The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Museum’s enduring partnership with the public

    Yesterday (May 18 2013), the world celebrated another International Museum Day with the theme “Museum, memory plus creativity equal social change”. Perhaps, the theme is a reflection and also a reminder of the relationship that ought to exist between the museums around the world and the wider society. This relationship should be mutual and of benefit both to the museum as an agent of social change and the public as a veritable partner in that endeavour.

    The museum is in the service of society and its development, and open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits, for the purpose of study, education and enjoyment. This definition has conferred on the museum and the public a relationship that should be of mutual benefit to both.

    Historically, the origin of the museum could be traced back to 290 B C when a prominent Greek statesman Ptolemy Soter (Preserver) 1, decided to display his own private collections. The word museum was coined from the Greek word ‘muse ion’ which was applied to a sanctuary dedicated to the nine ‘muses’ who were daughters of Zeus.

    Today, museums all around the world vary enormously. They range greatly from international museums that are found in Europe and the Americas to small sized village museums. In Nigeria, there are over thirty museums scattered across the country especially the state capitals with the prominent and popular ones found in Lagos and Jos. While the museum in Lagos which was established in 1956 once served as the headquarters for the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), the one in Jos is the most comprehensive and the largest in the country.

    From the foregoing, it could be deduced clearly that for the museum as an institution in its role to serve the public, a deep collaboration must exist with public agencies. The reason is that one of the roles of the museum apart from research and collection of artifacts is to serve the public. The museum is of service to the public through exhibition in its galleries which are patronized by the people for the purpose of enjoyment. They also render educational services to all categories of educational institutions.

    The museum also provides public enlightenment on the value of historic monuments, which are scattered across the country as part of the nation’s heritage and pride. They serve as a cultural focus and a centre of professional expertise on artifacts and antiquities. The museum also enhances the quality of life of the people by creating a sense of identity for the area in which they are located.

    In its economic role, the museum promotes the overall development in the area of housing, service and manufacturing industries. For example, Jos museum has transport and technology museum, with a railway track exhibiting old locomotive engines used during the colonial era, a tin mining gallery and an exhibit of the shunting vehicles that were used in transporting tins from the mines. This is also done along other public facilities such as libraries, theatres, open air museums, zoological gardens, etc. , that are daily patronized by the public. An example is the Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture (MOTNA), and the zoological garden in Jos. Museums can therefore help to encourage the development of local economies and enhance the well being of the people.

    The museum also contributes immensely to the development of tourism in areas with potential tourist attractions. It is on record that millions of tourists visit various museums across the world. Tourists bring in foreign capital in form of hard currency which acts as catalyst to boost local economies.

    In Nigeria, the museum is seen first and foremost as an arm of government. In fact and regrettably, there is a pervading ignorance about the very essence of its existence, even among the elites. For instance, in the eighties and nineties, Lagos Museum was known more in the Lagos area as ‘museum kitchen’ rather than the repository of the nation’s artifacts and valuable collections that reflects the country’s rich historical past and the creativity of her people dating back to several centuries. Obviously, people do not seem to realize that the museum because of the strategic and unique functions, can play significant roles in the economic life of the country. Therefore, it is important that the relationship between the museum and the public should not be limited to patronage.

    The museum and the public can partner in the area of investments by interested individuals or groups in areas such as education, tourism and the hospitality business. Also corporate groups, multinationals, banks, art lovers etc. can collaborate with the museum to sponsor museum programmes or activities and in turn benefit from such sponsorship as part of their corporate social responsibility.

    It is a matter of imperative that the museum and the public cooperate in order to elevate the standard of museum practice in Nigeria. As the world celebrates another International Museum Day, the attention of the public must be drawn to its social responsibility towards the museums in the country wherever they are located.

     

    By:Awoniyi, Taiwo Ademuyiwa

    National Museum, Onikan Lagos

  • Benin-Ore Road getting better

    SIR: The much-condemned Benin-Ore Expressway is getting better and better. The Federal Government should be given a pass mark for making this impassable road almost passable. The road is over 70 per cent completed and we are impressed with the finishing.

    We hereby call on the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure that the remaining part of the road is completed before the rainy season. The contractors should be duly empowered and monitored to ensure quick completion. We advise that the Minister of Works Arch. Mike Onolememen and his monitoring team pay unscheduled visit to make sure that the right job is done to avoid abandonment or delay.

