The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • When is Nigeria’s industrial revolution happening?

    When is Nigeria’s industrial revolution happening?

    Sir: Available data suggest that the contribution of manufacturing to Nigeria’s GDP has been on a decline for nearly four decades – Nigeria is said to be less industrialized today than we were 40 years ago. With oil and gas as the dominant source of our revenue and export earning, we abandoned our national drive for industrialization, dating back to the 60s under the first National Development Plan that embraced import-substituting industrialization, with the objective of mobilizing national economic resources and deploying them on a cost/benefit basis among contending projects as a strategic attempt at industrial development.

    According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, in 2018, manufacturing contributed 9.2% to GDP, 9.06% in 2019, 8.99% in 2020, 8.98% in 2021, 8.92% in 2022, and 8.23% in the fourth quarter of 2023.

     To accelerate Nigeria’s industrialization strategy and unlock our economic potential beyond oil and gas, which accounts for over 90% of export earnings and about 65 % of government revenue, Nigeria must go beyond talks, to building an economy of improved commodities and increased share of global manufacturing output. Notwithstanding the constitutional and structural contradictions in our federal framework, both the national and subnational governments must actively promote industrial development beyond just “putting in place” enabling environments and conditions for industrialization, including infrastructure, favourable investment climate, security, and a skilled workforce – to creating systematic approach to identify and nurture infant industries.

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    To nurture and support industries that focus on agro-allied, metals and solid minerals, oil and gas, construction, light manufacturing and services, the 2014 Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan was designed as a policy framework for Nigeria to become a preferred source for supplying low and medium technology consumer and industrial goods domestically and locally, thereby create wealth, jobs and import substitution. Ten years after the policy was unveiled, the plan has not been implemented to achieve the target objectives. This is not far from the fact that we lack industrial revolution governance that can seriously define and give direction on Nigeria’s decade of industrialization.

    Industrial revolution governance is required to put in place the essential elements for industrial transformation that will develop our manufacturing capability, improve economic management, promote macro-economic stability and better use of state resources. It is purposeful governance that led to China’s industrialization success, which resulted to her overtaking the United States to become the world’s largest producer of manufactured goods in 2011, creating jobs for millions of Chinese, lifting 700 million people out of extreme poverty, creating wealth, improving living standards and ensuring food security for all.

    How then can Nigeria fuel the fundamental factors for industrialization?

    The first step in the right direction is to conquer procurement and contract corruption in the infrastructure development sector. Inadequate infrastructure is the most pressing constraint on Nigeria’s industrialization and unless money allocated to building roads, power projects, water and other enabling infrastructure for industrialization are properly utilized, Nigeria can hardly achieve her industrialization objectives.

    Contract and procurement fraud is estimated at approximately N2.9 trillion over the period of 2018 to 2020 alone, which accounts for 10% of the total budgetary allocations for that period – funds that could have provided critical infrastructure for many communities. Nigeria needs adequate infrastructure and energy to power our industrialization. If we reduce corruption, then such industrialization enabling legal and policy frameworks like the Electricity Act will be fully implemented to ensure that relevant stakeholders: states, companies, and individuals, empowered by the Act to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity, do not only invest in power projects that will power our industrialization but must ensure corporate governance that will sustain a healthy energy ecosystem.

    Another variable for Nigeria’s industrialization is quality education. Almost all industrialized countries were able to harness education, research, technology, technical and vocational education as a tool for growth. Britain prioritized new scientific inventions, developing the steam engine; Germany and Japan focused on solid engineering education and technological development; Singapore shows Asia’s greatest success stories in transforming from a developing country to a modern industrial economy in one generation, and this was due to her investment in education.  

    Talks on Made-in-Nigeria will remain in the pipe line unless we get our politics right, to be able to prompt consistent industrialization policies, provide good governance that will ensure macroeconomic stability, and make Nigeria’s desire to produce what she eats and eats what she produces a possibility. Nigeria has all the variables for industrialization, we only need leaders with clear vision to know that Nigeria’s greatness cannot be achieved with foreign aid but our local productivity.

    •Ekpa, Stanley Ekpa Esq,ekpastanleyekpa@gmail.com

  • 2024 JAMB results and matters arising

    2024 JAMB results and matters arising

    Sir: Reactions have continued to trail the recent release of the UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) results for university hopefuls by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). According to JAMB’s Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, over 1.94 million candidates registered and sat for the examination in 118 towns and over 700 centres across the nation. This is significantly higher than the 1,595,779 candidates who registered for the 2023 edition.

    He also mentioned that 1,402,490, (76 percent) of the candidates, scored below 200. The performances of the candidates are undoubtedly below par, and many Nigerians are understandably disappointed and baffled. On various social media platforms, many people have attributed the record-breaking disastrous performance this year to the proliferation of social media.

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    Although this year’s results are not quite different from last year’s, the attention that one needed was diverted to the case of Miss Mmesoma Ejikeme, who infamously forged her UTME results to gain adulations for being the candidate with the highest scores. But then, after announcing the scale of this year’s poor performances, the registrar made an even more shocking disclosure that should have sparked more outrage than Mmesoma’s forgery scandal, but unfortunately caused barely a ripple. During an inspection of the examination proceedings at the Kaduna State University CBT Centre, Kaduna, Oloyede informed newsmen that a father was caught impersonating his son, and that both of them were promptly detained for prosecution.

    The father’s conduct shows how deep immorality has eaten into the moral fabric of our society. Nigeria is notoriously an “anything goes” society, where illegality is permissible, even encouraged, so long as money is involved. As such, it does not come off as much of a surprise that parents who are supposed to be their children’s moral guardians are even engaging in unethical acts which undermine the integrity of our educational system. There are several instances where parents take their children to so-called ‘miracle centres’ for WAEC and NECO, or hire individuals to write exams for them.

    One doesn’t need a prophet or soothsayer to see just how much this rate of illegality contributes to the intellectual rot and academic decline of students and youths. Also factor in the belief that “school na scam” and you can understand why most students barely bother to read. After all, they have ways to navigate past the rules of education which encourage merit and excellence. After all, social media offers much glamorous opportunities for fame, wealth and social respect, thanks to examples set by an industry of influencers, entertainers, fraudsters and moral degenerates. Nowadays, it is hard for an impressionable Gen Z to understand that academics can be a pathway to a stable career.

    However, despite the poor performance and the startling revelation by the registrar, there are still some positives from the 2024 UTME. For instance, a student from a public school in Kwara State scored above 300. Olukayode Olusola’s outstanding performance in the 2024 UTME is proof that all hope is not lost in public schools. His academic achievement serves as a flicker of hope and inspiration, especially at a time when confidence in government schools has waned. Such remarkable success from a public school student should undoubtedly ignite a much-needed revolution in the education sector.

    Another positive from the 2024 UTME is the number of females that applied this year. According to the JAMB registrar, 982,393 males, representing 49.4 per cent, enrolled for the 2024 UTME, as against 1,007,275 females, which is 50.6 per cent. This is a huge boost for girl-child education in our country.

    That being said, the 2024 UTME should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. Parents need to wake up to their duties as the primary guardians and educators of future generations. The shameless conduct of the father caught impersonating his son is a moral indictment on parenthood, even though it does not capture the general approach to parenting here. There is also a need for us to revive our public schools, so they can compete and be at par with their counterparts abroad.

    •Zayd Ibn Isah,lawcadet1@gmail.com

  • Oyo LG poll: What manner of election?

    Oyo LG poll: What manner of election?

    • By Ademola ‘Bablow’ Babalola

    Oyo local council polls have come and gone, but the negative impression and series of controversy that accompanied the election will forever remain in the archives. From what transpired during the voting activities, Oyo State residents can confidently testify to some irregularities during the exercise and how poorly the process was executed by the state umpire, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).

