society
COVID-19: CACOVID launches N23b food palliative for 1.7m households
Nigeria’s Private Sector led Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) yesterday formally announced the flag-off of a nationwide distribution of multi-billion naira food palliative and other relief items to mitigate the adverse effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic on vulnerable Nigerians.
The food relief materials for which the private sector operators are spending about N23 billion, will cover 1.7 families amounting to about 10 million people across the 774 local governments in the country, including the Federal Capital Territory.
CACOVID Administrator and CEO of Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), Zouera Youssoufou told newsmen in Lagos that the food distribution is the next phase in the line of actions mapped out by the coalition to partner government in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and relief the vulnerable people of the burden posed by the outbreak of the disease.
Zouera disclosed that with the announcement in Lagos, the Coalition has divided the nation into the six geo-political zones and the distribution was being flagged-off simultaneously in states such as Adamawa, Yobe, Ekiti Ogun, delta, Edo, Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna, Plateau, and Nasarawa.
The offer of food palliatives, it will be recalled is coming on the heels of donations by CACOVID, of medical equipment in some instances to state governments to strengthen their response capacity and outright building of isolation facilities in about 38 centres in the country for which the Coalition had spent about N15 billion to help ease off the pressure on the states and federal government in their responses to the Pandemic.
CACOVID has also helped to reinforce the testing capacity of the NCDC with the donation of over 300,000 test kits and PPEs just as the Coalition is primed to commence the third and final phase of its COVID-19 response plan.
Mrs. Youssoufou displaying some of the food items disclosed that each family that would benefit from the palliatives would receive in various quantities, Rice, Pasta, Garri, Maize, Semo, noodles, salt and Sugar.
She explained the rationale behind the involvement of private sector operators in the fight against Covid-19 saying the irreducible minimum the private sector could do as partners in nation building is to collaborate with government at all levels to help fight the pandemic and reduce the hardship it has brought upon the nation and her people.
“CACOVID has since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic been committed to providing relief packages to the most vulnerable. The Coalition’s primary focus was to aid the Federal Government in the fight against COVID-19”,
“Having done this successfully, we are turning our attention to offering a reprieve to households who have been adversely affected by the scourge of the virus. Through this Food Relief Programme, we will be reducing the risk of a second viral wave by encouraging people to remain indoors rather than expose themselves when seeking to provide food for themselves and their families, Zouera stated.
The Aliko Dangote Foundation CEO reiterated that the Coalition will be working closely with the state governments through the Nigerian Governors Forum to ensure all targeted families are reached and that it is done transparently.
She said: “The State Governors and FCT Minister, through the State Implementation Committee, will appoint a coordinator to diligently record and send an accurate and complete copy of the inventory tracker and goods delivery notes to the CACOVID Operations Center daily through the State CACOVID Representative to ensure timely and efficient delivery and proper transparency and accountability.”
According to her; “The Food Relief Programme is being managed by the CACOVID Operations Centre in Lagos and we have procured the various food items from leading Nigerian Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies to achieve the necessary scale, speed, and quality assurance at carefully negotiated prices that reflect value for money without creating negative market distortions. Each pack or box is clearly identified and marked as ‘Not For Sale’.
“CACOVID has laid out an elaborate plan and will be distributing the relief packages to the target beneficiaries across all 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria with the State Governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as champions of this initiative in each state”, Youssoufou added.
She assured that since the resources of CACOVID are the contributions of private sector operators, operations and the account are being audited to ensure transparency and accountability.
Explaining the strategy being adopted for the distribution, Ms Osayi Alile, CEO, AspireCoronation Trust (ACT) Foundation, who is also CACOVID
Operations Implementation Committee member, explained that the Coalition was not political party biased but discharging its mandates to all Nigerians as ;aid out in the CACOVID objectives and goals.
According to her, a state implementation Committee has been constituted in each state which in turn draw up a list of households based on clearly defined criteria used to select the benefitting households that is consistent with the objectives of the CACOVID National Food Relief Programme.
“The State Government, through the State Implementation Committee, will organize for representatives of all the state Local Government Areas (LGAs) to collect the allocations for each LGA and oversee the redistribution to each Ward and onto each eligible beneficiary at the grassroots subsequently based on an agreed distribution schedule”, she explained.
In his remark, the Group Chief Corporate Communication Officer, Mr. Anthony Chiejina stated that while the food distributions are going on across the nation the Coalition would continue to intensify its grassroots awareness campaign on the virus simultaneously.
“While the people are being fed, we are also telling them that the virus is real and what should be done by way of hygiene to stay safe.”
