The Nation Newspaper

Category: Lekan Otufodunrin

  • Cry beloved country

    Cry beloved country

     

    When I wrote last week about the need to ensure that hoodlums are not allowed to infiltrate the #ENDSARS peaceful protest by the youths across the country, I did not see the wanton destruction and looting that happened in recent days coming.

    I was hoping that reasons would prevail on both sides by the protesters and the government.

    I had thought that the protests would be suspended and the government would be given the benefit of doubt to take the concrete actions promised to address the call for total reformation of the Police force.

    The signs were there that the government for once appeared sober and was ready to address the issue of abuses of human rights by some police officers and men, but it needed to be well communicated at the highest level with timelines.

    If the protesters insist on continuing their agitation peacefully as they did, I had expected that the government would continue to be more understanding of the need to let the youths let off their anger in the peaceful way they were doing.

    Deployment of security officials should have been to ensure law and order and not allow the hoodlums to have their way. There was no need for getting some persons to organise counter-protests or attack the #ENDSARS protesters.

    The shooting by the soldiers at the Lekki Toll Gate to disperse the protesters was unnecessary, more so, the state government had extended the commencement of the curfew at the time the soldiers moved in to carry out whoever’s order they were enforcing.

    The true data of the fatalities in the shooting is yet to emerge amidst claims and counterclaims, but we needed not to have gotten to this stage where law and order almost broke down completely.

    It’s true that successive governments have failed to curb the excesses of the Police, especially the SARS unit, which is the basis of the protests, but why should some persons add to the anguish in the land by burning down government, corporate and private properties?

    Fleet of buses provided by the government that have eased public transportation in Lagos set on fire. Why? Who is the ultimate loser? Government or the citizens?

    Journalists performing their duties were attacked and Television Continental (TVC) was razed. The Nation’s office would have also been burnt down but for security agents that stopped the arsonists.

    Why should prisoners be set free, police stations burnt and security personnel attacked?

    Why should some persons resort to looting and maiming in the name of protesting bad governance?

    Whose interests are being served by the criminals claiming to be protesters taking laws into their hands to demand good governance?

    When the crisis is over, many persons would have incurred irrecoverable losses and others rendered jobless. Money that should have been spent on providing additional facilities and services by government will be spent on replacing those damaged.

    Instead of remaining united in our demand for good governance, seeds of discord and mistrust have been sown by those who took advantage of others.

    Some of the criminal elements forget that they were captured on videos widely circulated and sooner or later, they will have to pay for the crimes they committed. There is no justification for the ignoble roles played by some persons during this crisis and it is good that they have been exposed for what they really are.

    The federal and the state governments have their own share of blame in the crisis and we can only hope that complaints like the kind against the SARS will not be ignored in future until people are forced to take to the streets to demand justice.

    What is my view to the response of President Muhammadu Buhari in all this, especially the much-expected broadcast? I’m speechless!

     

     

  • #ENDSARS: Righteous anger

    #ENDSARS: Righteous anger

    Lekan Otufodunrin

     

    HEADLINES of what to write about have a way of popping up in my head when I can’t make up my mind on the issue to focus on in this weekly column.

    Sometimes, the headlines seems apt for the issue of the moment, but my journalism training and experience has taught me to be very sure of every word I use in either the headline or body text.

    Last week when I wrote about the undue generosity of the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun for giving the winner of the Big Brother Nigeria Show N5 million and a house in addition to the total prize of N85m he won in the reality show, my first headline was to be Rewarding Inanities.

    Although inanity has to do with something senseless or silly act or remark, which some analysts have likened the Governor’s action to, I didn’t want to be seen as insulting the governor for what he did. I liked the rhyme of Rewarding Inanities, but my goal was to fault the governor’s action in a way that he would see the point I was making and not indulge in such wasteful act again.

    I hope I did and hopefully more deserving citizens of the state would be acknowledged and approximately rewarded.

    This week, I struggled with using the word, Righteous Anger to describe the #ENDSARS protest that no one saw coming.

    There have always been complaints about the brutality of some policemen and officers, especially the members of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Instead of going after criminals, they are notorious for harassing innocent persons and extorting money from them. Some persons have been arrested, detained, tortured and killed in series of extra-judicial killings the squad have engaged in.

