The Nation Newspaper

Tag: cooperation

  • Cooperation, not submission

    Another step has been taken in putting together the team that would direct Nigeria’s affairs in the next four years. The foundation was laid on May 29 when the President and the Vice President took the oath of office and started appointing those who are to work with them within the period. The appointments indicate the philosophy that would guide governance in the period.

    On Tuesday, the Senate that is the confirming authority for the ministers approved the list of 43 ministers forwarded to it by the presidency. While a lot of criticisms greeted the prevailing “bow and go” mode of confirmation, the Senate had to postpone its recess to undertake the constitutional responsibility. In five days, all the nominees were ushered into the hallowed chambers to face the lawmakers and 20 of them asked questions on why they should be considered fit and proper for ministerial appointments.

    All 43 had to introduce themselves and speak to their resumes that had been distributed among the legislators. After the exercise, all had their nomination confirmed. It is interesting that even the significant minority party representation in the Senate concurred with the majority in accepting the nominees. If this is an indication of the relationship that would exist between the executive and the legislators during the tenure, it is a good omen. But it would have been better to have the portfolios of the nominees attached to the list. This would, perhaps, have empowered the lawmakers to grill the nominees with a view to establishing their competence for the offices they are to handle.

    The lawmakers should also be reminded that it is not established by the constitution as a rubber stamp body. It is expected to critically examine matters of state referred to it by the President-in-Council before, on behalf of the people, giving their approval. This is a fundamental principle of the presidential system of government that indicates that there must be checks and balances in the system. It is therefore important that the senators, and indeed their counterparts in the House of Representatives, should realise that their responsibility is primarily and principally to the Nigerian state and its citizens. Where bills and policies are forwarded for scrutiny, it is proper that the relevant committees, hopefully comprising men and women with cognate experience on the matters at hand, examine them dispassionately before making their input.

    There is no doubt that Nigerians were disappointed with the performance of some ministers who handled strategic assignments in President Muhammadu Buhari’s first tenure, and some of such ministers are back in office now. Having cleared them, the legislature cannot afford to fail the people by failing to monitor their performance in the second term. It is a major responsibility of the lawmakers in exercising their oversight power to ask the relevant questions from the ministers and other officials of ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government.

    In doing so, they should leave no room for speculation that they had been induced to look the other way whenever there are infractions. A number of issues and suggestions requiring legislative review, and enactment of laws came up during the screening, they should be expeditiously considered. One of such is the cumbersome Public Procurement Act. The legislators should conduct public hearing on the matter and invite public officials, retired public servants, academics, civil society activists and knowledgeable private sector participants to suggest the way out of the logjam that would not open the way for fresh looting that informed the stringency of the law.

    Sequel to the constitution of the Federal Executive Council, we look forward to a new lease of life by both the elected and appointed officials of state in the days and years ahead.

  • Cooperation is vital

    •Implementing the looters’ trial committee’s suggestions will help the anti-corruption war

    THE much anticipated intervention of the Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (CONTRIMCO) has berthed by way of an interim report, which indicted the prosecution agencies, the Nigerian Prison Services and the courts, for the scandalous record of criminal prosecution in the country. Apart from enumerating the challenges facing criminal prosecution, the committee made few recommendations on how to deal with that national malaise.

    Nigerians anxiously look forward to implementation of those recommendations and whatever needs to be done, to starve off the debilitating effect of poor prosecution of criminal trials in the war against corruption. According to media report, the recommendations include: “need for prosecuting agencies to have competent prosecution departments manned by qualified personnel; synergy between the various prosecution agencies to enhance proper prosecution of criminal cases and use of professionals, such as accountants, auditors, etc., to investigate high profile and complicated cases”

    The committee further recommended the “need for training and re-training of staff of court handling criminal cases, need to provide judicial officers with a legal\research assistant to make their work easier, proper funding for the judiciary and prosecuting agencies, deployment of more judges to handle designated corruption cases, complete overhaul of both physical and technical infrastructures in designated courts as some of them are small and not well ventilated, and need to come up with practice directions for corruption cases trial to cure anomalies in the trial of the cases.”

    There is no doubt that these enumerated issues if addressed will make the gruesome prosecution process a lot easier for the country’s benefit. For example, many of the high profile cases instituted after the 2007 general elections, against governors who had immunity, are still at infancy despite the huge material resources that the country has committed in the past decade, not to talk about the emotional investment of the people that those who have abused their privileges will answer for their infractions. But to achieve the recommendations, the executive and the legislature must join hands with the judiciary.

