Connect with us

society

No More Excuses: Nigeria Must Rise Through Unity and Vision

Published

on

No More Excuses: Nigeria Must Rise Through Unity and Vision.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com

Integrity is not optional; it is survival. United we rebuild – NO MORE EXCUSES, ONLY RESULTS.

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. Blessed with human capital that numbers in the hundreds of millions and with resources that should have secured prosperity for every citizen, the nation instead wrestles with UNDERDEVELOPMENT, FRAGMENTATION and the CORROSIVE EFFECTS of POOR GOVERNANCE. The cure is neither sentimental nor simple; it is structural. When vision meets unity (when a clear, courageous national plan is backed by an unwavering commitment to integrity and justice) nations rise. Nigeria can and must be that nation. This is not rhetoric. It is a prescription grounded in evidence, proven theory and the lived experiences of countries that have turned crises into breakthroughs.

 

First, the facts: Nigeria now has a population exceeding 230 million people (Africa’s Largest) a demographic engine that, IF WELL-GOVERNED, could deliver a continental renaissance. Yet chronic weaknesses persist. Recent official recalculations show Nigeria’s GDP grew after rebasing, revealing a larger economy than previously recorded, but that statistical upgrade masks stubborn problems: unemployment, especially among youth, widespread informality in the labour market and persistent poverty for millions. These are not abstract numbers; they are human destinies deferred.

Why has such potential failed to translate into sustained progress? Because institutions (the rules, norms and organizations that structure public life) remain too often extractive rather than inclusive. Scholars such as Daron Acemoglu have shown that nations fail when political and economic institutions reward a narrow elite who capture state power and divert wealth away from development. In short: growth without inclusive institutions becomes theft dressed as policy. Nigeria’s challenge is not merely TECHNICAL; it is POLITICAL.

Corruption and weak accountability are not peripheral problems; they are central. Transparency International’s sustained analysis of governance around the world underscores how corrupt practices erode public trust, distort markets and lock countries into cycles of underperformance. For Nigeria, this means that every naira misallocated is an opportunity lost; a CLINIC not BUILT, a CLASSROOM SHUTTERED, a MICRO-ENTERPRISE that never SCALED. The structural fix requires the unglamorous work of building systems that make theft harder and public service more attractive.

No More Excuses: Nigeria Must Rise Through Unity and Vision.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com

Structural reform cannot succeed without social cohesion. Unity is not uniformity; it is a pact between diverse citizens to prioritize the common good. Nigeria’s pluralism (ETHNIC, RELIGIOUS, REGIONAL) is a strength when governed through institutions that guarantee rights, distribute opportunities fairly and punish wrongdoing impartially. Unity under a robust legal framework transforms diversity into an engine of creativity and resilience rather than a battlefield for resources.

Concrete steps to rebuild Nigeria must combine vision with relentless execution:

Reform institutions, not personalities. Reform is local and institutional. It demands independent judiciaries, merit-based civil services and transparent procurement. As economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has argued in her public interventions and writings, NATION-BUILDING requires “Decisions – tough, unpopular, but necessary ones.” Strong institutions reduce the scope for patronage politics and create predictable rules for investors and citizens alike.

Make anti-corruption systems bite. Transparency alone is insufficient; enforcement that produces consequences is essential. Strengthen anti-corruption courts, protect whistleblowers, modernize asset declarations and bring procurement into the open with digital platforms. The combination of technology and legal will turns OPACITY into ACCOUNTABILITY.

Invest in human capital at scale. Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people. Focus on universal basic health coverage, quality primary education and vocational pathways that link young people to real jobs. Tackling the twin demons of youth UNEMPLOYMENT and UNDEREMPLOYMENT requires PUBLIC-PRIVATE apprenticeship schemes, accelerated investment in agriculture & manufacturing and targeted microfinance that incentivizes formalization.

Economic diversification with small-business engines. The rebasing of Nigeria’s GDP exposed a larger services and digital economy. Policymakers must now catalyze this momentum: reduce the cost of doing business, stabilize exchange-rate policy to attract long-term capital and provide targeted support to SMEs that create most jobs. Dambisa Moyo’s critique of aid (that external money can entrench bad governance) is a cautionary reminder: true development must be led by domestic reforms that create incentives for productivity and accountability.

National civic compact and truth-telling. A durable rebuild requires a national conversation; not the shallow, media-driven variety but a serious civic compact that identifies past failures, names responsible parties where appropriate and charts a shared path forward. Truth commissions, constitutional reform conversations and civic education campaigns can transform grievance into collective responsibility.

A security architecture that respects rights. Without safety, investment and innovation stall. Security responses must be intelligence-led, rights-respecting and accompanied by socio-economic measures that address the root causes of banditry, insurgency and criminality. Militarized responses alone will never deliver lasting peace.

