The Nation Newspaper

Tag: discipline

  • No discipline, no change

    SIR: Nigeria’s level of discipline cannot carry and sustain the level of development she can attain and which the entire African continent and indeed the world look forward to. To grasp the thinking flow here, it will be appropriate to provide my understanding of the two key words: development and discipline.

    What is development? What is discipline? How exactly do they relate to each other in the development of society? The key issues in society development are people, resources, capacity and well-being. Indeed the ultimate focus of development is the well-being of people and that was why the late Professor Claude Ake said that development must come from within (the people), not without. Developed people are highly organized, they have high respect for the rule of law, they have high respect for their history and they protect common values and goods. They design, create, build and maintain their infrastructure and systems. An example of a developed people is the Peoples Republic of China.

    With respect to discipline, two exposures informed my understanding of what discipline is. In 1984, Nigeria experienced a programme called War Against Indiscipline (WAI) introduced by the then military government of General Mohammadu Buhari (GMB), now transmuted to President Mohammadu Buhari (PMB).  Among others, it required of us to be orderly in our daily public conducts. That was how I learnt to queue in public places like banks, post offices, students’ cafeteria and indeed all other places where many people are expected to access some public services.

    Lack of discipline or indiscipline can be seen in all acts like stealing of public and private funds, abuse of tribalism, refusal to carry out works based on the ethics of those works, giving undue preferences to people of your tribe (as practiced in Nigeria by the Hausa-Fulani, Igbo and Yoruba), disrespect for elders and the laws of the land, homosexuality, wearing bedroom clothes in public, over-dressing, giving and/or taking of bribe to do one’s job for which one is paid, sexual harassment, despoliation of the environment via pollution, urinating along the road, switching on of electric generation sets that disturbs the serenity of the neighbourhood, neglecting the minorities in Nigeria in having access to Federal offices and opportunities, speaking unofficial languages in the office to cheat others, etc.

    So, what is the relationship between development and discipline? When the level of discipline is high in any given society, this thinking believes that it will lead to high level of development in that society. Example is the level of discipline that exists in most advanced countries of the world; remove discipline, they crumble. In other words, when discipline falls, development falls; when discipline rises, development rises (all things being equal). This linear relationship between development and discipline is critical to understanding the reasons for the lack of progress suffered by most undeveloped societies of the world.

    Yet in these undeveloped societies, people remain very anxious for development. Their argument is that they have all it takes to become developed. They have people, resources, some level of capacity, infrastructure and systems; yet they are not developed. Some intellectuals in such societies even go as far as suggesting strong institutions as panacea; they forget that institutions that are administered by undisciplined minds cannot succeed.  Discipline is the engine room that makes an institution function efficiently and effectively and succeed. No discipline, no institution and no development.

    Lack of discipline killed Operation Feed the Nation (1976-1979), Green Revolution (1980-1983), WAI (1984-1985), MAMSER/DFRRI and Structural Adjustment Programme (1986-1993), Visions 2000, 2010 and 2020(1996-2010), NEEDS, SEEDS and MDGs (1999-2015). Lack of discipline killed NITEL/MTEL, NEPA/PHCN, NNPC and the Refineries, etc.

    We have an opportunity now to begin the search for discipline in the country’s development and that was the key factor which led to the election victory that transmuted GMB to PMB. PMB should keenly begin to dust-up the WAI files and thoughts so that Nigeria can have the discipline she needs to carry on her development efforts.  Without requisite discipline, Nigeria’s development cannot be achieved. No discipline, no change!

     

    • Okachikwu Dibia

    Abuja.

  • Nduka owes win to tactical discipline

    Nduka owes win to tactical discipline

    FC Taraba head coach, Ndubuisi Nduka has said tactical discipline helped his side defeat the Nigerian champions, Kano Pillars.

    The Jalingo outfit piped the Pyramid City side 1-0 in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match day 26 clash on Sunday at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo.

    Striker, Stephen Adah scored the match winner to hand his side the crucial three points at stake in the clash.

    Nduka said the goal margin would have been more if his side had converted some glaring chances that came on their way.

    “We approached the match tactically knowing the pedigree of the opponents as title holders as well as coming from a stunning home defeat to Nasarawa United.

    “We are in a terrible condition and needed to up our game to chance picking a decent result.

    “We know that Pillars have the best midfielder in the domestic scene in the person of Rabiu Ali.

    “Our approach was to cut Pillars off from the middle by denying their midfielders access to the ball and it worked perfectly well.