    We also advise motorists not to use the well-tarred expressway carelessly. It has been observed that some motorists drive at break-neck speed – at 140-160km/h on the road. This is too dangerous for occupants of such vehicles. We have observed that men of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) are not always available to caution the drivers/owners of such vehicles. The government must rise up to the challenge to save lives on this road and others across the country.

    We urge transport companies/unions to train their drivers/members before giving them jobs. Not anybody can be employed as a commercial driver. Be sure such a person is psychologically and emotionally fit. A lot of drivers are not. They are angry at the slightest provocation.

    If the Benin-Ore road is 100 per cent completed, motorists, including trailer and tanker drivers are controlled, then the government must have scored a goal that will serve as a legacy not only for it, but also to the people of the southwest and east.

    • Prof Jacob Etinagbedia,

    Director-General,

    Institute of Chartered Administrators and Researchers of Nigeria, Lagos.

  • Sanitising the nation’s politics

    SIR: Democracy is defined as government of the people by the people and for the people. Democracy is universally accepted as a fair and equal treatment of everyone in an organization, and their right to take part in making decisions.

    For more than a decade and four years, Nigerian leaders have been paying lip service to democracy. They often regard Nigeria as a nascent democracy. These leaders are fond of shifting blame to the past military rulers for the economic woes in the country.

    For democracy to thrive in Nigeria, violence must be removed from the politics. Once this is done, well cultivated, diligent and law abiding people of integrity, who have fear of God at heart, would participate fully in politics.

    People who are tested, well-bred and highly educated should be given room to take part in politics. A letter of recommendation from CDA should be a yardstick from any candidate seeking for political post. The idea of raising their hands up by the political godfathers should be a thing of the past, they should be allowed to face primary elections devoid of destruction and killings. Debates should also be organized for them to tell the electorates what they have in stock if voted into power.

    Proper screening should be given to those vying for elective positions, anyone found wanting should be outright disqualified.

    Corrupt politicians should be outright stigmatized, depending on the gravity of offence committed, as deterrent to the incoming leaders.

    The fabulous allowance usually given to them should be drastically reduced. Their incessant travelling to overseas country should be restricted.

    The use of data capture machine should be applicable in all elections as recently done in Ghana. This will reduce rigging and illegal massive thumb–printing of voter’s card during general elections.

    The unguided travelling abroad by the political big wigs on the ground of medical checkup should be checkmated. The federal government should improve hospitals and equip them with up-to-date equipment and manpower. Once these are in place, people clamouring for medical treatment abroadwill be reduced.

    • Prince Dapo Odewole

    Lagos, Nigeria

     

  • Professionals and the rest of us

    SIR: Corruption today in Nigeria has assumed an alarming proportion, such that if something drastically is not done to arrest the ugly situation, the nation will drift to doom. From my studies of various crimes in the country, most of them are aided and abaited by the so-called professionals. Take for example before any money could evaporate from any organization, an accountant or its equivalent must be involved facilitating the process. Could that be the teaching of accounting professional ethics? By human nature, anything can happen, most especially in a society like ours where there is no fear of God. Notwithstanding, there are institutions put in place to check our excesses, curb impunity and forge equity and justice for social stability.

    How would you perceive a situation where a thief or a murderer is caught red-handed and he/she is declared innocent until being proved guilty? To me, this aspect of the law is too weak for this modern world, and this explains why crime is increasing geometrically. It is not that I am trying to work against the principle of fundamental human rights, but there is need to be frank and realistic when occasion demands.

    Imagine a situation wherein a solicitor and a judge connive and do everything possible (having been “settled”) to make sure that a potential convict comes out of a very bad case unscratched and un-ruffled. Such practices amount to negative reinforcement which encourages other people to enroll in criminal and corrupt practices.

    I thinks there is need for professionals to contribute their quotas to the growth and development of our nation by fighting corruption tooth and nail to avert the wrath of posterity.

    • Ipadeola Jonah Adebayo

    Ibadan

  • Understanding the coming of APC

    Understanding the coming of APC

    SIR: All of the world, the only thing that is permanent is change. Framers of constitutional democracies worldwide made provisions for change in leadership by providing for two-party system or multi-party system. They put this very important clause in place to make way for change when there is need to do so. When there is one party system, the possibility of change is no longer there.

