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Tag: national unity

  • Minister affirms commitment  to use sport  for national unity

    Minister affirms commitment  to use sport  for national unity

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stressed the administration’s commitment to harnessing the transformative power of sports to deepen unity and cohesion in the country.

    This is as the Minister of Sport John Enoh seeks collaboration on sport coverage.

    The duo spoke in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the management team of the ministry of Sport to Radio House.

    Idris was of the opinion that sports should be on the front burner of government’s priorities because of its significance role in nation building and development.

    Idris said “There is also something I think that we need to talk about and that is the issue of national integration and cohesion that all of us are aspiring to achieve.

    Read Also: Minister opens Lagos plant

     “As you look forward to the ministry to partner with you to pursue sports development, we also look forward to the Ministry of Sports Development to forge further national unity and cohesion.

     “If you are in doubt of what sports can do for our country, just try to be on the streets when Nigeria is playing. Everybody forgets about North-South, South-West, North-East and North-whatever. Everybody comes together and nobody talks about the person who has scored whether he’s from my village or he’s from another village. Everybody talks about Nigeria; everyone wears the Nigerian flag on that day.”

    Idris also explained that the President Bola Tinubu understood the importance of sport as a unifying force.

    He said this explained why the president approved N1.2 billion in salary and allowances arrears owed to sportsmen and women as well as sports administrators in order to motivate them to commit themselves to the country.

    He commended the Minister of Sport, Senator Enoh, for the enthusiasm he has displayed so far in the development of sports in the country.

    particularly the dazzling performance of the Super Eagles at the 2023 AFCON, preparations for the 2024 Olympics and the qualification of the Super Falcons for the Paris 2024 , the relaunch of the Challenge Cup as the President’s Federation Cup and the elevation of Super Eagles in the FIFA ranking from 42nd  position to the 30th  position.

    In response to the request of the Minister of Sports for more media exposure to sporting events in the country, Idris gave the approval to set up a committee to identify areas of collaboration between the two ministries.

    In his remarks, Senator sought to partner with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and its media organs to promote sports in the country.

    He suggested the development of calendar for sporting events as a guide for the public media organs to amplify them through media visibility.

    He mentioned the National Sports Festival coming up this year in Ogun State, the National Youth Games in Asaba and the Para Games as some of the major events coming up this year.

    Senator Enoh lauded President Tinubu creating a specific Ministry for sports, saying the vision is in line with the significance of sports in attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

  • ‘Learning others’ languages ’ll promote national unity’

    Nigerians have been urged to learn other languages to promote unity and national development.

    A Chief Lecturer at the School of Languages, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education Oto/Ijanikin, Mr Eze Cyprian Chidozie, gave the advice during the second inaugural lecture of the insitution.

    Eze, who spoke on the title: Igbo and Yoruba relationship: A linguistic overview, said: “We are classified as English but none of us speak the English like the native speakers. The worst calamity that befalls us is that many do not understand any Nigerian language, including their mother-tongue. Many do not even know the meaning of their native names.

    “For better understanding of one another, similar studies should be done in other Nigerian languages and culture. We may end up discovering that our similarities are more than our differences. Minor differences in language and culture should be a source of our unity and not disunity. Let us remember that language determines educability, and that the limit of our language means the limit to the world.”

    Eze, who is of the Department of Igbo Language, noted that there seems to be certain linguistic similarities between Igbo and Yoruba languages, despite that the history of migration claimed the former emigrated from Israel, while the latter journeyed from Mecca and Medina, the present day Saudi Arabia, before both were being colonised by the Europeans.

    Despite that claim, Eze argued that it’s possible that the two tribes might have shared the same ancestral origin, and interacted  long before the Europeans came.

    Backing his claim, Eze said instances show that certain lexical words share some resemblance.

    For example, ‘Ofeke’ in Igbo and ‘Ofege’ in Yoruba means fake; ‘ato’ in Igbo and ‘eta’ in Yoruba is three; ‘aru’ in Igbo and ‘arufin’ in Yoruba means law breaker; ‘ayo’ in Igbo and ‘ayo’ in Yoruba means joy; while ‘onu’ in Igbo and ‘enu’ in Yoruba means mouth.

    Other examples include: ‘ododo’ (Igbo) and ‘ododo’ (Yoruba) means flower; ‘nmiri’ (Igbo) and ‘omi’ (Yoruba)-water; ‘ebe’ (Igbo) ‘ibi’ (Yoruba)-here; ‘bia’ (Igbo), ‘wa’ (Yoruba)-come; ‘ru’ (gbo) and ‘ru’ (Yoruba)-pollute; among others.