    For too long, the SARS officers have carried on as if they are above the law and could not be called to order for their misdeeds.

    Despite past promises by the Police authorities to reform the unit and ensure they strictly keep to their assignment of handling major armed robbery cases in accordance with the law, not much seem to have been done as various cases of human rights violation and abuses by SARS are recorded across the country regularly.

    While acknowledging that the squad has succeed in handling some robbery cases and deserve commendation, the way some of its members have gone about their work has damaged whatever credit they should get. There are too many reports of SARS in action for the wrong reasons which necessitated the call to scrap the squad and continued demand to end Police brutality after the Inspector General of Police yielded to the call of the protesters

    Indeed, the massive peaceful protests like never seen recently, can be aptly dubbed the Righteous Anger of especially the youths who have had enough of SARS and would not be easily persuaded by the response of the IG in dissolving the squad and replacing it with SWAT without any clearly articulated plan and overhaul of the Police system operations.

    Can we blame the protesting youths for being angry about the lawlessness that pervades the country with those who are supposed to be law enforcement agents taking the laws into their hands?

    Are the youths not justified in calling out the leaders to speak up on the state of the nation and spell out the steps to be taken to redress our gradual slide to anarchy?

    All along, the youths have been accused of being Lazy and not interested in governance issues, now they have woken up to demand good governance for a guaranteed future.

    #ENDSARS protests is indeed justifiable indignation which righteous anger is all about. While the protest lasts, it must be peaceful and hoodlums should not be allowed to hijack it to cause any crisis.

    I commend the federal government for meeting  the demands of the protesters and it should keep exploring possible means of reassuring the youths of its determination to restore sanity in the Police force.

     

     

     

     

  • Abiodun’s undue generosity

    Abiodun’s undue generosity

    Lekan Otufodunrin

     

    I HAVE no problem with the concept of the Big Brother Naija reality show to the extent that it is with the rights of the initiators and sponsors of the programme to come up with any creative ideas of theirs that suits them for whatever purpose.

    I also do not begrudge the participants for whatever the chose to do in the House to win the hearts of viewers to win the ultimate prize.

    The good thing about the programme is that viewing is optional. Except anyone decides to watch it, you may spare yourself of whatever is going on in the house which you don’t approve of.

    Although the widespread reporting and discussion about the escapades of the participants on all platforms may make it difficult to completely be oblivious of what is going on House, it is still a matter of choice to want to know more than the snippets.

    Those who argue that some aspects of the programme may be promoting what they consider as bad behaviour may have a point, but good or bad is a matter of choice, especially in a new media-driven age when there is not much that can be done about what people can to watch.

    Notwithstanding what those who fault the programme say, what cannot be denied is that it has been beneficial to the participants in various ways considering the prize money and other benefits they get for participating.

    However, the decision of the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun to reward the winner of this year’s edition, Olamilekan “Laycon” Agbeleshe with a house and N5 million is unjustifiable despite the justification by him and his aides.

    It is understandable that the governor wanted to cash in on the hype of the BBN since one of his citizens won the reality show, but he took it too far with what he gave the winner.

    It would have been enough for the winner to be named a youth ambassador for whatever it is worth, but the extra reward in addition to the N85 million prize has won was clearly a waste of the limited resources of the state.

    For a state that has not been able to pay the minimum wage and meet many other obligations, the governor was simply playing to the gallery in the name of supporting youth development and the growth of the entertainment industry.

    There are definitely many other youths in Ogun State who have excelled in non-controversial competitions like BBN and endeavours that deserve recognition and rewards but have not been given.

    Governor Abiodun’s “generosity” to Laycon who already has N85m plus prize money is a reinforcement of the wrong impression to youths that the best way to fame is through entertainment programmes like BBN. While accomplishments in entertainment should be acknowledged, it should not be given undue official attention as the governor has done in this instance.

    Reward to exceptional performance should be institutionalised to encourage youths in the state instead of whimsical precedence that may not be applied in other deserving cases.

    If government expenditure is usually based on the crucial needs of the citizens, Governors and other and other officeholders will be more careful in how they spend the resources of their states. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

    Laycon should have been urged to support whatever youth development project the state government has instead of being additional money out of the limited resources available to the state.

    There are better ways of judiciously spending government resources, especially in a state where many projects are begging for attention, than indulging in undue generosity.