    To deal with the challenges facing the prosecution agencies, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the states’ attorneys-general must collaborate with other relevant prosecution agencies to gift the country nimble and efficient prosecutors. This would require specialised trainings and investment in infrastructure and an increase in their number. Where private prosecutors are to be hired, it will not be out of place to associate reward with performance. There is also need for professional collaboration among the agencies instead of divisive competition.

    While we urge for adequate funding for the judiciary, the heads of courts can immediately provide better practice directions for the designated courts. They can also designate more courts as specialised courts. Also, internal training programmes and workshops for the prosecutor agencies and court officials would enhance performance. A clear understanding of what generally needs to be proved in criminal trials and a better appreciation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and other relevant laws would equally help.

    To have a seamless process, the investigative arms of the agencies must be re-trained to know what to look out for while conducting investigation. They must appreciate that the prosecutor can only use the pieces of evidence gathered by the investigator and the court can only rely on the material evidence succinctly presented before it to apply the law.

    Also, prison officials must complement the efforts of the prosecutors and the courts. Perhaps the committee may also need to examine whether we need to federalise our courts and the criminal justice system in the search for efficiency.

  • Institute seeks cooperation at members’ induction

    President/Chairman of Council, Institute of Information Management, Dr. Oyedokun Ayodeji Oyewole, has enjoined members not to derail from the pace it built, but work together for the growth of the institute.

    He spoke at the 10th lecture, induction and awards of the institute at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

    He said: “Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success.’’

    He said his priority remained a focal point for giving the institute a purposeful leadership by dwelling more on the legislative agenda for a better and restructured Governing Council.

    ‘’Part of my dream and mission on this new mantra of leadership bestowed on me is to make the Institute more centric, open and closer to every member, irrespective of race or gender,” he added.

    He said there would be challenges, but that the ‘’challenges are positively inclined as it will spur us to achieve our desired result.’He therefore sought the cooperation of all members,’’ saying: “I know we’re all blessed with different intellectual and ideological gift by the Almighty, but the most important thing for us is to see ourselves as a team, out to achieve a common goal.’’

    Mrs. Aisha Iyabo Ogeiriakhi was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to the Information Management Industry, for her selfless service to the information management industry in Africa.

    The special award by Records and Information Management Awareness (RIMA) Foundation was given to her in memorial of late Abiola Juliana Oyedokun.

    She was also awarded the Best IIM Coordinator of the Year, for organising and hosting the first IMM Africa International Programme and induction in the United Kingdom last year.

    The Best International IIM Fellow of the Year award went to Ngwanaphalama Margaret More, a South African, for consistency in membership obligation since 2015.

    Other awardees included Princess Tiwalade Owho (the Most Outstanding Member of the Year) and Olukayode Adeniyi – the Best IIM Social Media Group Administrator of the Year.

    In his lecture titled: Blockchain and the future of Information Managements, Computer Warehouse Group Plc Vice Chairman Mr. Austin Okere said blockchain went beyond financial application. It is expected to disrupt global supply chain by boosting transaction speed across borders and transparency. “Practically, the key to this revolution lies in currencies such as bitcoin,” he said.

    Okere added that block chain is a shared virtual public ledger where encrypted transactions are confirmed by outside parties, noting that it is this technology that the Fintechs are leveraging to disrupt the traditional banks while confirmed transactions are placed in a block and added to the chain.

    The institute also inducted new members into various IIM Memberships ranging from graduate, associate professional, senior professional, fellow Hon. Fellow and Corporate.

    Among the new governing council members inducted were Oyedokun Oyewole, Mrs. Soyebi Oluwakemi Abiodun, Alhaji  Fatai Oyewole Salahudeen and the Director, Digital Asset, Leadership, Mr. Tayo Adelaja, among others.

  • Netherlands, Nigeria to deepen economic cooperation 

    The government of Netherlands will work with the Nigerian government to improve economic cooperation and investments in key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

    The Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Robert Petri made this known yesterday on the floor of the  Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in Lagos.

    Petri said Netherlands government recognised the importance of agriculture sector, saying that the sector is a priority in Nigeria with the huge opportunities therein.

    He added that this is why the netherlands government want to key and expand their investment in the country.

    “We are planning to intensify our collaboration in different field particularly in Agriculture. There are huge opportunities there. It is the priority of the Nigeria government and we have something to offer in the sector,” he said.

