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Tag: Nigeria

  • Global literacy decline: How Nigeria can rise to the challenge

    Global literacy decline: How Nigeria can rise to the challenge

    By Olusegun Oruame

    In the 21st century, the world is witnessing a paradox: while access to information is at an all-time high, literacy levels are declining globally. This unsettling trend presents significant obstacles to socioeconomic progress, especially in developing nations, Nigeria being no exception. The causes of falling literacy standards are multifaceted, and addressing them requires a comprehensive approach, which includes innovative educational strategies. One promising solution lies in the realm of co-curricular activities, with spelling competitions serving as a influential tool to foster literacy from a young age.

    The Global Literacy Decline and Nigeria’s struggles

    Despite advancements in technology and education, literacy rates are stagnating or falling in many parts of the world. Key among the factors contributing to this decline include, inadequate educational infrastructure such as the shortage of qualified teachers and learning materials, socioeconomic inequality where poverty and gender discrimination hinder access to education, and digital distractions presenting the allure of digital media often overshadowing traditional literacy activities.

    Nigeria, with its rapidly growing population, is significantly affected by these challenges. According to UNESCO, approximately 35 percent of Nigerian adults are illiterate, and many children remain out of school. To combat this, we must explore every possible avenue to improve literacy, including the enhancement of co-curricular activities.

    Co-curricular Activities: A holistic approach to education

    Co-curricular activities such as sports, arts, debate clubs, and academic competitions are essential components of a well-rounded education. They can significantly improve literacy by fostering teamwork, building confidence and motivation.

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    Spelling Bees: A pillar of literacy

    Among these activities, spelling bees stand out as particularly effective in promoting literacy. A good and effective spelling programme should offer to the student

    vocabulary expansion, improved comprehension,

    discipline and dedication.

    Mastering spelling is foundational to effective communication. Misspellings can lead to significant misunderstandings. For instance, confusing “affect” and “effect” can completely change the meaning of a sentence, leading to miscommunication in both written and verbal exchanges.

     Learning from the Scripps National Spelling Bee

    The Scripps National Spelling Bee a prestigious competition held annually in the USA, targeted at students no older than 13 years, is a global example of promoting literacy through competition. Entering its centenary in 2025, the Scripps Spelling Bee has been a benchmark for excellence in spelling. Notably, Ghana has been participating for the past 18 years, and in the 2024 edition, Ghanaian students made it to the semi-finals, bringing pride to the continent.

    This achievement begs the question: What would it take for Nigerian students to participate in such a global and prestigious competition? The benefits would be manifold; participation would enhance Nigerian students’ literacy, boost the nation’s image, and celebrate its rich cultural heritage on a global stage.

    A clarion call for collaboration

    Addressing the literacy crisis requires a collaborative effort. The private sector must complement government initiatives by investing in education and literacy programmes. Initiatives like the Cowbellpedia Mathematics Competition demonstrate the impact of private sector involvement in education. A similar focus on literacy through spelling bees and reading programmes could yield significant improvements. By supporting co-curricular activities, particularly spelling bees, we can lay a strong foundation for literacy, ensuring that future generations are well-equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

    In conclusion, literacy is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. Nigeria has the potential to turn the tide on declining literacy rates by embracing innovative educational strategies and fostering a culture of learning. Let us collectively strive to nurture the minds of our young learners, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed.

  • Provost begs doctors not to leave Nigeria

    Provost begs doctors not to leave Nigeria

    provost of Lagos State College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Prof. Abiodun Adewuya, has advised doctors to be patriotic and not forsake their country for opportunities abroad.

    Adewuya spoke at the 18th induction of doctors and dental practitioners. The event, at the school auditorium, had government representatives, doctors, academia and regulatory body. Eighty one students were inducted.

    Adewuya spoke against the surge of doctors travelling abroad, noting Nigeria has invested so much in producing doctors and is incumbent on them to stay back and serve the country.

    He said: “The certificate you use in UK was given to you by Nigeria, which invested in you, unlike UK, which waits to import doctors from Ghana, Nigeria and use the money to pay doctors.

    “It takes a lot to train one doctor. Nigeria invested in training doctors. Now, other countries take our doctors because they don’t want to invest in training. They rather wait. Instead of establishing medical schools, they wait to take our graduates”.

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    “We can’t stop doctors from migrating, but they must remember the country that trained them, the institution that trained them, so they have learned what they are supposed to learn abroad, they should come back and develop Nigeria”, he said.

    An  inductee, daughter of Director Environmental Health/ Occupational Health and Safety, Dr Ajayi Esther, said medicine to her is a calling. “I love taking care of people. I hope to do things around public health and sustainable environment for all”.

    “It’s a privilege to be a doctor and I hope I can take care of patients and make a difference in the healthcare field”, she said.

    Ajayi noted she is elated because the inductees are full of talents, potential and patriotic doctors committed to advancing health care practice in Nigeria.

