The Nation Newspaper

Tag: humanity

  • I’ll serve humanity, says NLM chieftain

    I’ll serve humanity, says NLM chieftain

    Founder of Nigeria Liberty Movements, Dr. Moses Adebisi, has reiterated his commitment to serve humanity even in the face of attacks on him and his family.

    He spoke against the backdrop of attacks on him and his household.

    Adebisi said: “I am rooted in the service to humanity, it is not a sin to stand up for what is right in Nigeria. If this was a politically motivated attack, we would not stop to make changes for the country to move in the right direction.”

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    In June, his home in Okota was attacked, with property destroyed, but there was no deatth.

    Last September, his wife, Dr. Treasure Adebisi, escaped assassination in Abuja. He has been attacked at other times.

    Adebisi’s book: Exposing Absurdities in Nigeria’s System of Government has pit him against the authorities.

    He urged the Police to unravel causes of the attacks against him, his family and bring the perpetrators to book.

  • Our humanity must resurrect

    Our humanity must resurrect

    By Oluwole Ogundele

    Socio-economic development embedded in sustainability will certainly remain a wild goose chase, in the face of unending political conflicts, ethnic tensions, terrorism, hypocrisy, greed, and hedonism. It is a complete farce to be talking of promoting local industrialisation and foreign investments in contemporary Nigeria riddled with monumental corruption and insecurity. The political class members and citizens have to become students of history.  Ignore the lessons of history and get crushed to political oblivion or death!

    Power belongs to the people! One of the major reasons for the 1966 coup by some military officers was the unfettered materialism/ostentation of the political class. Life and living became highly unbearable while the leaders looked the other way. The negative effects of this coup on the political landscape of Nigeria are too well known to be recounted here. We are yet to recover from the shock, despite keeping up the pretence of national unity and harmony. Today’s Nigeria is on the edge of a precipice. The politicians with their primordial belief that the led are moronic must be careful. Enough of rhetoric of political slogans in the face of unprecedented material poverty and hopelessness.

    Time is of the essence! Security and welfare of the citizens are the most paramount responsibilities of the government. The constitution is our witness in this context. The rate of insecurity in the country is too high to be trivialised. Some NYSC members and other innocent Nigerians are still in the kidnappers’ den. They had their 2023 Christmas in the forests with their abductors. Many families are wailing and weeping now. Is it a crime to be a Nigerian? After struggling for years to train their children up to the university level, parents of the kidnapped NYSC members among others, are grieving for their loved ones. Human lives hardly matter here.  No empathy for these unlucky citizens’ situations. The exploitation of our abundant natural resources and cultural colonialism appear to be the underlying factors for these unending crises.  In other words, Nigeria’s resources have become a curse as opposed to a blessing. This scenario should worry the political class.

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    Federal government needs to protect our international borders more than hitherto. Most of them are too porous. This is with a special emphasis on the north-eastern and north-western regions. About 137 borders out of 261 from this axis are either unmanned or poorly managed. Despite the ECOWAS protocol on free movement across the sub-region, Nigeria must be more vigilant. Influxes of foreigners have to be thoroughly checked in the interest of national security and economic development.

    With due respect, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has to be punishing severely saboteurs among the security forces and civilian populations. Those who have been found guilty of stealing our patrimony should be summarily dealt with.  This will serve as deterrence to others. He has to step on toes in the overall interest of the country. That is what Nigerians want. The current scenario has to be transformed to suit the interdependent world of contemporary times. This is how we can make sense of our critical space in the modern global village.

    We are losing our humanity! The recent attacks in Taraba, Niger, and Plateau   are too dastardly to be glossed over. Nigerian leadership hardly believes in a proactive approach to solving problems.  This situation makes a mockery of our caricatured democracy. Nigerian democracy is only for the small ruling elite to enjoy. Not surprisingly, the rulers continue to organise elaborate parties here and there. They also go for exotic vehicles. The agonies of the led mean nothing to them. Cost of governance is too high in Nigeria.

    This special breed of Homo sapiens (the politicians) forgets the ephemeral nature of political power and even life itself. Happiness does not emanate from material riches. It (happiness) is a by-product of the love and/or spirit of “otherness” radiated to fellow humans.

     I do not expect our political leaders to be wining and dining so much, while many Nigerians are dying daily as a result of monumental poverty. In addition, many citizens are being maimed or killed across the land by terrorists. Meanwhile, these leaders are busy showing their dance steps, like ants at every little opportunity. The country continues to bleed profusely. This amounts to a mockery of the ordinary people.