Another CACOVID leader and the Group Head, Corporate Communication, Access Bank Plc, Amaechi Okobi pleaded with the media to help inform the people of the food distribution phase of the Coalition action plan saying the people deserve to know is being done to compliment government’s efforts to reduce the effect of the deadly virus.
society
Sex-for-Grades Scandal: Over 50 Nigerian Lecturers Indicted in Four-Year Wave of Sexual Misconduct
Praying While Nigeria Burns: How Religious Cowardice Has Replaced National Responsibility
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In a country where churches and mosques line every street corner, where vigils echo louder than town hall meetings and where men of God are treated like royalty, Nigeria in 2025 is still groaning under the weight of insecurity. From banditry in the North-West, terrorism in the North-East, secessionist unrest in the South-East and rampant kidnapping across the South, Nigerians continue to live under siege. Yet, rather than confronting the root of this evil, too many of our religious leaders are asking citizens to “pray harder.”
If prayer alone could guarantee security, we would not need the police, the military, intelligence services or national security councils. We would simply replace the Ministry of Defence with a Ministry of Intercession. Unfortunately, this is not heaven, it is a country under attack and prayer is not a national security policy.
The Dangerous Illusion of Prayer as a Policy
The recent calls from Nigerian clerics urging citizens to “seek God’s intervention” against rising insecurity are not just misguided, they are dangerously irresponsible. It represents a national culture of escapism, one that tries to outsource responsibility to divine forces rather than holding government accountable or proposing concrete solutions.
As the saying goes, “God has no hands but ours.” Even the Bible itself warns against blind faith without action. James 2:17 declares: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” In Islam, the Hadith encourages believers to “tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah.” So why are Nigeria’s men of God promoting helplessness?
Nigeria’s Grim Security Reality
According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2024, Nigeria remains one of the top 10 countries most impacted by terrorism, trailing only behind countries like Afghanistan and Syria. Boko Haram, ISWAP, Fulani herdsmen and bandits have killed over 80,000 Nigerians since 2011. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) reported that over 5,000 Nigerians were killed or kidnapped between January and October 2024 alone.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has repeatedly promised security reform, but the streets tell a different story. Communities in Zamfara, Niger and Borno continue to pay “taxes” to bandits. Schools are shut down in large swathes of the North for fear of abductions. In the South-East, military checkpoints have turned into extortion points while criminals hide under political agitation.
Yet, despite these glaring facts, instead of storming government houses with demands for justice and reform, our spiritual leaders are organizing “national days of prayer.”
Spiritual Cowardice in Robes and Collars
Many of Nigeria’s revered pastors and imams have simply chosen the path of least resistance. Rather than speak truth to power like the prophets of old like Elijah who confronted kings or Imam Ibn Taymiyyah who defied tyrants, they’ve become chaplains of the corrupt elite. Their pulpits are now platforms for praise-singing those in power, not calling them to accountability.
When was the last time you heard a popular megachurch pastor directly criticize Nigeria’s defense budget mismanagement? Or an influential imam demand police reform beyond platitudes? What we hear instead are sermons about “spiritual warfare” against “evil forces in high places” a euphemism that conveniently keeps them from naming names.
As Martin Luther King Jr. rightly said, “A time comes when silence is betrayal.” Nigeria’s religious leaders are betraying their flocks by cloaking cowardice in the garment of faith.
The Economics of Prayer-Based Leadership
Part of the reason religious leaders lean so heavily on prayer is because insecurity is good for business. The more afraid people are, the more likely they are to run to churches and mosques for solace. It creates a dependency loop, terror feeds fear, fear drives faith and faith fills offering baskets.
Nigeria’s religious industry is worth billions. Churches and mosques build estates, own private jets and have media empires. In many parts of Nigeria, clerics wield more power than governors. But what do they use that influence for? Is it to demand security architecture reform? No. It is to tell you that you were kidnapped because your “spiritual hedge was down.”
There is a difference between spiritual leadership and religious profiteering. The latter thrives in chaos.
What Real Leaders Do
History provides us with examples of faith leaders who were not afraid to fight for justice. Archbishop Desmond Tutu in apartheid South Africa used the church as a base for resistance, not resignation. Malcolm X spoke against oppression from the mosque, not merely prayed it away. In Nigeria, the likes of Archbishop Anthony Olubunmi Okogie and Sheikh Gumi (in his earlier years) stood for justice not silence.
The role of the clergy should be prophetic not passive. Nigeria does not need intercessors who romanticize passivity; we need warrior-priests who will take bold stands and tell the government, “Your failure is unholy.”
Security Is a Civic Duty, Not a Spiritual Event
The Nigerian government budgets billions for defense. In the 2024 national budget, over N3.25 trillion (about $2 billion) was allocated to security, yet insecurity remains a constant. The issue is not prayer; it is poor governance, corruption, lack of intelligence coordination and under-equipped forces.
