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Soyinka worries about festering corruption in Nigeria, offers solution

Published

2 years ago

August 3, 2024

Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka

Soyinka worries about festering corruption in Nigeria, offers solution

Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka has expressed concerns over the level of corruption in the society, saying the cankerworm is deeply it from the top to the bottom.

Soyinka said that the drive to fight the deadly malaise formed one of the motives for establishing Pyrates Confraternity 62 years ago.

According to him, without attitudinal change and readiness of Nigerians to begin to do the right thing, winning the war against pervasive corruption will remain an impossible task.

The world renowned scholar spoke at the 26th annual Wole Soyinka Lectures organised by National Association of Seadogs otherwise known as Pyrates Confraternity to mark the 90th birthday of Soyinka.

The lecture at June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta had as its theme “The baby or the bathwater: Navigating the dark tunnels of systemic corruption to nationhood” with the former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola as guest lecturer.

The Nobel Laurette noted that the challenge of corruption is such that run from the top to the bottom in Nigeria and that only decision of every citizen to change for good that can help halt its deadly march in the country

He said: “The particular aspect of this lecture that struck me is corruption, corruption is not just when you change money, it is a cankerworm that eats deep into the fabric of the society from the top to the bottom and corrupts our very nature, our very existence.

“And one aspect of the lecture emphasised that cure for the corruption begins from the inside. Yes, we can talk about institution, government, we can talk about exercise of power unfairly, inordinately to the disadvantage of the rest of the community and all that as part of corruption but ultimately, the solution, short term, immediate and long term must begin from the inside and this is one of the motives for establishing Pyrates Confraternity 62 years ago.”

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Soyinka cleared the misconceptions people have about Pyrates Confraternity, saying it is a registered association and not blood-thirsty secret cult.

He explained it is founded to push for justice and advance a better nation..

He lauded the members of the association for organising the event and urged them to continue to push for the ideal of social justice and good governance which is the core mandate of the association.

Soyinka with the former Secretary General of Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyawu later unveiled a book “Ship Ahoy” written to document 60 years history of the confraternity.

Fashola described Soyinka as not a only gift to the country, the continent but also the entire civilisation.

Speaking on the theme of the lecture, the former Minister of Works and Housing

said while corruption in terms of pecuniary gains is no doubt reprehensible, the displacement of African highly cherished moral values remains the worst form of corruption.

The former Governor said that for instance, the number of lives lost on roads every month as a result of wrong attitude and values is far more than what is lost to the insecurity which everyone complain about in the country.

He said: “When I was in office as a Minister, the Federal Road Safety Corps usually made copies of the monthly reports on road crashes available to me, the report is actually for the office of the Secretary General of the Federation but I used to get a copy.

“In October 2022, a total of 1111 road crashes was reported across the country out of which 449 died representing 6% of 6458 people involved in the accident with 2780 injured. The analysis showed a 3% decrease when compared with the previous month but 10% increase when compared with the figure for October 2021..

“This goes to show that an average of 400 people is lost monthly to road crashes in the country but I doubt if the insecurity which is always an issue during campaign is responsible for huge loss of lives like this every month in the country”.

He said further analysis showed that speed violation accounted for 51.7% of the accident, fatigue is responsible for 15%, sign rules violation 5.8%, dangerous driving 5.4%, while route violation is responsible 4.5% of the accident.

Fashola said that out of 1613 vehicles involved in the accident, cars constituted 469 representing 29.5% and that 66% of these cars were those being used for commercial purposes.

The former Governor argued that the carnage has remained unabated on our roads not because of bad roads but because out of corruption of values people have neglected adhering to highway codes.

He said: “Many people don’t even know the high way codes, they don’t drive with certificated driver’s licence, many don’t even know that the road is a shared asset, many don’t give regard to the speed limit, these are all corruption that are making the slaughter to continue on our roads”.

Fashola said as way out “people must embrace attitudinal change, the people must embrace recertification of their driver’s licence and training, people must respect the traffic rules to stop this disturbing waste of life and properties”.

Soyinka worries about festering corruption in Nigeria, offers solution

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Teargas, Chaos at EFCC as El-Rufai’s Supporters Clash with Security Operatives

Published

15 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Teargas, Chaos at EFCC as El-Rufai’s Supporters Clash with Security Operatives

Tension gripped Abuja on Monday as security operatives fired teargas to disperse protesters and supporters of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, during a confrontation at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The standoff reportedly occurred when hundreds of El-Rufai’s supporters accompanied him to the anti-graft agency’s headquarters, escalating an already charged political atmosphere in the Federal Capital Territory.

Eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating online showed security personnel deploying teargas canisters as crowds surged toward the EFCC complex.

