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Why Nigerian Students, Others Should Embrace Entrepreneurship

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Abdurraheem Saad Dembo

 

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo

Entrepreneurship is the real deal in the 21st century; any nation where the youths jettison or pay less attention to it will romance in a long time with pressure, agony, stagnantion, and poverty.This is not far- fetched because Governments cannot employ everyone but can create a flourishing environment for business to blossom, so as to employ many. This assertion is almost becoming a cliche in the media space. Many scholars have said it over and over again.

Having said this, one should not be deterred from engaging and reminding our young ones, in the Yoruba tone, that the sun that is still shinning can dry clothes in relation to their aspirations for a better and sustainable living. As a youth, you cannot go far if you are still expecting that only the government will make you earn a good living after your university education. That is an absolute deceit; we live in a world today where many governments all over the world cannot even meet their fiscal obligations. Many live on borrowings. Economic stagnantion is the order of the day in the third world countries. It may interest you to know that even the developed worlds also borrow to meet their financial demands.

As an undergraduate in the university I never had the opportunity to understand that self employment or entrepreneurship is the key to tap on the availability, indomitability, formidability and sustainability of wealth. As a student if you come across this piece please don’t just read it and go, begin to regurgitate and find what you can do so that you won’t wait for government to employ you. In fact, if you are lucky, you can as well become an employer of labour. Those who are in private world of businesses are doing far better than those in government’s establishments. Let it sink now that salary cannot make you rich, except you cut corners. Remember EFCC and ICPC won’t allow you to go scot-free if you are found wanting. We must focus on legitimate and sustainable earnings, which can be guaranteed through entrepreneurship.

Yes, it is as good as saying that youth should embrace entrepreneurship but what about funding? Because an idea without finance will bereave take off and subsequently retrogression. I am aware of MSME and Anchor Borrower initiatives of the government. How have the youths benefitted from them? To those who were lucky to access them under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, what was the outcome?Did they use the opportunity judiciously? I have read reports that in some states some people abused it as they had diverted the loans to buy cars, add more wives and even reluctant to repay the loan. All of these are susceptible to rumour or hearsay. The Central Bank of Nigeria and other credit facilitators are in the best positions to tell us about the impacts of the loans.

A Facebook user Adejare Ibrahim posted on his page on 15th November,2023 as saying
“Success occurs when adequate preparations meet opportunities. Some people, when you ask them ,”what is hampering your business growth”?
They will say”I need more fund”. Ask them to submit a proposal. You won’t see them again. They make no preparation for the impending opportunities.

This is where many businessmen belong. Give them 10 million naira, all they will buy are personal cars, expensive clothes and other luxuries.
We all need to change”.

Essentially, it is delightful to hear that in most tertiary institutions in Nigeria Entrepreneurship has been introduced as general studies and even as main course to prepare the students for self employment and others.

Those who came from business background whom their parents had never worked under the government have edges over others.Their parents must have prepared their minds for the private world where business is akin to growth and progress of individuals and the society. It is likened to when you watch your mother doing some cooking as a child; because the activities had become daily so even if you are ask to come and do it, one would do it successfully and even better. I know how to prepare luru, i.e. minyan kuka, ewedu and others by just watching my mum doing it as a child. So also in the business world, those with business backgrounds may likely do better. They can build on the already existing ideas and make their products and services much more unique.

In affirming the imperatives of Entrepreneurship in the 21st century, this is what the Vice President Kashim Shettima said at the University of Maiduguri to the graduating students on the 24th combined convocation ceremony: “Every success in life brings with it challenges. You are graduating today, our nation is faced with myriads of problems. I believe the university has adequately prepared you to contribute to proferring solutions to these problems. The era when graduates look up to the government for answers to all problems is fast fading. I encourage you to specifically utilise your entrepreneurial training in the university to decide your employability”.

The VP said the era where graduates rely solely on the government for employment was over, adding that they must use their education and Entrepreneurial skills to make positive impacts on the society. This is in tandem with my earlier assertion that government alone cannot provide jobs for all citizens.

More importantly, the prominent business magnate and Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Rabiu Abdulsamad recently donated entrepreneurship centre to the University of Maiduguri on the same occasion of 24th combined convocation. This is in line with the global standard and self employment drives in order to encourage our youths. I personally thank the business magnate for his consistent generosity; Nigeria has never had it so good in this kind of BUA’s way of giving back to the society. We pray to Allah protect him against adversaries.

It is of monumental significance to appeal to BUA Chairman and other wealthy Nigerians to please have a special funds that would avail
young Nigerians to access loans in order to achieve robust self employment in our country.

Our government should also, through the Central Bank, make loans transparently accessible to ordinary Nigerians. I am aware the government has done so in the past, but they should ensure that the process gets better and stronger; that is the only way to prosperity in reducing unemployment in Nigeria. Moreover, policy should be put in place in ensuring that we move away from the old ways of doing things.

