Editorial
Towards Food Security
Almost a forthnight ago, the World Food Day was marked globally as part of programmes and activities introduced by the United Nations, to address one of the challenges facing humanity.
The World Food Day, celebrated every October 16 was established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in 1979 and was first observed in 1981. The goal, according to FAO, is to end world hunger, make food systems more resilient and robust so they can withstand increasing volatility and climate shocks, deliver affordable and sustainable healthy diets for all, and decent livelihoods for food system workers.
With the theme, “Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together, our actions are our future”, the 2020 celebration focuses on the deliberate actions humanity takes to ensure that sustainable and nourishing food is made available around the world for healthy living amongst mankind, especially, among the very poor and vulnerable populations of the world.
The Tide wholesomely keys into the theme and objectives of the 2020 celebration. We believe that it is time the world, particularly, the developing countries wake up to the duty of ensuring that their people have access to, not just affordable food but healthy diets that can nourish and sustain the body. Indeed, food, one of the basic needs of man is critical to his survival and it is only when the need is supplied that focus could shift to other developmental frontiers.
In recent times, Nigeria and world donor bodies such as the World Bank and European Union have partnered to fly schemes like the FADAMA Projects I & 11 while Niger Delta States of Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo also partnered the international bodies to pursue the SEEFOR Programme. These programmes were targeted at improved agricultural processes and food production. However, how well these schemes were pursued and implemented has left more room for questions than answers.
Before them were the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) – driven Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Bank of Agriculture, (BOA), initiatives aimed at helping the farmer have access to necessary credit facilities to enhance and improve their production processes and capacity.
Today, under the present administration, the country is experimenting with the bogus but oblique programmes such as the Anchor Borrowers Scheme and other multi-lateral schemes, ostensibly aimed at empowering farmers and other small scale entrepreneurs to engage effectively in the chain of production and have food on the table.
Regrettably, despite the humungous amount in local and foreign currencies said to have been spent on the aforementioned schemes, in spite of their avowed ideals and apparent good intentions, set goals were mostly achieved in the breach.
At the moment, instead of the food crisis abating, the situation exercabates by the day. Staple foods such as garri, yam and rice, which in the recent past served the need of the common man have gone out of the reach of even most middle class Nigerians as their prices soar on daily basis.
Even attempt to boost and protect local producers by the government, which led to the ban on importation of rice and other food items seems to have backfired. Availability and affordability of even the lowest grade of the locally produced grains have become a nightmare, to the extent that only the rich can comfortably afford the staple foods which hitherto, were for the average and poor population of the country.
Perhaps, it is either that Nigeria missed the plot or sabotaged the numerous schemes and programmes earmarked to lift the agricultural and food production processes in the country.
We are, however, happy that some states in the country, such as Rivers, are beginning to take agriculture more seriously. Only a few weeks ago, Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike sought for and got approval from the state House of Assembly to secure a N5 billion loan facility for agricultural development.
Geared towards making Rivers State an agriculturally – viable economy that would lead to increase in food production, employment generation and agro-business opportunities, the loan and the state’s policy blueprint would enhance and support commercial products of key agricultural sectors of crop farming, fish and livestock production.
With the existing crisis occasioned by unbearable prices of food items and the looming food insecurity in the horizon, we expect governments at all levels to spare no action in calming the frayed food supply chain in the country.
Firstly, communal peace and threats engendered by the wave of security issues across the country must be dealt with to enable farmers return to their farms without delay. This will ensure that farmers would concentrate on tending to their fields without fear.
We also expect the government to, through specialised agencies introduce and implement effective schemes that would empower only farmers without such schemes’ proceeds finding their way to the corners of non-agricultural players. In addition, while the government should find a way to provide for farmers’ access to fertilizers at subsidized rate, interest-free loans and improved plants and seedlings for bumper harvest, farmer-education is also key to their taking advantage of government schemes and programmes.
For states with established but moribund agricultural institutions, we think that now is the time to have a second look at such institutions with a view to revamping them. To this end, we expect such lofty Agric-farms and institutions like the palm plantations, Songhai farm and the School-To-Land initiative to be given consideration in Rivers.
As we reflect on the essence of the World Food Day celebration and the theme of 2020, it is pertinent that all hands must be on deck to ensure that all mouths are fed, nourished and sustained. This cannot be done by the government alone, but the private sector and civil society need to make sure that our food systems grow a variety of food to nourish a growing population and sustain the planet, together.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled a bold initiative to upgrade Ignatius Ajuru
University of Education’s (IAUE) infrastructure. This strategic effort is designed to boost the university’s capacity and position it as a leading educational institution in Nigeria. The plan includes a comprehensive redevelopment aimed at improving students’ experience.
This decision came after the university’s Governing Council requested urgent state government intervention to address critical infrastructure needs. Governor Fubara expressed concern over the current state of the institution’s facilities and emphasised his administration’s commitment to enhancing both infrastructure and education quality at IAUE.
The Governor has confirmed plans to construct several key facilities, including a new administrative block, student hostels, a modern health centre, and a sports complex. This extensive move aims to enhance various aspects of university life, improving administrative efficiency, student welfare, and recreational opportunities.