    According to him, language usage in both Igbo and Yoruba communities is informed by age, status or sex variables. For instance, a native Igbo speaker will say: ‘Gbaghaara m’, (forgive me) before introducing a proverb in the midst of elders, the same manner the Yoruba speaker would say: ‘E fori ji mi to ba se bi owe’ (forgive me if it sounds like a proverb).

    Similarly, both Yoruba and Igbo have prefix and suffix to verbs while addressing an elder.The two languages also follow the consonant-vowel (CV), vowel-consonant-vowel (VCV), consonant-vowel-consonant-vowel (CVCV), as well as vowel-consonant-vowel-consonant-vowel (VCVCV) pattern.

    For instance: say means ‘si’ in Igbo   and ‘so’ in Yoruba for (CV); mouth means ‘onu’ in Igbo and ‘enu’ in Yoruba (VCV); what means ‘gini’ in Igbo and ‘kini’ in Yoruba (for CVCV); and cane translates to ‘utari’ in Igbo and ‘atori’ in Yoruba (CVCVC), among others.

    “Considering from the above, some of the similar words in Igbo and Yoruba did not emanate from borrowed culture. Even if we accept these words or some of these words were borrowed, it shows that we have lived together for a long time before the coming of the Europeans. The question is:  are we from the same ancestral origin? Examining the cultural similarities, it is either we have same source or lived together for a long time,” he said.

     

  • ‘Arts and culture, vehicles of national unity’

    A professor of Choreography and Performance Aesthetics, Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Rasaki Ojo Bakare, has said arts and culture possess enormous potential for fostering national peace and unity if well harnessed. He believes the three instruments of entertainment – drama, dance and music – remain potent weapons in solving myriads of problem confronting the country.

    Bakare presented his inaugural lecture with the theme: “The healing properties of the performative trinity for a troubled society”, on  the university premises.

    Going down memory lane, Bakare, a former director-general, Abuja Carnival, noted that culture and art were once veritable sources of succour and meaningful engagement that invariably excited people, especially youths, regardless of individual challenges.

    He said drama, dance and music could also be used as part of the strategy for socio-economic re-engineering of the country.

    Bakare described the aforementioned components as critical mobilising factors capable of healing the wounds in the hearts of the country and its people.

    He said music in particular has been acknowledged as a form of therapy which artists often deploy to fastrack the healing of patients.

    “Beyond the clinical use of music as a therapy and its communicative power through lyrics, it also aids social engineering as well as act as catalyst for behavioural change,” Bakare said.

    He continued:“This is because members of any given society require art as an avenue for self-perception and self analysis so as to engender social instruments of judgment and value measurement.

    “For instance, with particular focus on the youths, cutting across the diverse ethnic, cultural, religious and ideological divide, dance can be used as an experimental instrument in form of carnivals, festivals, street dance and contests.”

    The renowned dance specialist recalled that at a time in Nigerian history, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in response to negative publicity and global diplomatic setbacks experienced by Nigeria, adopted cultural diplomacy as an image building mechanism which eventually worked for the country.

    “Dance, like the other two components of the performative trinity, communicates and administers healing, especially when the moral order of the society is ruptured and dance is deployed to the rescue.

    “Art, with reference to the performative trinity, has served as veritable alternatives for the youths of this country in the context of positive empowerment and engagement. This has helped in the reduction of the rate of social vices in the country.

    “In critical times such as this, a country like Nigeria, where insurgency, ethnic crisis and communal clashes, among others, are the order of the day, the availability of a functional arts sector helps to reduce the rate of the unfortunate results.

    “The sector also has the primary responsibility of providing creative consultancy and prevent leaders and other stakeholders from taking rash or impetuous decisions,” he added.

    Bakare claimed to have to his credit over 400 songs as well as musical works, including choreographing  200 dance works as part of his contribution to the academia and entertainment.

  • I’ll form govt of national unity, if elected, says Olawepo-Hashim

    PEOPLE’S Trust (PT) presidential candidate in the forthcoming  elections Mr. Gbenga Olawepo Hashim has assured the Nigerian electorate that he will form a government of national unity within 48 hours of been sworn in.

    This, he said, is to confront the challenges facing the country.

    In an interview with reporters in Abuja, the PT candidate said the task of rescuing Nigeria requires every available good hand, not just in PT, but also experts, who are good but have been sidelined in the two big parties due to pettiness.