    “We committed some unpardonable misses at goal if not the goal margin would have been as many as two or three unreplied goals.” said Nduka to supersport.com.

    The hard fought win against Kano Pillars has lifted the hitherto bottom placed side off the base on 23 points one point above Bayelsa United in the 26-week old Nigerian top flight.

  • Buhari urged to revive culture of discipline

    Buhari urged to revive culture of discipline

    The most potent way to curb corruption among the new generation is to revive and instill discipline among youths in the country.

    To this end, President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to set machinery in motion to fight social disorder, indiscipline, as well as renewal of pursuit of a civil discipline that will respect the rights of Nigerians.

    The call was made by a member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, while speaking on the spate of moral decadence among the younger generation at a programme organised by New Era Youth Forum in Osogbo, the state capital.

    According to him, if the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) of the Buhari/Idiagbon regime introduced in 1984 had been sustained by successive administrations, the spate of indiscipline among Nigerians would have reduced drastically.

    Lamenting that indiscipline has become a norm in the society, the lawmaker called on the federal government to commence a reorientation campaign to discourage indiscipline especially among teenagers.

    To actualise this objective, Oyintiloye said the federal government should strengthen all enforcement institutions, in addition to setting up a Discipline Corps to restore sanity in the society.

    He said: “It is important for all of us to realise that our society is suffering from lack of discipline and this has eaten deep into all sectors. This is one of the primary problems facing Nigeria as a nation as most people do not see corruption as a social vice that most be corrected.”

    The lawmaker identified gaps in society, which include high level of chaos on highways, market places and disorderliness in public places among others, saying orderliness is the first law in heaven and an indicator of civilization in any society.

     

  • ‘Discipline, diligence are keys to becoming champion’

    ‘Discipline, diligence are keys to becoming champion’

    Discipline, diligence and sacrifices, among others, have been identified as essential virtues people must have to become a champion.

    Everybody, according to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sokoa Chair Centre, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, was created a winner but it takes time, dedication and perseverance to become a champion.

    She spoke at the third annual Solid Life Seminar (SLS) organised by the Solid Growth Foundation (SGF) – a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) – in Lagos.

    The theme was “Cultivating the attitude of a champion.”

    She urged the people to take necessary steps, such as planning, a good work ethics, dedication and focus, among others, to become champions in their fields of endeavours.

    She said: “People have to work hard. Although people cheat to become champions but they cannot have the real joy that true champions’ experience.”

    She said there were always opportunity costs, and as such people need to make some sacrifice to achieve their goal.

    “Good education and value system and self confidence are also prerequisite to be a champion,” she said.

    She spoke of re-investment as an essential key of business success, adding that every investment put back into a business makes it grow.

    People, Mrs Awosika said, should be disciplined and focused as well as flexible, which is the right responsiveness along the path to achieve a set goal.

    She said people should continue to learn as the knowledge of today is only sufficient for today, adding: “People need a new learning for tomorrow.”

    She said an intended champion must value people, adding that it is always easy for people to think they are the best. “This, however, is untrue because people make things move,” she said.

    Besides, every human being is valuable.

    “You are the asset plus liabilities but for you to succeed, you need asset plus asset. The other asset are the other people,” she said.

    Mrs Awosika advised people to be men and women of their words as their past can affect their future.

    SGF Chairman Dr Olumide Ajayi said the solid life seminar was inaugurated as a response to strategy designed to eliminate mediocrity in people’s attitude.

    “It is also designed to challenge the inner being; give space for the expression of the inner potentials, imbibe new life development skills, understand and effectively utilised the opportunities in the environment,” he said.

  • Alleged armed robbery: Army to discipline soldier

    Modalities have been put in place to discipline a soldier who allegedly robbed a 21 year-old boy of N250,000 in Aba, Abia State, the Nigerian Army has said.

    Lance Corporal Itugbu Omorodion serving at the 14 Brigade located in Ohafia was arrested by the Police after he allegedly dispossessed his victim of the said cash.

    Omorodion was alleged to have attacked his victim identified as Ebuka with a dagger and robbed him of N250,000 which he was going to deposit for his boss in one of the commercial banks on Faulks road in the city.

    It was gathered that the victim after being robbed, raised the alarm which attracted passers-by who alerted policemen on patrol in the area. This  led to the soldier’s arrest.

    Frowning at the news,  the army has stated that Omorodion had no business being at Aba at the time he was arrested because he was granted five days pass to see his family in Edo State.

