Africa
How Nigerian Leaders Abandon the Nation They Failed to Build

The sight of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari visiting former military Head of State General Yakubu Gowon at his London residence may seem, at first glance, a routine interaction between elder statesmen.
However, this image is a powerful symbol of a disturbing trend that has plagued Nigeria for decades: the consistent abandonment of the country by its leaders after leaving office.
In recent years, this trend has become a glaring indictment of the failure of governance in Nigeria.
From Abuja to Aso Rock, Nigerian leaders have made a habit of seeking solace in foreign lands once their tenure comes to an end.
They retreat to the comfort of countries whose systems they had no hand in building, leaving behind a nation grappling with the fallout of their poor leadership.
For many, this pattern represents more than just a lifestyle choice; it is a stark reminder of the decay, neglect, and corruption that characterize the leadership class in Nigeria.
The question is simple: Why do Nigerian leaders, after serving in the highest offices of the land, choose to live abroad rather than in Nigeria?
If they had governed effectively, developed the country, and built the systems that ensure a comfortable and safe life, would they not choose to live in the very nation they once ruled?
Their actions suggest something far more profound: that Nigeria, under their leadership, has failed to reach its potential, to the point that even the leaders themselves find it uninhabitable after leaving office.
Healthcare: A System Neglected, Now Abandoned
One of the most telling aspects of this mass exodus of Nigerian leaders is their reliance on foreign healthcare.
While in office, it is no secret that many high-ranking officials routinely travel abroad for medical treatment.
President Buhari himself spent significant time in the United Kingdom for medical reasons during his presidency, at one point sparking national debates on the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The reality is that Nigeria’s healthcare system has been woefully underfunded and mismanaged for years.
Rather than investing in hospitals, training healthcare workers, or upgrading medical infrastructure, successive governments have allowed the system to collapse under the weight of corruption and neglect.
Despite repeated promises of reform, Nigerian leaders have failed to make meaningful progress.
The exodus of these leaders to foreign hospitals is a direct indictment of their failure.
How can a leader justify ruling over a country for years, only to seek medical care abroad once they are no longer in power?
The truth is simple: they know the system they presided over is not equipped to handle their needs, let alone the needs of the ordinary Nigerian citizen.
In effect, they have created two healthcare systems—one for the elites, who can afford to travel abroad, and another for the masses, who must make do with underfunded, overstretched hospitals.
This raises an uncomfortable truth: if these leaders had genuinely invested in the Nigerian healthcare system, they would not need to flee to foreign lands for treatment.
They would have access to the very facilities they were responsible for building.
Instead, they have chosen to abandon the country they ruled, leaving millions of Nigerians to suffer the consequences of their failures.
Education: A System Failing The Youths, Yet Abandoned by Leaders
Another key reason Nigerian leaders abandon the country post-tenure is the deplorable state of the educational system.
Most Nigerian political elites send their children abroad for their education, a practice that underscores the complete lack of confidence in the Nigerian education system.
Strikes, lack of funding, and infrastructural decay have marked Nigeria’s education sector from primary schools to tertiary institutions.
Nigeria’s ruling class sends their children to schools in Europe, the United States, and other parts of the developed world, which stands as the most damning indictment of the neglect of the education system.
This sends a clear message: those in power consider Nigerian schools unfit for their children, yet expect them to be good enough for millions of ordinary Nigerians.
Consider the ripple effects of this decision.
These leaders, while in office, had the power to enact educational reforms, to ensure that Nigerian universities could compete on the global stage, and to increase funding for research, science, and innovation. Instead, they allowed the system to collapse.
The result is a nation where many young Nigerians, even those with the academic capacity, cannot access quality education within their own country.
This is a country where the intellectual brain drain is so severe that the brightest minds are forced to seek education abroad, often never returning to contribute to the nation’s development.
If Nigerian leaders had invested in the education sector, their children, and indeed themselves would have no need to seek greener pastures abroad.
The irony is bitter: those tasked with building the nation’s future through education have chosen to abandon the very system they were supposed to nurture.
Infrastructure and Security: A Nation Left in Disrepair
Another major factor driving Nigerian leaders abroad is the state of the nation’s infrastructure and security.
Nigeria’s roads are notoriously unsafe, both due to their poor condition and the rampant insecurity that plagues many parts of the country.
Kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism have become endemic, making life in Nigeria perilous, even for the wealthy and powerful.
While in office, these leaders had the opportunity to address these issues.
They controlled the nation’s budget, secured international support, and were responsible for providing security to all Nigerians.
Yet, year after year, they squandered budgets, underfunded security forces, and left them ill-equipped to handle challenges.
At the same time, they either abandoned large infrastructure projects or turned them into opportunities for corruption.
The result is a country where traveling between cities can feel like a dangerous gamble.
The infrastructure needed for a modern economy—reliable roads, electricity, and communication networks—remains either unfinished or in a constant state of disrepair.
Is it any wonder, then, that these leaders choose to spend their post-tenure years in countries where basic infrastructure is not a concern?
The Culture of Escape: Leaders and Their Families Seeking Refuge Abroad
The broader cultural implications of this pattern are even more disturbing.
What message does it send to Nigerians when their leaders consistently choose to live abroad after their tenure?
It suggests that these leaders do not believe in the long-term viability of the nation they once governed.
Their decision to live in foreign countries, often with their families, indicates a lack of faith in Nigeria’s future.
Moreover, this culture of escape creates a dangerous precedent.
It normalizes the idea that Nigeria is a country to be used, not invested in.
It reinforces the notion that wealth and power are tools for personal enrichment, rather than for national development.
By choosing to live abroad, these leaders are sending a clear message: Nigeria is not good enough for them or their families.
A Call for Accountability and Reform
As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, political instability, and social unrest, the post-tenure exodus of its leaders raises critical questions about accountability and governance.
Nigerian leaders cannot continue to abandon their country while expecting the citizens they once ruled to suffer the consequences of their failures.
Nigeria must fundamentally shift how it views leadership.
Public office should no longer be seen as an opportunity for personal gain but as a responsibility to improve the lives of all Nigerians.
The nation must hold leaders accountable for their actions, both during and after their tenure.
They must live with the systems they helped create, and their decisions must reflect a long-term commitment to national development.
If Nigerian leaders truly want to leave a lasting legacy, they must invest in the systems that will allow future generations to thrive.
They must stop the culture of neglect that has turned Nigeria into a nation from which they seek refuge.
Only then will we see a Nigeria where leaders, past and present, are proud to live within its borders because they have worked to make it a country worth living in.
Until then, the image of Nigerian leaders retreating to foreign countries after their tenure will remain a symbol of their ultimate failure: the inability to build a nation that even they want to call home.
Africa
Why Every Nigerian Should Learn Combat Skills — CDS

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged all Nigerians to acquire combat skills such as Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo to protect themselves in the face of increasing danger.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday, August 21, General Musa likened learning martial arts to other essential survival skills, including driving and swimming.
“That one should be taken as learning driving, learning how to swim.
Whether we have war or not, it is a survival instinct,” he said.
He added that in Europe, swimming and basic security education are compulsory because citizens must understand and practice personal safety.
The defence chief emphasised that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) should incorporate unarmed combat training into its programme to prepare graduates for real-world threats.
He explained, “That’s what the NYSC is supposed to do, but the NYSC has been watered down to three weeks. Self-defence is very important.
Unarmed combat, swimming, driving these are critical aspects of human survival. We should never take them for granted because they prepare us for the future.”
General Musa further encouraged Nigerians to remain situationally aware of their environment, alerting authorities to any suspicious activities or individuals.
He said, “The world we are in now is dangerous. We have individuals who don’t mean people well. They kill for whatever reason.”
Highlighting evolving threats, General Musa disclosed that terrorists increasingly use gold to finance their operations.
He noted that complex international networks make it difficult to immediately expose or prosecute these financiers. “Gold is the main source.
They circulate it through various channels, including foreign links, which complicates intervention,” he explained.
General Musa acknowledged that bad roads and challenging terrains hinder rapid military response to attacks.
He said, “Many Nigerians expect immediate intervention from the Armed Forces without understanding the logistical challenges. By the time information reaches us, terrorists have already struck and vanished because they move more quickly in these regions.”
He added that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the North-East further slow troop movement.
Regarding the Southeast, General Musa noted that the arrest of pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland in November 2024 has improved security in the region.
He said, “Troops are actively pursuing Ekpa’s lieutenants in Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Abia states. We will continue operations until all threats are neutralised.”
