1. Sowore leads protest at Force headquarters, demands Egbetokun’s ouster as IG
Activist Omoyele Sowore led a protest at the Nigerian Police headquarters demanding the removal of Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun. Protesters argued that Egbetokun’s continued stay violates the constitution, which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or age 60. Despite retiring in 2024, his tenure was extended through an amended Police Act, sparking outrage. They claim this move blocks promotions for younger officers and undermines justice. Protesters criticized President Tinubu for allowing Egbetokun to remain, referencing a statement by the Attorney General that confirmed his retirement. They pledged to keep pushing until he steps down, citing it as unconstitutional and unfair. Read more
Athena Commentary:
In well-governed countries, leadership in law enforcement follows clear rules—once you reach retirement age or years of service, you step down. This ensures fairness, career growth, and public trust. But in Nigeria, extending the IGP’s tenure after retirement weakens the rule of law and blocks younger officers’ progress. It also sets a dangerous precedent of bending laws for political convenience. Countries like the UK or Canada uphold strict retirement laws for public officers to avoid such conflicts. Nigeria must do the same to promote discipline, uphold the constitution, and restore confidence in its institutions and leadership processes.
2. FG, China company sign $328m agreement to boost Nigeria’s electricity
The Nigerian government has signed a $328 million deal with China Machinery Engineering Company to improve electricity transmission across the country. The project will upgrade and build 330kV and 132kV transmission lines, helping to deliver 7,140 megawatts of power to homes and businesses. The Power Minister said this will ease pressure on the grid, create jobs, and improve electricity supply. He urged Nigerians to protect these vital infrastructures, noting that taxpayers will bear the cost. The move aims to fix key challenges in Nigeria’s power sector and support economic growth through a more stable and reliable electricity supply. Read more
Athena Commentary:
While Nigeria’s $328 million deal with China is a positive step, it reflects the country’s continued reliance on foreign solutions for critical infrastructure. In better-performing countries like Germany or South Korea, electricity systems are regularly upgraded using local expertise, transparent processes, and sustainable financing. These countries prioritize long-term planning, innovation, and maintenance—reducing system failures and ensuring reliable supply. Nigeria, on the other hand, still struggles with unstable power despite huge investments. Without local capacity development, proper oversight, and accountability, such projects risk becoming another missed opportunity rather than a real solution to Nigeria’s long-standing electricity problems.
3. Nigeria needs better-equipped universities and less government reliance — Okonedo
Enase Okonedo, Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, highlights the urgent need for more and better-equipped universities in Nigeria, stressing that over 75% of UTME applicants are denied admission annually. She calls for reduced dependence on government funding, improved infrastructure, and fair access to student loans for private university students. Okonedo also advocates for gender diversity in leadership, adult literacy, and supportive policies for women in academia. She defends the integrity of private universities and urges a review of current education laws to allow public universities more financial autonomy and competitiveness. She believes these changes are crucial for meaningful educational reform in Nigeria. Read more
Athena Commentary
In better-performing countries, universities are well-funded through diverse sources—government, private sector, endowments, and tuition—ensuring stable operations and quality education. Admission is often merit-based with room for most qualified applicants, unlike Nigeria where limited spaces shut out many. Student loans are inclusive, covering both public and private institutions. Gender diversity in leadership is actively promoted, with systems that support work-life balance for women. In contrast, Nigeria’s heavy reliance on government funding, poor infrastructure, and exclusionary policies hinder progress. Without reforms to funding, governance, and equity, Nigerian universities will continue to lag behind their global counterparts in quality and access.
4. Jonathan Urges African Leaders to Back Agriculture with Political Will, Innovative Policies
At a major agricultural event in Nairobi, former President Goodluck Jonathan urged African leaders to support agriculture through strong political will and innovative, science-driven policies. He emphasized the need for appointing competent experts regardless of political ties, citing his own success with leaders like Akin Adesina and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Jonathan warned against policy inconsistency and called for research-based decision-making aligned with local realities. He encouraged collaboration between governments, academia, and the private sector to ensure research leads to real development. He also urged leaders to focus more on citizens’ welfare than clinging to power. Read more
Athena Commentary:
Jonathan’s message hits at the heart of Africa’s agricultural struggle: leadership. Unlike in countries like the Netherlands or Brazil, where science-led farming thrives due to consistent policy and expert-led governance, many African nations still treat agriculture as an afterthought. His call to appoint competent professionals over political loyalists mirrors what has worked elsewhere. Jonathan rightly stresses that real progress comes when leaders stop chasing power and start backing policies grounded in local realities and research. Without continuity, vision, and collaboration across sectors, agriculture in Africa will keep falling behind. His example proves that the right leadership can drive real change.
Compiled by:
Isah Kamisu Madachi