    While commending the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Petri noted that the Netherlands government and Nigerian government should increase collaboration between the Exchanges in Nigeria and Amsterdam to further deepen its bilateral cooperation.

    “We have many things to do together. We are living in crucial times and the private sector lays a crucial role in promoting economic growth and furthering employment,” he said.

    The Ambassador noted that Nigerian was an extremely important country as its Exchange was one of the largest in Africa and best performing exchange, having listed two Dutch companies, Nigerian Breweries and Unilever, that were doing extremely on the market.

    “In Netherlands, we know how important Nigeria is. We are the third largest investor here and the fourth largest trading partner of Nigeria; we have important economic interest in this country,” he added.

    While the stockbrokers commended the Netherlands ambassador and convoy, urging them to deepen collaborations between the two countries.

  • Cooperation? Ask the ants! (2)

    Cooperation simply means joint operation. The word paints the picture of an activity that cannot be successfully or efficiently carried out alone. It describes the need for interdependence so that someone’s strength can complement the weakness of another. Cooperation shifts the attention from a person to a group. Imagine a football player refusing to pass the ball to his teammates despite his inability to access the goalpost! Imagine a chorister singing off tune just to be noticed!

    Collective output is always beautiful. Jonathan Haidt, an American social psychologist and a Professor of Ethical Leadership says, “The most powerful force ever known on this planet is human cooperation – a force for construction and destruction”. It is unbelievable the great feat we can perform if we choose to cooperate. Bill Clinton, the 42nd Present of the United States of America, also believes that “We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more”.

    We can learn the importance of cooperation from the ants. Research shows that ants are very successful insects because their strength lies not in individuals but in the organisation of their communities. Think of it; you never consider a single ant a threat. When you see a colony developing in your home, however, you feel compelled to get rid of it. Ants’ ability to coordinate is their greatest strength. A few benefits of cooperation we can learn from ants are:

    • Focus on the same objective: one of the major objectives of ants is to get food to their colony. When an ant is carrying a large chunk of food, it is surrounded by two or three others who either join in or take over when the ant is tired. When the goal is singular, failure is not an option. Unfortunately, humans tend to have too many divergent goals to truly cooperate. There is also a high level of suspicion among people. We keep persons who can help away because we fear they may usurp our ideas and rob us of our benefits.
    • Selflessness: when ants find a food source, they mobilize their community without any sign of selfish interest. This is perhaps because they see their benefits totally integrated into the benefits of the colony. Cooperation can only be effective when we see the common objective to be superior to personal objective. Nevertheless, the common objective must be robust enough to accommodate and help fulfil individual objectives.
    • Willingness and Commitment: half-hearted participation is not cooperation. Ants are always ready to pursue the next opportunity and are usually relentless. It is better not to join a team than to be the weakest link.

    I look forward to reading your comments and stories of great successes. Share your views with me by sending SMS to 07034737394, visiting www.olanreamodu.com and following me on twitter @lanreamodu.

  • Ogoni clean-up: Board member pleads for stakeholders’ cooperation

    A member, Board of Trustees, Ogoni Clean-up Project, Mr. Nnimmo Bassey, has urged affected communities to support government’s efforts towards the project, by avoiding pollution.

    He spoke during an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt, after visiting polluted communities.

    The environmentalist represents non-government organisations in the 13-member board appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said: “New pollution can occur where people tamper with oil installations and burn crude. It can also occur where companies burn gas.

    “We cannot be cleaning up and continue to pollute; it does not make sense. So, everybody should police the environment. Life is more valuable than oil.”

    Bassey hoped that the exercise was realisable and would come to fruition.

    “I am hopeful that the Ogoni clean-up is realisable because of the demonstration work done by companies on the possibility of the project and the technology to be used.

    “They showed it can be done.

    “I believe Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and consultants will assess the suitability of the methods, especially when they are going to be applied on a large scale.

    “The aspect handled by Shell at Bodo city indicates that with care, we can handle the clean-up. The exercise will take about 25 years,” he said.

    Bassey noted that the affected communities were anxious about the project and felt the process was slow.

    He told them that it required time and patience.

    Bassey said: “I expect the project to start on a good footing. There should be a roadmap about what HYPREP is doing.

    “We just need to understand that there are processes involved in the clean-up.”

  • Unhealthy competition; it’s ills and ilks

    Unhealthy competition; it’s ills and ilks

    Competition is often considered to be the opposite of cooperation, however in the real world, the mixture of both is the norms.

