China’s capital city of Beijing is all set to host an interesting half-marathon that will set thousands of human runners against dozens of bipedal robots developed by some of the world’s leading robotics companies.

This coming April, the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (E-Town) will be hosting an interesting running event for both humans and human-like robots. 12,000 people are expected to take part in the event alongside dozens of bipedal robots developed by major robotics companies, including Tesla, Boston Dynamics and 1X, making this one of the strangest half-marathons in history. Participating robots will need to have a human-inspired appearance, be between 0.5 and 2 meters tall (so no giant mechs allowed), and have the ability to run or at least walk on two legs. The winners, be they human or robot, will receive prize money depending on their performance.

Do the robots have a chance to win against humans? Well, we’ll have to wait until April to find out, but experts say seasoned human runners still have an edge against bipedal robots. The robots’ speeds reportedly range from 8 to 12 km/h, whereas finishing a 21.1-kilometer half-marathon in an hour and a half requires an average speed of 14 km/h. Plus, battery autonomy is likely to be a major factor, as organizers have already announced that battery swapping mid-race is allowed.

This won’t be the first time robots compete in official running events. Last year, Laibo 2, a quadruped robot developed in South Korea, became the first robot to ever complete a full marathon on a single charge. Sadly, it won’t be able to take part in April’s half-marathon, as the event is only open to bipedal robots.

In October of last year, Tiangong, a Chinese-made bipedal robot technically took part in the Yizhuang Half Marathon in Beijing, but really only ran alongside human runners for 100 meters for a photo op. Tiangong will be at the starting line in April as well, hoping to actually run the whole race this time around.

Oddity Central

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced a revenue collection of N21.6 trillion for the year 2024, surpassing its target of N19.4 trillion. This was disclosed by the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, during his keynote address at the opening of a two-day 2025 FIRS Management retreat held at Fraser Suites, Abuja, on Thursday. The Service has set a revenue target of N25.2 trillion for 2025.

Comparative Analysis of FIRS Revenue in Dollar Terms

While the revenue figures in Naira show significant growth over the past three years, a comparative analysis in US Dollars reveals the impact of the massive devaluation of the local currency on the real value of collections.

- 2022:

  - Revenue: N10.18 trillion

  - Average Exchange Rate: $1 = N454

  - Value in USD: $22.42 billion

- 2023:

  - Revenue: N12.37 trillion

  - Average Exchange Rate: $1 = N700

  - Value in USD: $17.67 billion

- 2024:

  - Revenue: N21.6 trillion

  - Average Exchange Rate: $1 = N1,465

  - Value in USD: $14.74 billion

Despite the growth in Naira terms, the real value of FIRS collections in USD has declined over the past three years due to the depreciation of the Naira. In 2022, the revenue was worth $22.42 billion, but by 2024, it had decreased to $14.74 billion, reflecting the challenges posed by continuous devaluation of the Naira.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nigeria has documented a dramatic increase in human rights violation complaints throughout 2024, with total complaints exceeding 2 million cases. This represents a remarkable surge from just 1,147 complaints in January 2024 to 355,726 in December 2024.

Key Developments

Dashboard Implementation

- Launched February 14, 2024

- Serves as a monthly analytical tool and graphical presentation system

- Functions as both a data collection mechanism and advocacy platform

- Provides comprehensive overview of human rights concerns across Nigeria

Statistical Analysis

The dramatic increase in complaints shows the following pattern:

- January 2024: 1,147 complaints

- December 2024: 355,726 complaints

- Total 2024: Over 2 million complaints

This exponential growth suggests either:

1. Increased public awareness and accessibility of reporting mechanisms

2. Growing trust in the NHRC's ability to address violations

3. Possible deterioration of human rights conditions

4. Enhanced data collection and reporting capabilities

Strategic Significance

The dashboard serves multiple purposes:

- Acts as a call to action for stakeholders

- Provides a data-driven advocacy tool

- Creates accountability mechanisms

- Enables tracking of human rights trends

- Facilitates stakeholder engagement and discussion

Analysis and Implications

Positive Indicators

1. Improved Reporting Infrastructure: The implementation of the dashboard observatory demonstrates modernization of human rights monitoring in Nigeria.

