Welcome to our weekly roundup of top stories from 05–10 February, 2024.
Last week, we advocated for action to curb hardship in the country, demanded reforms for Nigeria’s electricity sector to avoid incessant grid collapse, and called for strict enforcement of the VAPP Act to curb female genital mutilation (FGM) practice in the country.
High Cost of Living: President Tinubu, Nigerians Are Hungry
The rising cost of living in Nigeria remains a matter of serious concern. Plenty pipu dey really suffer for inside this our kontri, and e don dey pain everybody! So tey pipu salary don turn to ghost as moni dey vanish upandan. We have demanded an urgent and better response from President Bola Tinubu. All of us must chuk mouth for tis mata and demand immediate action. Read more
Nigeria’s Incessant Grid Collapse Calls for Immediate Action
Another matter that caught our attention was the collapse of Nigeria’s electricity grid, which caused darkness in many parts of the country. But wait o, na for how long this fall-fall of grid go continue? This is not good at all na! We called on the power minister, Adebayo Adelabu, to implement comprehensive reforms to pave the way for a more stable and reliable power supply to boost economic growth. Read more
Good Governance: Why Governor Sani Must Earn Citizens’ Trust
Over to Kaduna State for inside northwest Nigeria. Did you hear what Governor Uba Sani said about good governance? He said it was the solution to the security challenges in the state. We then advised him to take concrete steps, including promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance, to achieve good governance and earn citizens’ trust. And as citizens, we must continue to hold our leaders accountable. Shine ya eye well-well! Read more
As FGM Practice Lingers, Government Must Strictly Enforce Law
It is clear that Nigeria’s fight against female genital mutilation (FGM) requires stronger measures. Despite the laws banning the practice in the country, people still do it. While we called on the government at all levels to strictly enforce the VAPP Act, we urged you, the citizens, to join in the fight against FGM. Read more
Congo AFCON Protest: Time for Tshisekedi to Fulfil Promise
And away from Nigeria, A few minutes after the Super Eagles overcame South Africa to reach Sunday’s AFCON final, some members of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s team used the opportunity of the tournament to call for peace in their country’s troubled eastern region. That action said a lot about the power of citizen participation in governance. Read more
PWDs: ‘Equal Zimbabwe’ Deserves Government Priority
It was great to hear that a civil society coalition launched the ‘Equal Zimbabwe’ campaign, calling for new legislation to guarantee the inclusion of people with disabilities (PWDs) in the country. We called on the government of Zimbabwe to come up with an updated disability law that will enable PWDs to fully realise their rights. Read more
Internet Shutdown: Senegal’s Action Unacceptable
The shutdown of internet access by the government of Senegal constituted a violation of the right to freedom of expression and press rights, and this is condemnable. We called on the government of Senegal to urgently reverse its decision and ensure citizens’ right to information is protected. Read more
That is the roundup of some stories that made headlines last week. More headlines are available on Development Diaries.
