society
Obasanjo, experts meet on Population in Africa
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and 18 global experts in Population on Tuesday, met to fashion out how to make Africa’s population an asset rather than a liability.
At the Africa Progress Group (APG) organized international round table session, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Abeokuta, the experts, with South African philanthropist and businessman, Jonathan Oppenheimer as special guest, presented diverse papers on population issues, which they noted is a course for concern.
Obasanjo, who submitted that population in Africa was largely responsible for terrorism in the continent called on governments to address the menace before it got out of hand.
Citing the Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria, the former President lamented that 90 per cent of the followers admitted that they joined because of lack of jobs.
“The report stated that out of 10 followers questioned only one said he joined the Boko Haram because of religion the nine others because they could not find jobs to do.
“So, in essence, population can be said to be responsible for terrorism.”
In his presentation, Prof. Omolayo Opeloye of the Obafemi Awolowo University (O.A.U) observed that “if the population of a country or continent would be an asset, it must be matched by the development indices which invariably would result in high GDP and per capital income.”
Opeloye, who presented on the “Islamic Perceptive of Population Control in the African Context” recommended good governance as “sine qua non” to meaningful development.
“Therefore, African nation’s political class should leave no stone unturned in ensuring enthronement of good governments in different countries of the continent.”
Also, in his paper, “Making Africa’s Population a Blessing Rather Than A Liability” Dr. Olaide Adedokun of the Lagos State University recommended that empowering women and girls through education, improved health, wage labour and participation in decision making would go a long way in managing the population in the continent.
In a communique signed the the APG Director, Prof. Peter Okebukola
participants affirmed that “Africa’s population can be an asset not when we are able to feed the citizenry and provide good quality of life but when that population can make meaningful contribution to the entire socio-political economy society.
“To ensure that Africa’s population is an asset to development, after careful consideration of successful practices in managing populations across the world, participants recommended to African leaders as follows:
- Enthronement and promotion of competent, efficient and effective governance should be top priority for African countries as this is the lever for development and for turning the continent’s population into an asset.
- Based on the power of education in the successful management of populations, educational systems in African countries should be overhauled paying special attention to access to education (Education for all), education of women and girls, entrepreneurship and ensuring relevance of education delivered to the needs of the society. We need better harmonisation of Islamic education and Western education as successfully practised in a number of Islamic countries including Tunisia, Egypt and Indonesia.
- Invest in culturally-compliant family planning procedures, showcasing, publicising and rewarding successful practices.
- Step up public health and environmental awareness to ensure that even with large populations liability of population on health and environmental security will be mitigated
- Emphasise participation in agriculture, especially mechanised agriculture to foster food and nutrition security even with large populations.
- Improve primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare delivery systems to keep the population healthy and productive.
- Publicise and raise awareness of religious provisions that encourage practices that will slow down population growth rate.
- There must be a decision on the type of society we want especially fostering and managing egalitarianism. What is normal in every African society is the culture of sharing and caring. This culture should be universally encouraged.
- Knowledge and experience sharing of good practices in managing populations among countries in Africa and elsewhere in the world should be encouraged.
- Although the problem of population of Africa today and in the immediate future looks daunting, there are possible approaches that can access globally available resources now lying dormant. One of such approaches is harnessing permanent capital from investment markets. Governments should explore the implementation of the novel, doable idea of permanent capital to address the resource-demand of managing populations. Permanent capital is based on frameworks to address the demographic challenge relating especially to educational, political, cultural and social dimensions. To make the approach work, radical reforms are needed to the policy and regulatory environment. Reduction in overall frictional costs of doing business should also part of the reform.
They also called for enactment and enforcement of state policies “that take care of the elderly so that Asset-based and life course approach to managing Africa’s population can be optimally applied.
- Government in close cooperation with civil society and business should create an enabling environment and policies to support the building of skills and creation of jobs
- Access to low-interest loans and supporting cooperatives
Key recommendations to Development Partners include
- Support capacity-building efforts of African governments on good practices of managing populations through technical and funding assistance.
- Use final APG report on the theme as instrument for lobbying both in the north and south so that the SDGs are achieved.
Reaching religious leaders
- Population management is a sensitive issue which should be approached with caution. Those to be engaged in its propagation through faith-based activities should be those who have the right perspective of the concept.
society
Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.
“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.
The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.
The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.
According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.
The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.
It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.
The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.
The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.
The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.
“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.
Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London
Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.
The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.
He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.
“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.
“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.
“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.
“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.
“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”
The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.
Easter: Oyo PDP Guber Aspirant, Ajadi, Greets Gov Makinde, CAN, Others
The leading Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Governorship Aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has congratulated the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, (PFN) and the entire Christians on the occasion of this year’s Easter Celebration.
Ajadi said that the Good Friday which marked the remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the Easter Sunday, which marks his risen from the dead, are important dates in the Christiandom.
Ajadi in a statement he personally signed on Friday to commemorate the Easter, said that he rejoiced with Christians that this year’s celebration is being witnessed in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility in the country.
He said that he particularly rejoiced with Gov Makinde saying that his exemplary leadership and good governance in Oyo State in the last seven years has shown him as a selfless person, a lover of the masses and one who cares for others.
He said that these are the traits of a good Christian, praying that God would continue to endear the governor with more wisdom and success.
He called on Christians to remember Jesus Christ’s directive that they should love their neighbours as themselves, saying that if this directive is strictly followed there would be peace in the World.
Ajadi, who is also a renowned philanthropist, called on Christians, especially the well to do, to learn the heart of helping the poor.
He said that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ will not be in vain if Christians can abide by his directive on humility and love for one another.
Ajadi said that there is hope for Nigeria as a country despite the present harsh economy and prevalent of insecurity.
“We should take solace in the fact that God can do all things and that like He restores the lost glory and resources of the people of Zion, He will do same for Nigeria.
“Nigeria will reclaim her leading position both in Africa and among the black Nations. Let’s continue to pray for the good of our land,” Ajadi said in the statement.
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