The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Dangote and the audacity of a believer

    Dangote and the audacity of a believer

    Sir: In separate interviews with CNN’s Eleni Giokos, one at the refinery in Lagos and the second at Afreximbank’s 31st Annual Meeting, the world’s richest black man, Aliko Dangote, recounted his experiences and the challenges he faced in attempting to construct one of the largest refineries globally.

    Asked whether he would have undertaken the project knowing the extent of the challenges, the business tycoon admitted he might not have started it. This response points to the immense personal sacrifices and perseverance required to tackle such ambitious undertakings. Aliko Dangote reflected on his lifelong ethos as a fighter, highlighting how he navigated both local and international hurdles to realize this monumental refinery project, the first of its kind in Africa in over three decades.

    According to him, the journey to bring this refinery to fruition was fraught with hurdles: from securing financing in a volatile economic environment to navigating complex regulatory landscapes and managing the logistical intricacies of such a massive construction endeavour. However, propelled by his never-say-die Nigerian spirit and strategic leadership, the refinery project persevered, surmounting obstacles one by one.

    Beyond its sheer scale and production capacity, the Dangote Refinery signifies a staunch commitment to industrialization and economic empowerment. Throughout its construction phase, it has generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs and is poised to contribute significantly to the Nigerian economy through increased exports and reduced dependence on imported petroleum products.

    Aliko Dangote’s audacity as a dreamer is encapsulated in the completion of this refinery, a testament to his firm belief in Nigeria’s potential and his resolute commitment to driving its economic transformation. As the refinery commences operations, it not only marks the realization of an extraordinary vision but also serves as a catalyst for further industrial growth and prosperity within Nigeria and across the continent.

    Read Also:Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology

    There are quite a lot of lessons to learn from Dangote’s revelations. One is conviction. The world is full of naysayers, which is why many dreamers never see their dreams realized. In Dangote’s case, he was already convinced of what he wanted to achieve. Even when the Saudi Arabian Energy Minister advised him to back down and shared the challenges they faced in building a refinery, he stood firm with the resolve that there was no turning back.

    Dangote also stressed the importance of a self-sufficient Nigerian economy, before broaching the ideal vision of a united Africa. Dangoteʼs vision of continental industrialization doesn’t seem too far off and out-of-reach now that he has basically achieved the impossible against all odds. If anything, it should spur African governments to begin making moves towards self-sufficiency and economic liberation. Our collective importation bill takes a heavy toll upon our struggling economies, even as the best of our human capital and natural resources go to foreign shores.

    Ultimately, the Dangote Refinery story extends beyond one great man alone, even when such a man is Aliko Dangote. This story is ours by way of a particularly defining significance. And that is the fact that the task of making Nigeria a better place, the task of ensuring that our collective futures do not drown in despair, will always require concerted efforts from both the government and citizenry. Let this transformational project, and the lessons it holds, inspire Nigerians across all walks of life to never give up on their fatherland, but to believe just as Dangote did, and seek greatness by offering viable solutions to the problems that have bedevilled our beloved nation.

    The West will not save us. The sooner we realize and accept this bitter truth, the quicker we can begin laying out blueprints for effective restoration and growth. And only then can we truly progress.

    •Zayd Ibn Isah,lawcadet1@gmail.com

  • Much ado about new presidential aircraft

    Much ado about new presidential aircraft

    Sir: The recent recommendation by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence for the Federal Government to purchase two new presidential aircraft for the president and vice president has sparked widespread debate. Critics argue that the acquisition is insensitive given the country’s current economic challenges; hence suggest that existing aircraft should be overhauled. On the other hand, proponents maintain that the purchase is a necessity rather than a luxury, crucial for the effective functioning of the highest offices in the land.

    Recent travel issues faced by the president and vice president underscore the pressing need for reliable and functional aircraft. In April, the president was forced to take a chartered plane from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia, and also recently returned from South Africa using a chartered flight. Additionally, the vice president aborted his flight to the United States due to a faulty presidential jet. These incidents highlight the necessity for dependable transportation to ensure that the president and vice president can perform their duties without undue risk or delay.

    The ability to travel at short notice is vital for both national and international responsibilities. Just as business CEOs invest in private jets to ensure punctuality and reliability, the same principle applies. The stakes are even higher for the president and vice president.