    Nigeria is supposed to be a multi-party democracy where change is inevitable if things are not going well as they are now. But the ruling party (PDP) has held the nation hostage since 1999. The party leadership has effectively used the wealth of the nation not for productivity and economic growth but to muzzle and stifle opposition. They have effectively used the nation’s resources for themselves, their wives, children, and even generations yet unborn. Every attempt made by the opposition to come together to challenge the octopus has met with ruthless obstacles put in place by the ruling party. They use our money to corrupt our hard earned democracy and to democratize corruption. As if that is not enough they tell us that their party will rule Nigeria for 60 years, whether we like it or not.

    In 2015 Nigerians deserve change of leadership, change of attitude, change in ideas, change in character, change in strategy, change in approach, change in plans, change in focus, change in conducting the affairs of state and in conducting the business of governance. Nigerians deserve new ways of doing things, new thinking in the art of governance, new men and women in the seat of government, and a real turnaround in transforming a country endowed with both human and material resources.

    Everything that needs to be done to bring about this change is being put in place right now by committed men and women in ACN, CPC, ANPP, APGA and others. All things considered, I know that APC leaders are determined to take this project of giving Nigerians an alternative to a logical conclusion, but the biggest headache is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Is INEC fully prepared to provide a level playing ground for political parties this time around?

    The controversy surrounding the registration of the newly-formed All Progressives Congress (APC) is not a surprise for those who watch with keen interest, the unfolding events since the announcement of the birth of new the party by its proponents. There is no doubt that the opposition parties to merge caught the ruling party napping and sent down spines into nerves of the reactionary forces holding down the destiny of this nation that the hour of liberation is nigh.

    The scenario is an eye opener for the proponents for the APC of the enormity of the task before them. Also, it would afford them opportunity to know that they are on the right path and no amount of intimidation that would let them not to register the party and produce a credible candidate to contest on the platform of the party.

    The struggle to reclaim Nigeria is going to be a serious battle because we are dealing with people without conscience, hearts, minds, souls, heads, eyes and brains. The major objective of the APC is to fix Nigeria. The merger has become very necessary in order to save our democracy and the likelihood of turning Nigeria into a one-party state, which does not augur well for our nascent democracy.

     

    • Ademola Orunbon

    Epe, Lagos State.

  • Will the emergency rule work?

    Will the emergency rule work?

    SIR: President Goodluck Jonathan shocked Nigerians when he declared emergency rule in three northern states of Borno, Nasarawa and Yobe in a national broadcast.

    Perhaps, they were caught napping not because it is an entirely new phenomenon to them or because the troubled states did not deserve such a drastic measure to curb the growing insecurity in the land.

    People were surprised that President Jonathan could muster the courage to take such a courageous decision at this crucial time that his administration has been labeled as non-performing, slow and directionless.

    Until now, the nation’s perilous security situation has been a source of concern which the President had acknowledged as “reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North”.

    Any civilized society should do all legitimate things to denounce and condemn such lawlessness and wickedness as attacks by Boko Haram and other splinter groups had led to clashes with government security forces, resulting into extrajudicial killings said to have claimed almost 4,000 people since 2009.

    Declaring states of emergency may not be a bad idea provided the action will bring about sanity and peace in the polity. It is a decision borne out of necessity.

    The security agencies should be prevented from abusing the enormous power bestowed upon them. Secondly, the activities of politicians in the three states should be checked such that this anomaly of the declared state of emergency will not be used to hunt and persecute their perceived enemies.

    It is curious that state governors are not removed from office in the new dispensation as against the usual practice in the past. Efforts should be made by the government to control the influx of suspected criminals into the country through our porous borders. This will largely help to stop the proliferation of arms and availability of vulnerable volunteers for insurgents.

    That is where the promise by the President that diplomatic channels will be deployed at apprehending terrorist elements that may escape across the border, is apt.

    What now becomes the fate of the Boko Haram Committee? Is it a way to ‘shut-them-up from doing a good job? Will this emergency rule work with all the political appointees in those states intact? Are we playing politics with this controversial declaration? These and many other questions will certainly be running in the minds of the people.

