Author: The Nation

By Lanre Idowu

Journalism ethics enjoins, and common sense upholds, the need for balance in information handling, conscious of the power and reach of information. The pursuit of balance underscores the position that access to any medium where information is shared is a privilege that carries with it enormous responsibility. But in this social media age of information overload, where democratisation of access has side-lined gate keeping, where the concerns are clicks and forwarding of ill-digested posts, where getting it first trumps getting it right, calls for balance are increasingly dismissed as old school positioning, or demonised as the stance of saboteurs.

Lately, the venom that drives inter-ethnic relations is so frightening that there is utmost need to be wary lest we unwittingly stoke a descent into anarchy.

On the social media, many seem to be possessed by a spirit of restlessness that is committed to overthrowing balance in social conversations and relationships. Its victims have itchy, childish fingers that see digital tools as toys for drawing out any information that feeds their bias, and sharing it without much effort to ascertain its veracity, and with little sensitivity to their audiences.

In many WhatsApp/Telegram groups today, from alumni bodies to religious and cultural groups, to clubs and associations, and professional congregations, we have people of different ethnicities, sensibilities, interests, and outlooks that it is only reasonable and decent to pause, regularly, and ask a few questions before we share whatever catches our fancy.

Careless posts, unrestrained messages, hateful assertions, and insensitive utterances are combustible ingredients that do not breed goodwill. They are known to have ignited violent conflicts that consumed many lives and properties as the examples of Bosnia, Rwanda, Kenya, and nearby Sierra Leone clearly testify. It’s also worth remembering that even here at home, the Civil War is a clear example of how ethnic tensions can degenerate when not managed well.

Some of these conflicts started innocuously enough that some of the dramatis personae didn’t envisage the outcomes. Yet some were deliberate and calculated. So, when one calls for restraint in what we post, it is not because one is less proud of his origins or identity, but because conflicts can be better managed without allowing them to degenerate into violence. The perceived wrongs of several generations cannot be corrected overnight with vitriolic rhetoric without severe consequences. Long-standing cherished socio-economic ties should not be irreparably destroyed overnight because we refuse to exercise restraint over the outcome of elections into public offices.

In this era of citizen journalism, where access to the digital space confers one with the toga of an overnight reporter, analyst, and commentator, there is a lot that we can borrow from the Principles of Peace Journalism, which stress the salience of peace to any sustainable development effort, emphasize the need to frame issues adequately by recognizing the diversity and complexity of conflicts, promote the need for dialogue and trust building in managing conflicts.

Flowing from the above, it is important to avoid analysing conflicts from the narrow prism of absolutes as is the current case on many discussion platforms. Such a stance sees only two opposing sides without exploring the various shades of opinion or the common ground for enduring solutions.

I say to our ethnic gladiators, verbal terrorists, and religious jingoists that you cannot be a credible opinion leader in your group when in fact you are a crisis merchant who plays one side against the other. You cannot ignore the middle ground and expect the edifice to hold.

So, before you share the next hateful post, I commend to you the DAME Conflict-Sensitivity Test developed from a 14-month, five-city study and training programme in 2014-2016. It asks that any post, especially in seasons of great excitement as election time, be subjected to a conflict-sensitivity test, which considers the following:

1. Is it factual?

2. Is it fair to all?

3. Will it build goodwill?

4. Is it conflict-sensitive?

5. Does it tower above narrow or pecuniary interests?

Subsumed under these questions are such considerations as why share because it is trending when you cannot establish its veracity? Why dish out what you will not accept because you imagine that you have a temporary advantage over the other side? What is the likely consequence of that angry outburst of today, tomorrow? How sincere is that point you are anxious to make? Is it in the overall interest of the community or is it driven by narrow concerns that are neither healthy nor sincere? In short, is the information disseminated the product of reason or that of haste?

May your next post be divinely guided.

•Idowu, FNGE is the supervising trustee of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence.

By Ralph Olajide Sabo

Congratulations on your recent election as the president of The Federal Republic of Nigeria. As the leader of our great nation, I am confident that you have a clear understanding of the challenges that lie ahead, particularly in the areas of the economy and employment.