    It can have both beneficial and detrimental effects.

    The human mind is wired for competition. Each individual is a champion on his/her own.

    Competition in itself can be a motivation condiment of achievement for any individual or group, however, extreme expressions of competition brings with it heinous and grotesque consequences.

    Like a line in a famous poem says “…there is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that the next person do not feel insecure.”  This lays credence to the fact that sometimes you have to be bold, decisive and have some modicum of competition in order to succeed.

    It exists in many aspects of life, from sports, school, jobs, and also amidst friends

    Competition, just like a coin has clear dichotomies; it can either be constructive or destructive.

    An overtly competitive environment is a breeding ground for resentment, envy and little or no accomplishment; because everyone is an island.

    In academics for instance, competition hampers the free flow of information and sharing of ideas amongst students. Study and healthy revision groups will definitely not be in existence in such environments.

    On the flip side, we have the congenial and accommodating arms of cooperation. With cooperation issues of differences and clear diversities become null and void because each individual or group of people are appreciated and utilized especially because of their sundry “diversities”.

    There is no limit to the aspiration of the human spirit if only we learn to tolerate and cooperate with one another. In truth, we all share a common destiny; our differences in character, skills, likes and dislikes are all wools used to weave the very fabric of our humanity.

    Making friends with peers is easy in a cooperative environment as it creates a support structure for students to reach out and help one another.

    Finally, regardless of the part of the divide of competition or cooperation you find yourself, it is important to apply moderation in all that you do.

  • Obaseki lauds cooperation, unity in Sobe

    Obaseki lauds cooperation, unity in Sobe

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has assured that his administration will continue to work for the good of all in the state, saying the primary essence of governance is to bring happiness to the citizens.

    He said his administration would take advantage of opportunities in the agricultural sector and provide requisite support to communities ready to open up their land for agricultural investment.

    He said the state was driving economic growth by encouraging investments in agriculture and allied industries so that Edo would not only become self-sufficient in food production but also diversify its revenue base.

    Obaseki, represented by Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, at this year’s Sobe Day  in Sobe, Obaseki had expressed happiness at the unity in Owan West Local Government Area as demonstrated by the huge support and presence of guests at this yearly celebration.

    He noted that the state government identified the resolve of Sobe people, who are ready to welcome investments in agriculture, and stepped in to provide them with the necessary support to expand their operations. He commended Sobe community for contributing to economic development by actively promoting and investing in agriculture.

    According to Obaseki, the community’s appeal for qualitative health care and education aligns with his government’s priorities, adding:’’Primary healthcare and basic education are part of our priorities as an administration and we are working to develop primary health care centres in the state as well as laying a good foundation in basic education for our children at the early stage in their life.’’

    He said: “The primary essence of governance is bringing happiness to the people, which isthe utilitarian essence of governance.You don’t constitute mortal danger to your people and you don’t drive people to desperate solutions. When all these are on ground, obviously there won’t be much problem.  I am particularly happy with the unity of our people of Owan West as demonstrated by the presence and support of guests such as State House of Assembly member Hon. Victor Ojo Asein, Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Reginald Okun,  All Progressives Congress Chairman, Mr. Tunde Omoruan and Angelina Aigbokhae at this year’s Sobe Day celebration.”

    Chairman of the occasion Prof Smart Uhakheme urged the people to be alive to their civic responsibility, especially as it affects choosing their political leaders during elections and holding them accountable.

    According to him, Sobe Day has come to stay as it has not only occupied a major spot on the community’s festival calendar but it has also become a permanent feature of their lives.

    “We now plan our annual leave or vacations around it. In fact, many people come home from America and other faraway places for Sobe Day celebration than during xmas or New year. Also, it has become a shining example, which other neighbouring communities emulate,”  he said.

    Uhakheme noted that time had come to refocus efforts on setting a new agenda which should include economic development and effective political participation. Achievement of these two goals, he said, will put the community in a strong position to tackle the most pressing issues which include security, health care and management of resources. ‘

    ’As a community we must get involved in the political process. It is important for all of us to participate actively. By doing so, we can affect the outcome any election and bring about the desired change. Perhaps, more important, effective participation can forestall the general tendency of putting round pegs into square holes,” he added.

    His Royal Highness Anthony Ero Aleburu 1, the Odion-Ibiado of Sobe, called for the continued maintenance of peace, security and unity among the people, noting that it is only in the atmosphere of peace and unity that Sobe community can develop as government cannot do it alone.

