Opinion

Panorama: Nigeria and Untapped Potential to Lead Fight Against Cancer and Cognition Associated Diseases

Published

5 years ago

August 13, 2021

Eric

By Sani Sa’idu Baba

My dear country men and women, this week I am taking us on a journey to demonstrate some issues that are important to the development of our dear country Nigeria, especially in the areas of research and health where I professionally have a comparative advantage. But before I go into that, let me briefly explain what has drawn my attention to a topic of this nature, generally considered a less talk about issue in the media and scientific spaces in our country. I believe my readers today. irrespective of their professional backgrounds, will be convinced that we are living in starvation in the midst of plenty, especially in the inseparable areas of research and health. These two go hand in glove, such that research outcomes are translated into modality or therapeutics, and the therapy outcome also give rise to several hypothesis and speculations that eventually requires further research.

Earlier in the week, I received a call from my Professor and academic mentor, Prof. Isyaku Umar Yarube, a Professor of Human Physiology and Neuroscience, equally the Head of Neuroscience and Pathophysiology unit, Bayero University Kano, asking me to participate in a symposium and launching of Biomedical Research Training (BioRTC) center organized by Dr Mahmoud Maina, on a mission to facilitate research and training of Nigerian scientists, using modern methods that will enable them to contribute to solving local and global biomedical science problems through scientific research. The first of its kind-centre is located inside the Yobe State University, Nigeria. Let me recommend that this centre be replicated in other areas of the country, especially in our universities and teaching hospitals. Lack of state-of-the-art research instruments in our country is perhaps the reason neuroscience and other biomedical researchers in Nigeria choose oversees for postgraduate studies, especially those that could afford, but certainly not due to lack of the best brains that can handle advanced research in Nigeria. Let me confess at this point that Nigeria is blessed with the needed human resources and brains that can turn around situation of things in this country. More often than not, people are of the view that Nigeria is not well equipped with the technical know-how and skills in the field of traditional research, not knowing that the only thing sadly lacking is the key to unlocking such potentials.

Nigeria has a population of over 200 million people, the largest in Africa. Among the West African countries, it has the second highest density of medical doctors, which is, however, still very low compared to the actual figure that will meet the need of our population. Government expenditure on health is considerably slimmer than what comes from private contributions, differing by over two thousand billion naira. About 3.8 percent of Nigeria’s GDP is invested in the health sector. In OECD countries, the average percentage of GDP spent on healthcare was 8.8 percent. Also, OECD member countries are mostly high-income countries, whereas Nigeria is an emerging economy and belongs to countries with lower middle-incomes. Nigerians usually have to pay for medicine out of their own pocket. Often the medicine is very expensive and difficult to afford.

Though our population is very high, we still have potential that if appropriately and adequately explored will place us in the forefront in the fight against diseases bedeviling the situation in our country today. For a proper understanding of the current health situation in Nigeria, it is important to state briefly the evolution of its healthcare system and within that framework examine some of the factors that led to our sorry state. Prior to the coming of Europeans to Nigeria, the indigenous peoples that make up the country relied entirely on indigenous herbal and fauna knowledge to resolve various health conditions. The healthcare system was based on the quality knowledge of practitioners as well as defined ways of apprenticeship to qualify as a healthcare provider. The medical student was expected to go through years of training both in herbal knowledge, therapeutic processes, and psycho-social relations. The underlying principle of traditional medical system was a sacred calling toward the preservation of lives and to serve as a cohesive element in the society, rendering services for peanuts or even free. However, with the coming of Europeans from the fifteenth century and the subsequent introduction of Western medicine, healthcare services became monetized so that health services were rendered for a standard fee. Although the colonial government did not overtly introduce Western medicine to rural folks, the importation of Western-trained medical doctors as well as Western medicine coupled with the influx of missionaries that used Western drugs as a means of evangelism, the seeds of drastic change in traditional medicine were sown. One key factor that led to the undermining of traditional medicine and its subsequent neglect was the missionaries’ association of traditional medicine with witchcraft, Satanism, and evil.