Nigeria is currently facing significant economic challenges, with high inflation and rising unemployment rates. The urgent need to address these challenges cannot be overemphasized. As a result, I believe that your administration can make a meaningful difference in the lives of ordinary Nigerians by prioritizing the following areas:

*Job Creation: The high rate of unemployment is one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria today. Your administration can create job opportunities by investing in infrastructure, providing tax incentives to businesses, and promoting entrepreneurship. The government could invest in infrastructure projects such as road construction, renewable energy, and water supply systems. The government could also provide tax incentives to businesses that create new jobs or hire unemployed Nigerians. Additionally, the government could support the growth of the informal sector by providing microfinance loans and training programmes for entrepreneurs.

*Economic Growth: Sustainable economic growth is essential to reduce poverty and improve the living standards of Nigerians. Your administration can achieve this by attracting foreign investments, promoting diversification of the economy, and ensuring sound fiscal policies. To attract foreign investments and promote economic diversification, the government could create a more business-friendly environment by reducing bureaucracy and improving transparency in regulatory processes. The government could also encourage foreign investments by providing tax breaks or other incentives to foreign companies that invest in Nigeria. Furthermore, the government could promote economic diversification by supporting sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.

*Education: Education is crucial for economic growth and development. Your administration can improve access to quality education by investing in schools and teachers, providing scholarships and grants to students, and promoting vocational training. The government could invest in building new schools and renovating existing ones, hiring and training more teachers, and providing scholarships and grants to students from marginalized communities.

*Health: A healthy workforce is crucial for economic growth. Your administration can improve healthcare delivery by investing in healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and providing affordable healthcare for all Nigerians. The government could prioritize healthcare infrastructure development by building more hospitals and clinics, providing medical equipment and supplies, and training healthcare professionals. The government could also subsidize healthcare costs for low-income families and improve access to healthcare in rural areas.

In addition to these areas, your administration could focus on creating an enabling environment for small businesses and entrepreneurs. This could be done through the implementation of policies that encourage investment and provide incentives for companies to hire and train Nigerian workers. Initiatives could also be created to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, providing them with the necessary resources and funding to succeed.

Furthermore, I would like to highlight the importance of investing in critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and power generation, particularly in the rural areas to ensure holistic development. Such investments would create jobs and stimulate economic growth not only at the centre but also in the rural areas, where access to basic amenities is often lacking. It is essential to create an environment where businesses can thrive across all sectors and make Nigeria the commercial capital of Africa (the China of Africa).

I would also urge your administration to prioritize the fight against corruption, which has been a significant obstacle to economic development in Nigeria. By ensuring transparency and accountability in all sectors, you can build trust and restore confidence in the Nigerian economy.

Technology is the new oil, (a case study of Dubai). Therefore I would like your administration to pay more attention to the development of Nigeria’s technology sector. Nigeria’s technology sector has been growing rapidly in recent years, and there is great potential for further growth. Your administration can support this growth by creating policies that promote innovation and entrepreneurship, such as providing tax incentives, funding research and development, and investing in technology infrastructure.

Nigeria needs to invest in digital infrastructure to support the growth of the technology sector and enable businesses to operate more efficiently. This includes improving access to high-speed internet, investing in data centres, and supporting the development of digital payment systems.

E-commerce has the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth by enabling businesses to reach new customers and expand their operations. Your administration can support the growth of e-commerce by creating policies that encourage online entrepreneurship, such as providing tax breaks for e-commerce businesses, and investing in logistics infrastructure to support delivery services.

Nigeria needs a skilled workforce to succeed in the technology sector. Your administration can invest in education and training programmes that provide Nigerians with the skills they need to succeed in the technology industry. This includes funding programmes that teach coding, data analytics, and other high-demand skills.

Nigeria can attract foreign investment by promoting its technology sector as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Your administration can encourage foreign investment by creating policies that provide tax breaks, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and provide legal protection for investors.

Nigeria has a vibrant start-up scene, and your administration can support the growth of these start-ups by creating policies that provide funding, mentoring, and other resources. This includes creating a start-up fund that provides seed funding to promising start-ups and creating an ecosystem that encourages collaboration and networking.