    Read Also: Security talk shop; Tinubu calls for stability, united northwest, peaceful Nigeria

    Maintaining outdated aircraft can be prohibitively expensive. Similar to how companies replace cars after a certain period to avoid high maintenance costs, the same logic applies to presidential aircraft. Furthermore, owning aircraft is more cost-effective in the long run than frequently chartering flights, which can accumulate substantial expenses. Newer planes are likely to be more fuel-efficient and require less frequent repairs, thereby reducing operational costs, contributing to the overall efficiency of government operations.

    Functional aircraft will enable the president and vice president to fulfil their duties optimally. This is not about luxury but necessity. Reliable transportation is critical to the effective execution of their duties; including attending international summits, engaging in diplomatic missions, and responding promptly to emergencies. Presidential planes also serve as symbols of national pride and the status of the office. They are often seen as extensions of the country’s sovereignty and dignity, carrying the nation’s leaders to important engagements. Ensuring these planes are in optimal condition reflects positively on the country and its leadership.

    While avoiding waste and corruption is essential, leadership involves making investments that facilitate effective governance. The planes, considered assets, will serve beyond the current administration, contributing to the long-term efficiency of government operations. The concept of saving money is often over-emphasized. Government leaders are elected to positively impact the lives of citizens and perform their duties effectively. Overemphasizing cost containment can lead to cost savings at the expense of service delivery. Therefore, the focus should be on making prudent investments that enhance governance and public service. The primary concern for Nigerians should be ensuring that the planes are not purchased at inflated prices.

    While the economic hardships faced by Nigeria are real and pressing, the acquisition of reliable presidential aircrafts is a step towards ensuring that the government can function effectively and fulfil its primary function of the security and welfare of its citizens. However, this decision must be communicated transparently to the public, emphasizing its necessity for effective governance while acknowledging the current economic difficulties.

    •Kenechukwu Aguolu  FCA Abuja.

  • Learning from pitfalls and failures

    Learning from pitfalls and failures

    • By Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu

    Sir: In the 1990s, a lot of countries were behind Nigeria economically, politically, socially and otherwise. The reverse and untoward drill was caused by leaders and it would only take a capable leader to restore Nigeria to her lost glory. Many competent personalities have withdrawn from politics entirely due to unexpected outcome (failure). You cannot handle failure properly if you are not fully persuaded in mind and purpose-driven.

    Nigeria has been in a state of quagmire politically. A son of nobody can never be somebody in Nigeria. The determinant for winning elections so far in Nigeria is who you know and how much you are willing to spend. The system of governance and ailing institution in Nigeria has caused a lot of failures both collectively and individually.

    In the various aspects of the national life, individuals fail for no reason at all. So many students fail academically due to weak educational institutions. Many people fail in business due to multiple taxation and unfavorable environment. So many are quitters in politics due to the dirty games. Financial institutions and the economy are crumbling due to inefficiency and misappropriation of individuals in them. So many families are broken due to the body language of our leaders. Friendships and alliance have failed due to betrayals and treachery. Buildings collapse due to sharp practices and lack of expertise. The list goes on and on. Some people tend to be ruthless and frustrated in their success after experiencing butts of setbacks, failures.

    Read Also: Ekiti APC endorses Oyebanji for second term

    Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to challenges, and maintain a positive mind-set despite facing failures or difficulties. It is characterized by perseverance, determination, and the capacity to learn and grow from experiences. Such an individual demonstrates strength, tenacity, and a willingness to face obstacles head-on, using failures as stepping stones to success.

    Concerning the present government, failure doesn’t mean you will never succeed; it just means it may take a bit longer. “The human spirit is never finished when it is defeated. It is finished when it surrenders.” (Ben Stein). Those who lose and try again are more prepared to deal with adversity than those who has never failed. When you have experienced failure, you’re actually in a better position to achieve success than people who have not. The collapsed economy is enough reason for the political leaders to build experience and wisdom.

    •Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu,

     Awgbu, Anambra State.

  • Transforming Nigeria’s Civil Service

    Transforming Nigeria’s Civil Service

    • By Kenechukwu Aguolu

    Sir: The civil service serves as the foundation of governance in any nation, entrusted with pivotal functions such as policy formulation, implementation, and public service delivery. However, in Nigeria, the effectiveness and efficiency of the civil service are hindered by a multitude of challenges, impeding its ability to fulfil its mandate adequately. Despite numerous reform efforts, these obstacles persist, necessitating a concerted effort to comprehensively address them.

