‘Not Nigeria’s priority,’ lawmaker slams Reps’ proposed return to old national anthem

Published

12 months ago

May 25, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A video featuring House of Representatives member, Ahmad Satomi, has gone viral on social media

The representative of Jere Federal Constituency, Borno State, challenged the Green Chamber regarding the recently passed National Anthem bill.

Satomi questioned the bill’s relevance to Nigeria’s pressing issues, sparking widespread discussion and debate.

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed for a second reading a bill seeking a return to the old national anthem, PUNCH Online reports.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, the sponsor of the proposed law, Julius Ihonvbere, anchored his argument on the need for patriotism and nationalism.

But many Nigerians on social media questioned the relevance of the move, wondering if it would help salvage the nation’s economy, being Nigeria’s biggest challenge at the moment.

In the video, Satomi addressed his colleagues, questioning the practicality and impact of the bill, which mandates reverting to the old National Anthem, “Nigeria we hail thee.”

His concerns highlighted the disconnect between legislative actions and the real-world problems faced by Nigerians.

“I do not know how this national anthem will affect the well-being of the common man in Nigeria. Let’s be realistic.

“How will this support either hunger, banditry, or improve insecurity?” Satomi asked.

He emphasised the need for legislation that directly benefits the populace, rather than symbolic gestures.

Satomi urged his colleagues to prioritise development-oriented policies that would attract positive international attention and foster growth.

He expressed frustration over the focus on the national anthem while the world advances in technology and innovation.

“There is a saying that goes thus, ‘Countries that rely on prayers will rely on the ones that do think.’

“Please, let’s think of something that will bring progress, stability, and prosperity to the economy of this nation and improve the lives of the common man,” he urged.

Despite his objections, the House of Representatives, on Thursday, May 23, passed the bill with accelerated consideration.

The bill’s passage has sparked debate among the public and lawmakers about legislative priorities amid the nation’s ongoing struggles with hunger and insecurity.

Tinubu to establish child protection, development agency

Published

3 hours ago

May 9, 2025

ADMIN

By Francesca Hangeior

President Bola Tinubu has stated that the Federal Government is taking concrete steps to protect the dignity and future of every Nigerian child, even as he said plans have been concluded to establish a Child Protection and Development Agency to coordinate all issues affecting Nigerian children in a unified and focused manner.

Tinubu spoke on Thursday during the first regional meeting of the Africa Pathfinder Countries of the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children.

The event was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The president was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu said his administration is taking concrete steps to protect the dignity and future of every Nigerian child.

“Our legal frameworks reflect our conviction. From the Child Rights Act to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, Nigeria has laid down the statutory foundation for the protection of children.

“But legislation alone does not shield the vulnerable — it is the will behind those laws, and the systems that enforce them, that make the difference.

“That is why our national strategy also embraces prevention and early intervention.

“We are strengthening families and communities through programmes that promote positive parenting, challenge harmful social norms, and provide targeted support to vulnerable households. But we must be honest with ourselves. We cannot protect the child by merely reciting the anthems of their struggles or romanticising their vulnerability, Tinubu said.

He stated that the real hope lies in action — concrete, deliberate action.

“Our commitment must run deep, reaching into the very architecture of our education and health systems. This is the soul of our human capital development strategy,” he said.

Tinubu added that every Nigerian child should grow and learn in a safe environment.

“We aim to ensure that every Nigerian child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. This is not simply a policy objective; it is a moral obligation.

“We are investing in safe schools and embedding socio-emotional learning into our national curriculum.

“We are rolling out the National Guidelines on Alternative Care to ensure that even children without parental care are raised in love, safety, and stability,” he said.

News

Just In: JAMB releases 2025 UTME results, withholds 39,834 over misconduct

Published

3 hours ago

May 9, 2025

Admin

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, on Friday announced the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, results.

The board disclosed that it is withholding the results of 39,834 candidates over issues relating to examination irregularities.

Recall that over 1.9 million applicants participated in the just-concluded exercise.

JAMB also disclosed that 80 suspects across the country are currently under interrogation for examination fraud, with Anambra State leading the pack with 14 suspects.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, stated this on Friday while officially releasing the 2025 UTME.

He also disclosed that while 467 underage candidates met the prescribed minimum score, 50 were engaged in cheating scandal.

A press conference to this effect is ongoing.

Details coming…