  • Withdrawal of troops from Mali, Niger threat to Nigeria, Sahel region, says Chief of Air Staff

    Withdrawal of troops from Mali, Niger threat to Nigeria, Sahel region, says Chief of Air Staff

    Withdrawal of United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission Force and the 2000 Chadian troops from Mali as well as Republic of Niger troops from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) is security threat to Nigeria and the Sahel Region, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar said yesterday.

    He noted that the upsurge in coup d’etat in the West African sub-region and the withdrawal of some nations from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have negative impacts on the security architecture of the region.

    The CAS said these security situations had increased the influx of more weapons and terrorists into Nigeria.

    Air Marshal Abubakar dropped the hints yesterday during his meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, Directors, Commandants and Commanders at NAF Headquarters in Abuja.

    The meeting aimed at revisiting NAF’s set objectives in line with the CAS command philosophy and key enablers, discuss performance and achievements, and identify challenges to be addressed.

    A statement by the NAF’ spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, quoted the CAS as saying that “these security situations had necessitated the need for the NAF and other security agencies to be proactive and intensify efforts at meeting the Federal Government and Nigerian citizens’ expectations for an expeditious actualization of a peaceful, safe and secure nation for prosperity to thrive.”

    The Air Marshal noted that despite the threats, the NAF has, in the last 12 months, re-strategise and adopted new air power measures to enhance the gains against identified threats.

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    He said that the measures had led to modest and significant progress in various operational areas, including the fight against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and oil theft.

    The CAS said that NAF’s achievements not withstanding, the prevailing economic challenges, such as high youth unemployment, increasing inflation, and multidimensional poverty, have exacerbated the security situation, which he said had made it “imperative for the NAF to continuously adapt and improve.”

    Air Marshal Abubakar commended the efforts of NAF personnel, and expressed gratitude for their support since he assumed office.

    He said: “The NAF, so far, has achieved modest yet significant progress in fighting insurgency, terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other criminal activities in the country.

    “Therefore, I wish to use this opportunity to commend you all for your efforts. I also sincerely thank you for your support over the last 12 months since my assumption of office.”

  • Ayo Banjo, Educare Trust, Nigeria

    Ayo Banjo, Educare Trust, Nigeria

    I have fortunately closely known many great men and women, irokos, most in shock that Nigeria has, during their 60+ years of contribution, failed to live up to the developmental targets.  I am constantly amazed at the generosity of these moral irokos. If only all, especially politicians, had acted accordingly. Of course, many academics are also involved in anti-growth activities.

    We are mostly in awe of Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo. His stellar input in academia is public record. He also had other interests including his work with Educare Trust. I am blessed with having worked with his senior brother, late Dr Bayo Banjo of The Jokotola Infirmary along with Dr Mrs Abiola Oshodi and Professor Ope Adekunle among others in the terrifyingly turbulent time of the Nigerian Medical Association proscription of the 1980s, ‘Buhari 1’, with summary arrest and sack of doctors. Who remembers?

    I first had met Professor Ayo Banjo around the University of Ibadan in late 60s-early 70s. He lectured my late wife, Lola Alalade. Sadly, education suffered malicious chronic underfunding, Machiavellian education policies like removal of Civics and History as subjects, confiscation and destruction of standards in faith-based secondary schools and immoral financial neglect by military and civilian governments especially worse in the Abacha regime. This was an uphill task in the political and religious  minefield of a negative education terrain,  combating corruption-driven low education budgets, poor  school empowerment, greed-driven oversight politicians and role model moral decadence with the get-rich-quick epidemic promoted by much of Corporate Nigeria’s shamefully infecting the youth with  a ravenous hunger for quick-fix ‘instant millionaires’’, ‘bonanza’ strategies and televised questionable morals of  ‘Big Brother’ shows with zero growth  and instilling  apathy and revulsion in regard to hard work.

    Read Also: New York Times’ jaundiced report on Nigeria’s economy

    Abacha’s coup forced my association of friends in Ibadan, formalised as The Group, to brainstorm in secret places, on how to resuscitate everything from agriculture to education. In education, we needed to show a good example for others of ‘the good old days’ to follow in education. As a result, I started Educare Trust by sounding out great philanthropists like Chief Dr Raymond Zard, Dr Toyosi, Dr Bayo Banjo and leaders in education led by Emeritus Professor Banjo. I invited them and others to our inaugural planning meeting in October 1994 at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan under the auspices of Dr, now retired Professor Dele Fawole. The name ‘Educare Trust’ (ET) was confirmed.  Professor Banjo, always punctual, advised that ET should concentrate, not on tertiary level, already infected with chronic entry examination manipulation, but on ‘innocent’ pre-corrupt primary schools and secondary schools already infected with cultism, to get the foundation right. The aim was to quickly get a better educated, co-curricular active, ‘non-bored’, non-cheating, non-cult, morally honest generation into tertiary education. And that is what we did reaching several million students and their teachers since 1994. We helped to change the university ‘garbage in – garbage out’ mantra to ‘goodness in – greatness out’. We also produced several Education Policy Papers. The journey is a forever one, never ending.