    The civil service in Nigeria lacks sufficient accountability and transparency. Bureaucratic processes often lack transparency, fostering a culture of impunity where malfeasance goes unchecked. To tackle this challenge, robust accountability mechanisms must be established, including implementing policies to protect whistle-blowers and disclosing government expenditures publicly to promote transparency and accountability.

     The absence of a fair and effective reward and punishment system within the civil service undermines morale and encourages misconduct among civil servants. Without proper recognition for exemplary performance or consequences for underperformance, motivation dwindles, resulting in decreased productivity. To address this challenge, the reward and punishment system must be revamped, introducing performance-based incentives and sanctions to motivate civil servants and deter unethical behaviour. This requires developing objective performance evaluation criteria and ensuring fairness and consistency in disciplinary measures.

     Inadequate salaries and benefits contribute to low morale among civil servants, leading to diminished productivity and commitment to service delivery. Many qualified professionals are deterred from joining or remaining in the civil service due to the lack of competitive compensation. Improving remuneration packages for civil servants is crucial to attracting and retaining talent.

    The appointment of individuals to positions without the necessary skills or qualifications results in inefficiencies within the civil service. This mismatch between personnel and job requirements hampers productivity and service delivery. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive review of recruitment and deployment processes, and implementing merit-based selection criteria to ensure that individuals are appointed and deployed to roles that align with their skills and competencies.

    A culture of complacency, nepotism, and favouritism undermines professionalism and integrity within some segments of the civil service. This fosters an environment where unethical behaviour is tolerated, eroding public trust. Promoting a culture of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct is essential to address this challenge, involving fostering leadership commitment to ethical standards, providing ethics training for civil servants, and enforcing disciplinary measures for misconduct.

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    Limited investment in training and development programs deprives civil servants of the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to evolving challenges and deliver quality services. This perpetuates a cycle of inefficiency and undermines organizational performance. Investing in human capital development is critical to building a competent and responsive civil service, necessitating the establishment of training academies, mentorship programs, and continuous learning initiatives to enhance the capabilities of civil servants.

    Weak internal controls and oversight mechanisms expose the civil service to the risk of fraud and mismanagement of public funds. Strengthening internal controls and oversight mechanisms is essential to detect and prevent fraud within the civil service, involving implementing robust financial management systems, conducting regular audits, and holding accountable those responsible for financial impropriety.

    The proliferation of redundant and overlapping government agencies leads to inefficiencies and waste of resources. Rationalizing and consolidating government agencies is necessary to streamline operations and improve efficiency, requiring a comprehensive review of existing agencies and merging or eliminating overlapping entities to enhance coordination and resource allocation.

    Inadequate budgetary allocations limit the capacity of the civil service to deliver on its mandate effectively. Increasing funding for the civil service is essential to address this challenge, requiring governments to prioritize budgetary allocations to support operational needs, including investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital development.

    The prevalent reliance on manual or semi-automated processes within the civil service significantly hampers efficiency and effectiveness. These outdated methods are prone to errors, delays, and inefficiencies, hindering the timely delivery of services and optimal allocation of resources. Introducing full automation is imperative to modernize operations and streamline workflows, thereby enhancing productivity and service quality. Embracing automation represents a crucial step towards building a more agile, responsive, and citizen-centric civil service capable of meeting the evolving needs of society.

    Interference from political actors compromises the autonomy and impartiality of the civil service, undermining its ability to serve the public interest effectively. Upholding the autonomy and independence of the civil service is crucial to mitigate the impact of political interference, necessitating clear boundaries between political and administrative spheres and strengthening civil service regulations.

     •Kenechukwu Aguolu   FCA

    Abuja.

  • How Fin-Techs accelerate financial inclusion

    How Fin-Techs accelerate financial inclusion

    • By Monogbe Tunde

    Sir: The concept of financial inclusion has continued to attract global recognition as it reflects the strength of nations’ financial system. The quest to promote financial inclusion (FI) over the years has increased as more countries supported and keyed into the G20 FI agenda.

    In the African region, the percentage of populace financially excluded is reducing while those financially included seem to be increasing at a slow pace. The reduction in the percentage of those financially excluded is due to technological innovation in the financial sector, which increased the banking product patronage. In 2017, about 35% of the total population in Africa had access to financial product, the percentage increased to 48% in 2022 thereby showing that the FI gap is closing gradually. The World Bank Group reported in an article submitted by Sharmasta (2021) that globally, FI increased by 35% as 1.2 billion of the previously financially excluded household became included due to increased mobile money account thus giving credence to adoption of Fin-tech.

    Financial inclusion cannot be actively discussed without looking at concepts like financial literacy, digital financing, fin-tech and financial system stability.

    The traditional brick-and-mortar banking system is gradually becoming obsolete worldwide. The conventional banking method, where customers must visit physical banks for transactions, is becoming a relic of the past as fin-tech has created more convenient and stress-free banking platforms. According to Yang and Zhang (2022), the introduction of fin-tech platforms has led to an increase in household consumption patterns and the elimination of traditional banking barriers that perpetuate financial exclusion.

    However, despite the remarkable benefits of fin-tech in accelerating the FI agenda, some limitations exist. These include inadequate technological literacy and education, which can harm financial wellbeing by leading to irrational investment decisions, impulsive purchases, and overspending (Sala, 2022).

    Read Also: Ekiti APC endorses Oyebanji for second term

    Achieving the global Financial Inclusion (FI) agenda requires citizens to have a basic understanding of various financial products and services. This understanding will expose them to the benefits attached to these products and enable them to make informed financial decisions. According to Lloyds Banking Group’s 2022 annual report, approximately 1.5 million people in the UK are financially excluded, without bank accounts, while 1.31 million experience low financial capability due to inadequate knowledge of banking products. This highlights the importance of creating awareness about banking products and public orientation to achieve the global FI agenda. The OECD report of 2013 revealed that about 33% of adults globally lack basic banking knowledge, including understanding interest rate, inflation rate, and diversification (Khan, Siddiqui, and Imtiaz, 2022). Therefore, the prevailing low level of financial literacy is a concern that must be addressed to achieve the global FI agenda.

    The government, as managers of the economy, are significantly affected by the wide FI gap. Firstly, they will experience a shortage in tax payments from the financially excluded population, thereby reducing the internally generated funds and creating tax leakage avenues. Secondly, the government will struggle to distribute financial dividends to citizens through various financial platforms, exacerbating inequality.

    Empirical reports have established that women, rural populations, financially uninformed individuals, and young adults are more vulnerable and largely financially excluded, especially in developing countries. These vulnerable groups are denied access to various benefits attached to financial products, such as government financial disbursements or loan packages.

    Therefore, to achieve the global FI agenda, financial awareness, education, simplified fin-tech platforms, and financial product expansion are crucial. This will guide users on the pros and cons of financial products and inform more people about the benefits of being financially included.

    •Monogbe Tunde, PhD,

    Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales.

  • Lagos needs new sewage/drainage masterplan

    Lagos needs new sewage/drainage masterplan

    Sir: Examining the Lagos megacity ambitions and latest strides on public infrastructures, one will be forced to acknowledge the urban consciousness of the administrators. However, Lagos has not been ambitious enough with sustainable “clean water for all” policies. Lagos State in the last 25 years has been deficient in modern water supply, public sewage management and trapped in old drainage system that is prone health and environmental challenges. Lagos also lost the opportunity to provide sophisticated central drainage and potable water system for fastest rising Lekki/Lagos Island urban settlements.

    In 1970s/80s, Lagos State government constructed five Wastewater Treatment Plants at Abesan, Oke-Afa, Amuwo- Odofin and Iponri Low Cost Housing Estates and the Secretariat, Alausa. The current states of these facilities are not compatible with Lagos megacity ambitions. In 2010, Lagos State Wastewater Management Office was created to depict the megacity ambitions of the city but not much has been achieved with this unit.

    It must be emphasized that the urgency of new masterplan on Lagos central drainage and sewage system is very important. In confronting these foreseeable environmental challenges and preparing Lagos for sustainable city planning, the following should form fundamental solutions and part of the proposed Lagos central drainage/sewage policy; (a) establishment of Greater Lagos Drainage Project that will usher in creation of newly restructured Lagos State public water agency (b) The GLDP will ensure new central drainage and sewage system by providing five decentralized water plants in Lagos. Two plants will serve the whole of Lagos Island by providing clean pipe-borne water to all homes, connecting all drainages in Lagos Island (closed drainages) to mini-central plant; connect sewers in high density parts of Lagos Island to the same mini-central plant for treatment and recycled use. Another two mini-central plants to serve the whole of Lagos mainland in the same model provided above coupled with amalgamation of old water plants. The last one will serve all rural parts of Lagos. (C) Enforcement of new drainage policy on all urban planning and property development except approved off-grid project coupled with policy enforcement of zero-public defecation, open drainage roads.

    Read Also: Turning Lagos into a smart city economy

    I believe Lagos State has the capacity to reinvent modern and sophisticated central drainage system inherent in many fast developing cities. Learning from Tokyo city in Japan which in 1965, only 35% of the population was connected to the sewage treatment system. The percentage grew rapidly, reaching 93% by 1990 and 100% by 1995. Kigali in Rwanda has commenced similar ambitious megacity project to cement the city as the cleanest in Africa.

    •Mujib Dada-Kadri Esq; Abuja.

  • Can new states be created under democracy?

    Can new states be created under democracy?

     Sir: The agitation for the creation of new states has been revived once again. Since the advent of the fourth republic, every review of the constitution had seen the agitation for the creation of new states as an integral part of it. However, since 1999, successive constitutional reviews didn’t record the successful creation of any additional state.

    It’s instructive to state that no civilian government has been able to create any new state since Nigeria’s independence. From the 12 states before the civil war to the current 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, successive military regimes were responsible for the balkanization of the regions into states. The military could achieve state creation because it was ruled by fiat and decrees. States were created at the whims of the military regimes for certain purposes.

    Creation of new states in a civilian dispensation is possible but extremely difficult for a number of reasons. In a civilian dispensation, decrees and fiat do not apply. It can only be achieved through constitutional means. For any portion of the extant construction of Nigeria to be amended, there would be two-thirds majority votes in both chambers of the National Assembly. Aside from that, two-thirds of the states of the country’s Houses of Assembly must concur with the said amendment. After that, the president will give his assent or be vetoed for that amendment to become a constitutional law of the country.

    Recently, some members of the National Assembly resurrected the agitation for state creation. The last time I checked, there was agitation for the creation of 50 additional states in the country. In fact, there’s agitation for the creation of additional states from each of the current 36 states. There’s no single state in Nigeria where there are no people agitating for state creation.

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    The most prominent agitation in recent times is the creation of the Orlu and Anioma states. The proponent for the creation of Orlu State, Representative Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu proposed that the Orlu State be carved out of the present Imo, Abia and Anambra states. To be sure, the southeast deserves at least an additional single state. The region is the only one among the six regions with the least number of states. It has just five states whereas the other regions have six states each with the northwest having seven states. Equity, justice and fairness demand that the other regions of Nigeria should grant the southeast at least one more state.

    However, the agitation for the creation of an additional state for the south east will be defeated even in the same southeast region. Since Ikeagwuonu’s bill was read and passed first reading, some of the communities or local government areas included in the proposed Orlu State have been kicking against it. While some of them prefer to remain in their current states, others said that they were not consulted before the inclusion in the proposed Orlu State. In a democracy, you cannot force any community or local government area to be lumped together in the quest to create an additional state. That can only happen during the military regimes.

    In any case, the governors have full control of the Houses of Assembly and even legislators in the National Assembly to a reasonable extent. The bill will require overwhelming legislative concurrence at both states and national levels. Which of the current governors will support the reduction of his territory which he swore on oath to protect for a period of four years? In other words, which governor will encourage his state legislators to vote in affirmation to remove some parts of his current state or territory? By the way, is it not a constitutional infringement or breach on the part of any governor to allow a part of his territory to be ceded to another new state before the expiration of his mandate which he swore on oath to protect and defend?

    As plausible and laudable the agitation for the creation of new states may be, it will be a Herculean task to achieve. The hatred and sentiments which have eaten deep into the fabrics of the country will make it near impossible for the other regions of Nigeria to be rational and equitable to grant the southeast the needed additional states. Those who derive immense joy in suppressing, subjugating and marginalizing the south east would be loath to see the region get any good thing from the country.

    •Ifeanyi Maduako,Owerri, Imo State.