The prospective administrative block will symbolise a dedication to efficiency and seamless operations. Envision a modern, well-organised space where workflows are optimised, enabling university staff to concentrate on their core mission—supporting students and promoting academic excellence. Gone are the days of cramped offices and overflowing paperwork!
Students will also benefit substantially from the construction of new hostels. Many currently struggle with inadequate accommodation which affects both their studies and overall well-being. A comfortable and secure living environment is essential, and these new facilities will provide exactly that. It is like upgrading from a crowded dormitory to a modern apartment—an immense improvement in quality of life.
Access to quality healthcare is necessary for students. The proposed health centre will offer accessible medical services in well-equipped facilities which minimises the hassle of seeking quality care elsewhere. This spunk reflects the university’s commitment to student well-being, recognising that a healthy student is a more productive one.
Similarly, a new sports complex will be a valuable investment in student health, fitness, and social engagement. Beyond promoting physical activity, it contributes to a lively campus environment where students can relax, stay active, and foster friendships. Exercise benefits both the body and the mind, enhancing overall well-being.
Governor Fubara’s recent visit to the institution was more than a mere formality; it was a crucial step in assessing the university’s infrastructure needs. His firsthand examination of the existing facilities allowed him to attain a clear comprehension of the necessary upgrades, ensuring that the planned measures are both specific and influential—much like a medical professional evaluating a patient before suggesting therapy.
These initiatives will elevate IAUE to greater heights, fostering an environment that supports learning, research, and personal development. They will attract top-tier students and faculty to enhance the university’s reputation and academic excellence. Furthermore, the efforts will contribute to a broader vision for the state’s future, as Fubara’s commitment to education represents a strategic investment in human capital.
Ignatius Ajuru University’s infrastructure has faced several challenges, including overcrowded hostels, inadequate healthcare facilities, and a shortage of modern administrative spaces. This situation has hindered both learning and administrative efficiency. The new development aims to address all concerns directly.
We appreciate the Governor’s commitment as the first among past leaders to take concrete steps toward improving IAUE. However, we urge a broader approach that extends similar developments to all higher institutions in the state. For instance, Rivers State University contends with major infrastructural inadequacies, which accentuate the need for broad-based intervention. Ensuring fair distribution of resources across all educational institutions is essential for building a strong and inclusive education system where every student has access to quality facilities.
However, quality education must take priority. While infrastructure plays a role, what truly makes a difference is innovative teaching, a relevant curriculum, well-equipped laboratories, library, skilled lecturers—these elements produce graduates prepared for our interconnected world. IAUE requires additional resources because even the most modern campus with state-of-the-art buildings holds little value if instruction remains outdated or ineffective.
It is essential for both staff and students to show heartfelt appreciation for Fubara, considering that the new facilities will greatly enrich their time spent on campus. However, the responsibility to maintain these amenities falls on the entire university community, which must ensure they use them with circumspection to avoid unnecessary destruction.
To ensure that the ambitious projects achieve their desired success, it is crucial to maintain a high level of transparency and accountability throughout the construction process. Without a doubt, the proposed infrastructure will lay down a solid framework that supports the university’s growth and development in the years to come. This will ultimately encourage continuous progress.
The recent expulsion of Precious Mbakwe, a 300- level female student of History and International Studies of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) by the institution’s management for assaulting a lecturer of the school is a commendable sanction. The decision sends a clear message about maintaining discipline and respect within academic institutions.
In a letter signed by the university registrar, Victor Modebelu, and addressed to Mbakwe, the university said the students disciplinary committee found her guilty of assault on a lecturer, Chukwudi Okoye, in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies. The letter further noted that the student violated the Students Disciplinary Regulations particularly Regulation 4 (SDR). This formal documentation shows the university’s commitment to following proper procedures in disciplinary matters.
According to reports, trouble started when Mbakwe pounced on the lecturer, bit him multiple times, and tore his clothes for allegedly interrupting her TikTok video recording along the Faculty of Arts corridor. In response to the uproar, the university management launched a full-scale investigation into the incident. The severity of the assault warranted immediate attention from the institution’s authorities.
We unequivocally condemn the offensive against the lecturer. Acts of violence and misconduct are antithetical to the values of academic inquiry and should have no place within our educational establishments. This physical attack represents a grave breach of trust and conduct, a violation of the very foundation upon which a safe and productive learning surroundings is built.
Such mien cannot be tolerated in any educational setting, as it undermines the principles of respect, intellectual freedom, and the pursuit of knowledge that are essential to our scholarly community. We stand in solidarity with the victim and commit to fostering a campus culture where such occurrences are not only unacceptable but actively prevented.
Mbakwe’s reported action is an embarrassment to the student body and does not represent the values of the Nigerian student locale, which emphasises integrity, respect, and accountability. Such conduct besmirches the reputation of not only the individual but also the broader pedagogical community, which works diligently to uphold high standards of behaviour, professionalism, and academic excellence
We urge the university authorities to take a more decisive action by involving the police in the matter. The serious nature of this episode goes beyond what academic penalties can address. Such action would create a strong precedent, reinforcing the message that violence is intolerable and ensuring that future matters are met with appropriate legal consequences.
