Nigerians for Bold Actions -nfba

*TRIBUTE TO MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR*

*Immediate Past President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria*
(1942 – 2025)

ADIEU, PMB — as you are fondly called,
Nigeria bids farewell to a towering statesman whose life and legacy have defined an era. Your passing marks not only the end of a remarkable journey but the beginning of the closing chapter of a generation in Nigeria's political history.

From humble beginnings—growing up scarcely knowing your parents—you rose with uncommon determination and a profound sense of duty. Your life remains an enduring lesson in resilience, modesty, and integrity.

You served Nigeria faithfully in diverse capacities:

As a disciplined military officer,

Military Governor of the old North Eastern State (now comprising six present-day states),

Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Petroleum Resources,

Military Head of State,

And twice democratically elected President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Indeed, you experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly of Nigeria—and yet, you remained steadfast, embodying the virtues of humility and national service.

You will be remembered not only for your spartan lifestyle and personal discipline but also for the moral compass you brought into national governance. A man of high ideals, your legacy will continue to inspire generations of Nigerians who aspire to live with honor, courage, and service to fatherland.

Nigerians for Bold Actions (NfBA)—an Association which began as Nigerians for Buhari and later evolved into Nigerians for Buhari Again, today celebrates your life of impact, sacrifice, and legacy.

We mourn your departure, but we also honor a life well spent in the service of our beloved country.

May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive your shortcomings and grant you Aljannatul Firdaus. Ameen.

Signed:
Alh. Dr. Taofeek Olayinka Ayinde, JP
National Chairman,
Nigerians for Bold Actions (NfBA)

The Symbolism and Implications of the Meeting Between Atiku Abubakar and Muhammadu Buhari....

The recent meeting between Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and former President Muhammadu Buhari has sparked various interpretations and speculations. While some view it as a simple gesture of goodwill, others believe it carries deeper political undertones. To understand the significance of this meeting, we can analyze it through the lens of John Locke's political philosophy, historical context, and the current political realities in Nigeria.

Historical Context
Past Interactions and Political History The relationship between Atiku Abubakar and Muhammadu Buhari has been marked by both cooperation and contention. During Buhari's military regime in the 1980s, Atiku, then a customs officer, was involved in the controversial "53 suitcases" incident, which strained his relationship with the military government.

Despite this, both leaders have navigated Nigeria's complex political landscape, with Atiku serving as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 and Buhari as President from 2015 to 2023.

Political Careers and Influence Atiku and Buhari have both played significant roles in shaping Nigeria's political history. Atiku's involvement in the founding of INTELS, a major logistics company, and his political career have established him as a key figure in Nigerian politics. Buhari's tenure as President was marked by efforts to combat corruption and insecurity, although his administration faced criticism for economic challenges and human rights issues.

John Locke's Political Philosophy
Natural Rights John Locke's concept of natural rights, including life, liberty, and property, emphasizes the importance of individual freedoms and the protection of these rights by the government. The meeting between Atiku and Buhari can be seen as a gesture that respects these principles, promoting dialogue and mutual respect among leaders, which is essential for safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.

Social Contract Locke's idea of the social contract suggests that individuals enter into an agreement with the government for protection and security. This meeting could symbolize an informal social contract between political figures, aiming to foster unity and stability in Nigeria's political landscape. By engaging in respectful dialogue, Atiku and Buhari might be reinforcing the social contract's principles, ensuring that political interactions contribute to the nation's security and well-being.

Limited Government Locke advocated for a government with limited power, divided into separate branches to prevent any one group from becoming too powerful. The presence of multiple influential politicians during the meeting, such as Nasir El-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal, suggests a collaborative approach to governance, aligning with Locke's vision of a balanced and limited government.

Individual Liberty Locke's defense of individual liberty includes the right to think, speak, and worship freely. The meeting can be seen as a symbolic gesture that promotes these values, encouraging political leaders to engage in open and respectful dialogue, which is crucial for maintaining individual freedoms and democratic principles.

Right to Revolution Locke believed that individuals have the right to overthrow a government that fails to protect their natural rights. While the meeting itself does not imply a revolution, it underscores the importance of accountability and the need for political leaders to act in the best interests of the people. By fostering dialogue and mutual respect, Atiku and Buhari might be reinforcing the idea that political leaders must be accountable to the citizens.

Current Political Realities
Economic Challenges Nigeria's economy has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including high inflation, unemployment, and poverty. The Tinubu administration has embarked on a series of economic reforms aimed at addressing these issues, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and measures to attract foreign investment. These economic realities provide a backdrop for the meeting, highlighting the need for political stability and effective governance.

Insecurity and Social Unrest The ongoing security challenges, including terrorism, kidnapping, and communal violence, remain a major concern for Nigeria. The government's efforts to combat these issues have been met with varying degrees of success. The meeting between Atiku and Buhari could be seen as an attempt to foster unity and cooperation among political leaders to address these pressing security concerns.