    He said: “Our government will include, by the grace of God, forward-looking political leaders in the two major parties and the newly registered parties, members of the intelligentsia, professional groups, youth, women and other social interest groups and technocrats that we need from within Nigeria and the energetic and patriotic Nigerians in the diaspora.

    Read also: Olawepo-Hashim urges state officials to stop dividing Nigeria

    “I have related across the social movements, political spectrum in the past 30 years and the business contingent of the Nigeria Diaspora for almost 10 years. I know first-hand the talents at the disposal of Nigeria, to  save the country from the current state of hopelessness.”

    “I will able to form a broad-based government within 48 hours of being sworn in as president by the grace of God, to confront the urgent task of securing Nigeria, uniting her people and bringing economic prosperity and rapid all-round infrastructural and social development.

    “We have the talented people to solve the problems confronting Nigeria both within and outside the country, only the narrow mindedness and ineptitude of some leaders have prevented the deployment of these enormously great human resources available to this nation.

    “We have no stomach for egocentrism and revenge and nemesis in the urgent task of rescuing Nigeria. We will reach out across the “Isle” and bring Nigerians quickly to defeat insecurity and poverty.”

     

     

     

  • Of national unity, culture and Waklek wedding

    Despite her potpourri of problems, Nigeria remains a great country with her abundance of natural and human resources. The beauty in her cultural diversity and multilingualism is simply astonishing. Evidently, it is a blessed nation. In terms of weather, God is clement with Nigeria. While many other countries of the world are dying of extreme coldness, Nigerians enjoy temperate atmosphere condition. The land as well, is suitable for all manner of cropping.

    The size of this country is another major advantage. Nigeria is the biggest country in Africa and one of the most populous countries of the world. The cultural diversity and sweetness in this tremendous size represent a big advantage,  if properly harnessed. From Lagos to Maiduguri, Calabar to Ibadan, and Aba to Damaturu, it is so rewarding moving around to savour the gift of nature, and what people are doing with what they have. Those who have moved round Nigeria will not pray for the dismemberment of this country. We are obviously better in unity. Perhaps the only requirement for this much-desired unity is the current mantra in town: restructuring towards equity and justice. If the leadership is courageous enough to initiate a process of social, political and economic fairness and equity, this country will certainly become a Paradise on earth.

    However, apart from football competition between Nigeria and any other country of the world, which usually generates national unity, nothing else advertises Nigeria’s unity aside the kind of weeding ceremony that took place on the Plateau, Jos Capital, recently. It was a society wedding, bringing together, Nigerians from various cultural backgrounds who were so united in love and celebration. A wedding ceremony which attracted 10 First Ladies (Governors’ wives), from different states of the federation clearly merited the appellation of “society weeding”

    This was a wedding ceremony of Mrs. Sam Golji Waklek and his heartthrob, Maryam Awu. Mr Sam Golji Waklek is the son of the University of Ibadan  Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council Nde Joshua Mutka Waklek- a retired Accountant- General of Plateau State. Luckily, one of the daughters of Nde Joshau Waklek  is the wife of the current state Governor, Dr. Simon Bako Lalong. In other words, Pa Waklek is the Governor’s father-in-law. But he never disclosed this to anyone in University of Ibadan since his appointment. Nobody knew that Pa Wakleck  wielded a lot of influence in his state. He is so humble and humane. I remember the first interview I had with him at Chancellor’s Lodge in UI, we ate together. He served me by himself.

    In solidarity with the Council Chairman therefore, the University of Ibadan raised a 10 -man delegate to attend the wedding ceremony of his son, with the Vice Chancellor , Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka leading the UI’s team to Jos, the venue of the solemnization of the holy matrimony. On the VC’s entourage were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Kayode Adebowale, the DVC (Academic), Prof. Adeyinka Aderinto, University’s Bursar, Dr. Michael Alatise, and the University’s Librarian, Dr. (Mrs) Helen Olubukunola Komolafe-Opadeji.

    Others were Prof. Mohammed Kuta Yahaya  of Agronomy Department, the Deputy Registrar, (Council), Mr. Ibunkun Ajibola, University’s Protocol Officer, Mr. Samuel Badejo as well as this writer,  who is Media Assistant to the Vice Chancellor.

    Upon arriving Jos, the delegate paid a courtesy call on the Governor’s father-in-law where the rich cultural ambience of Plateaus was excitedly experienced. We were warmly welcome with pomp and ceremony. Plateau people are said to be so hospitable. We witnessed this culture in no small measure. Nde Waklek ushered us into a room where assorted meals had been perfectly arranged. We ate and drank to our satiety. Our chairman later introduced his family members to us in turns. It was at this point some of us got to know that one of his daughters, Victoria is the wife of the Governor.