     

     

  • Preventable accidents

    Preventable accidents

    Lekan Otufodunrin

    Accidents like tanker explosion in Kogi and Lagos during the past week are bound to happen, but they are also preventable. They are preventable when necessary safety precautions and measures are taken and everyone, including government officials, corporate organisations and individuals value lives and property that should not be lost due to carelessness.

    In the Kogi explosion which was due to brake failure by the tanker driver, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) confirmed that not less than 23 persons, including school children, died, while many others were injured. Many property were also destroyed in the early morning tragedy.

    On Thursday, another Gas explosion was recorded in the Iju/Ishaga area of Lagos state with 30 adults injured, 23 buildings and 15 vehicles destroyed.

    According to the Director-General of the Lagos Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the accident was caused by a compromised seal device that led to gradual leakages, which ignited the tyre burst.

    There have been other explosions in the past in which many persons have lost their lives and property with the promise that necessary measures will be taken to prevent re-occurrence, but as usual, we seem to move on soon and forget that anything happened.

    The dead are buried and their loved ones left to mourn, some of the injured get immediate medical attention after which they may be abandoned in the hospitals and owners of destroyed properties have to cope with their losses.

    The Wednesday accident in Kogi is said to be the third explosion within three years on the same road. On July 28, 2017, 10 persons were reported burnt beyond recognition while six others sustained serious injuries in a crash involving a fuel tanker and a commercial bus.

    Eight persons also died in another accident on November 18, 2019, while seven others sustained injuries as a tanker ran into other vehicles while descending the express road.

    Like when the two previous ones happened, the state Governor has promised to discuss with the federal government on the possibility of taking over the repairs of bad portions of the road which is part of the cause of frequent accidents on the road.

    Knowing the state of the road, the tanker drivers would have been expected to drive carefully, but they usually don’t and when their not-well-maintained brakes fail as it did in the latest accident, they cause avoidable loss of lives and property.

    Tanker drivers are notorious for reckless driving in disregard for road safety regulations and need to be effectively monitored by the FRSC officials. It must also be ensured that their vehicles are in good conditions instead of allowing them to endanger the lives of other road users.

    The compromised seal device that caused the Lagos accident should have been replaced by a safety-conscious company instead causing the wanton loss the explosion caused. The company should be liable for the damage and injuries caused to serve as a deterrent to others.

    While responding to the Kogi accident, it’s good that President Muhammadu Buhari said he is “seriously worried about the frequency of these unfortunate and large scale tragedies in the country which cause needless deaths.”

    If they are a national scandal caused by our indifference to safety standards and preventable if proper proactive and precautionary measures are put in place or properly observed as routine policies, as he stated, it is up to him to ensure we enforce the existing policies or come up with the needed ones.

    Ours should not be a country where we move on whenever tragedies occur instead of taking preventive safety measures to forestall future calamities as Buhari noted.

  • Independence anniversary : Beyond theme, logo 

    Independence anniversary : Beyond theme, logo 

    Sixty years of the existence of any country is indeed worth celebrating.  As a country, we have come a long way from under the British colonial rule to emerge as a nation to recon with, not only in the continent, but globally, despite issues we have had to contend with.

    We have survived and remained one nation despite the civil war that could have led to the dismemberment of the country. Years of military regimes denied us the opportunity of having uninterrupted democratic government, but we have since returned to civilian administration with the opportunity to elect our political office holders at all levels.

    Despite the various crisis the country have experienced, including ethnic and religious clashes, agitations for breakup, calls for restructuring, and years of lack of good governance, we have continued to trudge on and have every reason to celebrate that we still have a country called Nigeria.

    But for the COVID-19 Pandemic which still necessitates social distancing and other protocols, there would have been nothing wrong for any reasonable celebration to mark the Diamond anniversary.

    Agreed that we should have developed beyond the level we are now and achieved more than we have, given the high expectations at independence, we still have reasons to be grateful that we have a chance to hopefully get our acts right and become the truly giant of Africa we should be and a force to recon with in the comity of nations.

    I am not sure what the eleven months modest commemoration activities announced by the Secretary of the Federal Government, Boss Mustapha will involve, but whatever it is, it should not be any unnecessary jamboree that we make us miss the essence of an occasion like this that should be for real sober reflection and reawakening  to make up for our lost opportunities.