    This should be a time for sober reflection. The attitude of the political class is extremely odd, in retrospect. The economy is in a coma due to decreased productivity in all sectors. The national reserves have been depleted in the face of unbridled corruption across the board. Our currency is losing weight daily. What are the leaders celebrating? Indeed, they need special deliverance from callousness and related weaknesses. The led should stop clapping for their oppressors and exploiters as if they are a conquered lot. Our leaders have to be held accountable at all times if indeed, they are serving us. Leadership at the sub-national levels-state and local governments, must be monitored. That is the secret of good governance all over the world, understandably because the human nature is corrupt. The citizens have to begin to construct a larger space for the superiority of human character, when designing their leadership culture, currently rooted in mindless hedonism and self-indulgence.

    More and more farmers are abandoning their villages because of incessant attacks by bandits. Consequently, food production is now at its lowest ebb. Starvation or malnutrition worsens public health. Some communities in the northern region are now paying taxes to terrorists in order to have access to their farms.

     It is most ridiculous that the immediate past government embraced de-radicalisation programmes for some terrorists hereby christened, children of Lucifer. These enemies of humanity should not be spared, given the enormity of their crimes against innocent Nigerians. This unfair, dangerous policy is like putting on a cap with a snake.  Even parts of the Western world like Britain, the US, and Canada do not negotiate with terrorists. Every geo-polity has its uniqueness, tied to the apron strings of social history and physical environment. Except we want to be economical with the truth, de-radicalisation programmes have not worked in this country. Nigeria has to begin to show some amount of originality with respect to policy formulation and implementation, in order to have sustainable socio-economic development.

    Let us stop pampering evil doers who are worse than vampire bats. Security and welfare of the citizens are inseparable in a neat way. Therefore, government needs to create the right environment for local and foreign investments to blossom. President Tinubu should wrestle terrorists and kidnappers to the ground. Again, multiple taxation of businesses is a form of guillotine. Similarly, he has to kindly monitor all the recovered loots, so as to prevent re-stealing or another round of mismanagement. It is common knowledge that recovered monies are often re-looted or spent on bogus projects at the expense of the Nigerian masses.  The unacceptable social distance between the leaders and the led must be reduced at all costs. A workable Nigeria is possible in the face of some will power.

    • Prof Ogundele writes from the University of Ibadan.

  • ‘Let humanity feel your impact in life’

    ‘Let humanity feel your impact in life’

    Prof. Akin Alao of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has advised the 1985 set of Gbongan Community High School Old Students Association to let humanity feel their impact in life.

    Alao, who spoke in Ibadan during the reunion /investiture of directors of the association, said their contributions to humanity would have positive impact on the socio-economic development of their environs and the society.

    He urged the old students to give back to their alma mater where they were moulded and mentored on how to become responsible leaders.

    The professor,  a teacher at the school, between 1983 and 1986, enjoined the alumni to be good ambassadors of the school.

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    Director-General of the alumni, Adekunle Adedeji, said: “The main role of the alumni is to intervene in things that are needed in our alma mater.

    “The umbrella body of the association encourages all sets to have something as this for easy coordination. So, I’m here to administer the oath of office on them. These are responsible men and women in our society.”

    Some of the inducted directors of the set are Prof. Olubunmi Fabiyi, Adekunle Oyewale, Funke Adetunji, Matthew Adebisi and Olusegun Ajani.

  • Okpoyo at 75: Celebrating a life of service to God, humanity

    In historic moment like this, we are reminded of the fundamental truth that everyone born into this world has an obligation to contribute to the growth and development of humanity, to make the society better than we met it through our vision, philosophy, realistic dreams, actions and individual commitments to the ideals of positive existence.

    Whereas not many may have been blessed with the clairvoyance and personal ability to know quite early in life why they were born, where they were going or given the gracious opportunity to live long enough to fulfil their dreams, the life and bold footprints of Sir (Amb.) Etim Okpoyo KJW as he clocks 75 years on earth – still strong, hale and hearty – clearly single him out as a man with the special grace of God. It is a testimony that simply points to the fact that in spite of his human nature and the many inescapable hurdles on the precarious road of life, Sir (Amb.) Okpoyo is indeed a special creation of the Almighty God who in His omniscience reserves longevity for great minds like him because of the significant roles he was born to play in the advancement of humanity. It is therefore gladdening that Sir Okpoyo has neither disappointed the Supreme Order nor humanity in his eventful sojourn for 75 years now.