The CDS also praised the synergy among the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy, which led to the arrest of Ansaru terrorist leaders, describing it as a major success in the fight against terrorism.
General Musa concluded by announcing an African Chiefs of Defence Staff conference to foster continental collaboration and enhance regional security efforts.
Africa
‘Misplaced Priority’: Peter Obi Blasts FG’s ₦142bn Bus Terminal Project

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has slammed the Federal Government’s approval of ₦142 billion for the construction of bus terminals across Nigeria, describing it as a reckless misplacement of priorities.
Obi issued a statement on Friday, August 22, via his Official X formerly Twitter platform, warning that the project reflects poor leadership and lack of focus in managing Nigeria’s limited resources. He titled his statement, “₦142 Billion for Bus Terminals.”
According to him, the true test of leadership is how scarce resources are prioritized.
He stressed that investing such a huge amount in bus terminals while critical sectors like healthcare suffer shows a government that is out of touch with citizens’ realities.
Obi said: “The difference between success and failure in any nation is how leaders prioritise resources.
The decision to spend ₦142 billion on six bus terminals exposes a lack of competence and vision. It is a clear sign of poor leadership.”
The Federal Executive Council had recently approved the funds for the construction of one modern bus terminal in each of the six geopolitical zones.
The government described it as part of efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and improve mobility nationwide.
But Obi strongly disagreed. He compared the allocation to healthcare funding, pointing out that the combined budget for all teaching hospitals and federal psychiatric centres in Nigeria is less than ₦100 billion in the 2024 budget.
“This is disturbing,” Obi continued, “because health remains one of the most critical sectors of development. Yet it is underfunded and deteriorating rapidly.
The World Health Organization has reported that over 20 million Nigerians live with mental health conditions.
This is a tragic irony. How can the government ignore this crisis and focus on bus terminals?”
He argued that the health sector, alongside education and poverty reduction programs, deserves priority attention.
Obi insisted that until government spending reflects the real needs of Nigerians, the country will remain trapped in poor governance.
Many Nigerians have also taken to social media to express anger, echoing Obi’s concerns. Critics argue that the decision proves the Federal Government is disconnected from the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.
For Obi, the ₦142 billion project is not just a case of wrong timing.
He sees it as a clear example of governance failure and misplaced priorities.
Africa
Canada Announces Permanent Residence Lottery Results for Foreign Workers

Canada has carried out a new Express Entry lottery, inviting thousands of skilled workers to apply for permanent residency.
Financial Express report that the Announcement which came on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, marks one of the most significant rounds this year.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 4,200 candidates in the latest Express Entry draw.
The invitations were sent under the no-program-specified category, which means candidates from all economic immigration programs were considered.
To qualify, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 507 points.
This cut-off is higher than several recent rounds, showing rising competition in Canada’s immigration pool.
Breakdown of Recent Express Entry Draws
The August 20 general draw came just a week after Canada held two smaller, targeted draws.
On August 14, 2025, IRCC issued 1,500 invitations in a Healthcare category-based draw, with a minimum CRS of 430.
On August 13, 2025, another STEM occupation draw invited 1,000 candidates, with a CRS cut-off of 481.
This means Canada has invited more than 6,700 candidates in August alone, highlighting its steady demand for skilled workers.
Why Express Entry Remains Key
The Express Entry system is Canada’s main pathway for skilled migration. It manages applications for three major programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Through this system, candidates are ranked by CRS points based on age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. Higher scores improve the chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Impact of the Rising CRS
The 507-point cut-off has sparked concern among applicants.
Many worry that higher thresholds make it harder to qualify unless they boost their profiles with stronger English or French test results, higher education, or Canadian job offers.
Immigration experts note that Canada is prioritizing candidates who are more likely to integrate quickly into the economy.
With rising competition, applicants may need to explore provincial nomination programs (PNPs), which can add up to 600 extra CRS points.
Canada’s Immigration Targets
Despite higher CRS cut-offs, Canada’s immigration outlook remains ambitious.
The government has pledged to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.
Skilled workers make up a large share of this intake.
With labor shortages in sectors like healthcare, technology, and construction, Canada continues to use Express Entry to attract foreign talent.
What Applicants Should Do
Experts recommend that prospective migrants keep their profiles updated and monitor both general and category-based draws.