Let me comeback to one of the backbones of my article today. During that symposium paper presentations, Professor Isa Hussaini Marte of University of Maiduguri and the current Chief of Staff to Borno State Governor presented a very mind blowing paper on cancer and the potentials of some of our medicinal plants largely found in the North-central of Nigeria in the therapy of cancer. These plants has been thoroughly researched in its laboratory and their anti-tumor effect been proved. Not only was that, but a woman who was referred to him with a very large tumor was significantly improved and tumor shrank after being treated with the extract of the plants. This marvelous development occurred in our dear country. So, it was clear to me that despite the popular claim of the absence of definite cure for cancer, Nigeria still has the potentials to drive the world in this regard. However, the setback still remains lack of the modern state-of-the-art and cutting edge instruments and inadequate government commitment towards funding the research. Though, the professor has acknowledged some support given to him in the establishment of his multi-million naira laboratory, but that was just not enough. The financial implication in establishing this type of laboratory is largely beyond an individual capacity or small organization. For example, the demand for absolute constant and uninterrupted electricity for the lab to function, not to talk of the expensive reagents and other gadgets needed in the lab. Success in this type of anti-cancer research, especially in a resource constraint settings like in Nigeria will go a long way to provide alternative to the most expensive cancer management strategy like the chemotherapy and radiotherapy that has been in use, though with minimal success. Besides, there are only two working cancer radiotherapy centers in Nigeria, one in National Hospital Abuja, and the other in Lagos. Let us reflect on our population and the prevalence of the disease in our environment here! Interestingly, the success story of cancer management lies in the use of traditional medicines, which is quite in abundance in our environment.

Furthermore, apart from cancer that has been considered a top killer disease not only in Nigeria but globally, another disease that is affecting a large chunk of Nigeria population is cognitive impairment, hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and stroke among other chronic diseases. Although these diseases affects largely the elderly population in Nigeria, but the burden associated with them on the government especially vis-à-vis reduced productivity, increase dependency and reduced quality of life of the affected people is very alarming. For instance, the cost of stroke management was estimated to be 173.8 billion naira in 2011, excluding nursing care for stroke victims per annum in Nigeria. This is quite huge for an average citizen who lives on per capital income of less than $2 per day. That was in 2011 when the Naira was relatively stable. What can we now guess as the situation with the current devaluation of Naira? That is quite enough as a burden. In line with this, Professor Isyaku Umar Yarube of Bayero University Kano has took a giant stride towards utilizing research to understanding the root cause and interconnections of these chronic diseases, and most importantly proposes some recommendations that will go a long way to address issues and reduce the burden that comes with it not only on our government but generally population in our dear country. He has joined many international professors from US, UK and Germany to present a very interesting novel findings that stimulated many researchers and clinicians present during the symposium. Of particular interest is that his research showcases the potentials of some blood markers in early diagnosis of these diseases especially in resource constraint settings to by-pass the very expensive ways that majority could not even afford. Such contribution is worth supporting by the government, research bodies and other authorities.

More so, the comment made by Sir Richard Roberts, a novel Laureate winner, about the capacity and quality of Nigeria’s scientist was also very heart touching. It gave me hope and indication that even the world has already identified with Nigeria and the problems affecting us not going on the same page in areas of research with the rest of the world. He stated categorically that if we have the adequate laboratories and needed instruments, we can even produce our own covid-19 vaccine in our own country. Lack of enough laboratories in Nigeria has affected not only medical research, but even the covid-19 testing. Very negligible number of Nigerians were tested till today, not to talk of producing our own vaccines. He also warned that the issue of biomedical research in Nigeria should not in any way be politicized because it is one of the yet to be explored area that will be key to our development. This is enough to tell us how qualitative and dogged Nigerian scientist are on the eyes of the world. Nigerians are doing greatly wherever they find themselves in the world. More often than not, celebrated journalist, Chief Dr Dele Momodu, reports the success story of Nigerians doing great things in one country or another. Perhaps in almost every sector, Nigerians has taken the lead. Very encouraging!

