The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria

  • Let the Big Brother Nigeria show be!

    Let the Big Brother Nigeria show be!

    Sir: Like the metaphorical tree that gets stoned every time it bears fruit by the good, the bad and the ugly, the Big Brother Nigeria show comes under fire from Nigerians who point out all the reasons young people shouldn’t watch the show. The government has been requested to outrightly ban the show from airing on national television for one specific reason: moral decadence. It is obvious that the show has attracted those who want to criticize it without considering the positive social impact it could have. I believe a shift in emphasis toward the show’s positive effects is long overdue.

    The Big Brother Nigeria television show is an informational program. It is not only intended to entertain the audience, but it is also intended to provide vital information necessary for navigating life and society, as well as to educate the audience on important life issues. The weekly wager tasks, arena games, Head of House challenges, sponsorship challenges, guest appearances, and special events that comprise most of the reality show not only provide the ideal opportunity for housemates to showcase their talents and anything within their coffers, but also add to the excitement generated by the show. Housemates are expected to pool their skills and talents to complete these tasks, either as a team or individually.  They must also use their creativity, physical endurance, and mental prowess in tandem with cognitive and critical thinking and develop various strategies to win these challenges.

    The question we must ask ourselves is: If we were given the chance to be housemates like those in the show, would we be able to entertain the audience differently from other housemates?

    Do we really have anything to add to the show that hasn’t been shown in previous seasons? Drunken revelry, total disrespect for oneself and others, an inability to feel shame and embarrassment, bad behavior and toxicity, the inability to live and coexist peacefully amongst ourselves, the inability to hold different opinions and perspectives on a particular discourse without it degenerating into an exchange of words and insults, with a lack of decorum and no thought for posterity.

    All these are the obvious vices we see in the show. However, behind these vices and hidden underneath this display of lack of values is the fact that what we see in the show is a typical reflection of our present society. This moral decadence, the loss of all the values that made us who we are, and the subtle degeneration of our society to get rich quick syndrome, explains why people all over the country are looking for any way to get into the big brother house, because being in the big brother house automatically translates into wealth and fame, whether deserved or not.

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    Contrary to popular opinion, I do not believe that canceling the show is the best solution. If we all agree that the show is a wake-up call to what our society has become and has the potential to reform society, then we must ensure that the right people who can model the values we wish to see in society attend the show.

    The show’s organizers must revise their selection criteria to emphasize excellence and merit over mediocrity and arrogant ignorance. Selection criteria should no longer be based on how people are willing to let go of their shame and value just to impress a viewing public, but it must be on how long people are willing to hold on to their values in other to be better role models and excellent representation of the Nigerian society.

    We must collectively demand that the organizers provide us with housemates with the right talents and skill set, candidates who have great business acumen, great leadership skills and evidence to support them, and people with good sportsmanship so that every task and sponsorship challenge does not devolve into a loud shouting match. The organizers must ensure that these housemates are knowledgeable of national affairs so that the viewing audience, especially the children, are not insulted by the display of proud ignorance.

    Even the Big Brother House needs to reflect the dignity represented by the horses on the Nigerian coat of arms. Every individual taking up a spot in the big brother’s house must be deserving of the position. The entire show must represent the highest standards possible, a gathering of the best of the best, so that the values we want to see in our society can be perfectly modelled.

    •Adaora Emehel,

    Nazarbayev University,

    Astana Kazakhstan.

  • Nigeria @ 63; ‘maintenance’; ‘no plea bargaining’

    Nigeria @ 63; ‘maintenance’; ‘no plea bargaining’

    As we celebrate the 63rd year of Independence remember that the people of Nigeria have a much older history- good, bad, oppressive and being oppressed. Some countries reject their independence day from colonisation and celebrate earlier historical references even changing their colonial name. We should remember those Nigerians whose actions have held us back and pray and work so we get back on track to changing our country into a great nation. Citizens do not flee from great nations. We will know we are a great nation when we have 24/7 power 60-100MW, generators fall silent, foreigners visit, japaed Nigerians return from abroad, our sports heroes train in Nigeria and the tide of death-risking illegal migrants stops while tourism to  Nigeria swells to a tsunami.  