Prayer is a private discipline; security is a public responsibility. No amount of fasting can stop a bandit with an AK-47. What stops him is law enforcement, intelligence and effective prosecution. Those who keep shifting the burden to God are enabling the failure of man.
As Thomas Jefferson once said, “God helps those who help themselves.”
What Must Change?
Religious Accountability: Men of God must be held to account for what they preach. Those who perpetuate fear instead of faith, and compliance instead of courage, should be challenged publicly.
Civic Education: Citizens must be taught that while prayer is valuable for personal peace, it is no substitute for civic engagement. Nigerians must demand results from security agencies, lawmakers and local leaders.
Security Reform: The Nigerian government must invest in not just military hardware but in intelligence, rapid response units, community policing and forensic investigation capabilities.
Courageous Clergy: Nigeria needs a new generation of fearless clerics, imams and pastors who will occupy not just prayer grounds, but protest grounds.
Demystify Religious Authority: Nigerians must stop giving religious leaders uncritical reverence. Ask questions. Demand clarity. Challenge false narratives.
Final note
Nigeria’s insecurity crisis is not just the failure of government; it is the silence of the pulpit. While prayer is noble, when used to mask cowardice, it becomes spiritual malpractice. The nation is bleeding. Children are being kidnapped. Farmers are being slaughtered. Soldiers are dying. And instead of resistance, we get prayer requests?
If Jesus overturned tables in the temple to cleanse corruption, what excuse do today’s religious leaders have for shaking hands with tyrants and thieves? If Prophet Muhammad led his followers to battle for justice, why are Nigerian imams calling for passivity?
A praying nation is a powerful thing. But a nation that prays without action is doomed to die with folded hands.
TY Buratai literary Initiative distributes books to school in Kaduna
From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYLI) founded by the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd) has distributed 40 assorted books to Girau International School in Kaduna.
According to chairman of TYLI, Dr. Liz Ben-Iheanacho, there are five boxes containing 40 assorted books each to be distributed to five schools across the country for the 2025 programme.
She said Girau school was the first to receive the box for book placement in schools this year
Speaking to newsmen at the occasion, Iheanacho assured that the foundation will continue to engage Nigerian youths through literacy and literary advocacy.
“We are making impact, one reader one time, transforming literary fortunes six winners at a time and with clarity and focus, will continue to work towards a more literate Nigeria as the vehicle for social transformation.
“The Foundation is an educational outreach and community give-back service initiative that has mandate to contribute to a more literate Nigeria through book placements which ensure quality, age appropriate leisure reading materials for youths.
“It also exist to incubate literary potentials through the TYBLI Young Adult Literature Prize. During its maiden outing in 2024, the foundation kept faith with its mandate by placing book box in 3 schools: Nasarawa state and FCT.
“It also expanded the number of literary awards available in Nigeria, birthed the number of winners of a single literary prize in Nigeria”. She said
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Girau International School, Rear Admiral Abdul Adamu Biu (Retd) stated that, “At Girau International School (GIS), our curriculum is a blend of Nigeria and British curriculum. We also boast of experienced teachers, secure learning environment and unique Eco-Friendly structures as well as modern learning facilities conforming to the objectives of Basic Education.
“The choice of a blended curriculum is to enhance learning outcomes that exposes learners to a wider range of deliverables that include skill acquisition, technology, practical life experiences and hands-on-learning programs for children of all ages. At GIS, we give attention to excellent handwriting skill, reading and spelling proficiency as well as mental mathematical accuracy.
“We also train our learners on public speaking, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT). Teacher training and development is also an ongoing process in a sustained manner to ensure teachers are in tune with new trend and technological advancement in the educational sector.
“Learning is a world of fun and adventure at GIS. That’s why we are dedicated to developing early readers while focusing on comprehensive educational development. In this regards, we dedicate reading time where we employ phonics, fluency, vocabulary development and key reading strategies to enhance comprehension.
“This speaks to the ‘Book Placement Project’ by the TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI) as we are witnessing today. The ‘Book Placement Project’ can be summed up to be Literary appreciation which is a process of actively reading, understanding, and critically evaluating work of literature, considering its various elements, including theme, style, language, and overall impact.
“Therefore, by accepting the ‘Book Placement Project’, GIS will ensure that both subjective engagement and objective analysis will be utilized to ultimately deepen understanding and enjoyment of the text to be read by our learners.
“GIS is here instituting two categories of awards to support the ‘Book Placement Project’ initiative. The awards will be ‘The Most Number of Books Read’ and the ‘Best Reviewers’. The first to third positions in each categories will be awarded accordingly”.
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