    The choice of the logo and the theme for the celebration underscores our desire to make our country as great as it should really be.

    The adopted logo for the celebration according to Mustapha is said to depict among other attributes, our togetherness; a country of over 200 million people, whose natural talents, grits, passion glitters like the precious diamond we are.

    The fair green and dark green colours Mustapha adds should remind us of our warmth, welcoming spirit and love, as well as our abundant wealth inherent in our human capital and the richness of our land.

    The attributes captured in the logo are true to the extent that,  Nigerians despite the challenges they have had to contend with, have excelled in various spheres of endeavours wherever they found themselves, home and abroad.

    We are a nation blessed with abundant human and natural resources which unfortunately have been mismanaged by successful governments. Despite the various actions and inactions of governments, many of which are divisive, Nigerians have done their best to remain patriotic.

    Many Nigerians have good reasons to want to give up on the country, but they have kept faith and are hopeful of a truly united and better country we can all be proud of someday.

    It’s not enough to adopt the theme “Together shall we be” for the anniversary, it will be necessary for the government at all levels to adopt necessary policies and take necessary actions needed for the goal to be attained.

    As much as most Nigerians agree with our continued unity and will make whatever sacrifice that may be required, our togetherness should not be taken for granted.

    Complaints of maginalisation, call for restructuring and every other thing that will be required to make everyone have trust in a united Nigeria where equity, truth and justice shall reign should be done by all concerned.

  • God of men

    God of men

    Lekan Otufodunrin

    Full disclosure: I have been a member of the Living Faith Church Worldwide popularly known as Winners Chapel and headed by Bishop David Oyedepo since 1993. I count myself blessed to have been impacted by his messages and prayers, and I have no iota of doubt that he is a servant of the Most High who should be acknowledged and respected for his contributions in many spheres of life even beyond the Church.

    Despite his accomplishments, one of my favorite quotes from his teachings is that the best of men under anointing is still a man. My understanding of this quote is that any Pastor or Man of God like they are called is still human and should not assume any higher level that makes him a supernatural being that cannot be faulted.

    Even when some Church members and others want to ascribe to him infallibility status based on some controversial non-religious pronouncements he makes, I usually remind them of the above quote.

    I don’t fail to tell them Bishop Oyedepo is human and can sometimes get things wrong and indeed there have been instances when he has moderated his positions on some issues

    Unfortunately,  not every “son and daughters of the Prophet” share my journalism mindset of viewing statements  critically as long as it is from the Man of God who admits that everyone is entitled to his or her opinion about him.

    He would rather ignore those who criticise him for the right or wrong reason instead of honouring them with a response. I have heard him recount about how some Church members and admirers are unnecessarily worried about what people say about him even when he is not bothered a bit.

    His level of detachment from any negative comment about him or his ministry is such that he once said that if someone says you are stupid, you should take it as the person’s opinion which they are entitled to and should not be agitated or respond in a way to confirm what the person claims..

    It is against the above background that I find difficult to understand the shocking reaction of Pastor Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries, Port Harcourt to unsavory comments of popular radio show host, Daddy Freeze about Bishop Oyedepo.

    Its indeed condemnable that Daddy Freeze had made Pastors the subject of repeated attacks and mockery, but for Pastor Ibiyeomie to stand on the pulpit and utter the such hate words like bastards, in the viral video, he has gone too far in defending his father in the Lord.

    If Bishop Oyedepo like Ibiyeomie acknowledged will not typically respond to Daddy Freeze, why should he take it upon himself to be the one to fight back in such an indefensible way a Pastor or anyone who claims to be a Bible-believing Christian should not.

    What is the justification for his anger that he descended to the level threatening to deal with Daddy Freeze, claim Freeze was born by a Somalian as if Somalians are not human beings created by God who he serves, and dismiss his broadcasting profession?

    What kind of anger in the name of defending an earthly father makes a Pastor to curse the day another human being was born and get his member to respond with a loud “Amen”?

    Will our Lord Jesus Christ have responded to any attack on his person or God the Father the way Pastor Ibiyeomie did? Definitely No.

     

    Pastor Ibiyeomie needs to ask God for forgiveness for desecrating the altar he stood on to exhibit the anger that is unbecoming of a Pastor.