Another key issue that stimulated my discussion today is about the need for social and financial risk protection for poor and vulnerable populations as a major developmental policy to achieving adequate healthcare coverage. In the context of health, social protection refers to programs and measures aimed at removing financial barriers preventing access to health care services and protecting poor and vulnerable populations from the impoverishing effects of medical expenditures. Financial risk protection is a key component of universal health coverage (UHC) and the health system goal of ensuring access to quality health care services without suffering financial hardship. But before then, let me briefly highlight the underpinning philosophy of the First Republic, and that was to ensure that Western styled healthcare delivery became the primary source of health service in the country, and in order to achieve this, the government invested heavily awarding scholarships to indigenous students to study medicine, nursing, and other allied professions abroad. At the same time, the government of the day was also building hospitals (orthopedic, specialist, and general hospitals) both in capital cities in the states and in key urban centers. Equipping hospitals with personnel and consumables became the priority of the government. On their return from overseas, the early trained medical doctors were placed in key positions in the health sector, while the public was encouraged by the government to patronize public hospitals and Western pharmaceuticals that were provided free or heavily subsidized by the government. This welfare orientation of Nigeria’s First Republic, incidentally, could not be sustained for long due to the downturn in oil price and the increasing corruption in political circles. The consequences of this development were scarcity of hospital equipment, epileptic payment of salaries of health workers became the order of the day, and a deteriorating condition of service precipitated the mass exodus of medical personnel out of the country. Let us not be carried away by the saying of the minister of labour and employment, Chris Ngige that the numerical strength of health workers in Nigeria is enough. He probably must has forgotten!

However, in the last decades, there were high maternal and children mortality rate in Nigeria perhaps due to lack of affordability of what the health system entails nowadays. Things has significantly changed for the worst in most cases. It is no longer about the patient in many places, it is rather about what I have accumulated for the government so that I will be recognized for further appointment. Sometimes it is not even the fault of the government because it has been misinformed about the true state of the situation. Patients mostly comeback on their appointment date without been able to buy the just N500 drugs they were prescribed before. I will never forget the story by the former emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi of the woman carrying a baby that he sighted on CCTV camera from his library. She came and joined a queue inside the palace where people usually come to collect some palliatives. He quickly asked someone to go and check, and he found that she was requesting for N3000 because the doctors in a hospital near the palace could not attend to her severely ill child by virtue of the money she doesn’t had. She was given immediately but unfortunately, before she left the palace for the hospital, the baby died. This is too heart touching and even the emir fell in tears when the news of the death was broke to him. Even though the governor of the state is one of the best performing governor in terms of health, but his effort might have been sabotaged due to the corruption that has engulfed most of the managerial sectors in Nigeria.

As of now, there are several schemes put in place by the government to ensure adequate access to health. These include the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), National Immunisation Coverage Scheme (NICS), Midwives Service Scheme (MSS), Nigerian Pay for Performance scheme (P4P). So it is not a matter of absence, but willingness and efficiency. I believe not every Nigerian incuding the working class were able to benefit from these schemes. In fact, it has been alledged that something fishy is going on there especially in the NHIS. The removal of its former Executive secretary, prof Yusuf Usman who is known to be just and honest had generated a lot of questions, this by the way. However, despite its launch in 2005, NHIS covers less than 10% of the Nigerian population leaving the most vulnerable populations at the mercy of health care services that are not affordable. This means the most vulnerable populations in Nigeria are not provided with social and financial risk protection. Poor people constitutes about 70% of the Nigerian population. They lack access to basic health services, which social and financial risk protection should provide, because they cannot afford it.

Nigeria is yet to adopt innovative ways to protect the poor and vulnerable populations against financial risk of ill health. Social and financial risk protection can be provided through programmes and measures that are rooted in legislation. Lack of social and financial risk protection leads to high levels of poverty, vulnerability and inequality in health. When the majority of a country’s population encounters the aforementioned problems, governments have to be responsive and design programmes that are rooted in legislation. So far, states such as Kano, Osun, Niger, Kaduna, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo, Enugu and Jigawa are known to have provided some free health policies at one point or another since the return of democracy in 1999. So government should ensure every citizen irrespective of status can access quality health, and should also support medical research. GOD bless our dear country Nigeria.

Baba writes from Kano, and can be reached via drssbaba@yahoo.com

Opinion

Democracy and Prosperity of Nigerian Citizenry: Foundations for Deciding a Fruitful Future

Published

2 days ago

June 13, 2026

Eric

By Tolulope A. Adegoke PhD

Democracy, at its best, represents far more than periodic elections or formal institutions of government. It is a living covenant between the state and its people — one that promises participation, accountability, justice, transparency, and the genuine opportunity for collective advancement. In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a key actor on the global stage, the interplay between democracy and the prosperity of its citizens remains central to the nation’s future. When democracy is nurtured with sincerity and competence, it becomes a powerful driver of human development, economic growth, social cohesion, and national stability. When it falls short, it risks breeding disillusionment, inequality, and unrest. This write-up examines this vital relationship, reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, its impact on citizen well-being, persistent obstacles, and realistic pathways toward a more secure, prosperous, and hopeful future for all Nigerians.