The academic milieu must be preserved as a space characterised by respect and learning. It serves as a foundational framework for intellectual growth and the exchange of ideas. Universities, in particular, play a critical and influential role in shaping the future leaders and professionals of society. Given this paramount responsibility, it becomes essential to maintain high standards of action and foster an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Proper channels exist for students to raise concerns and seek resolution of issues they face. Students should utilise these official processes and avoid actions that could harm their educational prospects. The established systems for addressing grievances provide constructive ways to resolve conflicts without resorting to disruptive etiquette.
Respect for lecturers lies at the heart of meaningful learned discourse. When students show genuine regard for their teachers’ expertise and experience, it creates a habitat conducive to erudition and intellectual advancement. This means actively participating in discussions, meeting deadlines, and approaching disagreements with maturity.
University rules serve as the framework that enables thousands of students and staff to coexist and work productively. These regulations, from library policies to examination procedures, are not arbitrary restrictions but carefully considered guidelines that protect erudite integrity and ensure fair treatment for all. Adhering to these guidelines enables students to foster a structured and effective educational environment while enhancing their abilities in complying with institutional regulations.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) should issue a formal statement condemning this disruptive comportment and urge all students to maintain decent conduct on campus. The union must emphasise the seriousness of treating lecturers and university administrators with due respect, while fostering an instructional environment that promotes constructive dialogue and mutual understanding between students and the authorities.
This incident should serve as a learning opportunity for all stakeholders in the Nigerian education system about the magnitude of maintaining decorum and following established protocols for conflict resolution. It reinforces the need for continuous dialogue about pertinent demeanour in intellectual settings while adapting to changing social norms.
The recent revelations by former Labour leader and current Chair of the Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, have exposed a deeply troubling reality in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. His disclosure that former military generals and foreign operators have systematically seized control of the country’s mineral deposits illuminates the extent of institutional decay and regulatory capture plaguing this vital economic sector.
Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake’s confirmation of these allegations strengthens Oshiomhole’s claims. The minister’s clear identification of “powerful Nigerians” as the masterminds behind illegal mining operations, along with their alleged ties to terrorist financing networks, paints a troubling picture of the complex web of corruption that is undermining national security.
The audacious manner in which these mining syndicates operate reflects their deeply entrenched position within Nigeria’s power structure. Their apparent immunity from prosecution or oversight demonstrates how thoroughly they have infiltrated key institutions, enabling them to continue their exploitative activities without fear of consequences. This systemic failure has persisted across multiple administrations, highlighting the challenge of confronting these well-connected networks.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tepid response to detailed intelligence briefings about the crisis represented a significant failure of leadership. The current administration under President Bola Tinubu appears to be following a similar pattern of inaction, raising serious questions about the political will to address the endemic corruption. This continued paralysis suggests either inability or unwillingness to challenge powerful vested interests.
The grim contrast between enforcement approaches in different regions of Nigeria reveals troubling inconsistencies in governance. While unauthorised petroleum refineries in the Niger Delta face swift and severe military action, illegal mining operations in the North continue largely unimpeded. This disparity in enforcement not only undermines the rule of law but also fuels regional tensions and perceptions of discriminatory treatment.
Selective enforcement practices by the government have created a dangerous precedent. Small-scale refiners in the South face immediate persecution, while large-scale illegal mining operations in the North proceed with apparent impunity. The uneven application of law enforcement has exacerbated security challenges and deepened existing regional divisions.
Shamefully, the deafening silence from authorities regarding widespread corruption in the mining sector strongly suggests high-level complicity. The “conspiracy of silence” has created an atmosphere of resignation among citizens, who witness the systematic looting of their national resources by a privileged few operating outside the bounds of law and accountability.
Further compounding this crisis is the psychological impact on the Nigerian populace. The visible impunity enjoyed by these mining cartels has fostered a sense of helplessness among ordinary citizens, who increasingly view government institutions as serving the interests of a corrupt elite rather than the general public.
Immediate and decisive actions are required to dismantle these criminal networks and restore integrity to the mining sector. Superficial reforms or symbolic gestures will prove insufficient; what’s required is a comprehensive strategy to investigate, prosecute, and punish all parties involved in illegal mining activities, regardless of their status or connections.
No one can imagine the security implications of allowing illegal mining to continue unchecked. The illicit funds generated from these operations provide essential financing for criminal organisations and extremist groups, creating a direct link between mineral theft and national security challenges. Addressing illegal mining therefore becomes critical for both economic and security reasons.
Reform of the extractive sector must extend beyond enforcement to include comprehensive regulatory overhaul. New frameworks must be established to ensure all mining operations adhere to strict environmental standards and contribute appropriately to national development. This includes implementing transparent permitting processes and ensuring proper revenue collection and distribution.
Transforming Nigeria’s mining sector represents a vital test of governance and national resolve. Success requires not only technical solutions but also the political courage to confront entrenched interests and implement lasting reforms. The future prosperity of Nigeria depends remarkably on whether its leaders can summon the will to protect and properly manage its vast mineral resources for the benefit of all citizens.