    He owes Bishop Oyedepo an apology for claiming to be acting on his behalf when the Chancellor of Covenant University would have preferred that critics like Daddy Freeze is best ignored.

    He owes his congregation an apology for getting them to join him in the unnecessary show of anger and invoking a curse on Daddy Freeze.

    What the Bible teaches us is that we can be angry but not commit sin. Pastors need be more of true men of God than the God of men.

  • State of the media

    State of the media

    By Lekan Otufodunrin

    At an international newsroom Leadership in tough times training I am participating, the Editor-In-Chief of a top United States newspaper was asked how to assure staff of their future in the industry with the uncertainty and job losses, her response was unambiguous:  RADICAL TRANSPARENCY!

    “This is what I will recommend to any media executive to adopt now,” she declared.

    “Staff deserves to know the path ahead of them. There is no point hiding the numbers from them. Hiding it from them is not a good strategy.

    “In the absence of the facts, they are likely to start conjuring all kinds of false scenarios. They just need to know the truth and decide what they need to do with their career and lives before it’s too late,” she stated.

    As I listened to her, I could not but reflect on the situation in the Nigeria media that is very precarious like in other climes, but there is not enough understanding of how bad it is by some journalists and the public.

    When the Managing Director of The Punch, Mr Ademola Osinubi issued a surprise memo to staff of the company early this year in which he lamented the inability of the newspaper to overcome the challenges of COVID-19 on the industry, many were shocked to hear him say so.

    His newspaper that was supposed to be the leading publication in the print industry in the country and doing better than its competitors, but as the MD bluntly puts it “All projections point at a bleak and uncertain future for the media industry and the economy.”

    While other media executives may not have openly owned up like Mr Osinubi did, the truth is that they are in worse situations.

    Even while all the indicators, including non-payment of salaries in some organisations are clear enough for all to see, some are still pretending that “it will be well” when the chances are very slim.

    Unfortunately, some media staff have the false impression that their companies are doing better that their managers claim.

    “We are making money. The problem is mismanagement,” a reporter once told me.

    “How many copies do you think your paper is printing and selling?” I asked the reporter.

    He responded claiming a high double digits thousands, adding that “we can see many adverts in the paper”

    When I showed him the real unbelievable low circulation figures and sales of the newspaper nationwide per day, he initially argued that it cannot be true.

    “You mean we sell this low?” he asked and wondered how much revenue could be earned from the low figure.

    I know newspapers that circulate much lower than the paper we were discussing, yet some of their staff still brag about how well their publications are doing.

    The situation is not really better in the broadcast industry. With so many private and public stations across the country, the competition is very stiff for the few available adverts and other commercials.

    Some have cut down broadcast time to minimise cost of fuelling generators, sacked staff and it’s a matter of time before some will be forced to shut down.

    I admit that mismanagement is part of the problems for some organisations, but the potentials for the continued existence of especially traditional media organisations that are not responding as well as they should to the digital disruption of the industry is very low.

    Like a New York Times Digital report once noted, it may no longer really make economic sense to continue to print newspapers given the low revenue from regular copy sales and advertising.

    Media managers have had to resort to all kinds of survival strategies, some of which they are not proud to let the public know of.

    Instead of giving staff the false hope or the staff refusing to acknowledge how bad the situation is, all concerned must come to terms with grim reality.

    Managers like the US E-I-C stated must be radically transparent and let every staff know what is likely to happen in the long run if their present situation persists.

  • Femi-Fanikayode’s ‘stupid’ response

    Femi-Fanikayode’s ‘stupid’ response

    Lekan Otufodunrin

    Atthe risk of belabouring the issue of the unwarranted outburst of the former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode during the recent press conference in Calabar over the simple question of who was bankrolling his curious tour and inspection of projects in People’s Democratic Party (PDP) controlled states, I wish to add my voice to others that have condemned his action.

    I have no problem with Fani-Kayode not being happy with the question he was asked, but for him to subject the journalist who asked the logical question after the briefing, to the kind of verbal assault which he acknowledged was being recorded, is very unfortunate.

    One would have thought that the self-acclaimed experienced politician would have matured over the years in responding to questions from intelligent journalists like the Daily Trust reporter who will not allow personalities to get away all kinds of claims with good follow-up questions, but we were expecting too much from him.

