Origins of the Crisis: Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the launch of a biographical book on retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, Emir Sanusi explained that the foundation for violence was laid when politicians and public discourse began categorizing citizens along regional, religious, and ethnic lines (such as Northerners vs. Southerners, Christians vs. Muslims, and various tribal affiliations) rather than as unified Nigerians.

The Role of Elites: Sanusi warned that unless the Nigerian elite consciously stops politicizing ethnicity and religion, the country will continue laying the groundwork for recurring cycles of violence. He stressed that political leaders should focus on governance—such as education, healthcare, and economic development—rather than leveraging religion, while urging religious leaders to stay out of politics.

Long-Term Institutional Focus: Highlighting the systemic pitfalls of short-term planning, the monarch noted that critical institutions like the military, police, and central bank cannot operate on a standard four-year political cycle and must instead build for a 20- to 50-year horizon.

Insights on Terror and State Response: Also speaking at the event, retired Lt. Gen. Domenico Giani of the Vatican City Gendarmeria noted that Boko Haram’s roots trace back to early 2000s poverty and distrust in the North-East before mutating over the years. Giani emphasized that a mutating terrorist threat requires a learning state that provides essential public services, education, and justice to prevent security vacuums.

Rejecting the “Education is a Scam” Narrative: Speaking at the annual SAS Omoyayi Educational Support Programme held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta—themed “Investing in Education, Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders”—Senator Salisu decried the growing skepticism among youths regarding schooling, noting that education has historically produced distinguished men and women in Ogun State and beyond.

Personal Inspiration and Commitment: Salisu shared that his own passion for education was deeply shaped by parental guidance received 46 years ago. Reaffirming his dedication to promoting digital literacy and ICT skills, he encouraged students to stay focused, remain undaunted by peer pressure, and look to local examples for inspiration.

Government and Stakeholder Support: Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, highlighted the Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s ongoing efforts to elevate educational standards. Meanwhile, State House of Assembly Speaker Oludaisi Elemide and NUT State Chairman Comrade Noah Sewakanu urged students to make judicious use of distributed educational materials, study hard, and position themselves as future leaders.