Targeted draws for healthcare, STEM, and trades occupations often have lower CRS cut-offs, giving candidates more opportunities.
For those struggling to meet the high CRS threshold, exploring study routes in Canada, provincial nominations, or job offers may increase chances.
The August 20 Express Entry draw shows Canada’s ongoing commitment to skilled immigration.
With over 4,200 invitations issued and CRS cut-offs climbing, the competition is intense.
However, the system continues to provide multiple entry points for determined applicants worldwide.
Africa
Japan Designates City as Hometown for Nigerians

The Japanese government has officially designated the city of Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigerians, marking a major step in strengthening cultural diplomacy and workforce collaboration between both nations.
The announcement was made during the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) and confirmed by the Director of Information at Nigeria’s State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye.
According to the agreement, the Japanese government will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled and innovative young Nigerians who are willing to relocate to Kisarazu to live and work.
This initiative also extends to artisans and blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill and contribute to Japan’s economy.
At the same event, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) designated three other cities as hometowns for African nations:
Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture for Tanzania,
Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique.
These hometown designations aim to foster manpower development, cultural exchanges, and economic partnerships that will benefit both Japan and the participating African countries.
Nigeria-Japan Partnership
Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, received the certificate on behalf of Nigeria alongside Yoshikuni Watanabe, the Mayor of Kisarazu.
The ceremony highlighted the city’s longstanding relationship with Nigeria, as Kisarazu was the official host town for the Nigerian contingent during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes trained and acclimatised before moving to the Olympic village.
Local Japanese authorities hope that designating Kisarazu as Nigerians’ hometown will boost the city’s population, enhance regional revitalisation, and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Japan’s Vision for Africa
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in his address at TICAD9, announced $5.5 billion in new investments across Africa.
He stressed the importance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative development, focusing on three key areas:
Private sector-led sustainable growth,
Youth and women empowerment.
Prime Minister Ishiba also acknowledged Japan’s challenges with an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land, calling on African nations to support Japan while benefiting from expanded cultural and economic opportunities.
What This Means for Nigerians
For Nigerians, the recognition of Kisarazu as their official hometown in Japan provides more than symbolic value.
It creates new employment opportunities, encourages skills transfer, and opens a pathway for closer cultural integration between both nations.
This strategic move underscores Japan’s commitment to forging deeper ties with Africa, while offering Nigerians a platform to thrive abroad
Africa
Kenyan Police Exhume Five More Bodies Linked to Starvation Cult

At least five more bodies, including two children, have been exhumed in coastal Kenya in connection with the country’s most infamous starvation cult.
Police confirmed on Friday, August 22, 2025, that the discovery is linked to the “Shakahola Forest Massacre,” a tragedy that shocked the world in 2023.
The fresh graves were found near Binzaro village in Kilifi County’s Chakama area, according to Robert Kiinge of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
He revealed that officers had excavated at least 27 sites spread across a five-acre plot.
“We retrieved five bodies,” Kiinge confirmed.
He explained that most of the remains were in advanced stages of decomposition, suggesting they had been buried more than a year ago.
However, one of the victims may have been buried as recently as seven to eight months ago.
Tragically, two of the bodies were those of children, estimated to be between five and seven years old.
Kiinge added that the evidence strongly pointed to a link with the original Shakahola massacre, where more than 400 victims of a starvation cult were discovered in 2023.
The cult was led by self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie, who is currently on trial in Mombasa for multiple counts of manslaughter. Mackenzie has denied all charges, but his followers have continued to draw scrutiny from investigators.
So far, 11 people have been taken into custody in connection with the new graves.
Three of them, however, are being treated as victims rather than suspects.
“The people we have in custody today are followers of Mackenzie,” Kiinge told reporters, stressing that investigations remain ongoing.
Post-mortem examinations are expected in the coming days to determine the exact cause of death.
Until then, police have avoided speculation.
The renewed discoveries come just weeks after a Mombasa court adjourned Mackenzie’s trial due to new evidence.
The case has reignited national debate about the regulation of fringe religious movements in Kenya.
Following the Shakahola tragedy, the Kenyan government introduced stricter oversight measures for religious organizations.
However, these proposals have been met with resistance from some groups, who argue that tighter controls infringe on constitutional protections separating church and state.
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