In one of the videos, agitated voices were heard declaring, “We will come back; when it clears, we will come back,” suggesting the group’s resolve to sustain their protest despite the crackdown.

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The development follows reports last Thursday that El-Rufai was allegedly stopped by security operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in what his supporters described as an attempted arrest.

While official details surrounding the airport incident remain unclear, the situation appeared to have heightened tensions among his loyalists.

El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, remains a prominent political figure and a key voice within Nigeria’s political landscape.

His tenure was marked by sweeping reforms as well as controversy over security challenges and policy decisions in the state.

As of press time, the EFCC had yet to issue an official statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding Monday’s confrontation or addressing reports of any investigation involving the former governor.

Security presence around the commission’s headquarters was significantly reinforced following the clash, with access to parts of the area temporarily restricted.

The incident adds to growing political tensions in the country, particularly as anti-corruption investigations continue to intersect with high-profile political actors.

Teargas, Chaos at EFCC as El-Rufai’s Supporters Clash with Security Operatives

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NSCIA Secretary-General Clarifies Council Receives No Government Funding

Published

19 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede

NSCIA Secretary-General Clarifies Council Receives No Government Funding

The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has clarified that the council has never received financial support from any government, either within or outside Nigeria. Speaking in Lagos at the 31st Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA), Oloyede stressed that the NSCIA operates independently and relies largely on modest private donations to sustain its activities.

Oloyede, who also serves as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), explained that in his 15-year tenure as NSCIA Secretary-General, the council had not received “a kobo” from any government. He added that fewer than 20 individuals have donated amounts up to ₦500,000 since 2013, highlighting that the council functions without significant external funding. He decried misinformation and divisive narratives suggesting government involvement under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, noting that such speculation undermines unity within Nigeria’s Muslim community.

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Speaking on the theme “Muslims: The Challenge of National Security,” Oloyede warned against viewing insecurity, terrorism, and banditry through a religious lens. He said extremists often cloak their violent acts in religious language, but such actions do not reflect Islam. “Islam cannot be determined by what extremists say or do. We have a duty to correct that narrative,” he said, urging Muslims to reject all forms of extremism while understanding that insurgency thrives on enabling political, social, and economic conditions.

Oloyede stressed that security is central to Sharia, emphasizing that a true Muslim is someone “from whose actions neighbours — regardless of their faith — are safe and secure.” He cautioned against reducing insecurity to regional or religious differences, noting that all parts of Nigeria face security challenges. He called on Muslims to embrace moral responsibility, civic accountability, and practical partnerships to improve national security.

Other speakers at the lecture also highlighted the societal dimensions of insecurity. Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, described insurgents as agents of evil and stressed the need for religious leaders to promote peace and guide followers toward positive community engagement. Lagos State Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa identified poverty and economic inequality as key drivers of insecurity and urged the government and policymakers to focus on job creation, education, and inclusive development as long-term solutions.

The lecture, part of the annual pre-Ramadan engagements, comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security challenges, including insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest and North-Central, and rising violent crime in the South. Experts emphasize that national cohesion, interfaith cooperation, and community-led security initiatives are vital to tackling these threats effectively.

NSCIA Secretary-General Clarifies Council Receives No Government Funding

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Saudi Supreme Court Calls on Muslims to Sight Ramadan Crescent Moon on Tuesday Evening

Published

19 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Saudi Supreme Court Calls on Muslims to Sight Ramadan Crescent Moon on Tuesday Evening

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has urged Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the Ramadan crescent moon on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to determine the official start of Ramadan 1447 AH. The court emphasized that community participation in moon sighting is vital for confirming the beginning of the holy month.

In an official statement relayed by the Saudi Press Agency, the Supreme Court instructed anyone who spots the new moon crescent — either with the naked eye or using binoculars — to report their observation to the nearest court and ensure their testimony is recorded. Local centres have also been set up to assist observers in reaching judicial offices.

The Kingdom has established moon sighting committees across regions to coordinate observations and support public involvement. Authorities encouraged citizens to actively participate, noting that their contributions are essential to help Muslims across Saudi Arabia begin Ramadan in unity.

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Tuesday corresponds to 29 Sha’ban 1447 AH in the Islamic lunar calendar. If the crescent moon is sighted, Ramadan 1447 AH will commence on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. If the moon is not visible, Sha’ban will be completed as 30 days, and Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This aligns with centuries-old Islamic tradition of lunar observation.

Muslims worldwide, including in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, are preparing for Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity. Astronomical forecasts suggest visibility may vary across regions, making local observations and testimonies crucial. Similar calls for crescent moon sightings have also been issued by authorities in countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The Supreme Court’s announcement underscores the importance of lunar observation in Islamic practice and encourages public engagement to ensure a synchronized start of Ramadan across the Kingdom.