It is often said that one should make hays while the sun is shining. Hence, to our dear youths, please embrace entrepreneurship for timely reduction of poverty in our country.

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Opinion

Kano APC Crisis: An Open Letter to President Tinubu

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I hope this letter finds you well Your Excellency. As Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads, I write to you today as a concerned and dedicated member of the All Progressives Congress in Kano, compelled by the urgency of our nation’s challenges and aware of your unwavering determination to steer it unto the path of greatness.

But a united front is indispensable in achieving your grand plan for the nations success. Internal party crisis in my dear state, threatens the very foundation upon which your vision lies – unity – and this I write to you today, eager spark meaningful dialogue and constructive action on your part.

Mr. President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and leader of our party, your urgent intervention is crucial to address the pressing issues at hand. If left unattended, it may escalate into a crisis that could have far-reaching and devastating consequences for the party, making it challenging to manage. Your timely action would help mitigate this risk and ensure the party’s stability.

In Kano, it is generally acknowledged that Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former governor and current National Chairman, leads our party. Members have consistently shown loyalty to his leadership since day one.

You will also recall that Dr. Ganduje actively supported your presidential bid, demonstrating a pure, genuine and unmixed commitment to your cause during both the presidential primaries and general elections. However, some individuals now seek to drive a wedge between you and the Chairman, feeling threatened by his influential position as the National Chairman of our great party.

Mr President sir, It is imperative to hold the Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin accountable for plunging the All Progressives Congress into an avoidable crisis since taking office. As a seasoned politician and senator representing Kano North since 2015, his actions have significant implications. Barau Jibrin’s leadership has sparked division within the party, necessitating urgent attention to prevent further escalation.

Due to the recent removal of Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo as Minister, the All Progressives Congress is facing an unprecedented crisis in Kano North, a stronghold of the party since 2015. This division, fueled by Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin’s actions, threatens the party’s stability. As a leader, Mr. President, it’s crucial to address this issue sustainably.

Barau Jibrin’s political strategy and human relations have been questionable, yet his influence led to the sacking of a loyal minister, Gwarzo. This decision was disheartening, considering Gwarzo’s impressive track record as a generous, humble, and grassroots politician. The people of Kano are upset, and rightfully so.

It’s essential to recognize Barau Jibrin’s intentions. He’s only loyal to you, Mr. President, because of your current position. History shows he’ll turn against you once you’re no longer in office. His self-serving nature is evident in his interactions with grassroots politicians.

To pacify the people and resolve the ongoing crisis, reappointing Gwarzo is imperative. This move will demonstrate your commitment to loyalty and fairness. The APC’s future in Kano North depends on it.

Mr. President, to ensure the party is back on track, it is crucial to prioritize collaboration with loyalists and consider the input of key stakeholders in Kano. This means moving away from decision-making that caters to a single individual who claims control over Kano North. Instead, foster an inclusive approach that values diverse perspectives and promotes unity within the party.

By doing so, you’ll not only strengthen the party’s foundation but also demonstrate your commitment to fairness and representation. This approach will help prevent unnecessary conflicts and ensure that the party’s interests are truly served. It’s essential to recognize that the party’s success relies on collective efforts, not individual interests.

For your information Mr President, Barau’s electoral successes can be attributed to the popularity of the House of Representatives candidates from his Senatorial District. These individuals are widely admired and respected by their constituents. However, rather than leveraging his own strengths, Barau has consistently relied on the goodwill and reputation of these candidates to secure his own victories, essentially seeking shelter under their umbrella.

It’s not yet too late for the President to do the needful for the interest of Kano State and the party at large. With the weight of history and the hopes of a generation on your shoulders, I urge you to confront the harsh realities that threaten our collective progress.

Nabahani Yusuf Gogori writes from Gogori town in Bagwai

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Opinion

Unmasking Excellence : Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s (Jagora) Leadership Style

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By Abba Anwar

Without any doubt, Idris Abdulkadir Zare’s name rings bell in Kano politics, particularly, in his political zone, Kano South. It rings bell not because he is terrifying, but simply because, his name, alone, signifies examplary leadership, selfless service to humanity, genuine loyalty and un-arguable commitment for the survival of the party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in this context.

While he is not a seeker of any elective public office, or party position, as I study him and his political antecedents, he believes, supporting party leadership and followership is one of the surest ways of strengthening the party, against all odds. I kindly call my readers to go to Rogo and substantiate my submission.

Here is a lone Jagora (leader) who spends from his hard earned resources to support the party without thinking of getting anything from anybody, no matter how highly placed, that person could be. His magnanimous touches go beyond party lines. Go to Rogo and seek for more clarification.

If Kano APC is really serious about mending fences, gaining more grassroot support, bouncing back in pre, during and post 2027, people like Idi Zare must be on board. I never met this gentleman. In fact I don’t even know his face, anyway. I come from Dala local government, Kano Central. But I came to know about him for quite sometime now.