  • Tribes and tongues: Managing Nigeria’s diversity

    Tribes and tongues: Managing Nigeria’s diversity

    Sir: There is a culture in Igbo land that believes a great man’s home is usually filled with all sorts of people: the good, the bad, and the ugly. The completeness of such a home stems from having people of varied personalities staying together in a shared space. The bedrock and beauty of that home is in its diversity. No external help is needed most times to solve its internal issues because all the help it needs can be found within. Such a home has the most vital recipes for greatness so long the members don’t destroy themselves from within.

    This description fits so well when reflecting on Nigeria’s diversity; a shared truth that lies in our varying cultures and people. As we dance to the tune of our history, we must also take cognizance of the melodies of others, and seek understanding and interconnectedness of our experiences and challenges. If the books of history taught anything, it is that though our tribes and tongues may differ; still, we are all dancers on the same stage, entwined in the complex melody of the past, present, and future.

    One thing I believe can help strengthen the fabric of our diversity is a shared Nigerian identity. An identity that is anchored on the shared values that binds us together as a nation. Values like integrity, resilience, and honesty should be trumpeted. An identity that upholds acting responsibly both in public and private life; one that celebrates perseverance to rise above challenges even when the odds seem insurmountable. Treating fellow citizens fairly and equally irrespective of the melodies they dance to, irrespective of the language they speak is what being Nigerian is all about. That our tribal differences should not divide but rather we draw strength through it.

    By placing these values at the heart of citizenship, we begin to cultivate a sense of belonging that transcends ethnic and religious boundaries; we start to create an environment where every Nigerian can thrive, get a sense of belonging, and also contribute towards National development.

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    Leadership and governance that represents Nigeria’s diversity and prioritizes inclusive decision-making can also be a viable tool in managing our diversity lines. Government must be the critical driver of promoting diversity and inclusion through legislation and policies. Intentional policies and legislation that build trust and promote a culture where every Nigerian can aspire to the best the country can offer them. Political leaders have a responsibility to create an inclusive environment that accommodates different cultural expressions and distributes resources, infrastructure, and leadership positions in a way that does not inhibit growth and innovation but also recognizes our diversity. Civil societies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), stakeholders, and citizens at large also play a vital role through advocacy, monitoring, holding leaders accountable and supporting those who support and promote initiatives that strengthen our cultural understanding, tolerance, and inclusiveness.

    Establishing effective mechanisms for resolving conflicts and addressing grievances promptly is another way to make sure our diversity lines are not exploited or weaponized when disagreements occur. As Mahatma Gandhi said; “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.”

    Being Nigerian is not only about supporting the National team on a match day, or putting on the “PROUDLY NAIJA” tag; it is about embracing our differences and finding common ground. Our founding fathers understood that the true essence of being a Nigerian lie in upholding our shared values, cherishing our shared history, and also recognizing the shared resilience and strength that defines us as a people. It is by upholding these shared values and not dismissing the experiences and challenges that our fellow citizens face that we strengthen the fabric of our society and nurture an environment where every Nigerian can find a sense of belonging.

    •Ismail Ibrahim Oluwaseyi,erudite4show@gmail.com

  • On Victor Osimhen’s outburst

    On Victor Osimhen’s outburst

    Sir: Victor Osimhen’s recent video addressing his absence from the Super Eagles’ last two matches has ignited significant controversy on social media. In the video, Osimhen attributed his missed matches to an injury communicated to the national team coach, Finidi George, expressing dissatisfaction with how George handled the situation and claiming it diminished his respect for him. Osimhen strongly denied allegations of feigning injury and reiterated his commitment to the Super Eagles.

    Public reaction to Osimhen’s video has been mixed. Some argue he appears overly important and speculate he might not have spoken out had the Super Eagles been victorious in their recent matches. Additionally, many found Osimhen’s mention of Finidi George’s name in the video disrespectful. Critics labeled the video irresponsible and disrespectful, urging disciplinary action against Osimhen. They assert that such behavior sets a poor example for other players and underscores the importance of discipline and respect within the team.

    Analyzing the Super Eagles’ last two matches, it is noticeable that the team did not exhibit the same zeal displayed during the Nations Cup. Also, the dip in performance has been attributed to various factors, including possible loss of control by Finidi George over the dressing room, changes in players and tactics, and notably, the absence of key players like William Troost-Ekong, Osimhen, and Moses Simon.

