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What Buhari must do to tackle insecurity, killings, kidnapping – Social Workers

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THE umbrella body of all Social Workers across the country, Nigeria Association of Social Workers, NASOW, has unearthed what Nigerian government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari must do to end insecurity, killings, kidnapping, insurgency and other social vices across the country.

NASOW in a statement issued and jointly signed by its National President, Comrade Kolawole Olawale and National General Secretary, Comrade Jamilu Musa, a copy of which was made available to newsmen recently, suggested that the best way to end insecurity in the country is for the present government to device mechanism for efficient survellence, crime education, patrolling and intelligent gathering.

The association, comprising Medical Social Workers, Social Work Educators, Psychiatric Social Workers, School Social Workers and all other practising Social Workers both in government and private sectors noted that the need to respond to the array of social problems militating against the survival of Nigeria was necessary because, one of its main concern is the promotion and protection of individuals right, welfare and life of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, race, zone, religious or political affiliation.

NASoW in the press statement titled “Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) frowned at incessant and barbaric killing of people in Nigeria” hinted further that Nigerian Social Workers deemed it fit and feel seriously concerned in responding to the current incessant killing, insecurity of life and property and victimization of individuals across some areas in Nigeria.

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Sympathizing with affected persons and communities over the incident, the body, however called for immediate arrest of the situation as well as improve security quality and quantity across the country with a view to prevent reoccurrence.

NASOW, also in the statement recommended an objective investigation of the situation in order to get to the root causes as it demanded that perpetrators of the act should be brought into book.

It further urged the Buhari led government and all stakeholders to refocused on establishment of an effective community based policing with necessary support and enabling environment.

Similarly, NASOW suggested that government, philanthropists, and all other development organizations should immediately mobilize support and put in place the process of counseling and reintegration of the victims.

It also called its chapters in the affected areas to come up with necessary and affordable support to victims so that restoration and reintegration can be made possible and in no distance time.

NASOW said in the statement that the Nigeria Association of Social Workers, an umbrella body for all practising social workers associations and educators in Nigeria has among its concern the promotion and protection of individuals right, welfare and life of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, race, zone, religious or political affiliation.

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Part of the statement reads: ” The Association deem it fit and feel seriously concerned in responding to the current incessant killing, insecurity of life’s and property and victimization of individuals across some areas in Nigeria. The Association view the act as abnormal, barbaric and deeply frowned and condemned this inhuman and irrational behavior. It is really sad and most unfortunate especially at this time when government is fully concentrated its attention towards restoration of peace and normalcy in the North east and South south geo-political zones of the country.

“On this note, NASoW called on immediate arrest of the situation as well as improve security quality and quantity across the country with a view to prevent reoccurrence. Government at all levels should device mechanism for efficient survellence, crime education, patrolling and intelligent gathering.

“An objective investigation of the situation should be put in place in order to get to the root causes and perpetrators of the act should be brought into book. Government and all stakeholders should refocused on establishment of an effective community based policing with necessary support and enabling environment

“The Association finally sympathize with all affected persons and communities over the incident and condole the families of those who lost their lives. Government, philanthropists, and all other development organizations should immediately mobilize support and put in place the process of counseling and reintegration of the victims.

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“Nigeria Association of Social Workers is also calling its chapters in the affected areas to come up with necessary and affordable support to victims so that restoration and reintegration can be made possible and in no distance time”.

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National Issues

16 Governors Back State Police Amid Security Concerns

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In response to the escalating security challenges plaguing Nigeria, no fewer than 16 state governors have thrown their weight behind the establishment of state police forces.

This development was disclosed by the National Economic Council (NEC) during its 140th meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, which took place virtually on Thursday.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, who briefed State House Correspondents after the meeting, revealed that out of the 36 states, 20 governors and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were yet to submit their positions on the matter, though he did not specify which states were among them.

The governors advocating for state police also pushed for a comprehensive review of the Nigerian Constitution to accommodate this crucial reform. Their move underscores the urgency and gravity of the security situation across the nation.

Similarly, the NEC received an abridged report from the ad-hoc committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control. This committee, headed by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, highlighted the areas of oil leakages within the industry and identified instances of infractions.

Governor Uzodinma’s committee stressed the imperative of political will to drive the necessary changes and reforms needed to combat crude oil theft effectively.

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National Issues

Weak Institutions Impede Nigeria’s Sustainable Development – Says US Don

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Renowned academician, Professor Augustine Okereke, from the Medgar Evers College/City University of New York, has emphasised the detrimental impact of a lack of strong social institutions on Nigeria’s sustainable development.

Presenting a lead paper at the First Annual Ibadan Social Science Conference hosted by the University of Ibadan, Professor Okereke urged President Bola Tinubu to foster robust institutions capable of combatting corruption and addressing social ills.

“All our institutions are on the decline,” warned Professor Okereke, underscoring the urgent need for effective structures to facilitate sustainable development. He highlighted the challenges faced by African countries, emphasising the risk of continued poverty, underemployment, and injustice without these foundational structures.

The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ibadan, Professor Ezebunwa Nwokocha, asserted the university’s commitment to providing intellectual, context-specific solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.

