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Yakubu Dogara explains why Kenya is generating greater wealth than Nigeria.
In a recent address at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Nakam Memorial School in Panyam, Plateau State, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, expressed profound concerns regarding Nigeria’s developmental lag in comparison to countries like Kenya. Dogara identified poor educational outcomes and inadequate governmental investment in education as the principal culprits undermining the nation’s progress.
He articulated a compelling argument that a well-educated populace is pivotal for fostering infrastructure development and enhancing societal growth. According to Dogara, “If you are educated, even in the absence of infrastructure, the educated mind will produce the infrastructure that is lacking.” He posited that educated individuals are capable of constructing essential facilities, such as schools and roads, and generating reliable electricity—elements crucial for economic advancement.
Pointing to Nigeria’s abundant natural resources, particularly in Plateau State, Dogara lamented that without qualitative education, both human potential and material wealth remain largely untapped. He stated, “Where you don’t have qualitative education, both the human beings and the resources that are buried under your ground will decay.” This stark reality underscores the urgent need for educational reform in Nigeria, as illustrated by the successful transformations seen in nations such as South Korea and various Asian Tigers.
Drawing a comparison with Kenya, Dogara highlighted the disheartening fact that despite Nigeria’s vast resources and larger population, Kenya’s budget exceeds that of Nigeria. He attributes this disparity to Kenya’s higher literacy rates, urging a reflection on the implications of such statistics.
The former Speaker’s remarks serve as a clarion call to governmental bodies at all levels to prioritize investments in education and human capital development. This, Dogara asserts, is the most reliable pathway to alleviating poverty and propelling Nigeria toward a prosperous future.
In conclusion, as Nigeria grapples with issues of underdevelopment, the insights articulated by Yakubu Dogara remind us that the solution lies in empowering citizens through education, ultimately enabling the nation to harness its vast resources for meaningful progress.
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing trend of renaming streets and public spaces in Lagos State without adherence to constitutional procedures or resident consultation. Falana describes these actions as unlawful and undemocratic.
In a recent statement, Falana specifically criticized the renaming of “Charley Boy Bus Stop” to “Baddo Bus Stop” by the former chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Kolade Alabi. He further cited instances of streets named after President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and alleged street naming by industrialist Aliko Dangote in honor of the late Mr. Herbert Wigwe and President Tinubu.
Falana asserts that these actions contravene the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants local government councils the exclusive authority for naming and numbering streets. He referenced the legal precedent set in Chief Obidi Ume v. Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, which affirmed the Abuja Municipal Area Council’s sole authority over street naming within its jurisdiction.
Falana emphasized that the “usurpation of the exclusive functions of local governments on street naming by certain individuals and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State cannot be justified under the Nigerian Constitution.” He highlighted the historical significance of the Charley Boy Bus Stop, arguing that its renaming without community consultation represents authoritarianism.
Furthermore, Falana expressed concern over the retention of colonial-era names while targeting names honoring Nigerians with positive societal contributions. He urged local government legislative arms to end arbitrary renaming practices, implement transparent processes with public hearings, and ensure community involvement in such decisions.
Falana concluded by stating that street names should not be altered arbitrarily to cater to the whims of political leaders or promote ethnic chauvinism, particularly in a cosmopolitan city like Lagos.
DAURA, Katsina State – In a gesture of respect and remembrance, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate for the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), and former Senate President Bukola Saraki visited the gravesite of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday.
Both Kwankwaso and Saraki offered their condolences to the family of the former Head of State in Daura. Images circulating on social media depicted the leaders in prayer at the gravesite.
Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, passed away in London following a period of illness. His remains were interred in Daura earlier this week. The visits by Kwankwaso and Saraki mark the latest in a series of tributes paid to the late president.
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday to honor the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval. This declaration is part of the ongoing seven-day national mourning period.
In a statement, the Minister described Buhari as a leader who served Nigeria with dedication and integrity, emphasizing the holiday’s purpose: to allow Nigerians to reflect on his contributions to the nation’s democratic journey and national development. Citizens are urged to use this day to promote peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, aligning with the late President’s vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria. During the mourning period, national flags will fly at half-mast. The Federal Government has expressed its deepest condolences to the family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians.
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