    Fani-Kayode proved he is still his needlessly easily provoked person who thinks he could talk the way he likes to people when he would not even tolerate such from others.

    Watching the video that did not include the question he was asked, one would have wondered how the reporter asked the question to warrant such anger that included outright abuse and threats.

    Not even the underserved apology he was offered could persuade him to realise the disgraceful show he was putting on despite his claim of being a VIP that should be taken seriously than he deserved.

    The essence of holding a press conference is to brief journalists on an issue after which questions can be asked and clarifications sought.

    So, when Fani-Kayode had his briefing, he should have envisaged that he will be asked relevant follow up questions. If for any reason he was not disposed to answering such question, he should have declined to answer instead of resorting to unjustifiably castigating the reporter.

    Better still, he could have directed his media team to issue a statement on his visit and avoid any physical encounter with journalists since he has short fuse that could go off like it did at the briefing.

    Fani-Kayode should count himself lucky he met a reporter who was not interested in giving it back to him like he did. Another reporter would have called off his bluff and refused to be humiliated.

    From other videos that have surfaced since the incident and reports of other encounters he has had with reporters, it’s apparent that Fani-Kayode enjoys having his ways and not being questioned on things he should be prepared to speak on.

    He easily uses the word Stupid to describe questions he is uncomfortable with and the Calabar incident was yet another of those days, he likes to show the kind of persons he truly is.

    Even though he says he regrets the use of Stupid in Calabar, Fani-Kayode does not seem remorseful enough to appreciate why he should not have behaved the way he did considering the way he announced that he has moved on and was continuing his visit to the next state.

    There was nothing rude about the question the reporter asked. He wanted a clarification and instead of the ‘Project Inspector’ clearing the issue, he chose to divert attention from what is obvious.

    Poor welfare of journalists that makes them be willing to attend any briefing in expectation of gratifications? Until media owners pay journalists well and promptly, enforcing ethics of the profession will remain a major problem. Kudos to the management of Daily Trust for standing by their reporter.

    The other colleagues who watch the humiliation, refused to protest and even mocked the reporter? Shame on them.

     

     

  • Ensuring better internal displacement management

    Ensuring better internal displacement management

    By Lekan Otufodunrin

    With the establishment of a National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and a federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, the federal government can be said to be interested in the plight of displaced persons in the country.

    Over the years, many persons, especially in the northern region of the country, have been displaced from their natural habitats largely due to attacks by insurgents who have overran many communities. Despite the efforts of the security agencies, Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps that are supposed to be temporary abodes have become permanent as there is no guarantee of the safety for displaced persons if they return home.

    Notwithstanding claims by governments at all levels of catering for IDPs with various financial allocations and material support, displaced persons in camps are going through various hardships.

    Even with the support of international organisations, corporate organisations and individuals, there is still a lot that needs to be done to properly manage internal displacement in the country.

    To address this issue, Journalists for Christ International Outreach, a faith-based media organisation which I lead as President on Friday launched a report aimed at ensuring global best practices in guaranteeing the rights of IDPs in the country.

    The research report which was conducted with the support of the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) and Waldensian Church’s Otto Per Mille (OPM), Italy is a follow-up of an earlier project titled Monitoring Media Reportage and Portrayal of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs); Case studies of Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya implemented in 2018/2019.

    The observations, conclusions and recommendations of the report provide indications on how to address the gaps and ensure improvements in the management of IDPs’ situation in Nigeria.

    Below are some of the key points that should be of interest to all those concerned with managing internal displacement in the country.