    The deliberate abandonment of history in school, has largely suppressed our past glory and even the gory from our memory, conversation and education coursework. This suppression of history, first colonial, then reversed by know-your-history early post-colonial reactionary political leadership and then suppressed again by the military coup policies, have caused an identity crisis. ‘If you do not know where you are coming from, how do you expect to know where you are going?’ History is ‘His story’ + ‘her story’= ‘Our story’. Without a story, what are we? ’Who are you?’ History is not always palatable. All people and nations have stories best kept secret.  

    Beyond our varied history, Nigeria faces leadership and followership corruption from dirt poor to filthy rich life. Sadly, the anti-corruption organs charged with stopping corruption have failed to reach expected successful prosecution rates. The absence of early warning preventive measures like financial alarms triggered by small thefts to alert anti-corruption organs like the Police, EFCC and ICPC is a major problem similar to refusing to put measuring devices on Nigeria’s oil pumps. Nigerians are angered by absence of deterrents or no early capture of corruption criminals while their crimes are in infancy. No spotlights or close monitoring or close marking of ‘potentially corrupt officers’ in ‘financially juicy offices’ to frighten them into honesty. It is only when most culprits leave office that they are discovered to have links to sometimes N100b theft each, cumulatively amounting to trillions of naira losses from budgets.

    Imagine if that money had never been stolen across the governance structure! We would have had the positive effect of affording more humane salary and pension expectations especially when compared to the embarrassing bloated political salary, perks and support structure costs which should be cut by 75%! That stolen money would have given us 21st Century electricity, schools, universities, hospitals, roads, travel and transport. Modernising our ports, railways would have been accomplished years earlier without strangulating foreign loan repayment rates.

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    Politicians should never have been allowed to think that they had power to ‘give or refuse’ books, classrooms, laboratories, desks, chairs, salaries, pensions, culverts, pothole filling, bridges or rubbish clearance or make them worthy of press coverage. They should never have dared to wildly celebrate their responsibility to spend the citizens’ budgets on the citizens’ needs including scholarships, bursaries, development training courses et cetera which were standard in the 60-70s but have been denied to today’s youth with the money diverted. Remember the names of governors who reduced workers’ rights to salaries or pensions? In private business that is prosecutable theft and breach of contract. Without punishment evil continues, forcing subsequent governments to pay the inherited debt burden.

    What the totality of money stolen from budgets could have done developmentally for Nigeria ‘I cannot tell it all’ but I can shout ‘we have suffered Oh’ and ‘Enough is enough’. At 63, our development has been stunted by colonisers followed by uncaring milito-political class, especially at governor/state level, supported by a criminal cohort from all professions and society strata.

    Now instead of getting this corruption money back, we hear of plea bargaining. Did they plea bargain with us when they stole our budgets aka development funds? So why should we plea bargain to get 10-20% of our 100%? It is also corruption by plea bargaining agencies if they fail to retrieve 100% +interest from criminals. ‘All we are saying…get all our money back!’  SECRET PLEA BARGAINING CAN BE CORRUPTED & MUST BE ‘OPEN PLEA BARGAINING’ IN PUBLIC. Emefiele is being offered a plea bargain. Nigeria and Nigerians must not lose their money to corruption twice. STOP PLEA BARGAINING IN NIGERIA FOR NOW!

    Corruption is in thought, word and deed causing a cancer reducing societal survival. People die! CORRUPTION KILLS BRAINS, BODIES AND ESPECIALLY BABIES IN THOUSANDS PER N100M. PERIOD!

    The cost of development has been hyper-inflated by corruption, cutting kilometres built and quality and buildings quantity and quality across the social spectrum. This reduces Sustainable Developmental Goal scoring by Nigerian budgets.

    Dirt is a social and medical enemy of development combated by an inherited colonial  ‘MAINTENANCE CULTURE’ making small budgets stretch, filling potholes and making toilets, offices and clinics  cleaner, safer and more hygienic, allowing them to be used for longer with improving the work experience. Visit ministries to see holes in ceilings and dilapidated chairs cutting into walls and with torn fabric with protruding foam and dirty corridor and office walls and stairwells where hands, heads, feet and chair-backs have marked walls. Just paint please! Maintenance oils the development wheel. Without maintenance, we move backward. Nigeria can be poor but clean or rich and dirty. Our choice.