    Read Also: Victor Osimhen: I owe a lot of my success to Kanu, Okocha 

    The broader consensus is that the Super Eagles need their star players and that players, in turn, benefit from playing for their national team. The commitment and performance of the players should remain consistent regardless of whether they are being coached by a local or foreign coach. The controversy surrounding Victor Osimhen underscores the delicate balance of maintaining discipline, respect, and performance within the team.

    For many, given the situation, the right thing for Victor Osimhen to do would be to apologize to Finidi George, the Nigerian Football Federation, and Nigerians as a whole. Awaiting the response of the Nigerian authorities, he should recognize that there are formal ways to address these issues which he should have explored. While Victor Osimhen’s frustrations are understandable, his manner of expression was inappropriate. Respect and discipline are foundational to any successful team, and every player must remember that they are part of a larger whole.

    •Kenechukwu Aguolu,Abuja.

  • Still on Father’s Day reflections

    Still on Father’s Day reflections

    Sir: Traditionally, fathers were seen primarily as providers and disciplinarians. However, the role of fathers has evolved significantly over the years. Today, fathers are not just breadwinners but also nurturers, caregivers, and active participants in their children’s lives. This shift reflects broader changes in societal norms and family dynamics, where the emphasis is now on shared parenting responsibilities.

    Modern fathers are more involved in day-to-day child-rearing activities. From changing diapers and preparing meals to helping with homework and attending school events, fathers today play a hands-on role in their children’s upbringing. This active involvement helps build stronger bonds between fathers and their children and contributes to the overall well-being and development of the child.

    Research consistently shows that children benefit from having involved and loving fathers. A father’s presence and engagement positively influence a child’s cognitive development, academic achievement, and social-emotional well-being. Children with involved fathers are more likely to perform better in school, exhibit healthier self-esteem, and develop strong social skills. Fathers also serve as role models for their children, particularly in demonstrating how to navigate the world, manage relationships, and handle responsibilities. Sons often look to their fathers for examples of masculinity and fatherhood, while daughters frequently view their fathers as a standard for future relationships with men. The values, behaviors, and attitudes that fathers exhibit can leave lasting impressions on their children.

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    Conversely, the absence of a father or father figure can have significant negative impacts on a child’s development. Studies have shown that children who grow up without a father are at a higher risk of developing behavioral problems, academic struggles, and emotional issues. Without a father’s guidance, children may lack the structure and discipline that are crucial during formative years.

    Despite the rewards and joys of fatherhood, it comes with its own set of challenges. Balancing work and family life is one of the most significant hurdles faced by modern fathers. The pressure to excel in their careers while being present and active at home can be overwhelming. This balancing act requires constant adjustment and often involves making sacrifices in one area to succeed in another. Moreover, societal expectations and stereotypes about masculinity can add to the pressures faced by fathers. The traditional notion that men should be stoic, unemotional, and solely focused on providing financially can hinder fathers from expressing their emotions and seeking help when needed. Breaking free from these stereotypes is crucial for fathers to embrace their roles fully and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive family environment.

    The love and guidance of a father extend beyond the immediate family, creating a ripple effect that influences communities and societies at large. Fathers who are engaged and supportive contribute to raising responsible, empathetic, and well-rounded individuals. These individuals, in turn, are more likely to become positive contributors to society. Moreover, the changing dynamics of fatherhood challenge outdated gender roles and promote a more equitable distribution of parenting responsibilities. When fathers take on nurturing and caregiving roles, it encourages a culture of shared responsibility and partnership within families. This shift not only benefits children but also promotes gender equality and supports the well-being of both parents.

     Celebrating fatherhood daily involves acknowledging their efforts, supporting their involvement in family life, and fostering open communication and emotional connection. Encouraging fathers to participate in parenting workshops, support groups, and community activities can also help them navigate the challenges of fatherhood and build a network of support. By creating environments that value and support fathers, we can ensure that they have the resources and encouragement they need to thrive in their roles.

    Father’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of the invaluable contributions that fathers make to their families and society. By acknowledging their importance and supporting their involvement, we can create a society where fatherhood is celebrated and cherished not just on a particular day but every day.

    •Kayode Ojewale,kayodeojewale@gmail.com