He called on state and federal governments to patronise researchers in the country, emphasising the faculty’s reputation for producing intellectual leaders.

Professor Nwokocha stated, “Our faculty is reputed for offering deeply intellectual, workable, and context-specific solutions to the challenges faced by Nigeria over the ages.” He emphasised the significance of the conference’s theme in aiding Nigeria’s navigation through its complex existential reality marked by despair, rising inflation, insecurity, corruption, and unemployment.

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During the conference’s opening, Vice Chancellor Professor Kayode Adebowale noted the relevance of the theme, “Social Science, Contemporary Social Issues, and the Actualization of Sustainable Development,” urging participants to generate transformative ideas for Nigeria.

Acknowledging the nation’s progress over 63 years, he expressed concern over setbacks in the economy and social indices, hoping the conference would proffer solutions.

In his keynote address, Professor Lai Erinosho stressed the rapid worldwide social change in the digital age, citing both benefits and unanticipated consequences for human survival. He cautioned against embracing same-sex relationships, citing dangerous implications for humanity.

The First Annual Ibadan Social Science Conference convened a diverse array of participants to explore solutions and intellectual leadership in addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

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National Issues

Nigerians’ Wallets Under Strain As Inflation Soars to 28.92%

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As the country grapples with economic challenges, the latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed a surge in the inflation rate to 28.92%, according to the December 2023 Consumer Price Index (CPI) released on a Monday afternoon.

The CPI, tracking the fluctuation in prices of goods and services, illustrates a notable increase from the previous month’s 28.20%, underscoring the pressing concerns surrounding the nation’s economic stability.

In a recent report, the Statistics Office revealed a notable uptick in the headline inflation rate for December 2023, marking a 0.72 percentage point increase from the previous month’s figure in November 2023.

On a year-on-year basis, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) highlighted a significant surge, with the December 2023 rate standing at 7.58 percentage points higher compared to the corresponding period in 2022.

December 2022 witnessed an inflation rate of 21.34 percent, underscoring the economic dynamics at play.

“This shows that the headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) increased in December 2023 when compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., December 2022),” NBS said.

In a further revelation, the bureau disclosed that the month-on-month headline inflation rate for December 2023 experienced a 2.29 percent surge, surpassing November 2023 by 0.20 percent. This indicates a swifter rise in the average price level compared to the preceding month.

The report highlighted a concerning acceleration in food inflation, reaching 33.93 percent on a year-on-year basis for December 2023. This marked a substantial 10.18 percent points increase from December 2022’s rate of 23.75 percent. The data underscores the persistent upward trend in food prices, a trend exacerbated by various government policies, including the removal of subsidies on petrol.

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Notably, in July 2023, President Tinubu declared a State of Emergency on food insecurity to address the escalating food prices. Taking decisive action, the President mandated that issues related to food and water availability and affordability fall under the jurisdiction of the National Security Council, recognising these as essential livelihood items in need of urgent attention.

In Monday’s inflation report, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) detailed the key contributors to the year-on-year increase in the headline index. The leading factors include food & non-alcoholic beverages at 14.98 percent, housing water, electricity, gas & other fuel at 4.84 percent, clothing & footwear at 2.21 percent, and transport at 1.88 percent.

Additional contributors encompass furnishings & household equipment & maintenance (1.45 percent), education (1.14 percent), health (0.87 percent), miscellaneous goods & services (0.48 percent), restaurant & hotels (0.35 percent), alcoholic beverages, tobacco & kola (0.31 percent), recreation & culture (0.20 percent), and communication (0.20 percent).

The report highlighted a substantial 24.66 percent change in the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the twelve months ending December 2023 over the previous twelve-month period. This represents a significant 5.81 percent increase compared to the 18.85 percent recorded in December 2022, indicating ongoing inflationary pressures in the economy.

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Food Inflation

In a concerning trend, the food inflation rate for December 2023 surged to 33.93 percent on a year-on-year basis, marking a substantial 10.18 percent points increase from the same period in 2022, when the rate stood at 23.75 percent.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) attributed this rise in food inflation to notable increases in the prices of various essential items. Key contributors include bread and cereals, oil and fat, potatoes, yam, and other tubers, fish, meat, fruit, milk, cheese, and eggs.

These price hikes collectively contributed to the intensified strain on consumers, highlighting the complex dynamics driving the upward trajectory of food prices.

“On a month-on-month basis, the Food inflation rate in December 2023 was 2.72 percent, this was 0.30 percent higher compared to the rate recorded in November 2023 (2.42 percent),” it said.

Clarifying the dynamics behind the recent uptick, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) explained that the month-on-month increase in food inflation for December 2023 was spurred by a heightened rate of escalation in the average prices of oil and fat, meat, bread, and cereals, potatoes, yam, and other tubers, as well as fish and dairy products like milk, cheese, and eggs.

“The average annual rate of food inflation for the twelve months ending December 2023 over the previous twelve-month average was 27.96 percent, which was a 7.02 percent points increase from the average annual rate of change recorded in December 2022 (20.94 percent),” the report added.

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