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Ndume Calls for Action Against Corruption and Hunger in Nigeria
Senator Ali Ndume has expressed concern about the alarming rate of corruption in Nigeria, labelling it as one of the country’s most significant challenges.
He made these remarks during a media session in Kano on Saturday, where he highlighted the urgent need for stronger measures to tackle the issue.
Ndume pointed out that, despite widespread recognition of the problem, Nigeria still lacks effective laws to address corruption, both proactively and reactively.
“Corruption is our biggest challenge. We don’t have laws that can deal with it properly,” he said.
He further noted that it is rare to find individuals, particularly in politics or government, who are not involved in corrupt practices.
“If someone in our system isn’t corrupt, it’s because they are fortunate enough to be God-fearing,” he remarked.
He lamented the culture of impunity, where individuals who engage in corrupt practices not only evade punishment but are often celebrated.
“In Nigeria, people steal money, walk freely, and are even revered for it.
It’s common for people to bow before someone they know is corrupt just to gain favours,” Ndume said.
He described how the sudden accumulation of wealth often goes unquestioned, with many people turning a blind eye when someone, who had no money last week, suddenly acquires multiple cars or private jets.
In contrast to Nigeria, Ndume explained that in developed countries, such drastic changes in lifestyle would raise suspicions.
“In other places, they would ask how you made such money, when, and from where, but here, no one seems to care,” he said.
The senator revealed that he had made several attempts to introduce a bill aimed at addressing unexplained wealth, but these efforts have been unsuccessful.
He shared that he had approached a former Head of State, requesting the signing of an Executive Bill to combat corruption, but his plea was turned down.
“There’s still no law on unexplained wealth in Nigeria, and no Executive Order to address it,” Ndume added.
Aside from corruption, Ndume also voiced his concerns about the widespread hunger in the country, emphasizing the underutilization of Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential.
He pointed out that only a small portion of Nigeria’s arable land is currently being cultivated.
“Despite the abundance of fertile land, we’ve only cultivated less than five per cent.
This land could feed the entire nation,” he stressed. Ndume called for a renewed focus on increasing food production to address the hunger crisis.
In his remarks, the senator underscored the urgent need for both legal reforms and a stronger agricultural sector to address the nation’s challenges.
He warned that unless these issues are tackled head-on, the future of the country could remain bleak.
APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe has pointed fingers at Nigerian traders for the continued surge in food prices across the country. In a Facebook post on Saturday, the outspoken supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration accused traders of being too greedy to reduce their prices.
He added that even as statistics suggest that the cost of food is starting to drop, traders have refused to comply. Furthermore, he expressed frustration, saying the refusal to lower prices shows a deeper problem of selfishness among citizens. According to him, Nigerians are their own worst enemies, driven by greed and a habit of taking more than they need.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to travel to Rome this Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The invitation came directly from Pope Leo XIV, who emphasized the importance of the president’s presence during this significant moment for the Church and a world facing many challenges.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be officially installed as the 267th Bishop of Rome on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by key Catholic figures, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
Notably, Pope Leo XIV has a special connection to Nigeria, having worked at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. After the ceremony, President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to preserve their culture and ensure it doesn’t fade away with time. Speaking through his deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, at the 2025 World Egungun Festival grand finale held in Ibadan, Makinde emphasized the importance of keeping traditions alive.
The event took place at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in the Oke Ado area and was graced by top dignitaries including Chief Lekan Alabi, who represented the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Osun State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun, Prince Adeola Adelakun of Oje Parapo Worldwide, and Oyo State’s own Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun.
Makinde stressed that culture and tourism are key focus areas for his administration, and his government is committed to supporting efforts that will keep local traditions thriving. He added that by investing in cultural events and heritage, the state can boost its economy through tourism and increase revenue. He said, “We must not let our culture die. I’m glad to see young people taking part in this celebration, not just the elders.”
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