These steps are neither utopian nor untested. Countries that have broken cycles of extraction did so by aligning elite incentives with national interest, by making corruption risky & costly and by investing in the long-term capacities of their people. Acemoglu’s research into institutions confirms that inclusive political settlements unlock sustainable prosperity; Okonjo-Iweala’s career demonstrates that competent, courageous policy-makers can nudge nations toward better outcomes. Evidence matters: it delivers results when combined with political courage.

Let us be blunt: Nigerians have been failed by POOR LEADERSHIP, COMPLACENT BUREAUCRACY and VESTED INTERESTS that prefer the status quo. YET BLAMING ALONE ACHIEVES NOTHING. The pathway forward is accountability paired with an affirmative agenda that attracts broad social ownership. Civil society, business, faith groups and political leaders must each accept a share of responsibility and a share of sacrifice. That is the compact of national rebuilding.

We must also seize the moment. The world is not waiting for Nigeria to get its act together; capital, talent and geopolitics are mobile. Neither are opportunities wholly outside our control. With the right reforms, Nigeria will reclaim its position as an engine of African growth and a leader in continental governance. The recalibrated GDP and recent signs of growth are promising signals; but they must be translated into lived improvements for ordinary Nigerians: cleaner water, powered clinics, functioning schools and dignified work.

In closing, a fierce, disciplined optimism is required: optimism that acknowledges failure, names it, but refuses to hide behind it. Unity without vision is directionless. Vision without unity is fragile. When vision meets unity; when a shared plan rooted in integrity, justice and evidence is embraced by citizens and enforced by institutions and then NATIONS RISE. Nigeria’s renaissance is possible. It will not be granted; it will be built, brick by painstaking brick, by a citizenry and leadership willing to choose the country’s future over short-term gain.

“Change,” as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has insisted, “is about decisions; tough, unpopular, but necessary ones.” Let our leaders and our people make those decisions now. The cost of delay is not merely economic: it is moral. Rebuilding Nigeria is an obligation to future generations. Let us meet it together.

No More Excuses: Nigeria Must Rise Through Unity and Vision.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com

George O. Sylvester
Published by saharaweeklyng.com

society

Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)

Published

on

W’ Cup Qualifiers: How Super Eagles Coach Ruined Nigeria’s Chances by Ignoring Primate Ayodele’s Warnings* By Adedayo Olumide

Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)

 

Nigerians have been gripped by fear since the report of the COVID-19 variant in Cross River.

The Cross River State Ministry of Health has begun profiling and tracing individuals in the state who have been in contact with a Chinese national admitted after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.

Not many people expected this to happen in Nigeria, because since 2020 when the global pandemic happened, there hasn’t been a single case of the virus in the country until yesterday, about five years later.

However, despite the fact that Nigeria was declared Covid-19 free, popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, warned about three times that he foresees the virus coming back to Nigeria.

In his first prophecy regarding it, he warned that Nigerians should not pray to see Lassa fever and Covid-19 coming back in some areas.

“Let’s pray so that we don’t see Lassa Fever again. Let’s pray so that Covid will not come back in some areas”

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9dYjCMS/

This wasn’t given attention by many because it felt Nigeria has been immune to the virus. Everyone went about their business as usual, and in the midst of all that, Primate Ayodele warned intensely again.

“Let’s watch this for the World Health Organization, I see airborne disease, Covid in another dimension that can cause cough, cold, air disease, it’s a warning and that’s what the Lord said.”

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9dj5UL5/

This time, he specifically called out the World Health Organization about re-occurrence of Covid; and gave directions regarding how it would happen. He also emphasized that it was what the Lord said, but how many people actually listen?

Again, during a church service, Primate Ayodele warned that Covid is coming and will happen in a different way compared to the previous one. He made it known that the way of contacting it will be different from the previous one.

“Also, Covid is coming, but the way it’s going to come will be different from the way we experienced it that time. The process of contacting it will be different from the previous one.”

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9djao7v/

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9djao7v/
Likewise, in his annual prophecy book titled Warnings to the Nations, Primate Ayodele warned that another round of COVID is coming. This book was released in July 2025.

“Another round of COVID will come up, and another disease epidemic. I foresee that a lot of money will be spent, and they will face some challenges in getting things right. The workers of this Body will be attacked, and there will be changes in leadership” (Page 36)

All of these have fulfilled the prophecies of Primate Ayodele. Beyond the prophecy fulfilment, this is a call to relevant authorities to always listen when God is warning them about anything through his prophet.

Continue Reading

society

Nigerian Prophet Begs Federal Government to Stop Killing of Christians, Backs Tinubu’s Second Term

Published

on

Nigerian Prophet Begs Federal Government to Stop Killing of Christians, Backs Tinubu’s Second Term

 

Abuja – Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun, Founder of Celestrial Deliverance Church of Christ in Zhidu Village, Abuja, has made an emotional appeal to the Federal Government to stop the killing of Christians across Nigeria while also throwing his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

 

Speaking from his Abuja headquarters, the Prophet declared that leadership is a continuum and that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms require stability and time to bear fruit. He said, “Politics has nothing to do with religion. The ballot box is not the altar. Whether you are from the East, the North, the West, or the Yoruba community, we are one people under God.”