•Engr Sabo writes from Lokoja, Kogi State.

By Olorogun Bernard Okumagba

Our state, Delta, is at an epochal moment that will determine whether we make the bend to get on the road to development or if we regress. There is little doubt that most Deltans are disappointed with the condition of our state. For a state that is blessed with abundant oil, gas and solid mineral resources, arable land and some of the best human capital in Nigeria, it is without a doubt that Delta should not be in its current sorry state.

Delta is the largest producer of oil and gas in Nigeria, with more raw materials in clay, limestone, kaolin, silica, tar sand and decorative rocks, which if properly harnessed, would provide job opportunities for our fast growing population and teeming unemployed youths. 

So why is a state so blessed with such an array of raw materials, many of which have not been harnessed, be in such a terrible state where there is mass youth unemployment and despair?

That is an issue at play here as Deltans go to the poll to elect a governor on March 11. It is clear that if we are to change our story from despair to a new era of new economic opportunities, development and growth, Deltans must vote in a governor that means business. That person is Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Omo-Agege comes with verifiable records of performance as a lawmaker. He has distinguished himself excellently at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly to the benefit of all Deltans. Omo-Agege will replicate his endless developmental strides exemplified by the numerous projects he attracted to his constituency and beyond while serving as senator representing Delta Central for the past seven years-plus and as Deputy Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the past three years-plus. He will also be bringing his vast experience to bear in the management of the state resources as governor of Delta State.

Ovie Omo-Agege is a development-oriented administrator. As governor, Senator he would usher in a new vista of hope and opportunities for Deltans. Omo-Agege’s emergence will also improve the relationship and enhance synergy between the federal and Delta State governments and thereby, attract the needed development currently eluding the hard working and peaceful people of the state.

A peek into the BAND agenda of the Omo-Agege manifesto shows a candidate that has done serious work. Deltans who have followed his campaigns at rallies and town hall meetings across the state would notice that he has shown a clear understanding of the needs of our people and has equally articulated a very clear and measurable agenda towards meeting the needs. His manifesto and presentations shows understanding and clear intent, which Deltans cannot take for granted.

Explaining his mission, Omo-Agege said: “Our men and women must have decent jobs that allow a good quality of life. Our programme for the next four years in Delta State will bring back job creation, a productive economy, a sense of community and respect for people. Creating jobs for young people is a challenge which will define us, for this generation and the next, and will remain a key priority for us as part of our long-term commitment to full employment.”

He adds: “To create jobs, we will introduce an ambitious ‘Delta State Employment, Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Programme (DEEP) and will support our Social Economy and our Small and Medium Enterprises. DEEP is an unbreakable commitment to be fulfilled with innovative ideas and reforms targeting massive private-sector economic development and growth through responsible management of government resources and processes.

“The driving strategy behind DEEP will create modern cluster industries and manufacturing centres that will generate good jobs in every Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State. Our target is to create the right environment and support mechanism, including structured state guarantees, for the private sector to develop at least five major employment-generating corporate vehicles in each LGA annually. These will drive well-organised, government-supported and actively supervised Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to be strategically spread across the state on the basis of the unique economic strength of each LGA. This is at the core of our overall BUILD A NEW DELTA – BAND governance agenda.”

Delta State has not had a leader who lucidly articulates his vision as Omo-Agege does. Omo-Agege’s manifesto immensely underscores his passion and the promise of a new Delta anchored on creating employment, development, good governance and enduring security.

Yet another plus is that Senator Ovie Omo-Agege is a detribalised Deltan whose actions, body language and antecedents are devoid of ethnic sentiments. Rather, he has performed exceedingly well in his duties and has established friendships in various communities, local government areas, senatorial districts across Delta State and beyond. All these are assets that will come handy to build a new Delta.

When it comes to the imperatives and challenges of development in Delta State, Deltans should  trust Omo-Agege who has delivered on his electoral promises in the past.

I urge Deltans to choose this trustworthy, progressive-minded and detribalised Deltan who has a clear vision of massive infrastructural and social development of Delta State.

 •Okumagba, FCA is a former Commissioner for Finance in Delta State.