The Promise and Practice of Democracy in Nigeria

Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 ushered in the longest stretch of uninterrupted democratic governance in the country’s post-independence history. The 1999 Constitution, despite its imperfections, enshrines core principles such as separation of powers, fundamental human rights, federal character, and regular elections. For millions of Nigerians, democracy symbolises the chance to have a voice in shaping their destiny and to benefit from responsive governance.

True democratic prosperity goes beyond economic statistics. It encompasses improved access to quality education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, decent employment, and equal opportunities. When citizens experience tangible improvements in their daily lives as a result of democratic processes, public trust in institutions grows stronger. Conversely, when prosperity remains elusive for large segments of the population, democratic legitimacy weakens.

Nigeria has recorded notable achievements within its democratic framework. The liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, banking reforms, the rise of the creative economy (Nollywood, music, and digital content), and increasing participation in regional trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) all occurred in a democratic environment that enabled private enterprise and innovation.

Persistent Challenges on the Path to Prosperity

Despite these gains, significant gaps remain between democratic aspirations and lived realities. Nigeria continues to grapple with high rates of multidimensional poverty, youth unemployment, and widening inequality. Many citizens, particularly in rural areas and among vulnerable groups, feel disconnected from the dividends of democracy.

Key challenges include:

Insecurity: Persistent threats from insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts continue to destroy lives, displace communities, and discourage investment.
Economic Structure: Over-reliance on oil revenue, weak industrial base, and limited value addition in agriculture and solid minerals constrain broad-based prosperity.
Institutional Weaknesses: Corruption, uneven policy implementation, and limited coordination across government levels often undermine development efforts.
Human Capital Deficits: Inadequate investment in education, healthcare, and skills development leaves many young Nigerians unprepared for the demands of a modern economy.
Electoral and Governance Issues: Concerns about electoral integrity, political patronage, and policy inconsistency sometimes erode public confidence.

These issues are not unique to Nigeria. Many democracies worldwide, especially in developing contexts, face similar tensions between democratic ideals and developmental outcomes.

Practical Pathways to a Deciding and Fruitful Democratic Future

For democracy to truly assure prosperity for the Nigerian citizenry, deliberate and sustained actions are required across multiple fronts:

1. Strengthening Institutions and Accountability Independent and well-resourced institutions — particularly the judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, and electoral bodies — are essential. Transparent appointment processes, adequate funding, and robust oversight mechanisms can significantly reduce impunity and enhance public trust.

2. Inclusive Economic Transformation Nigeria must accelerate economic diversification by investing heavily in agriculture, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and the creative industries. Policies should deliberately target small and medium enterprises, women, and youth. Human capital development through quality education, vocational training, and digital skills must become a national priority.

3. Security as a Foundation for Prosperity A holistic security strategy that combines effective law enforcement with community engagement, intelligence-led operations, and massive socio-economic interventions in affected regions is vital. Addressing the root causes of conflict — poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation — is as important as tactical responses.

4. Youth and Women Empowerment With a predominantly youthful population, Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people. Deliberate investments in youth entrepreneurship, innovation hubs, sports, and leadership development can transform demographic pressure into a powerful dividend. Similarly, gender-inclusive policies that enhance women’s access to education, finance, and political participation will accelerate national progress.

5. Deepening Democratic Culture and Participation Civic education, responsible media, and active citizen engagement beyond election periods are crucial. Citizens must be empowered to demand accountability while contributing constructively to nation-building.

6. Leveraging Regional and Global Opportunities Nigeria should continue to play a leadership role in ECOWAS and the African Union while attracting responsible foreign investment and technology transfer. Successful democratic governance and economic progress in Nigeria can serve as a beacon for other African nations.

Relevance to the Wider-World

Nigeria’s democratic experience offers valuable lessons for other nations navigating the complex relationship between democracy and development. It demonstrates the resilience of democratic ideals even in challenging contexts, the power of a vibrant civil society, and the potential of a youthful population. At the same time, it highlights the universal truth that democracy must deliver tangible results to remain legitimate and sustainable.