    Nde Waklek was so elated seeing Yoruba people coming all away from Ibadan to share in his joy. It was indeed a cultural intercession as we began to appreciate the way of life of our hosts. Just like in Yoruba land, the local drummers accosted us as were leaving Baba’s  house, sang our praises in their language, expecting monetary rewards. Some of the leaders in our team gave out the highest denomination in the country. “Ibadan, Ibadan, na go de”, the praise singers shouted as we took our leave.

    On Saturday, December 8, which was the second day of our visit, was the wedding day. Three different weddings were scheduled to take place simultaneously at the headquarters of Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN). We got to the church much early as our leader, UI VC, Prof. Olayinka hates lateness with passion. This timely arrival afforded us to appreciate the more, Nigerian cultural richness and diversity. Different people in their resplendent dresses filled the church to the brim. The church service was quite interesting with the Preacher urging couples to love each other.

    However, at Langfield Parks and Gardens, Little Rayfied, Jos, the reception venue, guests  were lavishly treated to an amazing entertainment and hospitality amid tight security. Many First Ladies including that of Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Bauchi, Gombe, Sokoto among others graced the occasion in support of their colleague, Mrs. Victoria Lalong of Plateaus. We were overfed. It was indeed a colourful occasion.

    The University of Ibadan was accorded due recognition. In fact, we enjoyed much respect and acknowledgements. For instance, the Chairman of the reception party was the Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University, Prof. Yohanna D. Izam. Immediately he got to know that UI VC was around, he left his seat to pay homage to our own Prof. Olayinka, describing the UI VC as his “senior colleague”. The Plateaus State Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden is UI’s alumnus. He also extended due courtesies to the UI delegate as we took photograph with him and the Governor. We were offered all manner of gifts.

    Retiring into our hotel, we were shocked to discover that Mrs Victoria Lanlong had again dispatched another round of food from the Government House for our dinner despite the amount of food we ate at the reception not too long ago. In order to avoid food wastage, we began to eat again. We ate to repletion. Workers in the hotel were asked to come and take their portion . Again, on Sunday morning as we were set to leave, Plateau State First Lady also sent breakfast from the Government House. More impressively, ecstatic we were when the UI Protocols Officer, Mr. Samuel Badejo hinted us that Mrs Victoria Lanlong had sent baskets of potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots to Ibadan as our gifts. Mrs Lanlong, along with her father, simply “killed” us with kindness, thereby confirming the culture of giving of Plateau people. How can we thank her enough? Anyway, givers don’t lack.

    Expressing his joy, UI Council Chaiman, Nde Waklek disclosed that he never expected the number of people who came from Ibadan. According to him, “I was expecting only one or two people, and all of you left Ibadan to grace this occasion because of me, I am so grateful”. The UI VC had earlier told him that the University greatly appreciated the fatherly disposition of the Council Chairman as he never interfered unduly in the running of the University. Prof. Olayinka who paid glowing tribute to the Waziri of Pankshin stated that the peaceful and simple mien of the Chairman was a great motivation for the management to work hard for the University, saying,  Nde Waklek “is a great father and mentor”

    Obviously, with the cultural intercession between Yoruba and Northerners in Jos, it is clear that Nigeria will be far better for it, if the bond of unity across the country is strengthened. This is where the political class is challenged to maintain peace in the land. This country must not be set ablaze because of political office. As elections draw nearer, the unity and peaceful co-existence of all federating units must be paramount.

    To the new couple, a good marriage would be between a blind wife and a deaf husband. May this marriage be full of fruits and laughter.

    • Saanu (08059436919) is the Media Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan

     

     

  • National unity: Ukiwe, Anyaoku, others on role of ethnic organisations

    • As Item Union Lagos celebrates 78th anniversary

    The unifying effects of ethnic nationalities in national unity will be the focus as Item Union Lagos celebrates her 75th Anniversary on Saturday, November 10, 2018. The event, which will hold at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), would be chaired by the Ochiagha Ochimba, Aka ji Ofo Ndi Igbo; Commodore Okoh Ebitu Ukiwe (retired), who served as the Chief of General Staff (Vice President of Nigeria) from 1985-1986.

    The Keynote Speaker at the event, with the theme, “The unifying effects of Ethnic Organisations in National Unity: The Case of Item Union in Lagos is Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

    Other distinguished personalities scheduled to grace the occasion include Senator Ike Nwachukwu, who will serve as the Father of the Day; Special Guest of Honour, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, the President-General of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo; the host, Prof Joe Irukwu, a former President-General of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo and HRM, Eze Silas Okeofia Igwe, the Okpi of Item.

    The President-General of Item Union in Lagos, Chief Onwuka Orji, told The Nation that the event will not only discuss the role of ethnic organisations in national unity, but will also feature the rich cultural heritage of Item Okpi Ancient Community, in Bende local Government Area of Abia State.

  • Corps members urged to promote national unity

    With  a call to be vanguards of national unity, members of the 2018 Batch ‘A’ of the National Youth Service Corps s (NYSC) have completed thier orientation. They  were sworn in yesterday at the orientation camps nationwide

    They were also advised to shun social vices such as corruption, ethnic bigotry, religious intolerance, violence and indiscipline in the course of their service to the nation.

    2,296 deployed in A/Ibom

    Two thousand, two hundred and ninety-six corps members deployed to Akwa Ibom State for the 2018 Batch ‘A’ orientation were sworn in.

    At the swearing ceremony, which took place yesterday at Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Governor Udom Emmanuel promised to provide an enabling environment for the corps members to carry out their national assignment.

    Emmanuel said he would reward corps members, who perform excellently and urged them to be worthy ambassadors of the scheme.

    He assured that their lives and property would be safe during their stay in the state, adding that the government would keep improving facilities in the camp.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo, said the deployment of the corps members to the state was an opportunity for them to contribute their quota to the state’s growth, warning against their involvement in risky behaviours.

    The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Julius Amusan, said the scheme was designed at moulding the corps members into responsible citizens and encouraged them to actively participate in the training programmes during the three weeks exercise.

    Umahi: be exemplary, dedicated and committed

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi urged Corps members to promote national unity.

    He also advised them to shun social vices such as corruption, ethnic bigotry, religious intolerance, violence and indiscipline in the course of their service to the nation.

    The governor made the call during the swearing-in ceremony of 2018 batch ‘A’ Corps members deployed to Ebonyi State at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp, Old Macgregor College, Afikpo.

    He advised the Corps members to be exemplary, dedicated and committed in all they do at the camp and throughout their Service year.

    The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hyginus Nwokwu, urged the Corps members to take advantage of the camp activities to enrich themselves by dedicating themselves to the lessons that they would learn from the activities prevalent in the camp.

    In her address, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Iluebbey Regina, advised the prospective Corps members to play an active role in ensuring that the nation remains indivisible and indissoluble by emphasising the merits in the togetherness and unity of the nation.

    Fayose to corps members: don’t rig for my party

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose warned corps members against being used to perpetrate electoral fraud in the July 14 governorship election.

    Fayose specifically warned the corps members not to rig the election for his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) or any other political party at the governorship poll.

    The governor gave the warning yesterday at the formal opening of the

    Batch ‘A’ Orientation Course and swearing in of the new corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Ise/Orun/Emure.

    Fayose caused a stir by calling out his son, Rogba, who was one of the corps members at the camp.

    Fayose said members of the batch would serve as polling officials at the governorship election, saying he and his party would not ask for

    favour from them.

    Fayose said: “You are in our state at a time like this when we have to do our civic responsibility to Nigeria and Ekiti State.

    “I will not and I will never ask you for favour to do anything unbecoming of Nigerian youths. Don’t allow any politician to induce you and don’t receive gratification from politician.

    “Don’t allow any politician to destroy your life, including me and whatsoever you do to influence this election will stand against you.

    The governor donated N10 million to the state NYSC, which he promised to redeem before his next visit to the camp.”

    The State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Nwanno Eze Ukagha, said out of the 2,300 corps members posted to the state, 2,209 reported for orientation.

    Mrs. Ukagha added that 1,100 of them are males and 1,109 are females. She said the practice of using corps members for electoral duties started during the administration of former President, the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua because of their perceived neutrality and non-partisanship.

    Mrs. Ukagha added: “We shall leave no stone unturned to ensure that these corps members fully understand the weight of responsibility on them to be apolitical, honest and patriotic in the discharge of their duty in the forthcoming elections.”

    The oath was admitted on the corps members by the Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, who was represented by a judge of the State High Court, Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi.

    Ugwuanyi to review allowance

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi promised that corps members posted to state government’s institutions would soon enjoy an upward review of state allowance, as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to their welfare.

    He reiterated the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through implementation of policies and programmes aimed at equipping them to optimise their capacity to drive national development.

    Ugwuanyi congratulated them for the successful completion of their educational pursuits from various institutions of higher learning.

    The governor noted that his administration had increased the allowance of corps medical personnel posted to the state to encourage them to serve in rural health centres in line with the government’s rural development agenda.

    He described the National Youth Service Corps scheme as a unifying programme aimed at fostering national unity and development.

    El-Rufai to build 3,000 capacity hostel at NYSC camp

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai promised that his government would build additional blocks of hostels to accommodate 3,000 more corps members.

    El-Rufai, who was represented by Commissioner for Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, who doubled as the state’s Chairman of NYSC Governing Board, Daniel Dan-Auta, restated the commitment of his administration to strive to make NYSC function to capacity as a result of values it is adding to the state’s economy.

    The governor, who made the commitment during an interview with reporters after declaring the orientation course open, said the additional facilities would be captured in the third phase of the camp’s renovation.

    NYSC seeks ‘speedy building’ of permanent orientation camp in Niger

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) yesterday appealed to Niger State for the speedy construction of the state’s  orientation camp.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Batch A orientation Exercise in Paiko,  the NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Theresa Arokoyo, said the camp would go a long way in boosting the scheme’s  performance in the state.

    According to her, a lot was being spent to put up the temporary orientation camp, stressing that the permanent camp would reduce cost.

    Arokoyo expressed her dismay that despite promises made by government on the permanent camp, it was still being delayed.

    Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello assured the NYSC that plans were being made towards completing the permanent camp.

    He urged the corps members to be agents of charge to sensitise the people towards the much clamoured national orientation and nation-building, especially as the nation approaches another electioneering year.

    Katsina gets 2,235 Corps members

    The NYSC yesterday in Katsina sworn in about 2,235 newly posted batch A members.

    The state NYSC coordinator, Hajia Ramatu Sanda, said 2,400 youth corps members were posted to the state.

  • Benue killings: Threat to national unity

    Benue killings: Threat to national unity

    I write as a law abiding and peace loving citizen of a sovereign and united Nigeria. I frown and raise the alarm when I see factors or actions capable of causing breach of peace and disintegration of our dear country. These Benue killings are one of the most disgusting scenes of carnage ever witnessed in the history of the nation. I wonder whether those who perpetrate these heinous acts against humanity are sane human beings. It is very gruesome and awful to see fellow humans, fellow Nigerians butchered like wild animals. There is no sane person that will not rise in condemnation of these brutal and senseless killings. The whole world has through their leaders lent their voices against this “man’s inhumanity to man”.

    When killings assume the proportion as that of Benue and other states, no right thinking and sane Nigerian will feel comfortable with the situations and the Head of State of such country will be under tremendous tension and pressure. That is the unfortunate scenario that our President, Muhammadu Buhari has found himself.

    In most countries of the world where there are patriots and statesmen, crisis of this nature tends to unite the country to fight a common cause and end such crises. Men and women unite themselves around the president to not only condemn the act, but also to find a common solution to the problem. Unfortunately, that is not the case in Nigeria and that makes it more unfortunate for President Buhari. It is very worrisome and sad that some people in Nigeria see this kind of crises as a veritable avenue to advance their selfish motives. Rather than unite to rally round Mr. President to find solution to the crises, they see the crises as an opportunity to further their political, religious and tribal sentiments. It beats my imagination that different groups of persons, different categories of persons of both tribal and religious inclinations apportion blame rather than somberly pray for the country and the president and offer him genuine advice. I am surprised that some past leaders who should have known better in this period of crises and so consult with the president to address these crises, now play to the gallery, pointing fingers and writing open letters, even leaders who under their watch in the past had witnessed similar and worst situations. Nigerians alike who easily forget, are quick to condemn and point fingers as well, as if crises of this nature is peculiar to Nigeria. In developed and civilized countries like US and UK where brutal shootings and killings regularly occur, the president is not linked to such acts rather they unite and rally round him to find a common solution to the problem.

    Does the mere fact that the alleged perpetrators of this crime are Fulani herdsmen make the president guilty because he is a Fulani? Now social media is again agog with news that the herdsmen’s activities are one of the ways the president is by proxy aiming to Islamize Nigeria. Some people in their desperate motives and agenda fabricate lies and use same to appeal to the sentiment of others. They fabricate and post propaganda that are just tissues of lies which in a way are as dangerous as the Benue killings. They use these Benue crises to pit Christians against Muslims, and in some cases, pit tribes against other tribes. People become partisan rather than use objective reasoning to help address the crises. A source of worry is the fact that some pastors mount the rostrum to vilify the person of the president when such pastors are supposed to know that the pulpit is not a place from which to dish out insults, but a sacred place from which solemn counsel and prayers are supposed to be said for people. These pastors rather resort to shouting and noise making using the pulpit, ignoring the injunction of the Bible on the need to pray for those in authority. It is in the light of this that I very much praise the approach of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference who went and consulted with the president, pointing out the ills that plague the country and offering him candid pieces of advice on the affairs of the nation, including the killings in Benue and elsewhere and equally assuring him of their prayers. That is what is expected of good and genuine religious leaders.

    Some elected legislators are not left out in this blame game and some use the Benue killings to take their own pound of flesh against the president – I watched a Senator to my dismay shouting at the top of his voice as if he wanted to bring down the roof of the legislative building. This, in my view, constituted noise making and in effect totally unproductive.

    A president that has been acknowledged and praised by not only sincere Nigerians, but also by world leaders to have fought Boko Haram to a standstill and for his vigorous fight against corruption. This elderly statesman who once publicly shed tears for this country cannot and should not be associated with actions that claim innocent lives.  President Muhammadu Buhari, who inherited a battered economy and a treasury being plundered and looted for over twenty years that ultimately resulted in recession, is now building an economy that will not easily collapse (see what our national reserves is now about $42 billion). How can one insinuate that this president can be involved in the terrorist acts of those murderous herdsmen? Let me say this without making any bones, President Mohammadu Buhari is on the mission of rebuilding this country and among other things has recorded unprecedented improvement in power generation and distribution. He would most definitely not make a mess of the good he has so far done by associating with these killings allegedly being perpetrated by the Fulani herdsmen.

    When I hear about this ‘colonization’ thing and about the fact that the Fulani herdsmen carry sophisticated weapons, I ask, whether herdsmen are different from the ones I used to see in my village right from the time I was a child, moving with their cattle across my village and other villages and criss-crossing the country without molesting anyone and without being molested? I never saw them colonizing or Islamizing any one. They move in peace and we also accommodate them without complaining. My submission is that anyone carrying sophisticated weapons masquerading as herdsmen and killing people are terrorists and must be treated as such and dealt with.  One of the virtues of our president is great restraint. He is not hasty in taking action because haste sometimes makes waste. He always carefully takes his time to weigh issues. Yes, I acknowledge the fact that our president as a human being has made some mistakes in the course of his governing the state, but I make bold to say that he is on course. He has the mandate of God to be there and carry out a mission and until that mission is complete, no amount of  propaganda and clamour for him not to context in 2019 will work. Recall the time he was sick and how some people were wishing that he never recovered, but what happened thereafter? Our president not only returned to the country but also bounced back in good health and now looks fresher and healthier – that was an act of God.

    Let all people of goodwill, let every Nigerian of every tribe and religion, pastors, other religious leaders, pray for the president and the country, suggest ways to address whatever crises we face, rally round the president and his team to manage the affairs of this country. We should stop playing to the gallery. Let’s stop all the propaganda spread around, especially in the social media; those who have made it their stock in trade to insult the president should stop these unethical behaviour. We should stop pitting Christians against Muslims and stop pitting tribes against tribes.

     

    • Vincent G. Uba is a Lagos-based businessman and former President, Catholic Brothers’ United (CBU) Lagos, vingeorge2000@yahoo.com
  • Promote national unity, patriotism, Gowon tells filmmakers

    Promote national unity, patriotism, Gowon tells filmmakers

    Former Head of State, Gen.Yakubu Gowon, has urged filmmakers and other stakeholders in the movie industry to use their works to promote national unity and patriotism.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Gen Gowon made the call yesterday in his address as the Chairman of the Annual Film Lecture of the 2017 ZUMA Film Festival (ZUFF) holding in Abuja.

    The theme for this year’s edition is “Sustaining Socio-Cultural and Political Integration in Nigeria: The Film Perspective.”

    According to the retired General, the Nigerian motion picture industry is a veritable tool that can be used to drive nationalism, build values of love, peace and tolerance among.

    “Film should and must be used to sustain our conversations on issues that bind us together. Motion picture practitioners must sustain the current narratives with positive images and stories that cast Nigeria in good light and reinforce tendencies that promote our diverse cultures, economies, languages and dialects.

    “I believe that the industry has the power to encourage citizens to see themselves as friends of Nigeria, and friends are always loyal to one another, “he urged.

    Gowon, however, frowned at the practice of using films to put Nigeria and Nigerians in bad light, which was an increasing trend among many filmmakers in recent times.

    He lamented that such negative images often reinforce negative tendencies in people, and therefore urged film stakeholders to use their works as tools for positive social mobilization of citizens for national integration.

    “Through film, the vision of  a nation is articulated, opinions are shaped and characters are moulded. There are situations in which creative individuals have lent their talents to the propagation of hate and other divisive tendencies that threatened the unity of our nation.

    “Owing to the popularity of these people, ordinary citizens on the street have now tended to believe that the short term benefits of evil are to be preferred to the long term good of  society.”

    Gowon, therefore, urged relevant stakeholders to use films to shape opinions, propose and set agenda for government and mobilize citizens to work towards a better Nigeria.

    Also, the keynote speaker at the event, Femi Shaka, Professor of Film Studies, University of Port Harcourt, stressed the need for the establishment of Film Commission, and encouraging Industry-University Partnership, among other things, for effective development of the sector.

     

    NAN reports that the  Annual Film Lecture, now in its 9th edition, is a flagship component of the  ZUMA Film Festival holding from Dec. 1to 3.

    It provides opportunity for stakeholders in the movie industry to engage in narratives and conversations geared towards strengthening the sector.

    The lecture brings together filmmakers, captains of industries, the academia, relevant government functionaries and other stakeholders to share thoughts and brainstorm on contemporary issues of importance to the growth of  the Nigeria movie industry.

  • Zik Lecture: Wike canvasses national unity

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has called on Nigerians to work towards the promotion of the country’s unity and corporate existence.

    The governor condemned the overzealousness of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, who withdrew the security detail of the Anambra State Governor, saying that no amount of intimidation will solve the country’s challenges.

    He spoke yesterday at the Sixth Zik Lecture Series in honour of the First President of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

    Wike, who was chairman of the occasion,  said: “Irrespective of the side of the political and social divide we may belong, we all share a common responsibility as leaders and ordinary people to advance and preserve the unity and corporate existence of Nigeria, which for me, is the greatest honour we can ever give to the memory of the Great Zik of Africa.

    “But in committing ourselves to this mission, we cannot also continue to deny the challenges that we presently face as a nation and the choice that we must make to preserve the nation’s unity in the midst of increasing agitations for political and economic restructuring sweeping across the country. “

    The governor said like every other pluralistic, multi-cultural and multi-religious society, Nigeria’s diversity remains the abiding source of the country’s collective strength and resilience.

    Wike added:  “However, our diversity is under severe stress and even becoming rather a threat to our collective progress because of embedded fault lines in the existing political and economic structures of the country.

    “Unfortunately, our failures as a people to resolve these structural defects continue to trouble and negate national cohesion and development. For, it is vain to expect peace in injustice; unity in inequity and progress where governance is bereft of accountability, respect for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, and where national institutions are easily politicised, weakened and rendered ineffective.”

    The governor commended Senator Ben Obi for the very creative initiative as well as the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka for providing the intellectual platform for the effective propagation of the timeless ideas and enduring values of the Great Zik of Africa.

    He said: “Today, we are gathered here to honour the memory of one of the greatest sons of Igboland, of Nigeria and of the black race, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe under the auspices of the Annual Zik Lecture Series instituted by my senior brother, Senator (Dr.) Ben Obi.

    “Whatever verdict history records, no one can deny that Zik was not just one of the foremost architects of the Nigerian nation; he was also among the most towering figures in the history of Africa’s politics.

    “The Great Zik therefore deserves all and every honour his apostles, and in deed a grateful nation, can bestow to keep his memory alive and in the consciousness of the people. “

    He said the choice before Nigerians is to build inclusive, equitable and participatory political and economic systems where everyone justly benefits from the proceeds of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, which are lacking in the present authoritarian political environment where protests are easily cast as dissents, where inequity and impunity are promoted as national policies, and where our rights and freedoms are easily denied.

    The governor decried the level of impunity displayed by the Inspector General of Police in the withdrawal of the security details of the Anambra State Governor, pointing out that he suffered the same fate during the Rivers rerun elections.

    The governor said Nigerians will resist the plot to manipulate the 2019 polls. He said the lawless actions of the Inspector General of Police reveals the plan to use intimidation as a political weapon.

    Founder of the Zik Lecture Series and Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee Senator Ben Obi said the Lecture Series were initiated to celebrate the legacies of the first Nigerian President and to immortalise him.