Population control is conversation many Nigerians prefer not to engage in. However, any nation that desires strategic growth must first compare its population with its resources. In 1962, Nigeria's population was about 47 million, after the 1991 census the figure had grown up to 88 million and by 2006 there were over 140 million Nigerians. Speculatively, Nigeria's population is about 216 million at present but the forthcoming census exercise will determine the real figures. Of course, the figures might not be accurate, given the methods of data collection and the politics that permeates census in Nigeria, but in any case we must admit that we are having a threatening population; not just because of the numbers, but because of the resources which do not match the population. An unchecked population of unskilled, uneducated, and unhealthy people sets the backdrop for the rise in violent crimes, corruption, insecurity, and any other vice your can think of.
It might surprise you to find out that in spite of large number of deaths owing to sickness, reckless driving, and terrorist acts, there are still more births. In fact, the births outnumber the deaths by 10:1. Anyone who has his eyes on the future will make population control a priority, because it is more than just hatching thumbs for the ballot. It is more about security and development. Unfortunately, if you have witnessed any of the debates in the National Assembly on population control, you will just pack your bags and get going. Religionists are also adding fuel to the fire and very few people live in the reality of a potentially bleak future.
With the reputation of doing the right thing at the wrong time, last week, President Muhammadu Buhari launched the Revised National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development, stressing the need for urgent measures to address Nigeria’s high fertility rate, through expanding access to modern contraceptive methods across the country.
The President also inaugurated the National Council on Population Management, chaired by him, and the Vice President as the deputy chairman with Heads of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies as members. There are several contending issues around population control that go beyond the family. For example, Nigeria has a youthful population of up to 70% most of which are women (fertile ones) and if such things like teenage pregnancies, multiple spouses and the like are left unchecked then wahala is the portion of our children. They may not have access to education, health care, and many benefits that come with one's citizenship.
I would want believe that examples of such were the two out-of-school children whom Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State stopped his convoy for and offered them scholarship. We are not going to discuss the probability of a showmanish intent, but the point is that there are many of such children out there especially, with due respect, in the north. Once the needful is done, there would be no need for Governors to stop their motorcades in order to make a statement on charity. In any case, Sanwo-Olu is highly commended but it should go beyond that.
Still talking about education, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has warned that it would embark on a Fresh indefinite strike. Recall that the last strike was suspended in December, 2020. Again, many of the contending issues boil down to the naira. If we can afford to spend much on security, then why not on education? However, I am quite concerned about education at the foundation level (especially primary education) which appear to have no one to make a case for it.
Hopefully, one of the new members of ASUU would be Federal College of Education Pankshin which has recently been upgraded to the Federal University of Education Pankshin courtesy of the untiring effort of Yusuf Gagdi, Honourable Member representing Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. We pray that when the University takes shape properly, the biennial tradition of ASUU strikes would have stopped.
last week, it was discovered that the AGF, Malami, has secretly awarded a multi-billion naira asset recovery contract to Law firm. The law firm was promised 3% for all assests recovered. there are about 74 properties scattered in choice locations set to be recovered from looters. So the firm was to work with Asset Recovery and Management Unit (ARMU) under the office of the Attorney General. Now I am asking, why didn't the ARMU go about the asset recovery itself? It should also be stated that the asset recovery is to be done in secrecy. What more can I say?
Bandits released Kano man after getting 6 crates of beer, 2 motorcycles and 5,000 naira. I am still asking, who was the crates of beer meant for? Maybe soon the bandits will start asking for jerycans of burkutu as part of the ransom.
See you next week!
#FreeLeahSharibu
#SecureNigeria
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