Conclusion: Democracy as an Assurance of a Fruitful Future

Democracy remains the most credible pathway to sustainable prosperity for the Nigerian citizenry. While challenges persist, they should not overshadow the progress achieved or the immense potential that still lies ahead. The deciding factor for a fruitful future lies not in abandoning democracy, but in deepening, refining, and perfecting it.

This requires visionary and ethical leadership that prioritises the common good, active and responsible citizenship that demands accountability, and institutional reforms that translate democratic promises into tangible improvements in people’s lives. When democracy truly works for the people — delivering security, opportunity, justice, and dignity — it becomes the strongest assurance of a stable, prosperous, and hopeful future.

Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The choices made by leaders and citizens today will determine whether the promise of democracy translates into widespread prosperity or remains an unfulfilled aspiration. With courage, wisdom, collective commitment, and sustained effort, Nigeria can build a democracy that not only endures but genuinely serves the aspirations of its people — offering inspiration to many nations facing similar journeys around the world.

The future of the Nigerian citizenry can be brighter — if democracy is well defended, strengthened, and made to work for all.

Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a globally recognized scholar-practitioner and thought leader at the nexus of security, governance, and strategic leadership. His mission is dedicated to advancing ethical governance, strategic human capital development, resilient nation building, and global peace. He can be reached via: tolulopeadegoke01@gmail.com, globalstageimpacts@gmail.com

Opinion

GLO and the Democratization of Communication in Nigeria

Published

2 days ago

June 13, 2026

Eric

By Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba

Glo, the “Digital Oxygen” of Nigeria’s Democracy

As Nigeria marked Democracy Day on June 12, it is important to celebrate not only our democratic journey as a nation, but also institutions whose values and contributions reflect the very essence of democracy.

In Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, Glo stands out as arguably the most democratic network. Democracy thrives on inclusion, accessibility, equal opportunity, participation, and the empowerment of the people. Since its inception, Glo has consistently demonstrated these ideals through its commitment to making communication affordable and accessible to millions of Nigerians.

By pioneering competitive tariffs, affordable data services, and innovative products tailored to the needs of ordinary citizens, Glo helped break barriers to communication and brought connectivity within reach of people across different social and economic backgrounds. In doing so, it democratized access to information, knowledge, and opportunities in an increasingly digital world.

This commitment has been tested in recent times. Following the Nigerian Communications Commission’s approval of a 50 percent tariff adjustment across the telecommunications industry in 2025, operators were compelled to review their pricing structures. Yet Glo’s response reflected a people-first philosophy even amid economic pressure. Through generous data bundles, rollover benefits, value-back offers on MiFi devices, and bonus data packages, the company sought to cushion the impact on subscribers. While the industry generally moved toward higher costs, Glo worked to ensure that communication remained within the reach of ordinary Nigerians, staying true to the democratic principle that access should never be reserved for a privileged few.

Glo’s democratic approach extends beyond pricing to infrastructure development. Its 2025–2026 network modernization programme, which involved the deployment of over a thousand new 4G LTE sites, spectrum expansion, and the reconstruction of critical fibre routes, has been particularly noteworthy for its focus on underserved rural communities as well as densely populated urban centres such as markets and educational institutions. Democracy is not merely about serving those already at the centre of power; it is about extending opportunity to those at the margins. By expanding connectivity to communities that have historically been overlooked by telecommunications infrastructure, Glo has quietly been democratizing not only communication but also access to the digital future.

A key pillar of any true democracy is the protection and promotion of freedom of speech and expression. Through its reliable and affordable network, Glo has empowered millions of Nigerians to express their views, share ideas, engage in public discourse, and connect with others without being constrained by cost or access. This is not an abstract principle. It is reflected daily in the WhatsApp groups, Facebook communities, online forums, and citizen-led conversations that increasingly shape Nigeria’s political and social discourse. From grassroots town hall engagements to real-time reactions during elections and national debates, Glo provides a platform through which citizens exercise one of the most fundamental rights in a democratic society.