2. Increased Transparency: Monthly public reporting shows commitment to openness and accountability.

3. Enhanced Documentation: Systematic tracking enables better response and policy formation.

Concerns

1. Scale of Increase: The dramatic rise in complaints (from 1,147 to 355,726 monthly) requires careful investigation into underlying causes.

2. Resource Strain: Such high volumes of complaints may overwhelm NHRC's processing capacity.

3. Systemic Issues: The large number of complaints might indicate widespread systemic human rights challenges.

Israel releases Palestinian prisoners after delay over chaotic hostage handover

Hamas freed three Israeli and five Thai hostages in Gaza on Thursday and Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners after delaying the process in anger at the swarming crowds at one of the hostage handover points.

Arbel Yehoud, 29, abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz in the Hamas-led assault on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, looked fearful and struggled to walk through the crowd as armed militants handed her to the Red Cross in a tense scene in the southern city of Khan Younis.

Another Israeli hostage, Gadi Moses, 80, was also released along with five Thai nationals who were working on Israeli farms near Gaza when the militants burst through the border fence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the sight of their chaotic handover was shocking and threatened death to anyone hurting hostages.

He and Defence Minister Israel Katz said they had ordered a delay in the releases of the prisoners "until the safe exit of our hostages in the next phases is assured". The prime minister's office said later that mediators had committed to ensuring the safe passage of hostages in future handovers.

Later on Thursday, buses arrived in the West Bank city of Ramallah carrying some of the 110 Palestinian prisoners to be freed as part of the phased agreement that halted more than 15 months of war in the coastal territory on Jan. 19.

The prisoners were met by cheering crowds in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory, with men chanting "we sacrifice our souls and blood for you."

Zakaria Zubaidi, one of the leaders of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas' rival the Fatah group, was the most prominent Palestinian prisoner to be freed. He escaped prison in 2021 with three other inmates but was then recaptured.

Zubaidi has always been known as the strongman of the West Bank city of Jenin, a hotbed of Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation and site of frequent Israeli army raids, including a major operation just a week ago.

"Thank God who blessed me with the release today. May the souls of the martyrs of Gaza rest in peace," Zubaidi told jubilant crowds who had gathered to greet him in Ramallah.

Asked about reports Israel would not allow him to return home to the Jenin refugee camp, Zubaidi replied, "The dragon is the owner of the land and the hunter must leave".

He is known in Jenin as the dragon.

CLASHES IN RAMALLAH

Palestinian health officials said at least 14 Palestinians were hurt by Israeli fire, some with live and rubber bullets, others from gas inhalation, as they gathered at the entrance to Ramallah to welcome the freed detainees.

Video footage showed Palestinians throwing stones towards police and then running away as police began firing.

There was no immediate comment from Israel.

Some prisoners from East Jerusalem had arrived at their homes while others were taken to Gaza or deported to Egypt.

Earlier, in Jabalia in northern Gaza, an Israeli soldier, Agam Berger, wearing an olive green uniform, was led through a narrow alley between heavily damaged buildings and over piles of rubble before being handed to the Red Cross.

"Our daughter is strong, faithful, and brave," a statement from her family said. "Now Agam and our family can begin the healing process, but the recovery will not be complete until all the hostages return home."

A video released by Netanyahu's office showed a pale Berger crying and smiling while sitting on her mother's lap.

Footage of 80-year-old Moses reuniting with his family showed him walking unaided. A doctor said Moses was in a relatively good condition but would continue to be monitored.

Netanyahu has faced criticism in Israel for not having sealed a hostage deal earlier in the war after the security failure that enabled the Oct. 7 Hamas assault.

HAMAS DEFIANCE

Hamas, which Israel has vowed to obliterate, still has a strong presence in Gaza despite more than 15 months of heavy bombardment from the Middle East's most advanced military and the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Al-Sinwar.

"The killing of leaders only makes the people stronger and more stubborn," senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said of Sinwar, filmed by an Israeli drone badly wounded throwing a piece of wood at the device in his final defiance of Israel.

The release in Khan Younis took place near the bombed ruins of Sinwar's house.

The Palestinian prisoners include 30 minors and some convicted members of Palestinian groups responsible for deadly attacks that have killed dozens of people in Israel.