  • ‘Explore Nigeria’s opportunities’

    ‘Explore Nigeria’s opportunities’

    Special Adviser to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Security, Ben Chiobi, has advised youths to resist the ‘japa syndrome’ and explore opportunities in the country.

    He said opportunities of making money in Nigeria, particularly in the Southeast, were more than what obtained in Western countries.

    Chiobi spoke in Awka, Anambra State capital, at the 2023 edition of The Pivot Conference, with the theme: ‘From Challenges to Opportunities: Unveiling the Potentials in Southeast Nigeria through Social Innovation.’

    He advised youths to avail themselves of opportunities for mentoring, saying the only way to succeed in the ICT generation was to be creative and not be a copycat. 

    One of the resource persons and the Chief Executive Officer, Selecom Ltd, Precious Obimdi, lamented that Nigerian system was designed to frustrate younger entrepreneurs from thriving in businesses. 

    He identified partnerships with governments, agencies and bigger establishments as ways of staying afloat and making impact on human lives.

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    A banking expert, Tochukwu Nwokediuko, said over 65 per cent of businesses scarcely survived first three years in Nigeria due to lack of access to funding and credit facilities, planning and poor financial literacy among business owners.

    A technology expert and Managing Director of Anambra State ICT Agency, Fred Agbata, said opportunities abound in the ICT sector, but noted that without innovative spirit, teamwork and partnership, success in business would be difficult.

    Speaking about ‘Fostering Youth-led Impact Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Growth,’ the Regional Coordinator, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mrs. Chito Onuzulike, an engineer; said SMEs were crucial component of the economy. 

    Pivot Executive Director, Ifedi Eze, a lawyer; said the past half-decade had been bedevilled by socio-economic problems, with negative impact on economic indices.

  • 14.3% of Nigeria’s population using drugs dangerous, says UNODC

    14.3% of Nigeria’s population using drugs dangerous, says UNODC

    The United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned that with 14.3 per cent of Nigeria’s estimated 200 million citizens involved in drug and substance abuse, the nation is sitting on a time bomb.

    The global agency called for development of policies that would address the situation.

    It advised that people with drug disorder brought under the criminal justice system should be treated rather than sent to prison.

    UNODC’s Project Officer, Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, stated this during a capacity building training for operatives of Kaduna Bureau of Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (KADBUSA) yesterday in Kaduna.

    Ibanga said 14.3 per cent of Nigerians have used drugs in the past years.

    He added: “Now, that is three times more the global average. We have a serious drugs problem on our hands.

    “The Nigerian situation is peculiar because it has the drugs problem. Again, it doesn’t have enough treatment facilities to handle the issues of people that have drugs disorder.

    “This date is even 2018 data. From that time till date, the number of people using drugs has probably increased. From projections from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNODC is that there would be 40 per cent increase in drug use by 2030 in Africa, and Nigeria brings the most populous country in Africa. That means it will have most of the number.

    “So, we are saying that we are sitting on a time bomb because comes 2030, we are talking about 20 per cent prevalence. That is, one in every five people you meet on the street.

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    “There are certain things we can do to avert this. UNODC has evolved certain responses and developed certain models. We are hoping that these models can be run by both national and state governments.

    “There is also a need for us to develop more policies that will address the situation. There is a need for us to look for alternatives to persuasion so that for people with drug disorder that come in contact with criminal justice system, it is better to treat them than to send them to prison.

    “So, there are several things that we have on the ground that is evidence-based. There is a need for us to adopt them and spread them out nationally,” he said.

    KADBUSA’s Director General Joseph Ike said the training was in alignment with Governor Uba Sani’s administration’s agenda.

    The agenda, he said, emphasises human capital development and citizens’ engagement.

  • ‘Let’s build brighter future for Nigeria’

    ‘Let’s build brighter future for Nigeria’

    Olorunda Local Council Development Area Chairman Samson Folorusho, has urged Nigerians to unite in building a brighter future for the country.