Political Protests and Civil Society Social and political protests have become a recurring feature of Nigerian life, with citizens demanding better governance and accountability. The EndSARS protests of 2020, which highlighted police brutality and systemic corruption, were a watershed moment in Nigeria's civil society movement. The meeting between Atiku and Buhari might symbolize a response to these demands, promoting dialogue and reconciliation.

Conclusion
The meeting between Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and former President Muhammadu Buhari, along with other political figures, can be analyzed through various political theories. John Locke's principles of natural rights, social contract, limited government, individual liberty, and accountability provide a framework for understanding the symbolic and strategic significance of the meeting. Additionally, the historical context and current political realities in Nigeria offer insights into the potential impact of these interactions on the nation's political future.

While the meeting might not have immediate political implications, its symbolic value lies in promoting a culture of respect and dialogue among leaders. The body language and interactions observed suggest that there could be more to this meeting than just a casual interaction. Political philosophy helps us understand that such gestures, while appearing simple, can have significant impacts on the political climate and future alliances.

Please join us in congratulating our able National Secretary on this remarkable achievement. The capstone project was meticulously captured and articulated. Mujtaba Kusherki Mujtaba Kusherki

The Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Nigeria

The imposition of a 14% tariff on Nigerian goods by the U.S., in response to Nigeria's import restrictions on 25 product categories, has had significant repercussions. These restrictions have affected American exports in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. Consequently, Nigerian textiles, agricultural products, and even oil have become more expensive for American importers, potentially reducing demand.

The tariff also undermines the duty-free access Nigeria previously enjoyed under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which could lead to a decline in export earnings. This situation highlights the need for Nigeria to diversify its exports and reduce dependency on the U.S. market.

In 2024, total trade between the U.S. and Nigeria reached $9.9 billion, with U.S. exports increasing by 61.4% to $4.2 billion (Business Insider Africa, 2025). However, U.S. imports from Nigeria only rose by 0.1% to $5.7 billion (Business Insider Africa, 2025). The newly imposed tariff threatens Nigeria's $10 billion annual exports to the U.S., particularly impacting key sectors like oil and agriculture (MSN, 2025).

The implications for Nigerian consumers are profound. The tariffs make Nigerian exports more expensive for American importers, which can lead to reduced demand. This reduction in demand can result in lower production levels in Nigeria, potentially increasing the cost of goods domestically due to decreased economies of scale (Business Insider Africa, 2025). The tariffs also undermine the duty-free access Nigeria previously enjoyed under AGOA, which could lead to a decline in export earnings. This decline can strain Nigeria's economy, potentially leading to higher inflation and reduced purchasing power for consumers (Business Insider Africa, 2025).

Reduced demand for Nigerian goods in the U.S. market can lead to job losses in export-dependent industries. This can increase unemployment rates and reduce household incomes, further impacting consumer spending and economic stability (Vanguard News, 2025). The tariffs highlight the need for Nigeria to diversify its economy and reduce dependency on the U.S. market. While this can be a long-term benefit, the short-term transition may be challenging for consumers as industries adjust and new markets are developed (Vanguard News, 2025).

Experts suggest that Nigeria should focus on regional trade and economic integration to mitigate these challenges. Strengthening local industries and exploring alternative markets are seen as crucial steps. By doing so, Nigeria can build a more resilient economy less vulnerable to external shocks (Punch Nigeria, 2025). However, this shift requires time and investment, which may initially impact consumer prices and availability of goods (Punch Nigeria, 2025).

The long-term effects of U.S. tariffs on Nigeria's economy are multifaceted. The tariffs threaten Nigeria's export earnings, particularly from oil, which constitutes a significant portion of its exports to the U.S. With the added cost, U.S. refiners may seek cheaper alternatives, leading to a decline in Nigeria's oil revenue (Arise News, 2025). This reduction in export earnings can strain the national budget and limit funds available for development projects.

The tariffs underscore the urgent need for Nigeria to diversify its economy. Relying heavily on oil exports makes the country vulnerable to external shocks. By focusing on developing other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, Nigeria can build a more resilient economy (Africa-China Centre, 2025). This diversification process, however, requires substantial investment and time.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents an opportunity for Nigeria to expand its trade within the continent. By strengthening regional trade ties, Nigeria can reduce its dependency on the U.S. market and mitigate the impact of tariffs (BusinessDay, 2025). This shift towards regional integration can foster economic growth and stability in the long run.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for nearly 50% of Nigeria's GDP, could face disruptions due to the tariffs. These businesses may struggle to find alternative markets and cope with increased production costs (Arise News, 2025). Supporting SMEs through government initiatives and access to new markets is crucial for sustaining economic growth.

The tariffs can lead to higher production costs, which may be passed on to consumers in the form of increased prices for goods and services. This inflationary pressure can reduce the purchasing power of Nigerian consumers and impact their standard of living (Africa-China Centre, 2025).

The uncertainty created by the tariffs may deter foreign investors, who seek stable and predictable economic environments. Reduced foreign investment can slow down economic growth and development (BusinessDay, 2025). To attract and retain investors, Nigeria needs to implement policies that enhance economic stability and investor confidence.