     

    • Adewale Kupoluyi

    Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

     

  • Almajiris and the scourge of Boko haram

    Almajiris and the scourge of Boko haram

    SIR: The Boko Haram menace did not start in a day. The adage that says “An idle hand is the devils workshop” rings true with the case of the Almajiri’s. How can parents who give birth to children throw them to the streets to fend for their selves? Instead of sending them to proper schools, they are enrolled in Arabic teaching centres where they are taught about Islam. Islamic clerics who are supposed to act as teachers and mentors use the opportunity to introduce radical beliefs thereby brainwashing these pupils as tools of violence that then go about killing innocent people and being suicidal in nature.

    The meaning of the name ‘Almajiri’-implies Islamic student. For those of us fortunate to have lived in the north, we see these Almajiri’s in large numbers loitering around the streets wearing tattered clothes with bowl in their hands looking for the next available meal. The question is, if these young kids grow up, what will be their fate?

    They see the rich getting richer (who send their children to the best schools at home and abroad). The state government and religious leaders of the north are to be held responsible for this dereliction of duty where lack of proper enlightenment of the masses on health and welfare, benefits of family planning, provision of educational institutions have been neglected by those entrusted to govern these regions. Yet, they use government funds meant for the citizens of the state to enrich themselves and are now wondering how Boko Haram has become a menace.

    • Babajide Awobiyi

    Sabo-Yaba, Lagos.

     

  • The undeclared revolution

    The undeclared revolution

    SIR: There is a consensus among a broad spectrum of Nigerians including respectable folks that to salvage the country from its pathetic state and set it on the part to real growth and development requires a revolution. Many declare that the country is ripe for one; some say it’s even long overdue. Indeed the conditions that inspire revolution abound in the country.

    However, a debate has raged on whether Nigerians have what it takes to make revolution. This question particularly came to the fore at the height of the Arab Spring. For some, the answer is no. These base their judgment on the argument that the citizens are so hopelessly divided and lack the pluck so crucial for a revolution. For some others, Nigerians have all it takes to rise up against the unhealhy status quo and could do exactly that once their burden becomes totally unbearable.

    Another question has been what nature the revolution will take. Is it going to be peaceful or bloody? While most citizens acknowledge the likelihood of revolutions to turn brutal, they, however, make it clear that they would rather have one devoid of violence. Such revolution would have to be properly planned and possibly led by intellectuals or the labour unions.

    But while Nigerians debate the above questions and ponder who would lead the revolution, when etc., a revolution is going on right under their nose. Yes, a revolution is currently going on in the country but has remained largely unacknowledged because it is neither taking the form majority of the people envisages nor led by personalities they recognize.

    With the possible exemption of the civil war years, the security challenge currently facing the country is almost unprecedented. Armed groups are unleashing mayhem and overrunning parts of the country, robbers, kidnappers and other felons are on rampage. Security agents are becoming some of the most vulnerable citizens, the authority of the state is being seriously challenged. This is the undeclared revolution. It may seem a strange one, but then, we live in a strange land.

    While the majority moderates dally, the minority extremists and criminal elements are already engaged in a grim struggle to either mold the state to their grisly taste or seize from it whatever they fancy. Unlike the rest of the people, criminals and extremists across the country do not need to be united or form committees to begin their revolution. Their goal is not noble, their success therefore will spell disaster; they’ll bring the house down on everyone. The situation is that serious and requires equally serious and urgent measures.

    Moderates and responsible members of society must recognize that the much talked about revolution is already on but unfortunately is spearheaded by the wrong fellows. They must now take the bull by the horn, they must now launch their own revolution or should I say counterrevolution. The time for futile talks is long gone, the issues of the moment call for action. Men of goodwill must get ready to reclaim the country from incompetents and forever banish from the polity, individuals who do not mean well for the country and whose deeds led to the present sorry situation.

    The task of restoring the dignity and integrity of the state is one that cannot wait; the citizen’s confidence in the state must be quickly restored through good governance. This is the most credible means to stem the advance of the dark forces of anarchy.

    • Nnoli Chidiebere

    Abia State.

     

     

  • Airtel, refund my N900

    Airtel, refund my N900

    SIR: I have heard several complaints of illegal deductions by telecoms operators in Nigeria and had noticed in passing minimal reduction in my airtime a couple of times in the past, but none shook me to my marrow like the incident of Sunday, May 5.