    Born in 1943 into the famous Okpoyo family of Eyulor-Oro in Urue Offong Oruko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Okpoyo grew up in firm touch with his life’s dreams and unwavering determination to see them fulfilled. His educational journey began at District Council School, Urue Offong Oruko. He then proceeded to the Lutheran High School, Obot Idim for his Secondary Education; then later to the Yaba College of Technology and thereafter to the Fourah Bay University, Sierra Leone, consistent strides that shaped and equipped him for the world ahead.

    One of the things that is permanently identifiable with this great Oro and Akwa Ibom son has been his doggedness to get to the top of whatever he finds worthwhile to engage his talents and hands on. As a seasoned civil engineer, his unshaken focus and forays to make a mark progressively took him to the zenith of his professional carrier when he retired as Head of Civil Engineering Department, Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited in 1991.

    Sir Okpoyo’s public life and ungrudging readiness to serve his people informed his decision to join active politics that spans through decades and countries. Sir (Amb.) Okpoyo saw in politics a vehicle to deliver community service and on account of his loyalty and competence he instantly stood out when he was appointed the first democratically elected Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 1991 to 1993. Closely thereafter, he became Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republics of Italy and Albania between 2000 and 2003 as an icing on the cake for his selfless stewardship to his fatherland.

    In a trampled political culture such as ours where many have manifested poor individual ideology and crass unworthiness with boomerang consequences, Sir (Amb.) Okpoyo remains an iconic example of political stability and steadfastness in what he believes in, supporting every government that has come into power in spite of divergence in ideologies, refusing to be a fair-weather politician of no distinct identity and destination, and thus becoming one of the greatest loyalists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the time the party came into existence in 1998. In appreciation for his leadership perspectives and immense contributions to the socio-political development of his state and country, the people of Oruko Community across the country elected him to the prestigious office of President General of Oruko Development Association in 1989. Sir (Amb.) Okpoyo is a devout Christian of the Methodist Faith, happily married to beautiful Lady, Mrs. Atim Okpoyo, and blessed with children.

    It is therefore no exaggeration to say that both in his professional carrier and political exploits, Sir.  Okpoyo has not only seen the luxuriant borders of his dreams but by sustained favour of Providence, hard work and self-determination, has reached the promised land that has given him a comfortable edge over his contemporaries and others who today look unto him as a genius and a model of excellence.

    Sir Okpoyo unarguably belongs to the stronger breed and golden generation of our socio-political experience and disquisition. He is a repertoire of the purest quality of our cultural and political values, a symbol of unity of our tribal diversity, an icon of coexistence in the multiplicity of opinions, and a sage of inestimable credentials.

    Sir Okpoyo’s inelastic trust in God, tenacity of purpose, audacity of hope and large-heartedness towards the emancipation of mankind are certainly the secrets to his resilience and good health even at the special age of 75.

    The 75th birthday celebration of the legend commences on Saturday, September 29, 2018 by 4pm, with a music concert, while a Thanksgiving Service to round-off the event shall take place on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at Methodist Church Nigeria, Immanuel Cathedral, Itiam Etoi, Oron Road, Uyo, to be officiated by His Eminence, Dr. Samuel C. K. Uche, Prelate Methodist Church Nigeria.

    Some of the eminent Nigerians expected at the memorable event include the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Moses Ekpo.

    Also expected are former governors, National Assembly Members, (former & serving), Speaker and Members of the Akwa State House of Assembly, Members of the State Executive Council, among others.

    It is believed that the occasion of the 75th Birthday of Sir (Amb.) Okpoyo, an eminent community leader and politician of note will provide an open opportunity for the celebrator to thank God for His benevolence and magnanimity, share experiences and transfer more knowledge. It is therefore expected that the present generation would demonstrate sufficient humility and eagerness to tap from the wealth of experience of this great Nigerian.

    Sir, your rare pedigree as outstanding Elder-statesman, quintessential leader, patriot, diplomat, nationalist, astute and renowned politician, advocate for the oppressed and strong believer in democracy and rule of law have indeed endeared you to all well meaning minds across the globe.

    As you celebrate 75 years of God’s amazing grace and faithfulness upon your life, I join all progressive and patriotic Akwa Ibom citizens at home and in the Diaspora to say congratulations, Your Excellency.

    • Okpo is an Uyo-based journalist and public affairs commentator

  • Huge loss to Africa, humanity – Dogara

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has described the death of former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan as a huge loss to Africa and humanity.

    Reacting to the news of demise of the former UN chief scribe via his official Twitter handle @YakubDogara, yesterday, he said the late Annan had etched his name on the sands of time as a true son of Africa.

    He also described the late Annan as a quintessential leader and accomplished diplomat, who dedicated his life time to the progress of humanity.

    Dogara added that the late Ghanaian diplomat was a true global ambassador, who used his life to promote peace across the world.

