Today’s Athena Daily Brief brings a mix of developments, ranging from new initiatives in educational scholarships to federal-state tensions over mining rights, flood crises, national security updates, and concerns around the upcoming U.S. elections. Below are the key stories for today, presented with insights that matter:
- NDDC Launches Tracking System for Foreign Scholarship Students
- No State Can Ban Mining Operations – Alake
- Kogi Seeks FG’s Intervention as Flood Ravages 70 Communities
- Terrorist Kingpin Turji in Panic State – CDS
- Biden Not Confident US Election Will Be Peaceful
NDDC Launches Tracking System for Foreign Scholarship Students
In a forward-thinking move, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced its plan to revamp its foreign postgraduate scholarship scheme by introducing a new tracking system. This system will monitor the progress of its scholars, not just during their studies, but also after graduation.
At a meeting in the UK with over 200 scholars, the NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, highlighted that the tracking system would create a comprehensive database to assess the long-term impact of the program. The ultimate goal is to evaluate how effectively this initiative contributes to building human capacity in the Niger Delta region, while focusing more on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine (STEM) fields.
Comment: This is a commendable strategy. A tracking system doesn’t just help with keeping tabs on scholars but also offers insights into how scholarship investments translate into regional growth. Such data will be tremendously important for shaping future policy interventions, as it could ensure that the region remains competitive in critical fields like STEM.
No State Can Ban Mining Operations – Alake
A constitutional showdown seems to be brewing between the Federal Government and several state governments over control of mining operations. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, firmly stated that only the Federal Government has authority over mining activities, in response to recent attempts by states like Osun and Kogi to close down mining sites.
According to Alake, mining is on the exclusive legislative list, which implies that states have no legal standing to regulate or halt mining activities. He warned that indiscriminate closures of mining operations could scare off foreign investors, which would negatively impact the economy.
Comment: Alake’s defense of federal control raises questions about the balance of power between the central government and states. While state governments argue they are protecting local communities and environments, the legal reality stands firm: mining is a federal matter. A harmonious balance is needed to avoid discouraging potential investments in the sector. But that balance must also ensure full transparency.
Kogi Seeks FG’s Intervention as Flood Ravages 70 Communities
Disaster has struck Kogi State, as floods have displaced thousands of residents across 70 communities. The state’s Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, is appealing for Federal Government intervention, noting that the scale of the crisis has overwhelmed the state’s resources.
Despite some preparedness, the extent of the flooding has proven too great for Kogi’s government alone. Farmlands have been submerged, homes destroyed, and affected residents relocated to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. The state’s plea is clear: they need help, and fast.
Comment: Flooding is an annual disaster in many parts of Nigeria, and this situation raises, once again, the urgency of robust national disaster management plans. While states like Kogi are doing their best to respond, the scope of such crises demands collective action, with federal support as a critical lifeline.
Terrorist Kingpin Turji in Panic State – CDS
Bello Turji, one of the most notorious terrorist kingpins in Nigeria’s North West, is reportedly in a state of panic following the military’s recent operations that have decimated his ranks. According to Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, the elimination of Turji’s mentor, Halilu Buzu, has left him and his gang rattled.
Turji’s fear marks a significant victory in the military’s ongoing battle against terrorism. His previous bravado, marked by public proclamations and violent raids, has now given way to desperation as the pressure mounts. Musa emphasized that the military’s offensive would continue until the likes of Turji are completely neutralized.
Comment: If this is absolutely true, it stands a reminder that persistence pays off in combating terrorism. However, as Musa pointed out, deeper issues like poverty and illiteracy continue to feed the insurgency. Long-term peace will depend not just on military might but also on addressing these root causes.
Biden Not Confident US Election Will Be Peaceful
As the U.S. prepares for its upcoming election, President Joe Biden expressed concerns that it might not be peaceful, given the aggressive rhetoric surrounding the campaigns. Citing Republican contender Donald Trump’s incendiary remarks and past rejections of election results, Biden admitted he’s unsure if the November election will avoid violence.
Biden’s words add to a growing chorus of concern from analysts and lawmakers about the stability of the electoral process. Trump’s refusal to accept his 2020 defeat, coupled with his supporters’ actions during the Capitol insurrection, has raised fears of a repeat scenario.
Comment: This is a tense period for U.S. democracy. While free and fair elections are the cornerstone of democratic systems, the possibility of unrest shows that the nation’s political fabric is fraying. The global spotlight will be on the U.S., and the stakes are not just national but international. The U.S. must do everything it could to avert any potential violence during this critical election. It stands as a symbol of democracy across the world, so it must continue to give good examples of how a good democracy looks like.
By Aliyu Jalal