    Folorunsho, in his Independence Day message, said Nigerians should rededicate their energies towards nation building.

    “Let us use this Independence Day as a moment of reflection and renewal. Let us recommit ourselves to the principles that have carried us through 63 years of independence and pledge to work together to build a brighter future for Nigeria,” he said.

    He said the milestone should remind Nigerians of the remarkable journey they had undertaken since gaining independence.

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    His words: “It is a testament to our collective strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit in the face of challenges, Our diversity is our strength, and together, we have shown the world the power of unity in diversity.

    “In Olorunda LCDA, we are committed to fostering development, unity, and progress among our residents. Our shared vision is one of prosperity, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.”

    “As we look to the future, let us remember the principles of freedom, justice, and equality that have guided us since the beginning. These ideals remain the bedrock of our nation, and it is our duty to uphold them in all that we do.”

  • ‘Our country needs better direction’

    ‘Our country needs better direction’

    There is still much to be done to make Nigeria enjoyable for Nigerians, social commentator and leader of ‘Rescue the Vulnerable Initiative, Oluwadare Faduri, has said.

     Faduri urged President Bola Tinubu to act fast and rescue Nigeria from doom. According to him, Nigeria is in a terrible state, and so all hand must be on deck to rectify the situation.

     He said: “The state of our nation is bad, plagued by insecurity, joblessness and the likes. It’s nothing to write home about, even when we should be celebrating 63 years of progress.

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     “We therefore appeal to President Bola Tinubu and his government that there is so much to be done. We cannot continue to sit on gunpowder; it will soon explode. The government needs to see how we can rewrite our history and go back to where we missed it. Put in all it takes to ensure that our refineries are working.

    “We must return to agriculture. The government must engage in agriculture before encouraging the people to do same. We must prioritise education and avoid indiscriminate increment in fees. Our security forces should be well paid, cared for and well equipped to combat insecurity. They have what it takes if and only the government gives them the necessary support.

     “Nigeria will be great again.”

  • Kyari: Nigeria wilI be lead exporter of agric produce

    Kyari: Nigeria wilI be lead exporter of agric produce

    Nigeria will again become a leading exporter of agricultural produce, as it was in 1960s and 1970s, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari has said.

     Speaking as the nation turns 63, Kyari stressed the ministry’s resolve to restore its lost agricultural glory.

     The minister, in a statement, assured the nation will soon overcome its food insecurity challenges.   He acknowledged the contribution of smallholder farmers, who play a pivotal role in production of food.

     Kyari noted that the government is implementing policies and programmes to enhance farmers’ productivity.

     Kyari emphasised the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for  women farmers to increase their production and improve their well-being.

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     “We recognise and appreciate the contribution of small rural women to our national food production”, he said.

     He called on organised labour and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reconsidertheir plan for an indefinite nationwide strike today. 

    He highlighted the negative consequences of such a strike on the situation and calls for a collaboration to address workers’ welfare concerns.

  • ‘Traditional throne, Christendom can work for Nigeria’s growth’

    ‘Traditional throne, Christendom can work for Nigeria’s growth’

    Olu of Warri, Ògíame` Atúwàtse  III, has  said traditional thrones and Christendom  can contribute to growth and development of the country.

     The monarch, who spoke when he received the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, in Warri, said conflict between the traditional thrones and Christendom is not true.

     In a statement  by the Olu’s Media Consultant, Adeniyi Ifetayo, the monarch debunked the assumption that traditional institutions were synonymous with superstition and worship of creations made by human hands and reasoning.

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     The Olu said the Soun’s choice of Warri as his first choice of visit was divinely directed, just as his choice for the throne.

    He said they owe it to God to lead to the benefit of their people, especially against the fast-changing technology world.

     The Soun advocated adoption of “Cultural Diplomacy for Development” to transform traditional institutions into impactful partners in the quest for growth and  development for the people.

    “Ògíame and I are destined to lead in using what  I  have termed Cultural Diplomacy for Development to transform our traditional institutions into impactful partners in the quest for growth and development for our people. 