    “It is with a great sense of loss that I received the news of the passing on of former secretary general of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan.

    “Even with the awareness that death is an inevitable end, also for great men, it does not reduce the feeling of loss with which I received the news of Kofi Annan’s death.

    “His contributions to the advancement of the human race will never be forgotten. My heartfelt condolences to his family, Ghanaian government and the global community; May his soul find eternal rest in peace,” Dogara said.

  • Let’s all work for humanity

    Life no easy,” average people will say, especially when they are affected by things happening around them. Analysing the economic situations of the country baffles someone like me to see people struggling to eke out living. Some are unable to struggle because of the reality of being physically challenged and can only manage with little effort.

    Every day, we see homeless children searching for sanctuary in the midst of nothing. Some are unable to feed for lack of food. It is an eyesore seeing women labouring hard without men to care for their wards. Although women should not be totally dependent on men. In Northern part of the country, for instance, women and children are found searching for work to do in order to get paid for masu aiki which is known as wanke-wanke in local parlance.

    People go to tertiary institutions as a result of limited resources available to them. Some having the mindset of “at least I am in school”; some ladies no longer do petty jobs to support themselves through school. Rather, they take to prostitution, which often distracts them from their academic pursuits. As time goes on, they become mature in the trade and their education becomes irrelevant or a burden; they struggle to compete for material things to meet up to the standard of slay queens.

    Boys are not left out. A number of them are involved in despicable crimes. In fact, the new trend in town is Yahoo Yahoo, a euphemism for Internet fraud. Some boys are used as thugs by politicians during elections or for selfish gains.

    Kidnapping and ritual for money have become another profession jobless youths embrace. We read about people killing their loved ones and innocent people for money rituals, forgetting that every man was brought out from dust and we all must face death someday. This is the message of Genesis 3:19 in the Holy Bible.

    At dawn, you arise to the songs and air of poverty and struggle; survival becomes the theme, while we have socialist around using resources they were blessed with for irrelevant causes, such as lavish party, buying latest cars for show-off and purchase things of worthless importance while their fellow patriots are on the street looking for food. It is quite clear that we cannot improve our economy when self-acclaimed visionary leaders go for mundane beauty.

    People should wake up from slumber and uphold humanitarian cause; if we all seat and wait, nothing will be achieved. Our number-one goal in life is not to acquire wealth. It is true that not everyone will be rich in this world we are in, but it is also true that a man’s greatest achievement in life is the ability to touch and impact lives by putting smiles on faces of people in need. Show them love and care.

    No human is too young to have effect on humanity; it all depends on what we believe. It begins in our neighbourhood and can be done by giving out food, money, clothes no matter the quantity. This can go a long way in the lives of people who are in desperate need to break free from the situation they find themselves. Children can share their toys, students giving out to other students, bosses getting involved in charity work, socialists empowering people through skills and building homes for homeless children. It is a gradual process. When these values are upheld, we can have great result. How we live is in our hands not our leaders; a better future for tomorrow is a task that must be embarked upon by everyone. Let us work for humanity.

     

    • Daniel, 200-Level Mass Comm., NSUK .

  • Suma celebrates 20 years of charity to humanity

    The 20th anniversary of Support Missionary AID (SUMA) International holds on Saturday December 2 in Lagos.

    Tagged supernatural release, the celebration will feature Pastor Taiwo Odukoya of Fountain of Life Church, Rev. (Mrs.) Mercy Ezekiel of Christian Pentecostal Mission (CPM) and Bishop Humphrey Erumaka of Word-Based Church as guest ministers.

    SUMA started its missionary activities in 1997 with evangelism to the Koma Hills in Adamawa State where members climbed several mountains of about 5,500 feet high above the sea level to reach the enclaves of an uncivilised community of naked people that still wore leaves as clothes in the 21st century.

    In addition to ministering the gospel to the Koma people, the organisation gave clothes, foods, toiletries, beverages and medical aids to the people.

    Its founder/president, Rev (Mrs) Blessing Jibuike, said: “Our successful missionary visit to the people on the Koma Hills opened our eyes to more mission fields.

    “These include the Old Peoples’ homes, Schools of the Blind, Refugee Camps, victims of terrorism/religious riots and communities in disasters.

    “We have taken our rescue missions to the Old People Home, Lagos, Schools of the Blind, Abia State, Nigeria and in Ghana, Refugee Camps and Boko Haram victims.”

    She noted that SUMA has also extended its missions to Ghana, Benin Republic, Cote D’voire and South Africa, among other Africa countries, where the organisation visited and distributed foods, clothes, toiletries, beverages, funded schools and offered medical aids in addition to preaching Christ to the less privileged in those countries.

    The celebration will feature presentation of awards of appreciation by the missionary organisation to some distinguished personalities and corporate organisations for their support to SUMA.

  • Foundation hosts carnival for humanity

    The annual Adire Street Culture Carnival will hold from December 25 to 27, in Lagos.

    According to the national co-ordinator of the carnival, Princess Oluwabukola Adubi Fasuyi, the event will hold at the National Arts Theatre, the Lagos home of arts and culture.

    She said Nigeria occupied a pride of place in fashion and textile industry in Africa.

    “As a country globally recognised for her rich culture and diverse tradition, Nigeria boasts of an incredible array of fashion choices and fabrics. Notable amongst these fabrics is the adire, which has found favour amongst people all over the continent of Africa and Europe, America, Canada and Asia.

    “The fashion industry has also continued to grow by the day, with more and more people coming into adire production, and bringing in various innovations. As a way of promoting this very thriving fashion and garment industry, which by the way will also be doubling as promotion for Nigeria’s culture and tradition, Lady of Africa Foundation, has embarked on a mission to take the highly appreciated fabric to an entirely different level through exhibitions and carnivals,” she added.

    Princess Fasuyi commended the role played by the National Council for Arts and Culture and the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, both government agencies that have been giving the Lady of Africa Foundation tremendous support since inception.

    She added that invitation was open to all to experience the beauty and richness of the African culture, which would be on display on these special days, including traditional cuisine, emu fun fun (African palm wine), eran igbe among other delicacies.

    “The foundation will also in the coming year, be taking the promotion to South Africa, Europe and America, to satisfy the craving of lovers of the adire fabric in those parts of the world. The Lady of Africa Foundation hopes to empower up to 50million Nigerian women and youth through its various activities. Already, lots of people in the country – privileged and the less-privileged have been empowered through direct and indirect job opportunities creation by the foundation through its various promotion and marketing of the fabric,” she said.

  • Bishop calls for service to humanity

    The Bishop of Osogbo Diocese of Catholic Church, Bishop John Oyejola, has urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of service to humanity.

    The cleric said this is the only lasting legacy they can bequeath to the society and the best form of faith and worship before God.

    Oyejola spoke at the inauguration of Centenary Auditorium of Saint Nicholas Pro-Cathedral at Otan-Ayegbaju in Osun State.

    It was donated by an illustrious son of the community, Prof Olu Aina.

    Oyejola, who urged Nigerians to always give back to their communities, noted that the donor of the project had remained committed to development of his community and the vineyard of God.

    The cleric said the new auditorium would aid the work of God in the Catholic family.

    Also, the Archbishop of Ibadan Diocese of Catholic Church, Bishop Gabriel Abegunrin Prof Aina was a humble man who cultivated the habit of using his wealth and influence in the service of man and God.

    Prof Aina said the project was part of his family’s contributions to humanity, having benefitted from Catholic Church in the development of the project.

    He said the auditorium would boost the revenue base of the church, adding that it should be well maintained to prolong its lifespan.

  • Bishop canvasses for service to humanity

    Nigerians have been charged to imbibe the culture of service to humanity as this is the only lasting legacy that one can bequeath to a society and the best form of faith and worship in the eye of God.

    The Bishop of Catholic Church, Osogbo Diocese, Most Reverend John Oyejola stated this at the commissioning of Centenary Auditorium of the Saint Nicholas Pro Cathedral, Otan-Ayegbaju  donated by  an illustrious son of the community, Professor Olu Aina.

    Bishop Oyejola, who urged people to always give back to their communities, said the donor of the project had remained committed to development of his community and vineyard of God.

    The clergyman noted that the service to the course of the lord was the best form of service, saying the newly donated auditorium would aid work of God in the Catholic Church in the community.

    Speaking at the occasion, the Arch-Bishop of Catholic Church, Ibadan Diocese, Bishop Gabriel Abegunrin, said the donor was a humble man who cultivated the habit of using his wealth and influence for the service of man and God.

    Bishop Abegunrin who highlighted factors that drive man to success which include submissiveness to the will of God, cleaning the tears of the common man and love of one’s community, hinted that Professor Olu Aina was a free-giver who had impacted positively on lives of many people.

    The religious leader called on other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the gesture by spending their wealth for development of God’s work.

    In his remark, the donor of the Auditorium, Professor Olu Aina said the project was part of the contributions of his family who had benefitted significantly from Catholic Church towards development of the project.

    He maintained that the project was aimed at enhancing the revenue base of the church, adding that it should be effective maintenance to ensure its longevity.