    With Justice Babalakin as chairman of the Board of Trustees,  after Dr Toyosi, Dr Bayo Banjo and Emeritus Professor Akinkugbe, and Ogie Alakija, Ayo Banjo   became chairman of Educare Trust and was succeeded by Dr Olutunde Oni and  the current chairman Dr Tokunbo Abiose. Emeritus Professor Banjo held the post with characteristic distinction, grace, commitment and great love of youth activities, not missing any event. As we in the honest NGO community all know, fundraising especially outside financial hubs like Lagos, is a ‘thankless tasks that must be done’ for NGO work. Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo lent his name with some success and it was a joke between us that he was not able to get a large donation even after several requests from a close very conspicuously wealthy friend. We wrote it off as   donor fatigue. Because of Emeritus Professor Banjo’s foundation membership and his guidance and others’ guidance including Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose, his senior ‘Twin’, Educare Trust survives and is 30 years old this year. Hurray!

    Professor Banjo was also, since the mid-1980s, a very active member and past chairman of the Ibadan Dining Club, founded by Chief Simeon Adebo and associates, who never missed a meeting.

    Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo demonstrated an unwavering commitment to family, education and the youth of Nigeria, leading the University of Ibadan into the education battle for VC two terms. He used his conquering the language of the colonial power in the wider context of an all-purpose education empowering the then next generation. His inspiring shadow spanning across the classroom, lecture room, research opportunities and necessities, progressive policies, music appreciation, academic academies, the powerful LNG Literature Prize committee chairmanship, Educare Trust founding membership and later chairman, Dining Club chairmanship. He received a Kilimanjaro or Mount Everest sized mountain of well-deserved awards, titles and a tsunami of goodwill.

    Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo stands out as always being especially generous with his time and talent – strategizing for the youth.

    Personally, I have many pleasant memories and a rich record of ‘Do Not Delete’ WhatsApp chats with Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo, rich with his often humorous ‘Quotable Banjo Quotes.’

    God Bless Him and Keep Him and Mama. May He Rest In Perfect Peace and may the Banjo family, nuclear and wider, take justifiable pride in the multifaceted legacy of its forebears. Amen.

  • New York Times’ jaundiced report on Nigeria’s economy

    New York Times’ jaundiced report on Nigeria’s economy

    • By Kenechukwu Aguolu

    Sir: The New York Times report “Nigeria Confronts Its Worst Economic Crisis in a Generation” published on June 11, portrays a bleak outlook on Nigeria’s economic state. However, the report lacks objectivity and may inadvertently misinform readers. It is essential to present a more balanced viewpoint that takes into account the wider context, including global economic trends and challenges shared by other nations. Moreover, it is imperative to highlight the proactive measures undertaken by the current government to address these issues and the inherited economic challenges it faces. By offering a comprehensive perspective, we can better understand the complexities of Nigeria’s situation and the efforts made towards sustainable growth and stability.

    The report fails to mention that inflation is a global issue affecting many countries, not just Nigeria. By not acknowledging this, the report gives the impression that Nigeria’s inflation is an isolated problem, which is misleading. Additionally, when comparing the size of economies, it is essential to remember that they are typically valued in dollars. Therefore, individual country exchange rate policies may affect such comparisons. A country’s economic size appears smaller when its currency is devalued. For instance, a country that defends its currency might seem to be doing better economically than a country that floats its currency, although the latter may be making more sustainable long-term economic decisions.

    Labour union strikes did not start under this regime; even the previous administration experienced various strikes by numerous unions, with the ASUU strike being one of the longest. The current government should be commended for its proactive approach to addressing the demands of labour unions. However, the government and labour unions must find more effective ways to resolve disputes to prevent the economic losses caused by strikes.

    When President Tinubu’s administration took office a year ago, it inherited an economy in a comatose state. The amount used for debt servicing was already over 90% of Nigeria’s revenue, making most expenditures reliant on borrowing. This situation was unsustainable, necessitating significant economic reforms. The New York Times report overlooks that the current administration is dealing with long-standing economic issues rather than creating new ones. It is also important to recognize that high infrastructure deficits and security challenges are inherited issues that the government is actively addressing.

    Faced with an untenable economic situation, the Tinubu administration took bold decisions to remove fuel subsidies and float the naira. These measures were necessary to reduce the financial burden on the country and free up funds for critical investments in infrastructure and other sectors. While these reforms caused short-term economic shocks and hardship, they are essential for Nigeria’s long-term economic health. Many Nigerians question where the money saved from these reforms has gone. It is important to note that savings can be actual revenue saved or money that would have been borrowed but wasn’t. The removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira has reduced the need for borrowing and allowed the government to redirect funds to more productive uses.

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    The New York Times report does not highlight the government’s efforts to mitigate the hardships caused by economic reforms. To alleviate the situation, the federal government started paying ₦35,000 cash awards to federal civil servants, with various state governments following suit by paying varying amounts to their workers. Additionally, the government is about concluding a new, improved national minimum wage, with a bill about to be sent to the National Assembly. Furthermore, the government has initiated conditional cash transfers and distributed thousands of metric tonnes of assorted grains to support vulnerable households. It has also introduced a student loan scheme to enhance access to tertiary education. The Dangote refinery is scheduled to commence production of premium motor spirit by the end of July. This holds promise for alleviating the impact of fuel subsidy removal by potentially lowering the prices of PMS

    Amongst other things, the report failed to acknowledge the current government’s significant achievement in clearing the $7 billion forex backlog owed to foreign companies, a move that has boosted investor confidence.

    While Nigeria is facing economic challenges, it’s important to provide a balanced perspective that takes into account the global context, historical issues, and the current government’s efforts. The administration led by President Tinubu has taken necessary but painful steps to address long-standing economic problems. These reforms, though causing short-term hardship, are essential for Nigeria’s long-term economic stability and growth.

     • Kenechukwu Aguolu FCA,

    Abuja.

  • Nigeria improves share in $3.47b global domain registration market

    Nigeria improves share in $3.47b global domain registration market

    Nigeria’s prospect of earning more cash from global domain name registration market has improved with the country ranking second on the African continent it was gathered at the weekend.

    According to India based group, Straits Research Pvt Ltd, last year, the global domain name registrar market size was valued at $2.35 billion. It is estimated to reach $3.47 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.43per cent between 2024 and 2032. As internet penetration continues to expand globally, there is a growing demand for domain names, driving the need for domain registrar services. Emerging markets, in particular, are witnessing rapid internet adoption, fueling demand for domain registration.

    The latest Africa Domain Name Industry Study ranked Nigeria second place on the continent.

    In the latest study commissioned by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in collaboration with PowerSoft Africa, Nigeria moved up to second place in the Africa Domain Name Industry.

    Similarly, African country code Top-level Domains report shows 4.33million registrations as at November 2023 and additional 1.4 million generic top level domain registrations from African entities.

    Covering 54 countries in Africa, the ICANN report released by the Coalition for Digital Africa at ICANN80 in Kigali, Rwanda.

    , shows that high Internet access costs continue to limit widespread usage, with the average African spending about four per cent of their monthly income on 1GB of data –twice the global affordability target.

    Also, the projected average annual overall growth in the number of domain names across the continent is 12.4per cent, suggesting significant opportunities for local providers in individual country.

    On infrastructure, the report indicates Over 1.1 million kilometres of terrestrial and submarine fiber cables interconnect the continent, enhancing cross-border communications and internet access, and a significant concentration of web content and domain hosting remains within only a few countries, underscoring the need for more localized Internet service.

    For Nigeria, the report shows that “as with South Africa and Kenya, Nigeria has multiple undersea cables. The ccTLD is well run as there are now six IXPs and multiple Data Centres.

    “Nigeria’s biggest advantage is its huge population and large economy. Nigeria has the highest number of Internet users on the continent. Coming in just after Kenya on the number of ccTLD domains but ahead on gTLD domains, Nigeria also has a high score from its six IXPs.

    Speaking at the unveiling of the report, ICANN’s Interim President & amp; CEO, Sally Costerton, said in the report that shed light on the growth, challenges, and opportunities within the Domain Name System (DNS) across Africa.

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    “Building on the initial study conducted in 2016, this study provides critical insights into how the landscape has evolved and where it is headed.

    The study is an integral part of ICANN's commitment to support the growth and development of the Internet's infrastructure, namely the DNS infrastructure, in a highly dynamic region.

    It was also created in response to a request from the African community within the context of the implementation of the ICANN Africa Regional Plan for Fiscal Years 2021-2025”.

    She said that the recommendations focus on key areas such as infrastructure development, regulatory adjustments, and capacity building, which are crucial for harnessing the full potential

    of the DNS industry in Africa.

    According to recent NiRA report, the .ng domain name, Nigeria’s Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD), has crossed 215,000 registrations.

    Commenting on the report, President of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, expressed delight on Nigeria’s domain name growth trajectory.

    According to him, the report is a reflection of NiRA and other stakeholders’ efforts, particularly, the registrars, towards deepening the country’s DNS industry.

    He said: “The study that was done regarding the DNS industry in Africa and I am privy to the first edition in which Nigeria was not even in the top three. Today, we are number two in Africa. It shows that the efforts of NiRA, both past and present EBoD and the secretariat staff, alongside the registrars, our efforts are making impacts.

    “The study also shows the commitment of the registry in making sure that the best practices in the DNS industry are followed.

    “Secondly, this is a continental rating; we are not the ones praising ourselves. The message we (NiRA) has for the DNS community in Nigeria is that we do not have any other country. So, .NG is our collective passport in the digital space. From businesses, web developer community, registrars, businesses and individuals adopting .NG, we salute your efforts. “We can do more, because we are not the first yet. There are lots of grounds to cover. So, let’s push for more adoption of the .NG while we tackle all necessary challenges on the way,” Akinsanya said.

    The CEO of Smartweb Nigeria Limited, one of the NiRA registrars, Murtala Abdullahi, said the report shows increased acceptability of the .NG brand.

    He added that the country is privileged to have huge population with a lot of individuals and businesses showing interest in the .NG domain name.

    “Two years back, we have people adopting more of .com.ng, but today they are converting to.NG. We register more of the .ng than even the .com.