Israelis gathered in what has become known as Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, cheering and crying as they watched the release on a giant screen. The hostages will be taken to hospital for treatment.

Some people cheered as U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arrived at the square, in apparent gratitude for his role in securing the ceasefire deal. He shook hands with family members of hostages and others.

Around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 hostages were abducted in the Hamas attack in Israel, the bloodiest single attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Among the dead and abducted were dozens of Thai agricultural workers.

Israel's military response has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians and laid waste to the enclave of 2.3 million people, who face severe shortages of medicine, fuel and food.

Around half the hostages were released in November 2023 during the only previous truce, and others have been recovered dead or alive during Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Hundreds of thousands of Gazans, most displaced repeatedly during the conflict, have returned to their neighbourhoods in the north, where the fighting was most intense. Many have found their homes to be uninhabitable and basic goods in short supply.

Israel still lists 82 captives in Gaza, with around 30 declared dead in absentia.

In the course of the war triggered by the Hamas attack, Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas as well as Lebanon's Hezbollah, striking major blows against Iran's network of proxies in the Middle East. The fall of Iran-backed Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was also a boost for Israel.

After the hostages were released, Hamas confirmed that military leader Mohammed Deif, who masterminded the Oct. 7 attack, had been killed, more than five months after Israel claimed in August to have killed him in a July airstrike.

Reuters

Israel releases Palestinian prisoners after delay over chaotic hostage handover

Hamas freed three Israeli and five Thai hostages in Gaza on Thursday and Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners after delaying the process in anger at the swarming crowds at one of the hostage handover points.

Arbel Yehoud, 29, abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz in the Hamas-led assault on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, looked fearful and struggled to walk through the crowd as armed militants handed her to the Red Cross in a tense scene in the southern city of Khan Younis.

Another Israeli hostage, Gadi Moses, 80, was also released along with five Thai nationals who were working on Israeli farms near Gaza when the militants burst through the border fence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the sight of their chaotic handover was shocking and threatened death to anyone hurting hostages.

He and Defence Minister Israel Katz said they had ordered a delay in the releases of the prisoners "until the safe exit of our hostages in the next phases is assured". The prime minister's office said later that mediators had committed to ensuring the safe passage of hostages in future handovers.

Later on Thursday, buses arrived in the West Bank city of Ramallah carrying some of the 110 Palestinian prisoners to be freed as part of the phased agreement that halted more than 15 months of war in the coastal territory on Jan. 19.

The prisoners were met by cheering crowds in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory, with men chanting "we sacrifice our souls and blood for you."

Zakaria Zubaidi, one of the leaders of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas' rival the Fatah group, was the most prominent Palestinian prisoner to be freed. He escaped prison in 2021 with three other inmates but was then recaptured.

Zubaidi has always been known as the strongman of the West Bank city of Jenin, a hotbed of Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation and site of frequent Israeli army raids, including a major operation just a week ago.

"Thank God who blessed me with the release today. May the souls of the martyrs of Gaza rest in peace," Zubaidi told jubilant crowds who had gathered to greet him in Ramallah.

Asked about reports Israel would not allow him to return home to the Jenin refugee camp, Zubaidi replied, "The dragon is the owner of the land and the hunter must leave".

He is known in Jenin as the dragon.

CLASHES IN RAMALLAH

Palestinian health officials said at least 14 Palestinians were hurt by Israeli fire, some with live and rubber bullets, others from gas inhalation, as they gathered at the entrance to Ramallah to welcome the freed detainees.

Video footage showed Palestinians throwing stones towards police and then running away as police began firing.

There was no immediate comment from Israel.

Some prisoners from East Jerusalem had arrived at their homes while others were taken to Gaza or deported to Egypt.

Earlier, in Jabalia in northern Gaza, an Israeli soldier, Agam Berger, wearing an olive green uniform, was led through a narrow alley between heavily damaged buildings and over piles of rubble before being handed to the Red Cross.

"Our daughter is strong, faithful, and brave," a statement from her family said. "Now Agam and our family can begin the healing process, but the recovery will not be complete until all the hostages return home."

A video released by Netanyahu's office showed a pale Berger crying and smiling while sitting on her mother's lap.