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun used the opportunity to make a special appeal to the Federal Government, saying, “I beg the Federal Government, in the name of God and for the sake of humanity: Please help stop the killing of Christians across this nation. From the villages to the cities, too much innocent blood has been shed. Targeted attacks on Christian communities must stop. We plead for stronger protection, justice for victims, and lasting peace.” He acknowledged the pain of insecurity, especially the killing of Christians and farmers across the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria, but also noted verifiable security gains under President Tinubu including over 3,000 hostages rescued from bandits and terrorists in the last 12 months, deployment of new attack helicopters and surveillance drones to flashpoints, and a reduction in oil theft from over 400,000 barrels per day to under 200,000 barrels per day.

 

He said, “The issue is security, and security is everybody’s business. We cannot build a nation if our people are not safe. But we must also acknowledge progress.” He added that a second term would allow the administration to consolidate its security architecture rather than restarting with new leadership.

 

On economic reforms, Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun argued that President Tinubu’s first term has witnessed the most audacious economic reforms in Nigeria’s recent history, including fuel subsidy removal saving the nation over ₦400 billion monthly, a unified exchange rate attracting over $2 billion in foreign portfolio inflows, the Student Loans Act benefiting over 100,000 students, and local government autonomy. He argued that no major economy in the world has successfully reversed course after landmark reforms within a single term, adding that abandoning the reform agenda now would plunge Nigeria back into uncertainty.

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun stressed that President Tinubu’s emergence broke a dangerous cycle, noting that Tinubu is the first Southern Muslim to lead Nigeria since 1993, balancing power after eight years of a Northern President. He pointed out that under Tinubu, the South holds the presidency of the Senate but the Speaker of the House is from the North-West. He urged, “Let the East join hands with the West. Let the North embrace the South. Let the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and all 250 plus tribes say: ‘Nigeria first.’”

 

Drawing comparisons to global examples such as India’s Narendra Modi, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, and Indonesia’s Joko Widodo, the Prophet argued that second terms deliver long-term prosperity. He said, “Nigeria is not an exception. If we change leadership every four years, we will remain a building site forever.”

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun closed with a prayer and a charge: “Nigeria will only rise when we rise above division. I am not speaking as Ogu, Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa. I speak as a Nigerian, and as a minister of the gospel of peace. God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” He urged all Nigerians to pray for the nation, support security agencies, and give President Tinubu the opportunity to complete what he has started. The press release was issued on 20th April 2026 from his church in Zhidu Village behind Piwoyi Village off Lugbe Airport Road, FCT Abuja.

Continue Reading

society

₦100 Million Bribe Offer Rejected As Police STS Operatives Expose Criminal Syndicate

Published

on

 

₦100 Million Bribe Offer Rejected As Police STS Operatives Expose Criminal Syndicate

 

 

 

The Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on the vandalisation of critical national infrastructure, with the arrest of two notorious suspects and the recovery of railway materials valued at over ₦400,000,000.

 

Acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, to decisively tackle acts of economic sabotage, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS), under the leadership of ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, executed a swift, intelligence-driven operation that led to the arrest of Chisom Goodnews (32) and Ahmed Adamu (22) on April 9, 2026, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

 

The suspects were intercepted while transporting vandalised railway infrastructure in a calculated attempt to evade detection. Recovered from them was a trailer truck with registration number KRB 355 SX, conveying railway tracks and sleepers weighing approximately 60 tonnes, cleverly concealed under sacks of groundnut shells. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are part of a well-coordinated syndicate responsible for the illegal removal and transportation of railway materials from Bauchi State to Ilorin, Kwara State, representing a significant threat to Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure.

 

Speaking on the operation, ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey revealed that in a desperate bid to compromise the officers and frustrate the arrest, the suspects offered a staggering sum of ₦100 million as a bribe to allow them passage with the illicit cargo. The offer was, however, outrightly rejected by the operatives, who remained resolute in the discharge of their duties. This firm stance underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed commitment to professionalism, integrity, and its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.

 

Further investigations are ongoing to apprehend the intended receiver of the stolen materials in Ilorin, as well as other members of the syndicate, while efforts are being intensified to recover additional exhibits linked to the criminal network.

 

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reiterated the Force’s unwavering resolve to bring all perpetrators of economic sabotage to justice, warning that acts of vandalisation of public assets will not be tolerated. He assured that all individuals found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law.

 

₦100 Million Bribe Offer Rejected As Police STS Operatives Expose Criminal Syndicate

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending