The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Why insecurity festers

    Why insecurity festers

    • By Dr Goodluck Uguoji

    Sir: In societies like ours that are hungry for development, security should be a primary concern. The truth is that the level of security in a community or society has a direct correlation to the level of development of the society. Security is a costly business with enormous and even more costly implications if mismanaged.

    We no doubt require a state of peace, order, and assurance of the safety of lives and property for a healthy pursuit of our development objectives, and the creation of a conducive and enabling environment to thrive.

    I am also of the view that the security of lives and property is of primary significance, as it represents a yardstick for assessing how prepared a society is to secure its citizens from external aggressions. It is doubtful, therefore, if a society that cannot protect its citizens from itself can successfully protect same from outsiders.

    Given this background, what are the factors that constitute the most potent security threats?

    They include youth unemployment, which poses a direct threat to the maintenance of peace and security. As it is often said, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Underdevelopment also creates a situation of lack and results in various vices common in poor societies. Security itself is development and any environment that is not secured cannot be called a developed society and neither can it develop.

    Poverty is also another factor. Though, it is said that money is the root of all evil, I want to state here that, poverty is indeed the root of all evil as attested by the conditions in most third-world countries.

    The continuous movement of able-bodied youths from rural to urban centres is equally a threat to the security of such cities. Due to the absence of basic amenities and a sustainable means of economic survival in most of our rural areas, our youths are forced to migrate in large numbers to the cities in search of the proverbial Golden Fleece, which is later found to be largely non-existent. The result usually is a resort to crime.

    When basic social amenities are in short supply it exerts pressure on the society and populace and this ultimately leads to desperation on the part of the citizens and a desire to make ends meet at all cost.

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    The shortage of jobs, social amenities and economic livelihood is likely to be caused by the absence of social security provisions that are meant to absorb the shocks occasioned by lack and deprivation.

    Besides, the poor wage structure in the country implies that even those in employment may not be able to cater for their basic needs at the end of the day. This, to a large extent, determines how the individual reacts to social pressures.

    Closely tied to all these vices is the issue of corruption, which puts enormous pressure on our youths on account of the unexplainable affluent lifestyles of some individuals who have acquired their wealth through questionable means. This puts pressure on our youths and students and in many cases it translates into a determination to measure up financially by all means possible. Let me also add that a significant percentage of the resources meant for the combat of crime and maintenance of security may be lost to official corruption.

    The value and ethics of a people equally constitute a major hindrance to the maintenance of security when it glorifies and celebrates wealth against integrity and honesty. When people’s source of wealth is related to background, crime is given more impetus to take centre stage.

    There are also inadequate resources for crime prevention and control. This is closely tied to the strength of the state or society, and political will to combat crime. As I pointed out earlier, crime control and security is a costly business deserving of every attention.

    In the realization that security is vital, it is entrenched in the 1999 Constitution that, the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. The citizenry equally has a significant role to play in securing the society. After all, these criminals live amongst us and our policemen and women are far from being magicians. They need information from the rest of us to perform effectively. However, the police also need to secure the cooperation of the people, as the masses need to believe in and trust them.

    •Dr Goodluck Uguoji,

    Akute, Ogun State.

  • A country’s faltering commitment to the elderly

    A country’s faltering commitment to the elderly

    • By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    Sir: A country, any country, starved of the elderly, and the irreplaceable presence and wisdom they bring is sitting on a keg of gunpowder. Nigeria’s risks this terrifying possibility.

    Nigeria’s population remains somewhat depressingly on an upward trajectory. Having hit 217 million people in November 2022, Nigeria expects to approach 250 million people by 2050.

    Nigeria’s surging population growth amidst soaring poverty risks leaving entire generations behind. It is a frightening prospect.

    One of such generation is the elderly, who are having a particularly tough time in Nigeria.

    For those aged 65 years and above, it is increasingly appearing that to be aged in Nigeria is to be accursed. In the midst of crumbling healthcare, dilapidated infrastructure and non-existent social security, to be aged, to risk the challenges that come with old age, is to risk everything.

    Nigeria is used to leaving people behind. Whether it is out-of-school children, or women and girls, or people living with disability, or the poorest of the poor among them, Nigeria has refined the dark art of leaving people behind.

    This state of things, which invariably seems cold and even callous, means that the disparate parts of the Nigerian society have hardly been able to gel together, leaving a society that is deeply fractured, and broken.

    Life expectancy in Nigeria is low, with wide gaps open in the quality of life people live and just how long they expect to live. It is through these intergenerational gaps that people are now experiencing what it really means to be old and worried in Nigeria.

    It should not be the case that those who age in Nigeria also have to feel caged by the failures of the country to carry everyone along. Likewise, it certainly does not bode well, especially in a country that needs everyone to be on the same page, so it can meet its multifaceted challenges head on.

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    To give the elderly space and a voice in Nigeria, legislation is important as is the political will to bring the core aspects of legislation to fruition.

    Nigeria is not lacking in legislation that protects the interests of the elderly. What has been sorely lacking is the political will to bring legislation to fruition.

    It is also sad to know that Nigeria has not followed the universal blueprint of establishing homes for the elderly. There’s also no serious commitment to rein in those who abuse the elderly.

    There is also the constant and cutting cloud of superstition hanging over the elderly in Nigeria. In many communities, instances of horrific abuse against the elderly have been documented by those who freely but erroneously associate old age with witchcraft. This too must end.

    The key to creating a safe space for the elderly is to recognize what they bring to the table. Wisdom comes with age and is not something that can be picked up like groceries from a superstore.

    In a country where a gripping intergenerational clash and crisis is leaving many people cut off, there are lessons to be learned from Nigeria’s elderly.

    It is easy to dictate the intergenerational tension that holds fast and firm. It exists in the way the elderly lament that the country has no future with the current crop of young people, and the way young people lament that the country was irredeemably lost under the watch of the older generation.

    Maybe, if Nigeria begins to properly take care of its old, the country would finally begin to find the critical connect between the old and new that is crucial to any holistic development.

    The elderly deserve maximum protection so that it will become clear to all once and for all that old age is a blessing.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,

    Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Addressing sanitation crisis: Battling open defecation

    Addressing sanitation crisis: Battling open defecation

    Sir: Lagos, often called the nation’s economic hub, faces a growing crisis that affects both its residents and its reputation. The lack of public conveniences and rampant open defecation have reached alarming levels.

    I’m happy to admit that it’s not purely a Nigerian issue. The United Nations acknowledges that there is a global sanitation crisis, one that the world is working too slowly to solve. World Toilet Day, celebrated on November 19 every year, is about inspiring action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and reach the 3.5 billion people still living without safely managed sanitation.

    According to the UN, “Right now, we are seriously off track to meet SDG 6: Safe toilets and water for all by 2030. World Toilet Day 2023 is about getting the world on track by taking much faster action. The theme of the World Toilet Day 2023 is Accelerating Change.

    World Toilet Day celebrates toilets and highlights the global sanitation crisis that affects billions of people around the world who are living without access to a safely managed toilet.

    The truth is that human waste left in open areas contaminates soil and water sources, leading to long-term environmental degradation. This pollution affects agriculture, water supply, and the overall quality of life in affected areas.

    In addition, lack of access to sanitation facilities strips individuals of their dignity and subjects them to social stigma. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, as they often wait until dark to relieve themselves, exposing themselves to safety risks.

    Moreover, poor sanitation negatively impacts the economy by reducing productivity and increasing healthcare costs. Businesses may also be deterred from investing in areas with sanitation challenges.

    These are the issues.

    One major reason for the sanitation crisis is the inadequate number of public toilets and sewage systems. Many times, existing facilities are often poorly maintained or not easily accessible.

    The reason for this is not far-fetched, our cities are experiencing rapid urbanization, leading to overcrowding and strain on existing sanitation infrastructure. The lack of proper planning exacerbates the problem.

    The good news is that the situation can be remedied. Governments at all levels must prioritize investment in sanitation infrastructure, including public toilets and sewage systems. Collaborations with private sector partners can help in funding and maintaining these facilities.

    Secondly, communities should be involved in the planning and maintenance of sanitation facilities. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and ensures sustainability. This must be backed with comprehensive public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of proper sanitation practices and the dangers of open defecation.

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    The governments would equally do well to enact and enforce policies that promote proper sanitation, including penalties for open defecation and incentives for private sector involvement.

    Furthermore, collaboration with international organisations and NGOs can provide financial and technical assistance to tackle the sanitation crisis.

    As Lagos State in particular grapples with the pressing need to improve access to public conveniences, two powerful tools emerge as potential game-changers: Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and innovative technology solutions. Open defecation is not particular to Lagos State. I’m simply using Lagos as a case because I appreciate the determination of successive governments to improve the quality of lives of residents.

    Private sector involvement can lead to more efficient management and maintenance of facilities, ensuring that public conveniences remain in good condition over the long term.

    Also, innovative technologies like IoT (Internet of Things) can be integrated into public toilets to monitor usage, assess cleanliness, and automatically alert maintenance teams when issues arise. Cashless payment options and mobile apps can be introduced to access public conveniences, making it convenient for users and enabling transparent revenue collection.

    Biometric authentication can enhance security and limit misuse of public toilets, ensuring they are reserved for legitimate users. Eco-friendly technologies can be incorporated into public conveniences to reduce water usage and energy consumption, aligning with sustainability goals.

    Open defecation is a multi-faceted problem with severe consequences for public health, the environment, and overall quality of life. Addressing this crisis requires concerted efforts from the government, communities, and international partners. By investing in sanitation infrastructure, raising awareness, and implementing effective policies, we can change the situation.

    • Elvis Eromosele, Lagos
  • Breaking the silence: Towards zero male suicide

    Breaking the silence: Towards zero male suicide

    Sir: Every year, on International Men’s Day, the world turns its attention to the celebration of men and their positive contributions to society. However, amidst the applause and recognition, there exists a profound and often silent crisis – the alarmingly high rate of male suicide. As we commemorate, it’s imperative to shed light on the challenges faced by men, particularly the pervasive issue of mental health and suicide. The statistics are staggering: men are more likely to die by suicide than women in many parts of the world. Yet, this is not due to a greater desire for death, but rather a complex interplay of societal expectations, entrenched stereotypes, and a lack of adequate support systems.

    One of the fundamental challenges men confront is the burden of conforming to traditional masculine norms. The societal construct of masculinity often demands stoicism, emotional restraint, and an aversion to seeking help – traits that, when internalized, can become barriers to acknowledging and addressing mental health struggles. The pressure to appear strong and self-reliant often prevents men from reaching out for support when they need it most. However, the narrative is shifting. International Men’s Day presents an opportunity to challenge these norms and break the silence surrounding men’s mental health. It’s a day to advocate for change – to encourage open conversations about mental well-being, to dismantle stigmas associated with seeking help, and to redefine masculinity as an inclusive concept that embraces vulnerability, emotional expression, and seeking assistance when necessary.

    Addressing the issue of male suicide requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, it demands accessible and tailored mental health services specifically designed to meet the needs of men. These services should not only focus on treatment but also emphasize prevention, education, and outreach efforts. Additionally, fostering supportive environments in schools, workplaces, and communities is crucial. Encouraging empathy, understanding, and active listening can create spaces where men feel safe and comfortable discussing their emotions without fear of judgment or ridicule.

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    Furthermore, raising awareness through education and advocacy initiatives plays a pivotal role. Promoting mental health literacy, teaching coping mechanisms, and breaking down stereotypes are essential steps towards creating a society that supports men in their struggles. 

    As we observe International Men’s Day, let us commit ourselves to the cause of zero male suicide. Let us break the silence and strive for a world where mental health is a priority for everyone, regardless of gender. By empowering men to seek help, fostering understanding, and reshaping societal perceptions, we can prevent the tragic loss of precious lives to suicide.

    It is time to transform the narrative, to create a world where every man feels comfortable seeking assistance, where reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and where zero male suicide is not just an aspiration, but a reality. Together, let us break the silence and pave the way towards a future where every man’s life is valued, supported, and cherished.

    • Akinola Ayobami Steven, akinolaa61@gmail.com
  • Skills, not degrees

    Skills, not degrees

    Sir: Recently, a graduate of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, reportedly burnt his degree certificate for not being able to secure a job after his university education.

    Olutimain Ilenre would certainly not be the first; in 2020, Usman Abubakar from Katsina State had similarly burnt his degree certificate including his National Youth Service Corps, NYSC certificate for the same reason.

    Unemployment has been an underlying reason for many atrocities in Nigeria; it has caused many to indulge in drug peddling, drug abuse, terrorism, arm-robbery, prostitution and many other criminal activities.

    Degree, it needs to be said is just a certificate but skill matters even without the certificate. Many Nigerian graduates unfortunately pursue the certificate and not the skill.

    Polytechnics are skills-oriented institutions; they equip students with skills’ talent and empower them to be self-reliant after school. This is perhaps why there is no published story of a polytechnic graduate burning his/her diploma certificate. Thanks to NYSC, there is now a Skills Acquisition & Entrepreneurship Department (SAED) to expose corps members to skills that can help them start business after school. 

    But this cannot be the core solution to unemployment stress and trauma in Nigeria. The solution is skills and not degrees!

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    What can the graduates learn in less than two weeks of skill training? How can they get capital to start the business? SAED cannot mitigate unemployment trauma among Nigerian youths who think with their degree certificates they must get jobs as superior officers.

    Polytechnic students are taught to be servants of work, they are engineers that do the practical work; they work as bricklayers not supervisors or construction managers but the real makers of the work.

    With 159 polytechnics in Nigeria and 264 universities in the country, the equation obviously favours unemployment as against employment. Skills prepare polytechnic graduates to secure jobs within and beyond the country. After all, the basic criterion for employment in developed nations is to show what you can do practically and not what the expensive grades on degree certificate you possess.

    Because the government cannot provide job for every graduate, Nigeria needs more polytechnics than universities. It will reduce the high number of jobless youths; reduce the propensity for crimes and other anti-social vices and fast track Nigeria’s growth. We can borrow from China that converted 600 of its universities to polytechnics.

    • Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim Goronyo, Kaduna Polytechnic
  • The world in need of tolerance

    The world in need of tolerance

    • By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    Sir: In 1996, the UN General Assembly (by resolution 51/95) invited UN member states to observe the International Day for Tolerance on November 16, with activities directed towards both educational establishments and the wider public.

    What is the need for tolerance today?

    Written into the identity of the United Nations over 70 years ago, the need to practice tolerance has never been more apt. Today, in a world buffeted by turbulence and change, tolerance remains a critical balancing act.

    All over the world, people are more connected thanks to technology. But this does not mean there is more understanding. In fact, the advent and proliferation of technology means that people are increasingly more disconnected and more disillusioned with one another.

    This disconnect, this disillusionment, has increasingly become more dangerous.

    Societies are ever more diverse – but intolerance is growing in many places.  Sectarian tensions can be found at the heart of many conflicts, with the rise of violent extremism, massive human rights violations, and cultural cleansing. And the biggest crisis of forced displacement since the Second World War has spawned hatred and xenophobia against refugees and others.

    Tolerance is much more than passively accepting the other.  It brings obligations to act, and must be taught, nurtured and defended.  Tolerance requires investment by states in people, and in the fulfillment of their full potential through education, inclusion, and opportunities.  This means building societies founded on respect for human rights, where fear, distrust, and marginalization are supplanted by pluralism, participation, and respect for differences.

    This is the message of the International Day of Tolerance – reflected in the UNESCO Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, adopted in 1995.  Last year brought to an end the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures (2013-2022), which was led and promoted by UNESCO across the world to promote tolerance.

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    Every November 16 presents a priceless opportunity to reflect on the gift that tolerance is in a world that is increasingly on the edge.

    Every November 16 also presents an opportunity to nurture and promote tolerance as if it were a very delicate flower, and in the process combat the actions of those who promote hate and intolerance to achieve their aims.

    Building tolerance means recognizing the mounting threat posed by those who strive to divide. At the root of the spiraling conflicts which uproots lives and turns communities upside down is intolerance which promotes the superiority of one people over another, shrinking critical space in the process.

    Promoting tolerance in Nigeria means bringing people from different ethnic groups and religions together and fostering peace and harmony between them, so they can always be able to resist those who sow chaos and death.

    That is the only way to lasting peace and security.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,

    ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Whither the Soludo solution?

    Whither the Soludo solution?

    • By Pius Okaneme

    Sir: Never have I seen the elite so fooled by every instrument that is built to protect their integrity. Governor Charles Soludo was a professor. He was a Central Bank of Nigeria governor. He has written extensively on the dynamics of public policies. Who would have thought he will fail categorically as he is presently as the governor of Anambra State. Woe betides us who belittled the street smartness of the Onitsha business men. They resisted him by saying that he does not have the native intelligence to be a successful governor in Anambra State.

    The riddle is that in this scandalous media age, no colleague of his in the past offices he held released the empty profile of his credential for public digest. Was he so skilful in masking his inefficiency or did he possess the ammunition to subdue his oppositions? Nonetheless, one cannot dismiss his prowess in badgering the masses with his analytical sophistication. Now we know his erudition is like the sound of an empty drum. It echoes so loud but offers no solution.

    The governor splashed the shine of his efficiency like the morning sun during his first year in office. Alas, the illusions of his impression have fizzled away. The aftermath of his drama has left the citizens debilitated in some places. The area of Nkpor/Umuoji road by Inland Doors has a bitter taste simmering in the mouth of commuters. It was roughly a year ago that the road was rehabilitated. Today, it is a nightmare to drive through the area. First, the repair work lacked engineering insight. It looked like a construction work supervised by the mad woman that lives by the dumpster located in the area. The side gutter is so shallow considering the strength of the flood that passes the area. Heavy amount of erosion covers the road when it is raining. Secondly, the construction work ended abruptly before fixing a major dilapidation on the same road.

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    Many residents of the state are beginning to assess the rhetoric of the governor as the flighty tales of a junky. They sound amusing but amount to useless gain. Most of the road networks in the state are collapsing. You can blame the past governors of the state for one inadequacy or the other during their administration but they managed to maintain good roads. And of course, they held other unique strengths. All one hears about Soludo is that he is constructing a flyover bridge in Ekwuluobia. Where does Ekwuluobia lead in strengthening the social and economic condition of the state? Government policies should be focused in building up places like Onitsha, Nkpor and Nnewi, the main arteries that pump resources to support the entire state.

    The governor should realise that his grace period is over. Many citizens who expected wonders on the account of his policy analysis on the media are feeling bankrupt from dearth of new ideas in his administration. Organizing thugs to levy hard working citizens may bring revenue to the purse of the state but the burden is so cruel in the face of a depressing economy. Soludo should show us that he knows better with his big load of academic credential by improving the social condition of the people of Anambra State.

    •Pius Okaneme,

    Umuoji, Anambra State

  • Dearth of opposition in democratic discourse

    Dearth of opposition in democratic discourse

    Sir: Democracy’s essence is tethered not only to governance but to a vigorous opposition. As Trantidis contends, the very definition of democracy hinges upon the contestability of government by an efficient opposition—a sentinel safeguarding against arbitrary governance while championing the citizenry’s interests. Regrettably, Nigeria, amid soaring living costs, escalating insecurity, and a display of autocratic leanings by the administration, witnesses a resounding silence from its anticipated opposition parties.

    This unparalleled dearth of opposition, an unanticipated vacuum in Nigeria’s democratic history, leaves the populace bereft of a resonating voice. The camaraderie between opposition factions and the ruling party paints a grim picture, foreshadowing potential disaster.

    The recent policy shifts—subsidy removal, currency floatation, and diminished tertiary education funding culminating in exorbitant student fees—have inflicted profound anguish on Nigerians. This suffering is compounded by the pervasive uncertainty surrounding the government’s intentions—whether these hardships herald a transient discomfort for a greater good or signify the administration’s lack of direction. Amidst this tumult, the glaring inefficacy of the opposition is laid bare. It falters in holding the government accountable for policies breeding suffering and uncertainty.

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    The escalating cost of living, burgeoning poverty, and hunger besetting Nigeria speak not of momentary pains but of an existential crisis demanding salvation. Even the supposedly outspoken NLC faltered to address the populace’s dire plight until its leader faced assault, a stark irony when compared to the hunger plaguing the masses. As if the suffering of the masses is not a greater assault.

    The government and opposition’s collective silence in the face of escalating insecurity further exacerbates the nation’s woes. Instances like the abduction of 35 students from Federal University Gusau and the appalling discovery of over 80 bodies in Abia, met with silence, underscore a lack of national concern. The absence of opposition scrutiny on these crucial matters is a dereliction of their duty to represent and safeguard the interests of those who vested their trust in them.

    The recent events in Imo and Kogi cast shadows on the opposition’s ineptitude. The apparent ascent of the ruling party, be it genuine popularity or autocratic suppression, only underscores the opposition’s weakness. The southeast, ostensibly ‘anti-APC’ at least on social media, granted Uzodinma an overwhelming 90 percent of votes in Imo State, prompting questions about electoral legitimacy or manipulation, both scenarios emblematic of the opposition’s recklessness.

    The major opposition parties in Nigeria languish due to lacklustre leadership and a myopic grasp of the prevailing circumstances. As the nation teeters on the brink of chaos, they remain embroiled in internal strife. Social media now hosts a semblance of opposition, yet it lacks cohesion and authority, rendering it toothless in the face of governance. This vacuum emboldens government officials to dismissively address Nigerian citizens without fear of reprisal.

    A prompt remedy is imperative. Structural reforms or coalition efforts must swiftly materialize. A robust and organized opposition is indispensable for Nigeria’s democracy, especially given the feeble checks and balances among governmental institutions. A government unchecked is a catalyst for disaster.

  • Enforcement of environmental sanitation law in Lagos

    Enforcement of environmental sanitation law in Lagos

    • By Lukman Ajayi

    Lagos is one of the world’s megacities with rapid urbanization. By 2030, it is expected that the urban population will double and urban space will increase. As this happens, ecosystems and the essential natural assets they provide will come under threat. Hence, the state has placed the environment at the centre of its development agenda.

    This explains why successive administrations in the state have accorded priority attention to environmental protection and preservation. It is in line with this tradition that Health and the Environment occupy the second place in the THEMES+ Agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration. A good environment, no doubt, enhances improved health and better living conditions.

    However, despite environmental laws, policies and the enforcement agencies put in place to secure the public and environmental health of the state, as well as improve the environmental aesthetic value, the attitude of many certainly poses a hindrance to the state’s objectives.

    Environmental infractions such as street trading, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, pollution and crossing of highways and failure to maintain hygiene and sanitation in markets among other contraventions put a question mark on the state’s smart city quest.

    Whereas environmental protection and preservation will enhance the people’s well-being as well as quality of life, many are yet to key into the worthy cause. Environmental laws are worthless unless they are effectively complied to and enforced where necessary.

    The recent all-out enforcement moves of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) have raised hope in many quarters that the fulfilment of the Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s determination to secure the public and environmental health of the state is on course.

    LAGESC has been at the forefront of implementing the administration’s strategy of maintaining a hygienic, cleaner environment and reducing environmental infractions to the barest minimum.

    The agency is focused on instilling discipline and social order through a combination of public enlightenment, arrest and prosecutions of persons who commit any offense under the Environmental Sanitation Law, 2017.

    Read Also: Lagos environmental sanitation nostalgia

    Environmental law enforcement agencies are put in place to mitigate the threatening environmental problems that emanate from human activities in the quest for economic growth and development.

    LAGESC has been ubiquitous in the government’s concerted efforts to rid Lagos of environmental nuisance and achieve a cleaner environment for the well-being of the residents. Environmental infractions such as street trading, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, pollution and crossing of the highways among others dot the Lagos landscape, thus putting a clog in the wheel of the government’s plan to regenerate the state’s environmental outlook.

    LAGESC’s operational mandates include preventing the erection of illegal structures on walkways, drains, pathways, road verges, medians and pedestrian bridges in the state. The agency also prevents the cooking and selling of food on roads or sidewalks. It also prevents auto mechanics from operating by the roadsides.

    Before now, the state was full of objectionable scenes of mountains of refuse everywhere. At every highway, bus stop and adjoining roads, especially during traffic rush hours, it is not uncommon to find people displaying wares, products and items of different types to potential customers, disregarding the risks, hazards, dangers and illegality associated with such ventures.

    It is disheartening that even traders selling at the appropriate markets are not left out of turning the environment into deplorable filth. This accounts for the closure of some markets in recent times.

    There are many different ideas and points of views on why environmental infractions continue in the state, in-spite of the policy and environmental regeneration programmes of successive administrations in the State.

    There are many people who dump refuse indiscriminately in unauthorized places in a bid to evade the patronage of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). To many, everywhere is a market. They care about tormenting responsible citizens by obstructing the free-flow of traffic and other negatives associated with their uncivilized attitude.

    No one can deny that there is a problem. It is, however, reassuring that priorities are being given to the problem. At the moment, LAGESC is clearing pathways and bridges and dislodging people selling on the road.

    The sanitation corps ensures the roads are clean and there is no infraction. They are working to make sure that the Public Utility Levy is paid by residents of the state. It is cheering that the people are seeing the need for this environmental clean-up and they appreciate it.

    It is part of the functions of LAGESC to monitor and maintain surveillance along highways, streets and public amenities as well as to regularly report any breach of the provisions of the environmental laws to the appropriate enforcement authorities.

    For this, the present administration, which is passionate about the safety of lives and cleanliness of the environment, has given the agency the mandate to effectively clamp down on all violators of environmental sanitation laws in the state in order to adequately protect the environment from abuse.

    On the aspect of public education and enlightenment, LAGESC is presently making use of the mass media to educate the people on the risk associated with neglecting the use of pedestrian bridges, noting that this act not only endangers the pedestrian’s life but impedes the free flow of traffic. The distance from the pedestrian bridges where arrests can be made by LAGESC officers against erring individuals is within the range of 200 meters. 

    Also, LAGESC is drumming it into the ears of the people that displaying wares for sale in traffic and erection of illegal structures on pedestrian bridges, road setbacks, medians, verges and curbs constitutes street trading, which remains illegal in the state.

    Rightly, LAGESC is compelling residents of public and private buildings to sign a waste collection contract with approved PSP operators for the proper evacuation of refuse. The goal is to prevent channelling of sewage into drains from residential buildings, which is a punishable offense that must be discouraged. 

    It is expedient for the people to understand and cooperate with the government in the quest for a cleaner and habitable Lagos. Also, it is important that the people understand that any obstruction of LAGESC operatives in the course of their lawful duties will be treated as an affront against the state and will be dealt with by appropriate legal actions.     

    A cleaner and habitable Lagos is possible. Play your role and encourage others as well.

    • Ajayi is Head, Public Affairs and Advocacy Unit, Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), Lagos  
  • Hope for SGBV victims

    Hope for SGBV victims

    • By Oyofo Ahmed Sule

    SGBV is the acronym for Sexual and Gender Based Violence against women, children and in some cases, men. It is violence committed against a person because of his or her sex or gender. It is forcing another person to do something against his or her will, through violence, coercion, threats, deception, cultural expectation or economic means.

    That sexual and gender based violence has assumed a frightening proportion is an understatement. However, the good news is that there is a flurry of activities involving national and international organizations to tackle the issue. These renewed efforts have attracted First Lady, Senator (Mrs.) Oluremi Tinubu, with her Hope Renewed Initiative to confront and conquer this demon.

    She declared in a recent Town Hall meeting held at the Lagos Central Senatorial District that: “My advice is that women, who are fortunate to rise to a position of power, influence or wealth must invest such in the commonwealth of women. Rather than join the ‘men’s club’ they must reach out and pull other women along. From the girl child to that young struggling graduate, that lady professional in between jobs, that woman who has to juggle domestic and professional duties and the women out there who badly need just one opportunity to prove that she is capable, truly need our help. In little or big doses, it does not matter, just do it. Because out there, women who can and will succeed on merit if given the chance”.

    Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (HAGF), also gave a flicker of hope by setting up a flurry of activities in that direction. The two met recently and there is no doubt that areas of support and collaboration will take the front burner.

    What is particular is that the menace of SGBV has assumed a monstrous proportion and should be stopped forthwith. Nothing will satisfy social and political observers more than seeing the implementation of the set of brilliant ideas that is expected to eradicate the crime within the shortest possible time. Anything that will signal the end of the road for perpetrators and redress for identified victims is welcomed.

    This is like a reawakening of our collective consciousness and a wake-up call for everyone not only to align with this renewed initiative, but to contribute in any way possible to make the programme, one of resounding success.