    “So, people are now beginning to understand the value of the .ng in terms of the optimization, SEO and other things.

    “And another factor is the exchange rate. So, it helps to boost the adoption of .ng, because in terms of price competitiveness, .com is around N20,000 while .ng is below N15,000.

    On his part, the Lead Consulting Strategist, DigitalSENSE Africa Media, and a leading voice in .NG advocacies, Sir Remmy Nweke said he was glad that efforts of both NiRA BOT and the EBoD is paying-off, stressing the need for more vanguards for the .NG adoption in the country.

    He said: “I’m excited in the sense that despite that, we are not there yet, we're making steady progress. So, it is a way of encouragement that the study came out positively for us. And I’m sure we will continue to collaborate to make sure that whatever is being done is on progressive line to make sure that even if it is next year, or in the next few years that we're going to conduct this exercise again, there must be improvements on our internet adoption, local hosting and other variables.

    “In general, .ng is our brand. So, every Nigerian is expected to buy into this dream. Get at least one domain for yourself. And then when you use it, always make time to share the stories of how you are using it. If you have issues, please report back to us (NiRA) so that it will be resolved.”

    According to the report, Google indexes a total of 44.3 million web pages under the .NG domain, significantly up from 16 million, in the year under review.

  • Nigeria’s unexplored tapestry of heritage

    Nigeria’s unexplored tapestry of heritage

    By Oluwole Ogundele

    An attempt has been made in this article to offer a perspective on the largely unexplored cultural heritage forms in Nigeria. This is with a view to promoting a better country, capable of contributing significantly to the emergence of a richer global order, defined by fine-grained service to humanity. 

    Raising profound questions from time to time, about the essence of our existence at the personal, inter-personal, and societal levels, is critical. A considerable amount of wisdom is embedded in this existential reality. Religious and political dogma has to be thoroughly tamed because it is usually at variance with the exercise of pushing back, the frontiers of knowledge. Socio-political transformations and spiritual discoveries, are ontologically unending. Therefore, it is most worrying, that Nigeria from the dawn of independence to date, has remained an untamed juggernaut, rewarding a few political class members and their cohorts, at the expense of the toiling masses-the producers of our national wealth.

    It is very appalling that most Nigerian political leaders, are regularly in cahoots with the Western world and parts of Asia. This is due to their (politicians) maximum corruption, reflecting spiritual poverty. The ugliness has always been having a drastic domino effect on all sectors of the Nigerian economy. Ayn Rand, a Russian-American philosopher of repute, said in 1957: “When you see that men get richer by graft and by pull than by work, and your laws don’t protect you against them, but protect them against you, when you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice, then you know that your society is doomed.” PBAT must begin to reset this imbalance, through the lens of cultural revolution. This should be the top priority for him, in order to succeed as president.

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    No society can experience sustainable development without an appreciation and of course, appropriation of its cultural traditions. All well-organised societies around the world, developed on the basis of distinctive cultural values. Culture is an environmental and socio-historical force that propels a country into greatness. This includes agricultural systems, culinary practices, architectural heritage, conflict management systems, burial practices, marriage systems and travels. All these categories/sub-cultures are located in the sphere of performativity. 

    Indeed, this intellectual engagement entails the generation and testing of new hypotheses. In the process, some old assumptions and practices are jettisoned or modified, whenever they constitute a clog in the wheel of progress. In other words, not every aspect of our conventional wisdom is usable today. However, a lot of people, in an undignified hurry, would find the subject of cultural pragmatism very boring and even distressing. It is submitted here, that a critical assimilation of the past, is the panacea for sustainable development in Nigeria. It is a pity, that most Nigerians are victims of smugness-an encumbrance to human progress in a myriad of ways. Most parts of the world practised human sacrifice about 5000 years ago or thereabouts. These places include Egypt, China, Iraq (formerly called Mesopotamia), Britain and Denmark. For instance, the tombs of 1st Dynasty pharaohs were surrounded by graves of their domestic workers or courtiers.

    Most of these societies evolved from savagery/barbarism into civilization. Only a few human societies remain in the dark up to now, understandably because they refuse to raise foundational questions, about their cultural practices within the framework of performativity and by extension, progress. A lot of ancient Nigerians had some considerable knowledge and understanding of the interlink between science, technology and religion, with a special emphasis on iron metallurgy and good governance. That was the secret about their generally unacknowledged intellectual contributions to global civilization.

    Despite the numerous challenges arising from our colonial encounters, Nigerians can still begin to regain their lost self-confidence. Any human being without self-confidence or self-esteem, is like a log of wood. In consonance with a popular Yoruba proverb, “today’s Nigerians are eating food that has no palm oil, even though there is more than enough of it in the kitchen.” In this regard, palm oil stands for our abundant natural and cultural heritage resources. These resources have to be appreciated beyond the scope of cosmetic exercise. There is no harm in showcasing facets of our local dances and music during cultural festivals. But much more attention has to be paid to the material heritage, with a view to translating aspects of it to scientific and technological products for improving the human condition. This is in addition, to engendering the highest cultural standards for politics and by extension, human progress.