    “It is on record that most of the development efforts in Sobe were done by our illustrious sons and daughters. We can still do it again if we are united. It is on this light I call on those still aggrieved to come and join the fold because the more we are the merrier,’’ he added.

    Sobe Forum President-General, Mr. Tony Akerele, who called on state government to provide adequate health facilities for Sobe lamented the non-functioning of the state owned health centres in the community. He therefore called on the state government to consider establishing a general hospital in the community, which he said, will serve all the adjoining communities in the area.

    Akerele pleaded that the primary, junior and senior secondary schools in the community should be adequately staffed and equipped for maximum results. “Our secondary school is in need of laboratory equipment for the teaching of science subjects. Once we educate our teeming youth population each will be able to confront poverty and rebuff cultism,” he said.

    He commended the prompt response by the governor to the community’s request for more teachers to the community secondary, noting that Sobe is glad that the state has planned to construct the abandoned Sobe-Ora road project. He, however, also appealed for the construction of Sobe Market that was demolished and abandoned for years.

    Chief launcher and APC leader (Owan East) Alhaji Abdulganiu Lawani and other guests made hand some donations towards the health project.

    The event witnessed presentation of awards by the Lagos-based Ohiame Social Club to Apostle Funsho Osoro and Hon. Jimfred Aigbologa Obaidiku for their selfless sevices to the community.  Also, over N1 million worth of small scale business equipment, such as two motor cycles, four hair dryers, four grinders, four sewing and two vulcanising machines wre won through raffle draws.

    Among guests who attended the event were representatives of Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, and Acting Chairman Owan West Local Government, Dr. Owolabi,  the SSA to Governor, Hon. Oni Enahoro; Hon. Tony Ohimai Ikhianvbode, Chief Isewede Ovude, Alhaji Sufiunu Igbafen.

  • NURTW urges cooperation with police

    NURTW urges cooperation with police

    Lagos State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) yesterday advised its members to cooperate with the police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure a peaceful local government election on Saturday.

    Its Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, gave this advice during an emergency meeting at the secretariat

    He urged members to report to the police if they notice anything that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

    Agbede advised them to perform their civic duty at the poll.

    He warned that the union would not allow any member to drag its name in the mud. Those caught making trouble, he added, would be handed over to the police.

  • New Censors Board boss sues for cooperation

    New Censors Board boss sues for cooperation

    •Pays homage to film marketers, veterans, others

    From a personal meeting with motion picture veterans like Chief Eddie Ugboma, Igwe Gabriel Okoye, aka Gabosky, and Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun to the leadership of associations such as Film and Video Producers & Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN), Yoruba Video Film Producers/Marketers Association of Nigeria (YVFPMAN), Association of Movie Producers (AMP), National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) and Mr. Bond Emeruwa, Chairman of Audio-Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS) among others,  new Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Alhaji Adedayo Thomas is closing ranks with stakeholders in the motion picture industry with a speed akin to that of the latest installment of ‘Fast and Furious’ series.

    “The E.D of Censor Board is in Abuja, I have come to you as Adedayo Thomas, and I’m glad to be back to my first constituency,” he would say to his hosts.

    The son of an Oxford-trained father and an illiterate mother, but richest woman entrepreneur in Oshodi (both late) noted that his years of entrepreneurial practice and tutoring would be brought to bear, on the ‘ailing’ and N317million-indebted Censors Board he met on ground. “But I cannot do it alone. I lay no claim to total knowledge of the solutions to this aspect of film business. That is why I have come to you. Government is not meant to kill creativity and businesses with its policies, but to give them the right grounds to fester. Therefore, your successes as entrepreneurs are our success. When you make it big, all we need from you as government agency is ‘little change’ to survive.

    Adedayo sued for cooperation of the film marketers and distributors with the Censors Board, decrying the present norm where by about 70 percent of films in circulation were not taken to the agency for censorship and classification.

    Recall that film marketers, in protest of some policies introduced by previous leadership of the Board have largely boycotted censorship.

    Adedayo however expressed optimism on turning the fortunes of the Board around, with the cooperation of all stakeholders, saying, “I want to celebrate 90 days in office with stories of new successes, rather than the traditional 100 days in office that others celebrate.”

    The NFVCB helmsman who assumed duty at the Board’s Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, April 7, made his first appearance at the Lagos office last Tuesday, during which he urged staff members to think out new ways of generating revenue for the agency, harping on effective revenue drive that would not pose a burden on the stakeholders.