Potential Solutions for Nigeria
Economic Diversification: Nigeria must reduce its reliance on oil exports by developing other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. This will create a more resilient economy less vulnerable to external shocks (Africa-China Centre, 2025).

Regional Trade Integration: Strengthening trade ties within the African continent through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can help Nigeria reduce its dependency on the U.S. market and mitigate the impact of tariffs (BusinessDay, 2025).

Support for SMEs: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are crucial for economic growth. The government should provide support through initiatives such as access to finance, training programs, and market access to help SMEs thrive despite the tariffs (Arise News, 2025).

Infrastructure Development: Investing in infrastructure such as roads, ports, and power supply can enhance the business environment and attract foreign investment. Improved infrastructure will also reduce production costs and increase competitiveness (Legit.ng, 2023).

Anti-Corruption Measures: Strengthening anti-corruption bodies and promoting transparency can improve the business environment and attract foreign investment. Reducing corruption will ensure that resources are used efficiently and reach the intended beneficiaries (Legit.ng, 2023).

Education and Skills Development: Aligning educational curricula with market demands and providing vocational training can address the mismatch between education and labor market needs. This will help reduce unemployment and underemployment (Kashgain.net, 2023).

In conclusion, while the U.S. tariffs pose significant challenges, they also present an opportunity for Nigeria to rethink its economic strategies. By diversifying its economy, strengthening regional trade, supporting SMEs, investing in infrastructure, combating corruption, and enhancing education, Nigeria can build a more resilient and sustainable economic future.

Muhammadu Kusherki.
April 10,2025.

Empowering Nigeria's Youth: Lessons from History and Modern Initiatives.
In the annals of history, leadership has often been the cornerstone of national progress. From Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address to the ongoing efforts in Nigeria, the lessons in leadership are timeless and universally applicable. As we reflect on these lessons, it becomes evident that engaging and empowering the youth is crucial for any nation's future.

The Gettysburg Address: A Beacon of Leadership
Delivered on November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address remains one of the most iconic speeches in American history. In just 272 words, Lincoln articulated a vision of equality and unity, emphasizing the moral imperative of the Union's cause during the Civil War. His ability to convey profound ideas succinctly and inspire a divided nation underscores the power of effective communication and moral leadership.

Nigeria's Political Landscape: A Journey of Challenges and Triumphs
Nigeria's political history is replete with lessons in governance and unity. From the struggle for independence to the ongoing battle against corruption, Nigerian leaders have faced numerous challenges. The establishment of institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the implementation of federal character principles highlight efforts to promote transparency and inclusivity. These initiatives are crucial for fostering national unity and ensuring sustainable development.

Youth Engagement: The Key to Nigeria's Future
With a significant portion of Nigeria's population being young, engaging and empowering the youth is essential for the country's progress. Various programs have been implemented to address the challenges faced by Nigerian youth, providing them with skills, opportunities, and a platform to contribute to national development.

N-Power: This government initiative has engaged over 500,000 young Nigerians in sectors such as education, agriculture, and health. Participants have reported improved skills and employability, with many transitioning to permanent employment or entrepreneurship.

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC): Each year, approximately 300,000 graduates participate in the NYSC program, contributing to community development projects across Nigeria. The program promotes national unity and provides valuable work experience.

Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWiN!): Supporting over 5,000 young entrepreneurs, YouWiN! has created thousands of jobs and fostered innovation. Businesses supported by the program have shown higher survival rates and growth.

Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme: Empowering over 10,000 young African entrepreneurs, this program has created over 400,000 jobs. Participants receive seed capital, mentorship, and training, leading to sustainable business practices.

Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative (YEDI): Reaching over 200,000 adolescents, YEDI's programs focus on health and life skills, reducing risky behaviors and promoting positive youth development.

African Youth Empowerment Nigeria (AYEN): Providing vocational training and financial support, AYEN has helped many young people start their own businesses or find employment, particularly in regions with high unemployment rates.

Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS): Placing thousands of graduates in internships, GIS has enhanced employability and professional networks, with many interns securing full-time employment.

Youth Empowering People (YEP): Focused on the Niger Delta, YEP has reduced unemployment and poverty by providing training and job placement services.

Success Stories: Transforming Lives
The impact of these programs is evident in the success stories of participants. For instance, Amina from Kano State used the skills acquired in the N-Agro program to start her own agricultural business, employing several people in her community. Similarly, Chinedu, a beneficiary of YouWiN!, expanded his tech startup, creating numerous job opportunities.

These stories highlight the transformative power of youth empowerment programs. By providing skills, mentorship, and opportunities, these initiatives help young people achieve their potential and contribute to national development.

The lessons from Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and Nigeria's political history underscore the importance of visionary, moral, and inclusive leadership. By engaging and empowering the youth, contemporary leaders can navigate the complexities of governance and inspire their nations towards a more prosperous and united future. Effective leadership, grounded in principles of equality, transparency, and unity, remains the cornerstone of national development and stability.

Muhammadu Mujtaba Kusherki.