     The various Nigerian divinities are deep-rooted in spirituality. Our ancestors during the pre-colonial and early colonial times, used these deities to reduce corruption and power-drunkenness to the barest minimum. That is to say, that deities were used as social control mechanisms among other things. After swearing with the Bible or Koran on assumption of duty, our leaders (with a few exceptions) begin to loot the collective treasury. No factories are established to reduce the unemployment rate and poverty. Consequently, insecurity becomes an untamable monster. Painfully, the causes of material poverty are gullibly explained by the traumatised/dehumanised Nigerians, as the handiwork of witches, as opposed to leadership failure. We must hold our leaders accountable! For goodness sake, let us leave witches and wizards alone! 

    Unsophistication has become fully embedded in the daily life of an average Nigerian.  Not unexpectedly, many religious centres are having a field day, in a society that has its texture woven with threads of monumental ignorance or superstition.

    Our leaders have to begin to take oaths with local divinities. This is with reference to Ogun (Yoruba god of warfare and metals) and Amadiora (Igbo god of thunder and lightning). Each of these divinities is no respecter of persons. Politicians cannot bribe them. Corrupt public office holders are worse than armed robbers. In actuality, they are a glorified brand of the Boko Haram organisation, whose activities are poisonous to the hearts and souls of innocent Nigerians. Let us allow our gods to deal with them decisively. Most politicians are a personification of insane corruption-Nigeria’s deadliest enemy.

    It is time to begin to explore the applied knowledge dimension of our heritage resources in order to move forward. The president, National Assembly members, state governors, ministers, directors-general and ambassadors should stop swearing with the Holy Bible or Koran. Nemesis through this lens is too slow. African religions have no time to waste with gluttonous, thieving public officers, no matter how smart they may be.

    In addition, we should re-configure the Yoruba “juju” called Apeepa, in order to promote modern communication systems, instead of using it (knowledge system) to kill an imaginary or real enemy, even in a country as far afield as Australia. The phones we use today, were/are products of creativity and engineering by fellow humans, not some ghosts. This revolutionary transformation is possible in Nigeria, in the face of strong determination of the critical stakeholders. In this context, healthy collaboration of the government with local scientists, technologists, and cultural resource management experts, is a task that must be done.

    •Prof Ogundele is of Dept. of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Ibadan.

  • Nigeria ‘ll soon overcome challenges — Oyebanji

    Nigeria ‘ll soon overcome challenges — Oyebanji

    Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji has expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome current challenges, urging Nigerians not to relent in their prayers.

    The Governor stated this in a goodwill message by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode to congratulate the Muslim Ummah for witnessing this year’s Eid-el- Kabir Festival

    Oyebanji urged the Muslim pilgrims performing this year’s Hajj to use the opportunity of their presence in the holy land to pray for peace, progress and prosperity of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

    He also urged Muslims to imbibe the lessons of love and sacrifice which the season symbolizes as they celebrate.

    He charged them on the need to reflect on the significance of the sacrifice epitomized by the festival as well as promote the virtues of Islam.

    The Governor urged the faithful to learn from Prophet Ibrahim who surrendered to the will of the Almighty Allah by sacrificing his son Ishmael based on Allah’s injunction.

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    He said Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience, which was a test of faith, turned what was thought to be a loss to a great gain noting that sacrifices, when done in good faith, produces positive results.

    Oyebanji appreciated the Muslims in the state for the unalloyed support given to his administration through fervent prayer, counsels and solidarity which he said he would not take for granted. He also thanked them for living in peace and harmony with other adherents of other religions, thereby making the state one of the most peaceful states to live and work.

    The Governor promised to continue to carry the Muslim Community along as he does with other stakeholders in the bid to make Ekiti an enviable state in key sectors and a land of shared prosperity where everyone can find fulfilment.

    “As we celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, it is my sincere wish that we celebrate in moderation, reflect on the lessons of the Eid-el-Kabir festival, show love to one another, work and pray for the greater level of prosperity for our dear state and country. May God accept our worship as an act of ‘Ibadah. Happy Sallah,” the statement reads.

  • Why we must protect Nigeria’s democracy, Obasa, Fashola, others

    Why we must protect Nigeria’s democracy, Obasa, Fashola, others

    Despite its challenges, democracy in Nigeria must be protected by every citizen.

    The advice was given by the speakers at an event to commemorate the country’s 25 years of unbroken democratic governance, organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; former governor of Lagos, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; foreign diplomats, and business experts argued on Wednesday evening that democracy has benefitted Nigeria since 1999 when the country began its Fourth Republic.

    Others who spoke at the event include Prof. Eghosa Osaghae of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs; Dr. Muda Yusuf, former chairman of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce; and Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

    Obasa said Nigeria deserved to celebrate because, in the last 25 years, the country has successfully transferred power from one administration to another, and upheld the principles of representation, accountability, and the rule of law.

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    “Our democracy has endured despite challenges and setbacks. We have faced elections, protests, and debates, but our commitment to democracy has remained unwavering.

    “We have demonstrated that democracy is not a destination but a journey, and we are proud to be on this path. We must continue to guard it jealously, for it is the foundation upon which the fabric of our nation’s progress is built.

