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Reflection…DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH: WHAT WENT WRONG?
Reflection…DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH: WHAT WENT WRONG?
BY: YUSUF ADAMU
Growing up as an ‘almajiri’ boy in the early 60s, I was not subjected to the harsh condition being faced by many ‘almajiris’, I see today roaming the street in many northern states. I was living in my father’s house and only go to attend my Qur’anic School. The beauty of it all, ‘almajiris’, in those days, the ‘almajiri’ boy begs in the name of God (Ala’ro). Today, ‘almajiris’, no longer beg using the name of God. All they would say is, ‘we are hungry or we want money.
Recently, I was pondering on issues surrounding the backwardness of my dear North’. In every thing regarding development of this region, once great and mighty. While I was wondering on these issues, I was again confused following my brief chat with an ‘almajiri’ boy in between hours of my long day of worry over so many thing I could not give myself the answer that fetches any relief for me.
In my brief discussion with this lad, I ask him about his background and why at is aged, he was not living in his father’s house. His answers points to poverty, which is the only reasons an typical northerner can give in defense of his present circumstance. “I am from Katsina state, my father, Malam Garba Fori, is not working. My mother, is a petty trader – selling ‘Awara’.” He said.
Indeed, this pointed to nothing but poverty. But why are so many northern elites seemed relax with such an army of wanderers on every street in the north. Is it that, we have forgotten about our social responsibilities as a region?
After the Korean war, South Korea was one of the world’s poorest countries with only $64 per capita income. Economically, in the 1960s it lagged behind the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – currently holding
elections marred by violence . Since then the country’s fortunes have diverged spectacularly. South Korea now belongs to the rich man’s club, the OECD development assistance committee (DAC). The DRC has gone backwards since independence and, out of 187 countries, ranked bottom in the 2011 Human Development Index.
Thirty -five years ago, China’ s per capita income was only one- third of that of sub – Sahara Africa . Today , China is the world ‘ s largest manufacturing powerhouse : It produces nearly 50 percent of the world ‘ s major industrial goods , including crude steel (800 percent of the U .S . level and 50 percent of global supply ) , cement (60 percent of the world ‘ s production ) , coal ( 50 percent of the world ‘ s production ) , vehicles ( more than 25 percent of global supply ) and industrial patent applications ( about 150 percent of the U .S . level ) . China is also the world ‘ s largest producer of ships, high -speed trains , robots, tunnels , bridges , highways, chemical fibers , machine tools , computers , cellphones , etc.
China ‘ s industrial revolution , which started 35 years ago, is perhaps one of the most important economic and geopolitical phenomena since the original Industrial Revolution 250 years ago. The reason is simple : Less than 10 percent of the world ‘ s population is fully industrialized ; if China can successfully finish its industrialization, an additional 20 percent of the world ‘ s population will be entering modern times . Along the way , China is igniting new growth across Asia , Latin America, Africa and even the industrial West , thanks to the country ‘ s colossal demand for raw materials , energy , trade and capital flows .
China ‘ s rapid growth has puzzled many people, including economists .
Production of natural rubber is concentrated in a few developing countries, with Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and India accounting for a substantial volume of the world’s exports. Rubber is easily grown in hilly terrain, and has been successfully established in degraded deforested areas, leading to improved land use and a reduction of erosion, siltation and flooding. Productivity has been enormously increased through improved varieties (including better quality rootstocks) and innovations in agronomic practices, including exploitation methods (e.g. low intensity tapping with chemical stimulation to optimize productivity), advanced planting material and micro-tapping (to reduce immaturity period), and other innovations such as high intensity planting.
Palm oil production in Asia amounts to more than half of world production, with Malaysia, Indonesia and now Thailand accounting for the major share. Much progress has been made, particularly in Malaysia, in the addition of value to their products through further processing of palm oil into semi-finished and finished products. Oil palm is the most efficient producer of vegetable oils (500 percent better than soya beans), giving it greater resilience to adverse price changes.
There are prospects of even higher productivity now that improved varieties (clonal planting material) have been introduced, with a good possibility that oil quality characteristics will improve. Over the years there has been expansion of oil palm areas and intensification of downstream processing activities, largely with import substitution objectives.
Coconut is another major perennial oil crop in Asia, accounting for more than two-thirds of the world’s production. Major coconut producers are the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Coconut plantations in the region are characterized by low productivity, though efforts were made in the 1980s to improve productivity gains through the introduction of improved varieties (hybrid planting material), better use of inputs, and inter-cropping (including livestock).
In most countries, at present, marketing structures focus on oil extraction and by-product utilization. Considerable initiatives have been made to enhance productivity through improved input use, expansion of processing facilities and support of extension and research institutions.
After the Nigerian civil war, the Igbo’s were given stipend to start their lives all over, and today, the Igbo’s are the movers and shakers of the Nigeria’s economy. The north, in the 60s compare to all the countries mention above is greater. With purposeful leadership, the north is known for its farming and an upcoming revolution in agriculture, commerce and trade. However, so sad that, today, the north is reduce to a begged region. So, the question is, what went wrong?
Reflection…DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH: WHAT WENT WRONG?
IPCR Urges Peace, Unity as Nigerians Celebrate Christmas
By: Michael Mike
As Nigerians join millions around the world to mark the Christmas season, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has appealed to citizens to conduct themselves peacefully and uphold the values of unity, tolerance and mutual respect.
In a Christmas message signed by its Director-General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, the Institute described the festive period as a time for reflection, reconciliation and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence. It noted that the values associated with Christmas—love, compassion and forgiveness—remain critical to addressing the country’s security and social challenges.