    A statement by the Brigade’s spokesman, Captain Sydney Mgbemena said that relevant offices have been notified to investigate and take appropriate actions.

    “The Brigade condemns the alleged action of the soldier in its entirety. It is wrong for personnel who has the constitutional powers of protecting the citizenry to turn against them.

    “The soldier had no business being in Aba at the time he was alleged to have committed the crime. He was granted five days pass to visit his family in Benin prior to the incident. Instead of proceeding to Benin he diverted to Aba allegedly to hatch the crime.

    “The brigade views the conduct of the soldier as a serious offence and passionately urged the public not to allow actions of the soldier affect their earlier impression considering the track record the army has established over the years with regards to the overall security of Aba and Abia State.”

  • Ghanaian don hails Unilorin students on discipline

    Visiting academic to the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof Kafui Etsay, has hailed the management of the institution on the level of discipline among its students. The lecturer of University of Cape Coast in Ghana observed that the conduct of staff and students towards visitors was evident of the UNILORIN’s high moral values.

    Prof Etsay spoke last Thursday during his visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali, to inform the VC of his completion of his staff exchange programme at the Faculty of Education.

    The Ghanaian don told the VC: “I learnt so much since I came into the university. The level of discipline in place really impressed me. The first person I met, a student, offered to carry my bag without knowing me.”

    The Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof A.A. Adegoke, expressed the faculty’s gratitude to the visiting researcher whose works was based on Measurement, Statistics and Evaluation. During the period, Adegoke said Prof Etsay taught masters and doctoral students and held seminar for staff. Adegoke remarked that the Ghanaian educationist did well and made the visit a success. He stressed that the Memorandum of Understanding signed by UNILORIN and University of Cape-Coast was instrumental to the success of the visit.

    Prof Ambali, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Nohimat Ijaiya, hailed the facilitators of the visit, which he said contributed immensely to the development of the faculty.The VC noted that measurement and research methodology, which the visiting lecturer taught, was a challenge to post-graduate students.

  • Kogi Utd’s chairman demands discipline

    Kogi Utd’s chairman demands discipline

    The chairman of Kogi United, Abdul Adama, has challenged the players and officials of the team to embrace discipline as preparations for the new season picks up a gear.

    The chairman praised the team for their performances, and the way they cooperated with their officials in the on-going pre-season. He encouraged them to give their best in order to get signed by the club for the season.

    The Kogi United boss then assured the officials and players of Kogi United on the support of the state governor, Captain Idris Wada at getting the club repositioned for better performance.

    He continued by charging the team to bring the desired beautiful football and results to give the club a Premier League ticket next year.

    The Fatai Osho-tutored Kogi United have shown fresh ambition for top-flight football having secured a spot in the 2013/2014 Nigeria National League after the state government acquired a slot for the Lokoja-based side who suffered relegation last season owning to a poor run of results.

  • ‘Executive lacks fiscal discipline’

    ‘Executive lacks fiscal discipline’

    The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Solomon Olamilekan, spoke with Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN on recurrent budget failure.

     

     

    The Senate Committee on Public Accounts indicted the executive in its report for mismanaging N1.5 trillion Special Accounts Funds. What is your reaction?

    I commend the efforts of the Senate committee on Public Accounts for exposing the executive financial recklessness. There were a lot of diversions. The purpose for setting up the Special Accounts is defeated. The ecological funds were not used to tackle the ecological and environmental problems threatening the existence of many communities all over the country. Instead, the executive turned the accounts into a pool for granting loans to states which were never repaid. Even more disquieting is that the executive was selective in granting the loans. A loan of N500 million was released to Edo state government in March 2003 while both Akwa Ibom and Delta states collected N34.8 billion in March 2011. A sum of N142.6 million was released to a publishing company as loan in September 2005. Foreign countries also benefitted from Federal government reckless spending of the fund s specially created to address local problems. Ghana and Sao Tome and Principe received loans from these accounts on September 22, 2004 and May7, 2007 respectively. How can a responsible government loan out funds that are tied to specific projects? There are several disbursements from the accounts that do not conform to the purpose for which the accounts were established.

    It is quite unfortunate that Nigeria finds itself in this mess. The executive is operating the accounts in secrecy. Look at the stabilisation Funds which are jointly owned by the Federal Government and the 36 states of the Federation, the presidency spends the monies without the knowledge of the state governments. Nigerians should start asking questions on how government is operating the Special Accounts. For instance, of all loans given to the state governments, not a dime was paid nor deduction from their statutory allocations was made despite the fact that the beneficiary states benefit from 13% derivation. If not for the Auditor General’s report, the Federal government has forgotten that the states have not paid.

    As a chartered accountant, how do you view government’s diversion of public funds?

    Government went outside the purview of its executive mandate and embarked on reckless spending. It is an offence that is punishable. Where a state requires loan, the presidency should forward it to the National Assembly through supplementary budget. The states would have to justify the reasons why they should be given loans.

    In fact, as I am speaking to you, nobody knows the budget the Federal government is operating. We learnt the President is implementing the original budget that he sent to the National Assembly thereby setting aside the one approve by the Assembly on which he appended his signature. It was learnt that the presidency has sent circulars to Ministries, Departments and Agencies that his budget proposal should be strictly adhered to. Now, the President has sent back the budget approved to the National Assembly complaining that certain provisions were inflated despite the fact that he has signed the budget.

    Against the decision of the National Assembly that no money should be given to the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) until the presidency remove the Commission’s Director General from office for lacking experience to hold the office. SEC workers have been drawing salaries. Who pays them and from what source? The presidency must tell Nigerians how SEC has been operating with zero budget as contained in the Appropriation Law.

    What mechanism do you think the National Assembly should put in place to forestall the mismanagement of public funds by the executive?

    The Federal Government is not doing much to curb the excesses in financial wastages. The fact that government is not weird of diversionary of funds is a confirmation that it’s not adhering to fiscal policy. The cost of running government is very high. Current expenditure is about 78% compared to capital votes of 22%. If we keep operating this lopsided budget, when will dividends of democracy get to the people? What kind of development are we expecting from government that have decided to implement its own budget. Government is claiming that the rate of inflation and unemployment are coming down contrary to what is on ground. Government is celebrating that foreign reserve is increasing while common people are living in penury.

    Government is not doing much in expanding the urban development. Government should be pro-active and prudent in the management of resources. It should put in place an internal mechanism that would ensure that money released to agencies are properly utilised and ensure that budget passed by the National Assembly is implemented.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Rector charges freshers on discipline, hard work

    The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko (OKO POLY), Anambra State, Prof Godwin Onu, has advised freshers admitted into the institution to work hard to achieve excellence.

    He also charged them to stick to the school regulation, saying they must shun cultism, drug abuse and examination malpractice, which he said could terminate the programmes of students involved in the vices.

    Prof. Onu gave the charge at the 29th matriculation of the institution, which was held at the convocation arena. He reminded the students that the institution had zero tolerance for forgery, saying the management would not hesitate to terminate the admission of anyone found guilty.

    He said: “I wish to state emphatically that you have nothing to regret; you have made a right choice as we have made great effort to improve your learning and place it to an enviable citadel of learning.”

    The Registrar, Mr Tony Nwokolobia, told the students to live up to expectations, urging them not to engage in examination misconduct. He said the polytechnic was vigilant and had put measures in place to check security breaches in and outside the campus.

    The Director of Students’ Affairs (DSA), Mrs Esther Odigwe, who told the freshers to adhere to matriculation oath, told them to take the bull by the horn by making their academics their priority.

    Tochukwu Egwuatu, ND 1 Office Technology and Management, said she was happy being admitted into institution. She described the Prof Onu as a “digital rector” for embarking on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) project. She promised to abide by the rules and regulations of the institution.

     

  • Enterprise Bank chief advocates discipline, good management

    HIGH moral values, efficient management, service discipline and cultural change in the public and private sectors of the economy are keys for growth, the Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Bank Limited (EBL), Mallam Ahmed Kuru.

    He spoke at the 28th Omolayole Management Lecture at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).

    It has as theme “The future of enterprise in the age of collaboration”.

    He said though it takes a lot of hard work and commitment to achieve these virtues collectively and individually, there was no better value the leaders can bequeathe to the younger generation in the country than to leave them with good legacies.

    He said countries that have experienced and are still going through impressive economic, social and political growths, transparent and sincere leadership styles as well as high moral standards are those that realised that low moralism, poor knowledge, bad leadership or management structures, indiscipline and poor service standards, among other vices, are not the bedrock for building a stable and programme economy.

    He added that there was urgent need to positively collaborate with other nations with the view to leveraging their advantages and approaching every endeavour from the perspective of enterprise, which he defined as the ability to think of new project ideas and turn them into successful ventures.

    The Enterprise Bank boss added, “The primary purpose of establishing an enterprise in the first place is to create value through the production of goods or services that satisfy both domestic consumption and export earnings”.