    “We must continue to promote democratic values, protect human rights, and ensure that our democracy remains perpetually unbroken,” the Speaker said while recalling the struggle and sacrifice made by well-meaning Nigerians during the struggle for democracy.

    Also speaking, former governor of Lagos, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said 25 years of democracy had provided an opportunity for effective representation of the people as well as freedom to make laws.

    Urging Nigerians to hold on to democracy very jealously, he argued that the federal system practiced in Nigeria remained important to the country’s growth.

    “For those who are understandably impatient with democracy, I hear them. It can be a tedious way to govern. There is no better way to order our affairs. I will not trade the liberties it offers for anything else.”

    The Consul General of the French Embassy in Lagos, Laurent Favier, while congratulating Nigeria, said “Democracy is not a state of perfection but something people have to fight for at all times. It is a political structure that must be deepened.”

    He expressed satisfaction with how democracy in Nigeria has ensured freedom just as he urged the country not to relent in making citizens happy.

    On the other hand, Weert Börner, Consul General of Germany, said his country with 16 states, practices the same federal system as Nigeria adding that this results in healthy competition.

    Consul General of the Embassy of Italy, Ugo Boni assured that the government of his country will continue to be a trustworthy companion of Nigeria while the British Deputy High Commissioner, Lagos, Jonny Baxter, said: “In these challenging times, it is important that we support each other in our shared commitment to democracy.”

  • Democratic concussions in Nigeria’s post-military polity

    Democratic concussions in Nigeria’s post-military polity

    On June 12, 1993, the entire Nigerian populace rose as one to vote out their military tormentors through the instrumentality of an unlikely hero of democracy, a bosom crony of the military oligarchy and one of its most favoured contractors and plutocratic wheeler-dealers, MKO Abiola. At first glance, the whole thing didn’t make much sense.

       It looked like one of those grand spectacles of deception and camouflage long favoured by the military authorities in their protracted battle of will and wits with the Nigerian political society. It was a battle that had assumed an urgent and frantic tone in the previous five years as General Ibrahim Babangida, the most gifted strategist and political playmaker thrown up by the military inquisition in Nigeria, set about banning, unbanning and banning all over again the most endowed members of the political class in a war of attrition which shook the entire nation to its very foundation and left the politicians gasping for breath.

    And then when there appeared to be some dull rays of light at the end of the long tunnel, one of the military’s own, a man who owed his vast riches and octopus-like political influence to the military institution dramatically stepped forward and began cocking a snook at the same military institution insisting vehemently and vociferously that they must depart at once and without much ado, too. It just didn’t add up. There must be a monstrous sting at the end of the tail.

      Such was the metaphysical import of the day, June 12, 1993 for Nigeria and the entire Black race in general that not a single drop of rainfall was recorded anywhere in the country on the day. Lawrence O’Brien, the American Charge d’affaires in Abuja who was monitoring the intriguing power play and ominous development for his bosses back home, issued a terse diplomatic cable that noted that America would frown at any attempt by the military junta to postpone or abort the election under whatever guise. This was after the government through its numerous agents obtained a midnight injunction from an Abuja court under Justice Bassey Ikpeme which outlawed the holding of the election.

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       For his pains and for daring to interfere with what was regarded as Nigeria’s internal affairs, O’Brien was summarily expelled from the country. In the event, the election held without any major incident throughout the country and was adjudged by local and international observers to have been decisively won by Abiola . A tense face-off ensued between the military and the Nigerian electorate eagerly awaiting the endorsement and ratification of Abiola’s election.

       But this was not to be. After about a week and a half of testing the resolve of the people of Nigeria and the balance of forces, the military annulled the election. It was the greatest electoral catastrophe to have befallen Nigeria both in its colonial and postcolonial history. The ensuing crisis snowballed into a low-intensity warfare which subsisted for another five years until the military withdrew to their barracks.

     Nigeria will never be the same again. Last Wednesday as the presidential state dinner for democracy heroes got underway in Abuja, argumentative rumblings and polite recriminations about who did what and who betrayed who during the struggle to rid Nigeria of military autocracy coursed through the genteel and sedate ambience of the Banquet Hall.

       Looking back in a final gaze across the chasm of the quick and the dead, one can only surmise at the difference an Abiola presidency would have made to Nigeria. Such was the enthusiasm generated by Abiola’s electoral triumph and the man’s reputation for bucolic and unaffected empathy for the poor as well as his compassionate nous that the price of rice fell throughout the country within twenty four hours of his “unofficial” election. Nigeria was stirring in a ritual of hope, renewal and regeneration. It was not to be.

       Last year exactly thirty years after the June 12 debacle and as if to complete the aborted cycle of hope, an Abiola acolyte and disciple and an unwavering hero of the unstinting struggle of progressive elements for the democratic redemption of the nation came to power after a bitterly contested election marked by inflammatory rhetoric, divisive campaigns and ethnic grandstanding of the most deplorable hue. Bola Ahmed Tinubu romped home against all odds and puerile projections.

