Nigeria has been experiencing its first recession in 20 years. Jonathan Ugiagbe, a Commonwealth Correspondent alumni from Benin in Nigeria, examines the prospects for a recovery and some of the ways to achieve the turn around. An improved economy would be driven by policies aimed at boosting produçtivity, improved budgetary allocation to capital expenditure, and …

“Potential ways to exit the recession” Read More »

Disappointed with missed Millennium Declaration targets, Folmi Yohanna, 27, a Correspondent from Kano in Nigeria, examines whether uneven progress will be addressed through the implementation of recently-adopted Sustainable Development Goals. The MDGs came into existence in September 2000, where leaders of 189 countries gathered at the United Nations and signed the historic Millennium Declaration, in which …

“From MDGs to SDGs: What is the next step?” Read More »

A small town in a troubled area provides a shining example of tolerance and faith, writes Nuraddeen Haruna Idris, 21, a Correspondent from Yobe State, Nigeria. I am a young person growing up in north eastern part of Nigeria where crises are taking place. For the past six years, many challenges have faced this region, …

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Healthcare is a basic human right but in Nigeria, where most people live in rural areas and have no health insurance, access to care is a huge problem. Kelechukwu Iruoma, 23, a Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, writes about journalists trained on reporting health-related issues, especially the Community-Based Health Insurance Scheme, to ensure that rural …

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Education is perceived to be a tool for unlocking the world of ignorance. But as Oluwasegun Olakoyenikan, 22, a Correspondent from Benin City, Nigeria, writes, studies show no strong connection between level of education and awareness about – or support of – female genital mutilation. It was just a few years into her induction as a …

“Formal education and FGM: two parallel lines” Read More »

Nigeria’s motion for independence was supported by a unified aim to dislodge foreign powers from the helm of affairs. Yet Olawole Olakunle, 23, a Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria, argues that Nigeria has failed to achieve the glory it could realise as a great nation. It’s important to note that at one point in time, the …

“Before the cock crows, work must be done” Read More »

Health-related absences have marked this term of presidency in Nigeria. Oluwafemi Ogunjobi, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria, looks at the facts and the impact on government and the public. The latest news about Nigeria’ President, Muhammadu Buhari is that he will now function as the commander in chief from the comfort of his room, according …

“Nigeria and its ‘freelance’ president” Read More »

Technology is booming, but is not equally available to all citizens. Musa Temidayo, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nigeria, looks at bold new technology that connects people to services, increases accountability and manages scarce resources. The ubiquitous existence of technology, in my opinion, has a potential to fundamentally transform the delivery of public services in …

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Oluwasegun Olakoyenikan, 22, a Correspondent from Benin City, Nigeria, makes the case for an open state budgeting system, arguing that it will improve the level of transparency and accountability in governance. A budget is considered open if citizens have access to budget documents and a high level of involvement in the budgetary process. Corruption in many …

“Calling for a transparent budget process” Read More »