Furthermore, Glo’s unwavering support for local content, Nigerian talents, sports, entertainment, and entrepreneurship reflects its belief in creating opportunities for people to succeed and contribute meaningfully to national development. From its long-standing sponsorship of football competitions to its investment in Nigerian music, Nollywood, and homegrown entrepreneurial initiatives, Glo has consistently amplified Nigerian voices and celebrated Nigerian excellence. This commitment to empowering individuals mirrors the democratic principle of broad participation and shared progress.

As we honour the heroes of June 12 and reflect on the sacrifices that paved the way for democratic governance in Nigeria, Glo deserves recognition as a corporate institution that has consistently advanced the values of inclusion, accessibility, empowerment, and freedom of expression. In many respects, Glo has done for communication what democracy seeks to do for governance: place power in the hands of the people.

As Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day, Glo stands not merely as a telecom provider but as a symbol of inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment. In connecting millions of Nigerians to one another and to the world, it has helped deepen democratic participation and amplify the voices of ordinary citizens. It is more than a network. It is more than “unlimited.” It is “digital oxygen” that keeps Nigeria’s democratic conversation alive.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria.

Opinion

A SILEC Voice Against the Tide by Kwame Jamal

Published

5 days ago

June 10, 2026

Eric

The morning sun streamed through the stained-glass windows of the Anglican Church of Transformation Hall, casting patches of amber and gold across the gathered crowd. Mothers clutched small bouquets—it was Mother’s Day—and children fidgeted in their seats, unaware that history was about to be made in their midst.

At the podium stood Sunny Irakpo, his hands steady on the lectern, his voice carrying the weight of nearly two decades of quiet war. Not a war of soldiers or bombs, but one fought with pamphlets, school visits, rehabilitation talks, and now—something far greater.

Before him sat bishops in clerical collars, doctors in tailored suits, community leaders in colorful Nigerian attire, and ordinary men and women who had crossed oceans for a better life. They had come to witness the unveiling of the SILEC International Magazine (SIM)—the first global media platform dedicated exclusively to reporting drug-related issues across Africa, the United States, and beyond.

“Just like a SIM device is important to a phone,” Sunny began, his voice warm yet resolute, “imagine one with a sophisticated phone without a SIM. Such a phone will be useless. Therefore, SIM is a solution provider—an enabler designed to bring value, reset mindsets, and create a global platform bold enough to revolutionize the media ecosystem.”

The room leaned in.

Three hours earlier, Revd. Canon Paul Obike had opened the ceremony with a prayer and a smile. The anchor Venerable Shola Ogbedebi , He looked out at the sea of faces—mothers, especially, whom he thanked for their invisible labor of raising children in a world saturated with temptation.

“Sunny Irakpo,” Ogbedebi had said, “is a courageous young man with strong passion and zeal, championing a worthy cause that has taken the lives of many promising youth in Nigeria, the United States, and across the globe. He is a trailblazer. A strong voice that keeps shaping policy direction.”

The audience had applauded, some wiping tears. They knew the statistics. They had buried nephews, cousins, sons.

Now, as Sunny continued his address, he moved from metaphor to mission.

“SILEC International Magazine is not just a publication,” he said. “It will drive awareness, create employment opportunities for young people, and support underprivileged students—particularly in Nigeria, where more than twenty million children remain out of school due to financial hardship.”

He paused, letting the number settle.

“Twenty million.”

A murmur rippled through the hall.

Sunny spoke of the vision conceived years ago, held in his heart like a pregnancy carried through contraction and pain. “When a child eventually escapes the womb, the mother leaps for joy,” he said. “Today, I stand in solidarity as a mother—not by pregnancy, but by conception of ideas that could help proffer solutions to the many problems confronting mankind. This is my joy: that baby SIM is birthed to the world today, in a country where dreams come through.”

He invoked Habakkuk 2:2—write the vision and make it plain—and reminded the gathering that a child’s raising belongs not only to its parents but to the entire community. “So it is for this newborn, named SIM,” he said. “I call for your collective nurturing.”

The statistics he shared were stark.

A United Nations report from 2025 stated that 316 million people worldwide were affected by drugs. Nearly half a million deaths annually. Twenty-eight million healthy years of life lost. In 2023, only one in twelve people with drug use disorders received any treatment.

In the United States, over one million people between the ages of eighteen and forty-five had died from drugs.