       It is a momentous irony that fate and fortunes have not cut Tinubu the same slack as an Abiola’s putative presidency. But only those who have not studied history well enough to appreciate its twists and turns will be baffled by this development. To start with history does not follow a straight, geometric path.

     Second and more importantly as this column constantly avers following the Heraclitean dictum, you cannot step into the same river twice. Thirty years are more than enough time for incalculable damage to be done to the fabric of a nation however strong and durable by political termites and other historic grave diggers. President Tinubu will do well to hold this incontrovertible fact to heart as he sets about consolidating his presidency and laying the foundation for a more perfect multi-ethnic union.

      Nigeria has never in its history been this bitterly divided and badly polarized. Ethnic revanchists, religious chauvinists, regional hegemonists and freewheeling economic terrorists are up in arms and on rampage. The disparities between the haves and the have-nots have assumed a staggering and disproportionate proportion. 

     The disposable income available to the filthy poor and the obscenely rich with access to state loot is so callous and cruel that it has become a national and international scandal which has turned the nation into an object of scorn and ridicule in global circuits. These economic inequities have in turn spawned industrial unrest on an industrial scale. Never in the colonial and postcolonial history of the nation has the state been more vulnerable to non-state actors.

       It is a known fact that President Tinubu inherited a parlous economy and if the outlandish facts emerging from the rubble of General Buhari’s reputational edifice are anything to be believed, it simply means the general from Daura and his cronies took the nation to the cleaners before repairing. It is also a known fact that that the languid and lackadaisical former infantry officer and his ethnic cohorts did enough damage to the management of ethnic and cultural diversities of a fragile nation to last a generation.

      As a consequence of this, the polity is roiling in bitterness and acrimony and the Tinubu administration is jolted by continuous concussions ever since its advent. Last Wednesday, the convulsive upheavals seemed to have peaked as Tinubu took a stumble and fell on the podium of democracy like a martyr. His detractors and die-hard adversaries pounced on this with relish. Within minutes, the social media was awash with images of the now famous tumble with many hinting at a more sinister denouement.

       Although he got up, quickly recovered his poise and was able to take the parade including the drive around the entire stadium without being aided or assisted in whatever form, this did not deter his political assailants. A baleful fellow called the columnist hours later to ask whether the president had “stabilized” and he got such a severe tongue-lashing that he vowed never to get in touch again. Even while the parade was going on, there were clusters of protests by people either bemoaning the pervasive hunger in the land or demanding for minimum wage.

      Nigeria has never felt more fractious and combustible than this moment. It is a totally different conjuncture from 1993 which in retrospect looks like the Age of Innocence despite the subsisting horrors of the civil war and the vicissitudes of military autocracy. The mood of the nation is foul and there is a roiling distemper everywhere. Enemy nationals abounds.  The National Question has returned to the front burner. Only sound and durable economic policies can supplant it from its pole position.

      As he sets about consolidating his economic, political and cultural legacies, President Tinubu should avoid a tendency to impetuous and off-hand pronouncements which could lead to dire consequences for the economy and the polity as a whole. These are not the most auspicious of times to test the will of a fractious and combustible populace already tottering at the edge of despair and despondency.

     It cannot be said by any stretch of the imagination that the president is a left-leaning economic radical. But he should avoid a sharp lurch to rightwing social engineering which can bring him into conflict and direct collision course with his naturally progressive political constituency. It is a fallacy of economic thinking to conclude that compassionate redistribution of wealth and privileges is in fundamental contradiction with capital accumulation. In most forward-looking nations run by a visionary elite both run hand in hand in the interest of social harmony and national cohesion.

      President Tinubu has demonstrated courage and calm fortitude in his refusal to be fazed by Nigeria’s gargantuan economic mess. But this must not be allowed to conjoin with a growing perception that the government treats economic miscreants with a kid’s gloves. This is bound to backfire at some point with the possibility of snowballing into active disquiet and massive unrest.

      Economics of social disruption must not be added to the crushing burden of fractious and inflammable multi-ethnic nations seething with tension and mutual distrust. When he was asked why he always chose poor countries with weak social fabric to impose the harsh regimen of structural adjustment, Milton Friedman, the archpriest of market fundamentalism, retorted that it was because no economic breakthrough can be achieved without some chaos and momentous social dislocation. This is the rupture that accompanies new births and historical transition with its pangs and traumatic pains.

       Although no historic progress is completely painless, developing African nations must seek a more humane transition as an alternative path to fast-tracked development in contradistinction to the ruthless acquisition and bloody-mindedness which characterized Europe and North America in an earlier phase of their civilization. Organic nations which have taken centuries to build up can withstand the stress and strain of creative destruction better than plastic, multi-ethnic colonial nations still striving to achieve authenticity and cohesive identity.

      With its prodigious human and natural endowments, Nigeria can take the lead in this new vision of a more compassionate and humane society. If it does not, this column dares to wager that it will become very vulnerable to centrifugal forces in the coming epoch. This is the symbolic import of the famous stumble at the Eagles Square in Abuja last Wednesday. It is a mystical sign to get up and go. Falling and rising is an integral part of the equation of growth and development.