    On the said day, I had loaded N1500 worth of airtime on my Airtel line (08127270177) to activate my Black Berry subscription having been disconnected on May 1 as against the May 9 the company originally told me my subscription should elapse.

    After sending BCM to 440 to hook up my BB, the exercise failed after several attempts only to receive an SMS that “you still have active service” with accompanying deductions coming via SMS.

    Miffed by the development, I called 121 (customer care line) and a staff confirmed that some illegal deductions had taken place on my account and as such I can’t be connected on BB since the money left was N665, indicating that N900 had been deducted by the operator for no service done me.

    He thus told me that the complaint had been forwarded to the appropriate unit for redress (refund of my money) and an SMS to authenticate this was sent reading “Your case ID is ANG201305057098376”. Six days later, Airtel responded via SMS again informing me that the case had been resolved, but to my utmost chagrin, my account is yet to be credited with the sum.

     

    • Clarkson Eberu

    Rutam House, Lagos

     

  • Still on the revolution we need

    Still on the revolution we need

    SIR: Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state spoke truth to Nigeria’s self-absorbed political elite during the week, when he received a 32-member Senate Joint Committee on the Massacre in Baga. He told the committee: “the nation can be consumed by a revolution”, noting that, in the near future, Nigerian “youths will chase politicians out of power,” if the socio-economic malaises fuelling violence in the country are not adequately addressed. According to him, “only and until we address some of these issues, believe me, the future is very bleak for all of us as the current crisis is just an appetizer of things to come. Very soon, the youths of this country will be chasing us away.”

    He further noted that, the political class is indifferent to the plight of the poor, but animated by sit-tight syndrome and the desire to illicitly acquire more assets: “How we can perpetuate ourselves in power. How much we can steal, how many mansions we can buy in Florida, Dubai and London, this is what agitates the minds of the elite of this country, including you and I.”

    This is quite contrary to Rivers state Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s opinion, recently, during the second Nigeria Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders. Amechi had ruled out the possibility of a revolution, because, “Nigerians are too timid.” Nonetheless, he thinks revolution is the magic bullet to all woes. He said, “Yes, revolution can happen outside Nigeria. But here, I do not think so. Tell me what happened in Sudan, Libya, Zimbabwe and other countries that have not happened here. Our elasticity has no limit”.

    Indeed, all is not well in Nigeria. Leaders at various strata of our society seem to have chosen an education in corruption, instead of one in service. As a result, the Nigerian state is weak. Public institutions are inefficient and seen as mere “avenues for chop-chop.” And public servants are perceived as parasitic sleazebags.

    Let it be said: We do not need violent revolution to move Nigeria forward. We do not need youths to chase politicians out of offices before everyone can truly enjoy the dividends of democracy. We do not need a campaign of violent negativism to bridge the high income inequality between the haves and have-nots. We do not need ethno-religious warlords to determine our secular orientation as a nation state. We do not need the revolt of the masses for it subjugates passion to reason, almost always.

    What we need is simple. We need servant-leaders who are responsive to the legitimate aspirations of the citizenry. We direly need empathic leaders who are animated by the desire to elevate the socio-economic status of the poor. We need leaders who will approach youth empowerment and wealth creation from a programmatic stance and not the occasional doling out of handouts. We need leaders who will massively revamp our dilapidated infrastructure.

    One way to ensure Governor Shettima’s prophetic warning does not become a reality is for us to engender ethical reformation. We must concertedly work at creating a society that elevates principles above people, justice above tribal sentiments, right above might, work above wealth and the common good above the narrow self-interest of the political elite.

    The revolution we need is ethical. The present ethical basis of the Nigerian society cannot foster sustainable economic development for all. The impunity of Nigeria’s elite, which is well-known around the world, has entangled us in the web of poverty, backwardness, social injustice, crony capitalism and political instability. Our chequered political history shows: Sustainable national advancement is elusive, when the ethics of transparency and public spiritedness do not sufficiently influence policy formation and implementation. I dare say that as long as many public programmes and projects are conceptualised and executed to advance the narrow self-interest of the power class, Nigeria will keep descending the slope of self-annihilation. We need to collectively, urgently and hugely revamp the ethical framework of leader-follower engagements.

     

    • Omozuwa Gabriel Osamwonyi

    Abuja