But it was Africa that Sunny named as the emerging frontline. “The new market,” he said quietly. “Seventy percent of young people. In Nigeria, according to UNODC, 14.4 million people aged fifteen to sixty-four abused drugs and substances as of 2018—significantly higher than the global average. Those aged eighteen to thirty-nine remain the worst users today.”

He did not shout. He did not need to. The numbers screamed for themselves.

Then came the moment the room had been waiting for.

The Chairman of the occasion, The Rt. Revd. Dr. Augustine Unuigbe—Coordinating Bishop of the Church of Nigeria North America Mission and Managing Director of Rapha Medical Group—rose from his seat. He was a tall man with gentle eyes and the steady hands of a physician.

“As a medical doctor,” Bishop Unuigbe said, stepping to the podium, “I have seen firsthand cases of drug overdose. I have watched young people slip away on hospital beds, their parents wailing in corridors. The drug problem and overdose deaths in the United States are underreported—for reasons I cannot ascertain. But time has come for the message to be louder.”

He turned to look directly at Sunny.

“My path and Sunny Irakpo crossed on social media,” the bishop continued. “I did not know Sunny from Adam. What brought us together is divine connection. In 2021, met him physically when the Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rt. Dr. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, invited Sunny to present a paper at the Standing Committee meeting—the highest decision-making body of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion. His presentation on ‘The Monster of Drug Addiction: A Battle for the Future’ was educative, revealing, and commendable.”

The bishop’s voice deepened. “My association and endorsement of SILEC Initiatives is based on the credible platform and the carrier of the message—Sunny Irakpo—who has shown serious commitment for nearly two decades. This young man deserves all the support and encouragement to propagate the message farther.”

He placed his hand on a tablet connected to a large screen. “I now unveil the SILEC International Magazine—electronically, with Artificial Intelligence tools for the campaign ideology—to the glory of God and benefit of humanity.”

The screen flickered to life. The magazine’s website appeared: crisp, modern, alive with stories. A video montage played—interviews with recovered addicts, profiles of resilient entrepreneurs, reports from Nigerian villages where schoolrooms stood empty. The audience watched in rapt silence.

Then they rose. They clapped. Some wept.

Dr. Inua Momodu, President of the Nigerian Community in Atlantic County, New Jersey, seized the moment. “Drug abuse affects almost every household,” he said. “Everyone must be involved in this fight to save the lives of young people. The Nigerian community under my leadership will continue to support SILEC Initiatives with effective collaboration.”

Distinguished guests nodded firmly from the front row. Besides, Angels In Motion ably represented by Laura Rhodes whispered to a colleague: We need to partner with them.

Before closing, Sunny Irakpo turned to the mothers in the room. It was, after all, their day.

“Dear mothers,” he said, “your roles in family and nation-building cannot be overemphasized. Sadly, in the cause of my advocacy, I have seen women deeply engaged in drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The most despicable act is using their most revered private parts to conceal drugs. One out of four females is now a drug abuser.”

The room grew very still.

“We urge our mothers to hold firm the values that help shape society. Tighten the home front. Help prevent our wards from this destructive path.”

He paused, and his voice softened.

“In loving memory, I remember today the sacrifices of my late parents—Pa Christopher Ewomarevia and Mrs. Victoria Adiheji Irakpo—for the value of education and godly parenting they implanted in me. They started this vision of SILEC with me in 2010. It pleased God that they did not witness this very important occasion. But I give God all the glory. May their kind souls continue to rest in peace.”

The ceremony ended with Reverend Ohio Simire offering the vote of thanks, followed by closing prayers from Bishop Unuigbe. As the crowd filed out into the New Jersey afternoon, phones buzzed with notifications—the live stream had reached thousands across three continents.

Outside, a young woman approached Sunny Irakpo. She was perhaps twenty-two, her eyes red-rimmed.

“My brother overdosed last year,” she said quietly. “He was nineteen.”

Sunny placed a hand on her shoulder. “Then we do this for him,” he said. “And for all the others.”

She nodded, and for the first time that day, she smiled.

Somewhere, a SIM card connects a phone to the world. And somewhere else, a newborn magazine called SIM began connecting broken stories to hope—one page, one life, one truth at a time. Oh, what a magazine you must get with just a click from your phone at www.sim.silecinitiatives.org.ng . SILEC is rising, SILEC International Magazine, the global light.

Article contributed by Kwame Jamal