Footage of 80-year-old Moses reuniting with his family showed him walking unaided. A doctor said Moses was in a relatively good condition but would continue to be monitored.

Netanyahu has faced criticism in Israel for not having sealed a hostage deal earlier in the war after the security failure that enabled the Oct. 7 Hamas assault.

HAMAS DEFIANCE

Hamas, which Israel has vowed to obliterate, still has a strong presence in Gaza despite more than 15 months of heavy bombardment from the Middle East's most advanced military and the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Al-Sinwar.

"The killing of leaders only makes the people stronger and more stubborn," senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said of Sinwar, filmed by an Israeli drone badly wounded throwing a piece of wood at the device in his final defiance of Israel.

The release in Khan Younis took place near the bombed ruins of Sinwar's house.

The Palestinian prisoners include 30 minors and some convicted members of Palestinian groups responsible for deadly attacks that have killed dozens of people in Israel.

Israelis gathered in what has become known as Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, cheering and crying as they watched the release on a giant screen. The hostages will be taken to hospital for treatment.

Some people cheered as U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arrived at the square, in apparent gratitude for his role in securing the ceasefire deal. He shook hands with family members of hostages and others.

Around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 hostages were abducted in the Hamas attack in Israel, the bloodiest single attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Among the dead and abducted were dozens of Thai agricultural workers.

Israel's military response has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians and laid waste to the enclave of 2.3 million people, who face severe shortages of medicine, fuel and food.

Around half the hostages were released in November 2023 during the only previous truce, and others have been recovered dead or alive during Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Hundreds of thousands of Gazans, most displaced repeatedly during the conflict, have returned to their neighbourhoods in the north, where the fighting was most intense. Many have found their homes to be uninhabitable and basic goods in short supply.

Israel still lists 82 captives in Gaza, with around 30 declared dead in absentia.

In the course of the war triggered by the Hamas attack, Israel has killed other leaders of Hamas as well as Lebanon's Hezbollah, striking major blows against Iran's network of proxies in the Middle East. The fall of Iran-backed Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was also a boost for Israel.

After the hostages were released, Hamas confirmed that military leader Mohammed Deif, who masterminded the Oct. 7 attack, had been killed, more than five months after Israel claimed in August to have killed him in a July airstrike.

Reuters

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Moscow updates estimate of Ukrainian military losses

Ukraine has been losing around 50,000 servicemen every month during the past half a year in the conflict with Russia, according to estimates by the Defense Ministry in Moscow.

In January, 51,960 Kiev troops were killed or severely wounded. The figure stood at 48,470 in December and 60,805 in November last year, the ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

The number of recruits in the Ukrainian military’s training centers has barely reached 30,000 per month since last summer, despite extensive mobilization efforts, the statement read.

The ministry also noted that, according to official Ukrainian figures, some 100,000 of the country’s troops have voluntarily abandoned their units since the escalation between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022.

“The changes to the legislation prepared by the Kiev regime under pressure from Western countries to reduce the mobilization age from 25 to 18 years are the only way for [Ukrainian leader Vladimir] Zelensky to delay the cascading collapse of the front line in Donbass for a few more months,” the statement read.

Last week, Nikolay Schur, an adviser to the Ukrainian president’s office, said the government in Kiev will propose amendments in the coming days that offer incentives for males between the ages of 18 and 25 to sign voluntary contracts with the armed forces.

Men in that age group are currently not subject to mandatory mobilization under Ukrainian law. Zelensky has so far insisted that the situation will not change, despite the previous US administration of President Joe Biden reportedly pressuring Kiev to reduce the draft age to 18.

The Ukrainian leader told Bloomberg last week that what his country’s military needs is not more men, but more weapons from Western backers for the existing troops.

Last spring, faced with manpower shortages, mounting losses, and military setbacks, Ukraine lowered the draft age from 27 to 25 and significantly tightened mobilization rules. Since then, numerous videos have appeared on social media showing Ukrainian conscription officers chasing potential recruits in the streets, brawling with them, and subjecting them to abuse. Reports of the mobilization growing increasingly violent and lawless have appeared not only in the local media, but also in the West.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Russian drone strikes apartment block in Ukraine, killing nine, Zelenskiy says

A Russian drone struck a multi-storey apartment building in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy early on Thursday, killing nine people and injuring 13, including a child, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.

"Hour by hour we get updates on the situation in Sumy. Work at the site of the impact of a Russian 'Shahed' (drone) are proceeding," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

"This has become a hallmark of Russian actions -- destroying the lives of many families of an entire building. Every such strike needs an answer from the world," he said. "Terror cannot be left unpunished."

Russia launched 81 drones at Ukraine overnight, damaging businesses and homes around the country, the Ukrainian military said on Thursday.

The air force shot down 37 drones, while 39 others did not reach their targets. It did not specify what happened to the five remaining drones.

Sumy Governor Volodymyr Artyukh, shown in a video on Telegram in the night in front of a crane and piles of rubble, said emergency services were pulling residents out from parts of the building.

The attack destroyed five apartments and damaged over 20 cars, authorities said. Online pictures showed emergency crews sifting through rubble.

The region borders Russia's Kursk region, where Ukraine launched an incursion in August 2024, and has been regularly attacked by Russian drones.

An overnight attack on the southern region of Odesa damaged a grain warehouse, a hospital and two private residences without causing any casualties, according to the governor.

Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians but thousands have been killed and injured after Moscow's troops launched a full-scale invasionof Ukraine in February 2022.

RT/Reuters

Nathan Miller

Key Takeaways

• Small businesses showcase optimism for 2025 despite economic challenges such as inflation, rising operational costs and unpredictable interest rates.
• Adaptability, financial prudence and a customer-first approach are key strategies for small businesses navigating the economic volatility.
• Property management industry insights reveal the importance of leveraging technology and customer feedback to maintain a competitive edge.

The Small Business Optimism Index from the National Federation of Independent Business is trending upward as we begin 2025. Still, small businesses continue to face nationwide challenges from rising operational costs to supply chain disruptions to wage pressures. Unpredictable inflation and fluctuating interest rates remain a major source of concern for small business owners, who must make critical strategic decisions to navigate economic uncertainty with resilience.

During periods of economic uncertainty — likely to persist in the future — small businesses confront a mix of challenges and opportunities. Adaptability and proactivity are essential to riding these waves and positioning your business not only to survive but also to thrive.

In my specific niche within the property management industry, I have seen firsthand how economic pressures impact business owners, real estate investors and tenants. Here are some of the tried-and-true strategies I've found have helped my business emerge stronger, no matter the conditions.

Build financial foundations for long-term stability

Inflation has affected everything from raw materials and supply chains to labor and rent expenses, putting pressure on small businesses to stretch their budgets even further. As costs rise, consumer spending has also become less predictable, with many households limiting discretionary purchases. These tighter margins create a more challenging growth path for many small businesses. Coupled with rising interest rates, it has become increasingly difficult for small businesses to secure financing for growth or even basic working capital, as the cost of borrowing has skyrocketed.

Choosing to grow my company organically — focusing on gradual and sustainable expansion — has allowed us to remain debt-free and independent of outside funding for nearly two decades, even through challenging economic fluctuations. By maximizing lean and profitable operations when necessary, we have been able to reinvest our savings back into the business, driving innovation and growth without jeopardizing our financial stability. This approach keeps us agile, resilient and in full control of our company's future, offering a significant advantage in any volatile landscape.

Effective cash flow management is critical to your day-to-day operations, and regularly reassessing your budget will help you prioritize spending and identify areas for cost-cutting. Building financial reserves and establishing an emergency fund are vital strategies for covering unexpected downturns without relying on outside funding, giving your business the freedom to weather challenging periods with confidence and stability.

Adapt to embrace market shifts

Regardless of the economic climate, evolving customer demands, advancing technology and increasing competition will continue to drive change, requiring small businesses to pivot and adapt. It is essential to shape your products, services and overall business model to consistently deliver value to your customers. In the SaaS space, I learned early in our growth that we needed to stay nimble to stand out in a rapidly growing market. Our unique business model has enabled us to stay innovative, powering our growth and success, which is ultimately driven by the success of our clients.

Embracing tools and technology that boost efficiency is crucial to gaining a competitive edge, reducing operational costs and freeing up resources for strategic growth. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a prime example of an opportunity to adopt automation without completely losing the human element that defines small businesses. My company integrates AI across various departments — from software development to marketing to web design — but we are careful to preserve the personal, human connection that makes all the difference in our customer service.

Listen to your customers and make data-driven decisions that are informed and effective. In my case, this means our team is continuously releasing software upgrades and new features based on client feedback and real property management pain points. This approach fosters loyalty among our clients, which helps us stay relevant and resilient as the market evolves.

Maintain a customers-first mindset

What benefits your customers will ultimately benefit your business. Our business model revolves around outstanding customer serviceand prioritizes the success of our clients over profit — all of our decisions are made with our customers' best interests in mind. I strongly believe that this core value has propelled our sustained growth and national recognition, setting us apart from much larger competitors.

A customer-centric approach is essential for building brand trust and loyalty, which will be key assets during challenging economic times. In uncertainty, prioritize clear and consistent communication with your customers offering regular updates, transparent explanations and prompt responses to keep them informed and engaged. To consistently deliver value, consider anything extra you can offer when times are tough — flexible payment arrangements, personalized support, etc. A stable and loyal customer base will continue to rely on you, even in uncertain economic conditions.

While we can't predict the future, we do know that resilience is key during uncertain times. Recent data shows that 52% of small businesses plan to increase their staff and 66% expect increased revenue in the next 12 months — leaving me feeling optimistic as we enter the new year. Short-term hurdles can certainly test our patience, but maintaining a focus on long-term goals and staying committed to core values will ultimately drive sustained success.

Entrepreneur

Nigeria's digital payment ecosystem has reached a significant milestone, with electronic transactions totaling N1.07 quadrillion in 2024, marking the first time transactions have crossed the quadrillion naira threshold. This figure, equivalent to approximately $702.6 billion at the reported year-end exchange rate, represents a 79.6% increase from the previous year's N600 trillion.

The NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP) platform processed 11.2 billion transactions throughout the year, up 15.5% from 9.7 billion in 2023. December 2024 saw peak activity with N115.1 trillion in transactions, attributed to increased festive season spending.

This dramatic growth in digital payments appears to be driven by several factors:

1. Policy Environment: The Central Bank of Nigeria's cashless policy, implemented in January 2023, which capped weekly cash withdrawals at N500,000 for individuals and N5 million for corporations.

2. Infrastructure Development: The widespread adoption of various payment channels including mobile apps, USSD, POS terminals, and internet banking.

3. Consumer Adaptation: Growing comfort with digital payment methods among Nigerians, particularly following the cash shortages experienced in early 2023.

Analysis:

The reported growth in digital payments signals several important developments:

1. Digital Transformation: The sharp increase in both transaction value and volume suggests an accelerating shift toward digital financial services in Nigeria.

2. Financial Inclusion: The growth in transaction volume indicates broader adoption of digital payments across different segments of society.

3. Economic Implications: The significant increase in transaction value could indicate:

   - Growing economic activity

   - Increased formalization of the economy

   - Reduced dependency on cash transactions

4. Policy Effectiveness: The success of the CBN's cashless policy in driving behavioral change among Nigerians.

Taimur Samad, the World Bank’s Deputy Country Director for Nigeria, revealed that more than two-thirds of Nigerian girls abandon their education before reaching junior secondary school. Samad made this disclosure on Tuesday while representing the Country Director, Ndiame Diop, at a national conference on girls’ education and empowerment in Abuja. The event, themed “Effective Partnerships on Girls’ Education, Out-of-School Children Education for National Development,” was organized by the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE).

Samad highlighted the major barriers to girl-child education in Nigeria, including high dropout rates, early marriages, and teenage pregnancies. He stated, “Over 66% of girls in Nigeria drop out of school before junior secondary school. Additionally, 35% are married by the age of 15, and 45% give birth before turning 18.” Despite these challenges, he praised the efforts of the federal government, state governors, and traditional leaders through AGILE programs, which have reached over 25 million children across 18 states. More than four million children, including 2.2 million girls, have benefited from improved educational facilities.

Tunji Alausa, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, emphasized the need for collective action to address the issue. He announced the launch of the National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), a strategic effort to tackle systemic challenges in the education sector, with a focus on girls’ education. Alausa urged traditional and religious leaders to act as gatekeepers in their communities, ensuring widespread support for these initiatives. “For Nigeria to achieve its educational and development goals, we must move beyond policies and programs. Continuous advocacy, sensitization, and community engagement are essential,” he said.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, echoed the call for action, stressing the importance of implementation over policy formation. “Implementation is what we need. All hands must be on deck to eliminate the barriers hindering the education of the girl-child in Nigeria,” he said. He expressed confidence in the commitment of leaders and the National Assembly to support these efforts.

Analysis of Implications for National Development and Security:

1. Economic Development:

   - The high dropout rate among girls has long-term economic consequences. Educated women are more likely to participate in the workforce, contribute to economic growth, and break the cycle of poverty. By failing to educate its female population, Nigeria is losing out on a significant portion of its potential human capital, which is critical for sustainable development.

2. Social Development:

   - Early marriages and teenage pregnancies perpetuate gender inequality and limit opportunities for girls to contribute meaningfully to society. Educated women are more likely to raise healthier, better-educated children, creating a positive ripple effect across generations. The lack of education for girls exacerbates social issues such as child mortality, malnutrition, and poor health outcomes.

3. National Security:

   - The large number of out-of-school children, particularly girls, poses a security risk. Uneducated and disenfranchised youth are more vulnerable to exploitation by extremist groups, criminal organizations, and human traffickers. Addressing the education gap is essential for reducing the pool of individuals susceptible to recruitment into such activities.

4. Policy Implementation:

   - While initiatives like AGILE and NESRI are commendable, the real challenge lies in implementation. The Sultan of Sokoto’s emphasis on moving beyond policy formation highlights the need for actionable steps and accountability. Effective implementation requires collaboration among federal and state governments, traditional and religious leaders, and communities.

5. Cultural and Structural Barriers:

   - Deep-rooted cultural norms, such as early marriage and gender biases, continue to hinder girls’ education. Tackling these issues requires not only policy interventions but also sustained advocacy and community engagement. Traditional and religious leaders, as influential gatekeepers, play a crucial role in shifting societal attitudes.

6. Global Reputation:

   - Nigeria’s inability to address the education gap, particularly for girls, tarnishes its global reputation and undermines its commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality).

In conclusion, the high dropout rate among Nigerian girls is not just an educational issue but a multifaceted challenge with far-reaching implications for national development and security. Addressing it requires a holistic approach that combines policy reforms, community engagement, and sustained investment in education. Failure to act decisively could hinder Nigeria’s progress toward achieving its development goals and exacerbate existing social and security challenges.

The Federal Government, acting through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has imposed a three-month suspension on Max Air’s domestic operations following a recent incident involving one of its aircraft in Kano. The decision comes after a Max Air Boeing 737-400 aircraft, with registration number 5N-MBD, experienced a tyre burst upon landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at approximately 10:51 PM.

This marks the third incident involving a Max Air aircraft within the past three months. Although all 53 passengers on board were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported, the aircraft was temporarily grounded, and the runway was closed until 8:00 AM on Wednesday, when it was reopened by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the incident. The NCAA, in a statement, confirmed its commitment to supporting the NSIB’s inquiry. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, emphasized that the specific cause of the incident can only be determined after the NSIB completes its investigation.

Achimugu also noted that the NCAA had been conducting organizational risk assessments for all scheduled operators, including Max Air, which were nearing completion. However, in light of the recent incident, Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be suspended for three months, effective from midnight on January 31, 2025. This suspension will allow the airline’s management to conduct an internal review of its operations.

During the suspension period, the NCAA will carry out a comprehensive safety and economic audit of Max Air. The safety audit will involve a re-evaluation of the airline’s organizational structure, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, as outlined in Part 1.3.3.3(b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations. Simultaneously, the economic audit will assess the airline’s financial stability to ensure it can sustain safe flight operations.

Max Air’s resumption of domestic flights will depend on the satisfactory completion of these audits. The NCAA acknowledged the potential inconvenience to passengers but stressed that passenger safety and well-being remain its top priority. The authority urged the public for patience and understanding as it works to uphold passenger rights and ensure aviation safety.