    People can confirm whether or not the words of honour and assurance that the OYSIEC chairman, Isiaka Olagunju (SAN) gave before the conduct of the elections were brought to bear.

    In the polling units across all the local councils in the state, OYSIEC officials were not available in many of the units where they were assigned to. And this undoubtedly led many who were anxious to vote for the candidates of their choice, after waiting for so many hours without any sight of electoral materials, to lose hope of casting their votes. They were frustrated and returned to their homes to attend to other things.

    In some polling booths where OYSIEC officials were available, ballot papers were insufficient. For instance in Ibarapa, it was reported that in a ward which had about 250 registered voters, only 50 ballot papers were available to the electorate. This means that 200 voters in that particular polling booth were disenfranchised.

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    Talking about the elections that OYSIEC conducted years back, opposition parties always boycotted as a result of the irregularities that normally went along with the polls. But with faith in the sincerity of the OYSIEC chairman, Isiaka Olagunju, 18 political parties agreed to participate in the polls. They believed the ballots would be different from the ones that had before been conducted, but reverse turned to be the case as only the ruling party, PDP, and the OYSIEC chairman were satisfied with the contest. Other political parties and millions of the electorate were displeased.

    Now that the faith and hope the electorate have in the OYSIEC is dashed, how would the state which is full of local councils that are managed by selected but not elected council chairmen develop?

    Who exactly controlled or manipulated the OYSIEC in the just concluded elections? Is the commission truly independent? What precisely is the essence of an independent body whose financial capacity is determined by the state governor? Unless the OYSIEC is financially liberated, I do not foresee a free, fair and credible election anytime soon in Oyo State.

    •Ademola ‘Bablow’ Babalola,

    babalolaademola39@gmail.com

  • Varsity lands and land encroachers

    Varsity lands and land encroachers

    • By Kazeem Olalekan Israel

    The federal government must, at this point in time address the issue of encroachment on university lands once and for all. Many a time, we have been fed with news of encroachment of university lands by grabbers; yet, the government has not for once made any attempt at arresting the situation in order to ensure that it does not degenerate into a crisis.

    In 2020, we read of how violence erupted at the University of Jos over nefarious activities of land grabbers. They had even gone ahead to erect structures on the university land. Meanwhile, it is important to guide our people that the fact that a university has not developed all its lands does not give anyone the express right to invade it and then start erecting structures on it.

    In fact, the government must do everything to address the situation once and for all. Yes, we might say whenever the government is ready to utilise those lands, the people will vacate it. But, we must put into consideration that structures have been erected already. What is the point of demolishing structures when we can ensure there was no invasion in the first instance?

    The issue of encroachment of university land is a very serious problem bedevilling our ivory towers today. In fact, the situation at Obafemi Awolowo University is a case apart, not just a case study. The dynamic of the invasion is so disturbing and alarming that the federal government must wade in to immediately put the issue to rest once and for all.

    On April 2, a supposed group of Ife indigenes went to the university with a bulldozer to create a pathway behind Poplat Fuelling station. The group claimed that they had been mandated by Ife community to build a wall fence to demarcate Ife land from that of OAU.

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    As this is being written, they have gone ahead to erect a fence on the university land. It is even more disturbing that part of the land they are laying claim to has a 3-block students’ hostel which the Ife community has not allowed the university to utilise since 2018 while the federal government has looked the other way. It is the height of insanity for anyone to start erecting fence on a land which has a students’ hostel built with taxpayers’ money on it.

    It has become clear that these intruders have special interest in government land and properties considering how recalcitrant they have become in encroaching on university land. It is a case of impudence and criminality.

    The university management must ensure that the fence being erected by these elements does not stand. And the federal government must not just give a last warning to encroachers who have become so bold but they should be arrested and prosecuted. Encroaching on a land that has been gazetted for the university by some elements who are now occupying some seats which should ordinarily symbolise and promote decency is highly disturbing. The federal government must urgently wade in to stop these land grabbers from encroaching on the university landed property which was built with taxpayers’ money.

    •Kazeem Olalekan Israel, (GANI)

    OAU, Ile-Ife.

  • Winning strategies to defeat insecurity

    Winning strategies to defeat insecurity

    • By Nosa Osaikhuiwu

    The problems of insecurity are not peculiar to Nigeria alone, as many nations of the world have at one point in their history dealt with the menace of insecurity. However, what has been most disturbing in the Nigerian situation is the alleged support and collusion by many folks in the host communities with bandits, kidnappers and terrorists, including the continued deterioration of the security situation over time.

    While many factors are responsible for the nation’s current state of insecurity, most of the reasons have been well articulated. The Nigerian Army along with the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies have done a Herculean job in trying to combat the menace of insecurity, though frequent cases of large-scale kidnappings and violence still exist in sections of the country.

    It is now a well-established position among experts that traditional military organizations are not equipped to fight insurgencies because of operational challenges, constitutional rights constraints, and the guerrilla tactics employed by insurgents a fact that was borne out by the American military experiences during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

    However, to effectively combat and defeat the Boko Haram insurgency, end kidnappings, neutralize the bandits and restore peace to Nigeria, we must rethink our strategies and draw some lessons learned from the current efforts. In developing the new winning strategy, we must be cognizant of the fact that any efforts at defeating these enemies within must be a bottom-up approach, meaning that it must win the hearts and minds of people in the affected communities and enlist their help in intelligence gathering to enable security services liquidate them. Furthermore, given technological advancements in information technology and surveillance, we must deploy drones and unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAV) to the theatre of conflict to better aid in monitoring and deploying surgical strikes by our security forces against enemy combatants.

    Some advocate for the creation of state police as the only vehicle to seriously fight these crimes and insecurity at the state level. I do not share this school of thought. I do endorse localizing crime fighting by recruiting locals into a civilian army of informants, a fighting force that can also aid in the collection of actionable intelligence, including reforming the Nigerian Police Force and implementing community policing which is distinct from state police and far more effective in addressing the security challenges.

    Also embedding agents and informants in all communities and making sure police officers are from and or live in the communities they serve. We need reservoirs of informants and agents deployed especially to the troubled regions who will collect information and data for processing by the national counterterrorism centre in collaboration with other security agencies.

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    The trajectory of the war to restore peace and security in Nigeria will be on the upswing if we reorient and re-purpose the national counterterrorism centre to prioritize human intelligence and recruit one million agents across the country, while prioritizing zones of insurgency; deploy drones and Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles (UAV) for surveillance and precision strikes against enemy targets.

    We need to setup and deploy a readily accessible national Biometric Database for crime-fighting. Recruits should serve in their communities to help gather actionable intelligence which is key to effective targeting and response by the security services.

    We must end, with immediate effect, the unconditional forgiveness of terrorists and bandits as it promotes more criminality. Also, guarantee amnesty from prosecution only for all insurgents, terrorists and bandits who lay down their arms and provide intelligence that leads to possible arrests of criminals after passage of the proposed terrorism and miscellaneous crimes reforms legislation.

    Pass legislation to create special courts for terrorism, kidnappings and banditry or use military tribunals and exclude privileges of appeal to the Supreme Court. Launch a public awareness campaign through the National Orientation Agency (NOA) as part of crime-fighting efforts soliciting help from the public.

    Finally, create a special council with autonomy to prosecute these crimes.

    Nigerians must as a matter of necessity get rid of the begging culture that has come to define us and insist on accountability so that those who violate our laws are prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by our laws and not cuddled or offered forgiveness without atonement.

    •Nosa Osaikhuiwu,

    United States of America.

  • Healthcare and diseases in Nigeria

    Healthcare and diseases in Nigeria

    Sir: Healthcare delivery in Nigeria has experienced progressive deterioration as a result of weakened political will on the part of successive governments to effectively solve several problems that have existed in the sector over the years. Most health workers leave the country for good because of the insensitivity of government towards the health sector and unwillingness to address myriads of problems in the sector. The public healthcare system runs on primary healthcare facilities; general hospitals and teaching hospitals are either underfunded, not supervised or not well managed. Several outbreaks of diseases have shown that the healthcare system lacks medical intelligence, surveillance.

    Statistics show that drug manufacturers and pharmacies in Nigeria hiked drugs by over 150%. Common anti-malaria drugs have gone beyond the reach of many Nigerians. Nigeria is witnessing more morbidity and mortality, as well as recycling of poverty among the majority of the population. A responsible government that has value for human lives will do all it can to subsidize the prices of essential commodities, life-saving drugs and services. The nature of our healthcare services is a reflection of the culture we found ourselves in. Just like we demand new things and change our fashion, sometimes we demand new drugs, miracle cure or the magic bullet. We must not take tablets for every ailment; the practice of relaxation exercise, change in diet or lifestyle modification could be the magic. We must begin to ask our doctors the right questions – must I require another prescription? Must I take these drugs? Every drug has contra-indications, side-effects and interactions.

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    Nigeria has a high burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS constitute a big challenge. Malnutrition is also common with astounding rate at 43.6%. Disease burden is the impact of a health problem on a given population, and can be measured using a variety of indicators such as mortality, morbidity or financial costs. Progress in reducing the burden of diseases has been at a standstill endangering lives and perpetuating a vicious cycle of inequity. Some of these diseases like malaria, which is preventable and treatable, still affect many who are vulnerable due to poverty and limited education.

    The World Health Organisation has lamented that the burden of diseases in low-income countries is high. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is an agelong proverb that has come to explain the health of citizens in Nigeria. Nigerians are hungry and it impacts their well-being. ‘A healthy nation is a wealthy nation’ – the absence of a decent wage in the country underscores the irresponsibility of governance and care, high cost of living and inability of the masses to access medicare.

    •Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu Awka

  • Nigeria and the problem with ‘stupid’ people

    Nigeria and the problem with ‘stupid’ people

    Sir: Carlo Cipolla’s Law of Stupidity offers a profound insight into human behavior, in Nigeria particularly in the context of politics. The law states that “a person is smart, stupid, or a bandit.” This categorization may seem simplistic, but it provides a compelling framework for understanding the dynamics at play in Nigeria’s political landscape.

    The “smart” individuals in Nigeria are the visionaries, innovators, and change-makers. They are the ones who work tirelessly to improve the country’s infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems. They are the entrepreneurs, scientists, and artists who drive progress and development. Despite their contributions, they often find themselves marginalized and excluded from the political process.

    The “stupid” individuals, on the other hand, are those who hinder progress and act against their own interests. They may vote for corrupt politicians, engage in harmful behaviors, or prioritize short-term gains over long-term benefits. This group includes those who are misinformed, disenchanted, or simply apathetic. They may not intend to cause harm, but their actions perpetuate the status quo and maintain the cycle of corruption.

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    The “bandits” are the corrupt politicians and individuals who exploit the system for personal gain. They prioritize power and wealth over the nation’s well-being, often using their influence to maintain a status quo that benefits them. They are the ones who embezzle funds, rig elections, and undermine institutions. They are the masterminds behind the corruption, nepotism, and cronyism that plagues Nigeria.

    Cipolla’s Law suggests that the “stupid” individuals outnumber the “smart” ones, while the “bandits” are relatively few but hold significant power. This imbalance perpetuates the cycle of corruption and stagnation in Nigeria. The “stupid” individuals are often exploited by the “bandits,” who use their influence and resources to maintain control.

    To break this cycle, it is essential to empower the “smart” individuals, educate the “stupid” ones, and hold the “bandits” accountable for their actions. This can be achieved through:

    1. Education and awareness: Informing citizens about their rights, responsibilities, and the impact of their actions can help reduce the number of “stupid” individuals.

    2 Institutional reforms: Strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, and enforcing accountability can help curb the influence of the “bandits.”

    3. Civic engagement: Encouraging active participation in politics, supporting progressive candidates, and advocating for policy changes can help amplify the voices of the “smart” individuals.

    4. Leadership by example: Promoting role models who embody integrity, competence, and vision can inspire others to follow suit.

    5 Economic empowerment: Providing opportunities for economic growth and development can reduce the appeal of corrupt practices and increase the number of “smart” individuals.

    6. Anti-corruption efforts: Implementing effective anti-corruption measures, such as whistleblower protection and independent judicial bodies, can help hold the “bandits” accountable.

    7. International cooperation: Collaborating with international organizations and countries to share best practices and implement global standards can help combat corruption and promote good governance.

    8. Cultural shift: Encouraging a cultural shift that values integrity, hard work, and meritocracy over nepotism and corruption can help create a more informed and engaged citizenry.

    9. Technology and innovation: Leveraging technology and innovation to improve governance, increase transparency, and enhance citizen participation can help reduce the influence of the “bandits.”

    10. Historical reflection: Studying Nigeria’s history and learning from past mistakes can help identify patterns and prevent the repetition of errors.

    Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former. Cipolla’s Law of Stupidity offers a thought-provoking perspective on the dynamics between Nigerian politicians and citizens. By recognizing the roles played by the “smart,” “stupid,” and “bandits,” we can work towards a more informed and engaged citizenry, a more accountable political class, and a better future for Nigeria. It’s time to empower the “smart,” educate the “stupid,” and hold the “bandits” accountable. By doing so, we can break the cycle of corruption and stagnation and unleash Nigeria’s full potential.

    •Prince Charles Dickson. PhD

    pcdbooks@gmail.com

  • A shining star in UNIBEN firmament

    A shining star in UNIBEN firmament

    Sir: I am extremely delighted to be among the several millions of people all over the world who are celebrating a truly quintessential academic. How else might one describe a man who has to his credit 380 journal articles, 4 books, 26 book chapters, 22 monographs, a citation index of 6,322, i-10 index of 189, and H-index of 58? What other adjectives best fit a man who has been a lead recipient of 52 international grants including high profile ones from the World Health Organization, the World Bank, the Ford Foundation, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, United Nations Population Fund, Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC) to mention but a few? Would it be inappropriate to roundly and thunderously applaud a man who through collaborative research has etched UNIBEN in the annals of high profile institutions such as Harvard University (USA), the University of Louisville (USA), Ottawa University (Canada), Queen’s University (Belfast), the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (UK), Imperial College, London (UK), Catholic University of Louvain (Belgium), and the Chicago State University (USA)? This man is phenomenal!

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    His all-round achievements in academics and research parallel his physical attributes of height, handsomeness and debonaire – qualities that stand him out for respect and recognition. The aura that he exudes is not only on account of his academic profundity and fecundity but on other scores as well. I write of Prof. Friday E. Okonofua, a man who is gregarious, affable, altruistic, and gentility personified, a chief in two great kingdoms, yet self-effacing. This man is intriguing!

      Since 1996, when this star appeared in the academic sky of UNIBEN, he has brought transformations, innovations, and exponential growth to scholarship and grantsmanship. He has given many the needed shot in the arm that helped them overcome their academic inertia of inactivity induced by despondency, despair, and disillusionment, to gaining relevance and recognition. As he retires from the services of UNIBEN, I know he has mentored but he will keep mentoring; he has researched but he will research more; he has written articles and books, he will even write more; he has won huge grants, he will yet win more; he has solved health problems, he will solve more. This man is fascinating! He is iconic!

    I am tempted to write in the style of Dr. Henry Jacob Bigelow, an eminent surgeon, on Dr William T.G. Morton, who first demonstrated general anaesthesia for surgery in the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA in 1846:“Friday E. Okonofua, Professor And Researcher At UNIBEN, Benin City. Before Whom, In All Time, UNIBEN Was Great In Research. By Whom Academic Indolence In UNIBEN Has Been Further Averted And Annulled. Since Whom, UNIBEN Has Become Greater In Research And Grantsmanship”.

    May this star shine brighter in the very many years ahead to the greater glory of God with knowledge for service untold at the University of Benin.

    •Ray I. Ozolua

    Professor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), UNIBEN

  • Soludo and future of ICT in Anambra

    Soludo and future of ICT in Anambra

    • By Obinna Odogwu

    Sir: Anambra State swept four awards recently during the ICT peer review session at the 11th National Council on Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy meeting held in Kano State.

    At the meeting chaired by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and hosted by the Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, Anambra won the Overall Best State in Digital Technology Development.

    Anambra also won the Best State in Digital Infrastructure Technology Development; became the first runner-up in the category of e-Government Implementation, and also a first runner-up in Digital Technology Human Capital Development.

    These four awards were presented to the MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, who stood in for Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the event.

    Just few days ago, a team of three Anambra schoolgirls from St. John Vianney Science College, Igbariam in Anambra East Local Government Area, emerged winner of the National Girls in ICT Competition organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

    These awards and victories not only spotlight Anambra’s dedication to tech-driven governance, but are also a testament to the state’s commitment to excellence, innovation and progress in the digital space.

    Upon assumption of office on March 17, 2022, the professor of economics commenced implementation of his well-structured digitisation agenda targeted at moving the state from analogue ways of handling government’s businesses to a digital one.

    Already, the results are beginning to show. A series of groundbreaking achievements in the realm of e-Government implementation have been recorded in the state.

    Within the last two years, Soludo has been able to digitise the State Executive Council processes, thereby eliminating the need for costly printing and making the process more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable.

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    There’s also the setting up of the e-Government Infrastructure in the state according to the ICT Agency’s boss, Mr Agbata.

    The recent government’s partnership with the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the state is aimed at establishing an Internet Exchange Point focusing on improving interconnectivity and reducing internet access costs.

    Today, the reported deployment of a Centralized e-GIS System by the Ministry of Lands has made land administration easier and simpler. In fact, those who operate in that sector describe it as a revolutionary move by Mr. Governor.

    The Soludo-led administration’s partnership with the Tony Blair Institute has given life to a Digital Delivery Dashboard which facilitates a real-time project monitoring for the state’s five Solution Agenda.

    Currently, there is an all-inclusive draft of the state’s ICT Policy document which represents the views of all relevant stakeholders in the tech industry. This policy document aligns with Soludo’s vision of “Everything Technology and Everywhere Technology.”

    These accomplishments, no doubt, underscore the commitment of Governor Soludo to harnessing technology in governance processes for the betterment of Ndi Anambra.

    •Obinna Odogwu

    obinnaodogwu77@gmail.com

  • Lessons from Turkey in healthcare tourism

    Lessons from Turkey in healthcare tourism

    • By Victor Okeke

    Sir: At the recently held 6th Global Healthcare Travel Forum and Conference in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Emin Çakmak, the founding Chairman of Global Healthcare Travel Council and President of the Turkish Healthcare Tourism Development Council, delivered a speech that highlighted Turkey’s remarkable journey in becoming a preferred global healthcare travel destination. The conference, attended by representatives from 56 countries, including Nigeria’s Doctorcare247, provided valuable insights into the factors driving Turkey’s success in the medical tourism industry.

    Over the past two decades, Turkey has invested heavily in its healthcare infrastructure, allocating more than $50billion to build new hospitals and acquire the latest medical technologies. This investment has enabled the country to offer world-class medical services, including cutting-edge treatments such as CyberKnife, GammaKnife, TrueBeam, and da Vinci robotic surgery, as well as advanced stem cell therapies and organ transplantation procedures.

    Furthermore, Turkey boasts a highly skilled medical workforce, with over 15,000 doctors who have graduated from Western and Turkish medical universities. This pool of talented healthcare professionals, combined with state-of-the-art facilities, has positioned Turkey as a formidable player in the global healthcare travel market.

    Turkey’s success in healthcare tourism can be attributed to the convergence of several factors, including its world-class medical services, well-developed hospitality infrastructure, geographical convenience, and natural beauty. This unique combination has made the country an attractive destination for various healthcare travel segments such as medical treatment, wellness, spa and thermalism, sports medicine, retirement, and accessible tourism.

    Notably, Turkey has witnessed a surge in retirement tourism, with approximately 3million international guests currently residing in the country after retirement. This figure is expected to rise to 5million by 2025, contributing significantly to the Turkish economy. The country’s favourable environment, weather conditions, and accessible healthcare services have made it an appealing destination for retirees.

    The Turkish government has played a crucial role in facilitating the growth of the healthcare tourism industry. The Ministry of Health has established a dedicated department to monitor the competencies of hospitals, ensure compliance with regulations, and maintain pricing transparency for medical tourism services.

    Additionally, many private hospitals in Turkey have obtained accreditation from renowned agencies such as the Joint Commission International (JCI), TEMOS, and the Turkish Healthcare Travel Accreditation Council, further enhancing the sector’s credibility and quality assurance.

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    The statistics speak volumes about Turkey’s success in medical tourism. In 2005, the country welcomed 126,000 international patients, but this number has skyrocketed, reaching 1.7million in 2023, representing a significant contribution of $20billion to the Turkish economy. By 2025, Turkey aims to attract 2million international patients from 187 countries.

    Nigeria, represented at the conference by Doctorcare247, can draw valuable lessons from Turkey’s experience in developing a thriving healthcare tourism industry.

    Like Turkey, Nigeria must prioritize investments in modern healthcare facilities, cutting-edge medical technologies, and the training and retention of skilled healthcare professionals. Upgrading hospitals with modern equipment and technology is crucial to attracting patients seeking advanced medical care. This will not only improve the quality of healthcare services for Nigerians but also position the country as a competitive medical tourism destination.

    Turkey’s success has been facilitated by collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors. Nigeria should explore similar partnerships to leverage the expertise and resources of both sectors, fostering an environment conducive to healthcare tourism growth.

    Establishing a robust regulatory framework and accreditation systems is crucial for ensuring patient safety, maintaining quality standards, and building trust among international healthcare travellers. Nigeria can learn from Turkey’s experience in implementing rigorous monitoring mechanisms and obtaining international accreditations.

    Turkey has actively promoted its healthcare tourism offerings through its extensive global network of offices and partnerships with airlines and travel agencies. Nigeria should develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to showcase its medical expertise, facilities, and unique cultural attractions to potential international patients.

    Again, Turkey’s success is partly due to its ability to combine medical excellence with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Nigeria, with its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and historical sites, can leverage these assets to create a compelling healthcare tourism experience for international visitors.

    The Turkish government’s support, through incentives and facilitative policies, has been instrumental in the growth of the healthcare tourism industry. Nigeria’s government should explore similar measures to incentivize private sector investments, facilitate visa processes, and create an enabling environment for healthcare tourism to thrive.

    While Turkey’s success story is undeniable, the path to healthcare excellence is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Nigeria, with its unique strengths and challenges, can leverage learnings from Turkey but must tailor the strategy to its specific context.  This may involve focusing on specific medical specialties in high demand within the African region or prioritizing the development of medical tourism infrastructure in key cities with established tourist attractions.

    Collaboration, however, remains the key.  By sharing knowledge, fostering partnerships between hospitals and medical professionals, and advocating for continued government support, both Turkey and Nigeria can become regional leaders in medical tourism, ultimately contributing to a future where high-quality healthcare is accessible to all.

    •Victor Okeke

    Abuja