    “We and others who discern this virtue can see how it will attract economic progress to your people…’’

  • Celebrating 63 years of resilience and progress

    Celebrating 63 years of resilience and progress

    Sir: On Sunday, Nigeria marked its 63rd anniversary. It was an opportune moment to reflect on the nation’s journey, achievements, and challenges. Since gaining independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, Nigeria has experienced significant transformation, yet remains a nation with boundless potential.

    Nigeria’s history is a tapestry of diverse cultures, languages, and ethnicities. The amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914 laid the foundation for a united Nigeria. However, it also sowed the seeds of ethnic and regional divisions that persist today. The struggle for independence was marked by the contributions of leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello, who envisioned a united, self-reliant nation.

    October 1, 1960, marked a turning point as Nigeria achieved independence. The euphoria of self-rule was soon followed by challenges. Political instability, ethnic tensions, and a civil war from 1967 to 1970 tested the nation’s resilience. The eventual reunification of Nigeria underlines the determination of its people to overcome adversity.

    Nigeria’s economy has witnessed significant growth, primarily driven by its vast reserves of oil. The oil boom of the 1970s brought new found wealth, but also issues of corruption and resource mismanagement. Today, Nigeria stands as one of Africa’s largest economies, diversifying beyond oil into sectors like telecommunications, agriculture, and fintech.

    Despite progress, Nigeria faces numerous challenges. Corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and political instability persist. However, the nation has made strides in education, healthcare, and technology.

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    Nigeria’s cultural diversity is a source of strength and unity. With over 250 ethnic groups and multiple languages, it is a microcosm of Africa’s rich cultural tapestry. Nigerian music, literature, and art have gained international recognition, showcasing the nation’s creative prowess.

    Nigeria’s youth represent its greatest asset. With a large and dynamic young population, the nation has become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Tech startups like Andela, Flutterwave, and Paystack have gained global prominence.

    As Nigeria looks ahead to the future, there are pressing issues to address. Strengthening governance, curbing corruption, and investing in infrastructure are paramount. Moreover, fostering unity among its diverse populace is essential for national cohesion.

     Nigeria’s 63rd anniversary is not just a milestone but an opportunity to celebrate its resilience, culture, and achievements. While challenges remain, the nation’s journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people. With determination and unity, Nigeria can continue to progress and fulfil its immense potential on the global stage.

    • Akinola Ayobami Steven, akinolaa61@gmail.com
  • Nigeria’s Nkem makes All-Star Team at FIBA Youth Camp

    Nigeria’s Nkem makes All-Star Team at FIBA Youth Camp

    Nigeria’s sole representative at the FIBA Africa All-girls Regional Youth Camp in Rwanda, Oyoko Nkem has been listed among the five-man All-Star team confirmed at the exercise in Kigali.

    Also, Malian youngster Suzane Dembele was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) leading the likes of Nkem and three others who made the All-Star team.

    The camp brought together 45 U16 girls from 15 countries under the guidance of 15 coaches over three days of intense action.

    Dembele, who was part of Mali’s squad that won the FIBA Africa U16 women’s title, the eighth for the country, on July 22, was joined on the all-star team by compatriot Couda Keita.  Also, Egypt’s Malak Ahmed Ibrahim who was a joy to watch in the all-star match, clinching the titles of the best 3-point shooter and highest scorer of the camp as well as South Africa’s Reatlegile Taukobong and Nkem completed the all-star team.

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    Speaking on the sidelines of the camp, former Ivorian  international Christelle N’Garsanet, currently coaching the Florida International University team, and who was part of the experts brought in to help run the camp termed the experience as great.

    This marked the end of a successful third edition of these camps. In the inaugural edition, 35 countries were invited with 45 girls and 90 boys participating in the three camps held in Nairobi, Kenya, Saly, Senegal and Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire.

    The second edition assumed a similar format as the first, where the boys’ and girls’ camps run concurrently in one venue.

    60 players per gender were involved from 35 invited countries. The Youth players gathered in Tana, Madagascar, Saly, Senegal and Casablanca, Morocco.

    The third edition assumed a slightly different format with a boys’ camp held in Bamako while the girls’ camp was hosted in Kigali with 55 and 45 participants respectively.