The Institute stressed that peacebuilding is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of individuals, communities and institutions. According to IPCR, sustainable peace can only be achieved when justice, equity and fairness are upheld, adding that peace should be seen not merely as the absence of conflict but as the presence of social justice.
Highlighting its mandate, IPCR said it has continued to play a key role in promoting peace and stability across Nigeria through research, policy advisory services and direct interventions in conflict-prone areas. The Institute revealed that it has trained thousands of mediators, peace practitioners and community leaders, whose efforts have helped prevent the escalation of disputes and foster harmony in various parts of the country.
IPCR also called on leaders at all levels to prioritize peace and national cohesion, particularly during the festive season, while urging citizens to show compassion towards the vulnerable and marginalized in society.
The Institute reminded Christians that the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated on December 25, symbolizes peace and peaceful coexistence, values it said are essential for national development. It further advised Nigerians traveling for the celebrations to act as ambassadors of peace by spreading messages of love, tolerance and understanding wherever they go.
According to the Institute, a peaceful environment remains a catalyst for development, noting that nations that enjoy stability progress faster than those plagued by conflict.
IPCR however urged Nigerians to use the Christmas season to recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and harmonious society.
IPCR Urges Peace, Unity as Nigerians Celebrate Christmas
Damasak: Zulum Approves 30% Review of Health Workers Allowances
…Directs the Rehabilitation of Dilapidated Public Structures
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved an immediate increase in the rural allowance for health personnel at General Hospital Damasak, from 12% to 30%.
The Governor announced the measure on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the hospital as part of his ongoing security and resilience-building tour of Northern Borno. The visit included an interactive session with health workers, where he listened to their operational challenges.
“I have listened to all your concerns,” Governor Zulum stated. “Let me at this moment announce the immediate increase of rural allowance for all health personnel in General Hospital Damasak from 12% to 30%. This is to motivate the workers and ensure retention of frontline health workers in hard-to-reach areas.”
In addition to the increase in allowance, Governor Zulum directed the employment of additional laboratory staff to strengthen diagnostic services. He also confirmed that health workers currently engaged by non-governmental organisations would be automatically absorbed into the state civil service upon the expiration of their contracts.
Furthermore, the Governor approved the automatic employment of all 30 volunteer health workers at the facility into the state health system. “I further directed that they be enrolled in government-supported training and capacity-building programmes to enhance their professional skills,” he said, also presenting each volunteer with a cash support of ₦50,000 in appreciation of their frontline service.
The Governor equally approved the immediate provision of a 120KVA generator to ensure uninterrupted power supply, the deployment of an ambulance to enhance emergency response, and the renovation of staff quarters.
He stressed that his vision is to deliver quality, affordable, and reliable healthcare to every community. He emphasised that “health is wealth” and remains a cornerstone of sustainable development in Borno State.
…Directs the Rehabilitation of Dilapidated Public Structures
Prior to the hospital visit, Governor Zulum conducted an early-morning inspection of key public institutions in Damasak, including the Central Primary School, a newly completed Mega High Islamic School, a 20-unit housing estate, and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, where he directed the immediate renovation of dilapidated buildings.
“The visit was to enable my administration to take immediate and informed decisions on renovation,” the Governor said, stressing that “no child should be forced to learn in an unsafe or unconducive environment.”
He added: “I want to reassure the IDPs of continued government support. Improving the living conditions for displaced families remains a moral obligation and a key pillar of my administration’s recovery and resettlement agenda.”
Upon his arrival in Damasak on Tuesday, Governor Zulum visited troops of the 5 Brigade Nigerian Army who was received by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General R. O. Agbi, where he paid tribute to their service. He praised what he described as their “exceptional doggedness and gallantry” in safeguarding lives and communities, reaffirming that security remains the cornerstone of his administration’s agenda for peace and development.
Damasak: Zulum Approves 30% Review of Health Workers Allowances
Borno Govt Disburses ₦15m to 500 Widows, Orphans in Christmas Welfare Outreach
By: Our Reporter
The Borno State Government has disbursed the sum of ₦15 million to 500 widows and orphans across the state as part of its Christmas welfare intervention programme.
The gesture was carried out through the Ohaneze APC Support Group and officially flagged off at a ceremony organised by the group to mark the Yuletide season.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman and Coordinator of the Ohaneze APC Support Group, Chief Ugochukwu E. Egwudike JP (Go Easy), said the initiative was designed to bring relief and encouragement to vulnerable members of society and to ensure they share in the joy of the Christmas celebration.
Chief Egwudike explained that each beneficiary received ₦30,000, noting that the programme reflects the commitment of the Borno State Government to compassion, inclusiveness and social welfare, particularly during major religious festivities.
He further commended the state government for prioritising the welfare of widows, orphans and other less-privileged citizens, stressing that the administration remains focused on policies and programmes that promote social protection and community wellbeing.
Some of the beneficiaries, while speaking at the event, expressed appreciation to the state government and the Ohaneze APC Support Group for the timely intervention, describing it as a morale booster that would enable them to celebrate Christmas with dignity and renewed hope.
Borno Govt Disburses ₦15m to 500 Widows, Orphans in Christmas Welfare Outreach
IPCR Urges Peace, Unity as Nigerians Celebrate Christmas
Damasak: Zulum Approves 30% Review of Health Workers Allowances
Borno Govt Disburses ₦15m to 500 Widows, Orphans in Christmas Welfare Outreach
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