorship Election,” the activities are jointly implemented under Component 4 (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU–SDGN II) Programme. The initiative aims to build public confidence in the electoral process, strengthen ethical and professional journalism, and deepen collaboration between the media, electoral bodies,…
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strikes have been a recurring phenomenon in Nigeria’s educational landscape, with far-reaching consequences for students, parents, and the nation as a whole. While the strikes are intended to press home demands for improved working conditions, better funding, and educational reforms, they have become increasingly counterproductive, causing more harm than good to the Nigerian education system. Before we delve into some of the harmful effects of these disruptive strikes, let’s take a brief look down memory lane. Chronological list of ASUU strikes (1999 to the latest “war drums”) 1999 – 5 months: Over demands…
The recent announcement that Mathematics will no longer be a compulsory subject for students in the Arts and Humanities seeking admission into Nigerian universities and polytechnics has stirred both relief and controversy. For decades, the fear of Mathematics has haunted many students like an unending nightmare. The news: “FG removes Mathematics as admission requirement for art students” felt to some like the breaking of a long-standing curse. But beneath that relief lies a deeper question: can we truly afford to live, learn, and lead in a world without Mathematics? Mathematics, for many, has always been that subject standing at the…
There are few things more dignifying than when a towering public figure extends the courtesy of respect wrapped in humility. General Lucky Irabor, former Chief of Defence Staff, exemplifies that rare blend of strength and grace. When he invited me to the presentation of his new book, “SCARS: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” I was reminded that behind the imposing military uniform lies a man of reflection, intellect, and empathy — unless, of course, one dares to cross the line. This quality stands in sharp contrast to the arrogance I have encountered at a strategic institute where a…
The Government of Namibia has expressed deep concern over the recent political upheaval in Madagascar, where the military has reportedly taken control following the impeachment of President Andry Rajoelina. In a statement issued on Monday, Namibian President, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, said Namibia views the developments in the island nation with “grave concern”, warning that any attempt to assume power through unconstitutional means undermines regional stability and democratic governance within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). President Nandi-Ndaitwah recalled that in August this year, SADC leaders met in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital, during the 45th Ordinary Summit, where they collectively pledged to…
A total of 145 women from 15 groups in Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State have graduated from the Social Analysis and Action (SAA) programme under the CASCADE project, implemented by the Development Exchange Centre (DEC). The women, trained over 12 months through existing Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), acquired skills in livelihood improvement, nutrition, and gender equity. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Ann Alberta Bot, CASCADE’s Gender Technical Officer, said the SAA sessions provided a platform for women to discuss and address harmful cultural norms, gender-based violence, and promote healthy family practices such as exclusive breastfeeding, antenatal…
Many Nigerians have been painfully swindled out of millions of their hard-earned money through various scams. Consequently, some victims of these scams have committed suicide, others have been denied prosperity, and many have been left with unpayable debts. Internet scammers have stolen money from people; Ponzi schemers have defrauded numerous Nigerians of their cash, just as dubious and unregistered financial service operators have ruined countless financial nests. The destructive nature of Ponzi schemes, in particular, was highlighted by Dr. Okey Umeano of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in an edition of Accounting and Business (AB) magazine, where he wrote:…