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He, unlike many of our politicians, made his fortunes outside government. But he spends stupendously in people’s welfare, needs and loyalty. One good thing about him, is, while engaging in such activities, he is not vying for any position. Meaning, this gentleman is acting the script of his good heart. He is indeed a morale booster from whatever standpoint you look at him.

This is somebody whose loyalty is not dangling. He supports what he believes in, with all his heart. By whatever standard, Zare is a Phoenix. And trains people to become that.

I caption this piece, as Unmasking Excellence… because, here is a strong party man, whose support and faith in the party and beyond, are more or less, left near lowest ebb. If we can have enough Zare’s replica from all our political zones, in Kano, regret and backwardness could be things of the past. No doubt about this!

I can also understand that, even among our APC strong men in the state, only those of them who are more loyal and sensitive to the welfare of the party members, are the ones that understand his (Zare) worth and work with him hand in hand, for the survival of the party, in the state and the nation in general.

Zare’s clear understanding of political cohesion as a recipe for good governance gives him more courage to see to the welfare and unassuming political engagement with the view to bring all politicians to state growth and development.

The issue goes beyond dishing out resources to people for massaging the economic hardship, he helps in perfecting people’s transportation network, via the provision of vehicles for their personal use. He recently distributed cars and motorbikes for his people. Not because he got a single Kobo from any government institution. He uses his hard earned money to do what he sincerely believes in.

He is also being disturbed by the economic hardship plaguing the society. Which makes hunger more visible than before. That makes him to be up and doing in cushioning the effect of this ugly experience. He distributes foodstuff on frequent basis. To help body and soul live together.

Zare Jagora is not any super human being, only that he believes in making people happy. While being interested in developing his people, without recourse to any ambition or expectations, he believes when man is developed, all other systems can work in harmony to each other.

If and only if, APC as a strong party in Kano, and the nation in general, is really interested in victory, strength and service to humanity, Zare’s legacy and immense contributions to humanity should not be downgraded to the bottom of the ladder.

Anwar was former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com

November 4th, 2024

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Opinion

Northern Nigeria’s Silence Amidst Rising Injustices: A Call for a Return to Principled Leadership

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The worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria is no longer merely a concern—it has become a full-blown crisis threatening the lives and liberties of millions. Kidnapping, once considered the work of hardened criminals, is now perceived as a lucrative trade. Even more disturbing is the encroachment of this practice into governance, with reports of state authorities detaining citizens under questionable circumstances, particularly young protesters. These developments raise difficult questions about the strength and integrity of leadership in Northern Nigeria and leave us wondering whether the region still has leaders who genuinely represent its people.

The recent detention of minors, allegedly in unhealthy conditions, illustrates this chilling trend. These young individuals were reportedly taken by the authorities while engaging in a protest to call for better governance. Their alleged crime? Waving a foreign flag, in this case, the Russian flag, which authorities deemed treasonous. They did so, perhaps naively, without recognizing the potential implications, yet the state treated them with severity, reportedly requiring a staggering N10 million per person as bail. In contrast, individuals in Southern Nigeria have raised foreign flags and voiced secessionist sentiments without facing equivalent punishments.

This discrepancy raises difficult questions about the consistency of the law and whether it is applied equally across the country. Why are Northern youth held to such strict standards while similar actions in other regions seem to be treated with leniency? Historically, the North was known for its stalwart leaders—individuals who stood up for the people, challenged the government when necessary, and never allowed the region to be compromised. Leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, and Malam Aminu Kano left a legacy of dignity, integrity, and advocacy for Northern interests. These figures prioritized the wellbeing of their people, standing up against exploitation and injusticeTheir voices resonated across Nigeria, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Today, however, the lack of a unified voice from Northern leaders is disheartening. In the past, these leaders would not have hesitated to demand justice for the detained minors or to negotiate on behalf of their people. Now, the silence of Northern elites on issues like insecurity, youth incarceration, and poor governance has left a void. Instead of elders standing firmly to shield and protect the region’s youth, we are witnessing a tragic indifference that has left many young people feeling abandoned. This crisis of leadership in Northern Nigeria has had severe consequences. Kidnapping and banditry are ravaging communities, youth are disillusioned, and the voices of the people are ignored or, worse, suppressed.

The North is bleeding, and without intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate. To the elders of the North, if indeed they still exist in spirit and purpose, it is time to rise. The North needs a collective, principled voice to stand against injustice and ensure that the region’s youth are protected and that their futures are not sacrificed to lawlessness or state oppression. The need for Northern Nigeria to reclaim its dignified, protective, and principled leadership has never been more urgent. It is time to break the silence.

Abubakar Ibrahim can be reach via:

habuibrahim76@gmail.com
+2348098454956

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