    • There is no proper legislative framework to guide the management of IDPs in Nigeria. Abridged or summarised versions of international instruments and regional treaties relevant to the protection of the rights and dignity of IDPs should be produced with annotation for the purposes of circulation in soft/hard copies amongst journalists and other platforms of stakeholders. This is necessary in order to provide better understanding and encourage media reportage and intervention that focus on issues relating to the safety and welfare of IDPs.
    • There is inadequate capacity of the media to properly interrogate issues related to the management of IDPs in Nigeria. Advocacy training for select key media stakeholders on issues relating to the improvement on the attention given to the rights and dignity of IDPs and management should be initiated.
    • There is no formidable network for stakeholders’ collaboration to demand improved legislative and institutional frameworks reflecting concerns about IDPs’ situation. Broader stakeholders’ collaboration is needed for the desired legislative advocacy.
    • There is inadequate responsiveness on the part of state institutions to the plight of IDPs. In addressing these issues, there is the need for deliberate actions for policy shift in the existing relevant legal instruments in such a way that it places a burden of responsibility and accountability on institutions, agencies and agents saddled with the responsibility to protect and ensure adequate provisions for the welfare of IDPs.
    • There is no holistic national database on displacement and resettlement of IDPs in camps, host communities, and other non-governmental resettlement camps. Therefore, the need for a holistic national database cannot be overemphasised. This will help to enhance proper planning and implementation of welfare programme and for safety measures.
    • Hunger remains one of the biggest challenges in most IDPs camps. Many resettlement camps are set up by philanthropists, NGOs and faith-based organisations that are not officially acknowledged, and so do not receive any form of government assistance.
    • Lack of basic facilities: portable water, sanitary conditions, etc., is also a challenge in some of the IDPs camps. There is the need to pay more attention to sanitary conditions in some of the camps.
    • Post-traumatic stress/health issue is also predominant across IDPs camps. The traumatic experience of being caught in the cross-fire of conflict and living with the horror of gory killing, rape and exposure to terror are continuing traumatic stress and health issues faced by most IDPs.
  • Our shameful roads

    Our shameful roads

    By Lekan Otufodunrin

    I’m no stranger to driving from the Abule Egba end of Lagos to Otta in Ogun State. Before the COVID-19 lockdown, I usually drive at least once a week to church in Winners Chapel, Cannanland along the Otta-Idiroko road through the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway.

    Over the years, the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway has gone through various stages of repair and disrepair. Some sections of the road that usually caused major traffic holdups have been repaired, including provision of pedestrian crossing and bridges at the Abule Egba and Otta junctions.

    However, before the ban on religious gathering, some parts of the major road connecting Lagos and Ogun state have gradually deteriorated with ditches, not pot holes at some parts, thus making it almost impossible to drive through but for motorists who do not have a choice.

    The Ambode’s administration did very well by providing some alternative connecting roads through the Ipaja/Command end to Otta, which was the saving grace before the lockdown for worshippers in Cannanland and other residents who have to drive to and from the area.

    Instead of driving through the gullies on the expressway and spending hours in traffic,  the feeder roads provided by the Lagos Government have become the preferred route for those whose destination are not along the bad portions.

    Even with the absence of the weekly Winners Church members’ large congregation, the roads have become worse. The Otta-Idiroko road, which the church at various times patched to make them motorable, is in such a state of disrepair that driving along it is a horrible experience.

    I had to stop driving my car on the road during recent visits after my first attempt damaged my radiator because I am not used to how to manoeuvre through the ditches.

    The Lagos/Otta/Idiroko/Abeokuta roads are just examples of how bad the roads in the country are.

    Across the country, many major roads have become un-motorable but everyday Nigerians have no choice but to drive through them at great risk to their personal health and vehicles.

    Despite promises to repair the roads, what we are witnessing is a state of abandonment that leaves one wondering if the government really knows how badly the situation is. It’s a shame that many roads across the country have become so bad without any indication that they will be repaired soon.

    Typically, the roads may be left until they become impassable before an attempt would be made for another round of temporary repair.

    Why should the roads to Otta for example, which is supposed to be in industrial town, with the largest church chapel and top rate university have such  bad roads to link it?

    I remember a Kenyan telling me during one of the end of year programme of the church that if Cannanland was in her country, the government would ensure the roads leading to the place are well taken care of because of the tourist potentials judging by the large attendance from branches of the church outside the country yearly.

    I try to imagine the reactions of foreign visitors to the Covenant University reputed to be the best private university in the country when they are driven through the bad roads.

    I know people who have had to abandon their houses in Otta because of the bad roads, when with good road networks, Otta and other neighbouring towns should have been the best alternatives to the chocking Lagos city landmass.

    The government has no choice but to ensure the repairs of the roads and building of standard roads that can cater for our teeming population wherever they live in the country.

    With bad roads, there are many obvious and not too obvious losses which we cannot afford to incur personally and corporately.