    Although majority of the victims and survivors are women, girls and boys, men have been known to be also affected. All forms of sexual and gender based violence including domestic violence, forced marriages, child marriage, physical violence, rape, molestation, genital mutilation, sexual harassment, intimate partner violence, teenage pregnancy, incest, forced abortion and stalking, violate fundamental human rights. In addition, intentional bodily injury, slapping, punching, choking, kicking, shoving, inappropriately using drugs or physical restraints denying medical care, forcing alcohol and or drug use, including forced prostitution are not left out. Some of the identified causes have been traced to poverty, breakdown of services, conflicts and wars, displacement, stress at home especially the days of tension induced by financial pressures.

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    Some men have been known to raise their voices and sometimes flip over in times of acute financial difficulties; inability to meet up with intended expenses, increased debts and even unexpected dismissal from employment. In such cases, tempers boil over and may result to exchange of blows with spouses at home. There are stories of husbands and wives exchanging blows in broad daylight and even dragging themselves to public domain. Such is the magnitude of fury that can grip uncontrolled rage in most households!

    Truly, when faced with no escape route at home with demanding situations, men could become assailants and do the unthinkable. But then, these are isolated cases; according to the International Labour Organization, the orientation of a culture or the shared belief within a sub-culture helps define the limits of tolerable behaviour. Social norms about the proper roles of each gender, the man perceived as aggressive, powerful, unemotional, acceptance as dominant; while women are perceived as passive, nurturing, submissive, emotionally weak and powerless. This socialization has resulted to an unequal power relationship. Most cultures do not tolerate women responding when men, perceived as the bread winners are talking; they consider that as affront and unfortunately may degenerate into exchange of fiery blows!

    Recently videos have circulated of some men beating their wives to pulp and some rape incidences involving under-age. You even hear of what is called “gang-rape” which often results to murder. Add that to the increasing cases of child forced marriages with distressing footages of some of the victims trying to escape, then you will understand why the initiative of the First Lady and the SGBV Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice should be grabbed!

    In case you do not know, this is a global pandemic that affects women in their lifetime. The numbers are staggering, while 35% of women are known to have experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner violence or the reverse; the most serious cases involving murders of women are also committed by intimate partners. One characteristic of gender based violence is that it knows no social or economic boundaries and affects women and girls from all socio-economic background. The issue needs to be addressed in both developing and developed countries. The consequences can be devastating to the victims.

    The Oxfam Worldwide has launched the ‘Enough campaign to end violence against women and girls by bringing people of all genders, ages and background together to transform the normal; it aims to challenge and change the harmful social norm that justify abuse to ones that promote gender equality and non-violence saying “let’s stop thinking it is normal; every day, everywhere, all over the world, women and girls face violence; this can be changed; enough to violence against women and girls”. This is exactly what the First Lady, through her Renewed Hope Initiative has set out to do.

    On October 6, the First Lady Remi Tinubu launched this programme to support women, children and youths in the country at the State House. The programme is targeted at vulnerable groups and primed to bring them closer to governance. The First Lady disclosed during the launching that the aim was to bring succour and relief to families when fully operational across the 36 states of the federation and FCT, meaning that better times are here for women!

    It is expected that when fully operational, the Hope Renewed Initiative will among others, undertake full scale recovery and rehabilitation programmes such as campaign to raise awareness, promote women’s empowerment, challenge gender stereotypes, educate men and women on non-violence and equality topics as well as carry out rehabilitation programmes for perpetrators and victims. They will go a step further by encouraging legislation and enforcement of substances, and the mandatory adoption of safe and healthy habits.

    Potential social responses to gender based violence are most effective when there is common understanding of the nature and causes of the crime, and is addressed from all angles through the participation of multiple sectors in the country. Luckily, the Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice is already on it. The attorney general of the federation undertook the task of coordinating government actions, laws and policies in response to SGBV cases through the establishment of the unit in May 2021. Headed by Barrister Yewande Gbola Awopetu, the unit has the mandate to review and harmonize laws and policies on SGBV; provide access to justice for SGBV victims, survivors, through counselling, mediation, facilitation of settlement agreement and provision of all required legal services for victims. It is also to undertake capacity building and training for all legal officers handling SGBV cases, establishment of prosecution hubs, collation and processing of SGBV data records, reporting, monitoring and evaluation purposes.

    Together with the Hope Renewed scheme, they can mount a sustainable fight against the malaise by organizing capacity building for judges and relevant stakeholders.

    • Oyofo is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja