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Tag: Nigeria

  • ‘Be patient with Nigeria’

    ‘Be patient with Nigeria’

    The former Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Solid Minerals, Tertiary Education, Science,

    Innovation and ICT, and founder, The Sally Mbanefo Foundation (TSM), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo (Nee Uwechue), has charged Nigerian youths wishing to seek greener pastures in foreign lands to perish the idea. She said Nigerian youths could achieve their best dreams, shape themselves to reflect their tastes and make a brighter future without leaving the shores of the country.

    Mbanefo, who spoke at the Young Lives Matter…I no go Japa campaign organised by The Sally Mbanefo Foundation in Lagos, urged hundreds of youths at the campaign ground to join in the patriotic work of rebuilding the nation. This, she said, is the sustainable path. 

    “Today, I call upon all the youths who are on the verge of japa-ing (leaving) Nigeria to perish that thought. You can still achieve your best dreams, shaping them to reflect your tastes, as you can still put your best hands on the tools of history and make a brighter future. I believe that in today’s Nigeria, there is a new energy to unleash and harness your potentials, new jobs and wealth to be created, new schools to be built by the strength and can do spirit of our resilient youths.

    The road to the success of the youth of our nation has often been painful and arduous. So, we know we may not accomplish all our targets in one year, or even four, but I have never been hopeful than I am today that the hard working but undeserved youth of Nigeria will succeed beyond measure.

    “There may be setbacks and false starts. And there are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy that our foundation makes, for we know that no foundation can solve every problem. Nevertheless, we also know the challenges that our youth currently face. We will listen to the youth and above all, we will ask all of you to join in this patriotic work of remaking our nation, the only way it has been done in other successful nations, a step by step with determination, courage and hard work- no instant gratification but delayed gratification, work now and play later. There is no other way. This is the sustainable path,” she said.

    Read Also:100 days: Tinubu will reset Nigeria, APC assures citizens

    The former Director-General Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) observed that Nigerian youth has never been so challenged, facing a bleak future with little hope as they are today. She however urged the youth to summon a new spirit of patriotism, service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in, work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other.

    “Let us remember that if the present economic crisis facing our beloved country has taught us anything, it is that we cannot have a safe and healthy middle class, if the poor are suffering. In this country, we all rise and fall as one nation- as one people,” she added.

    Reassuring the youth drawn from many local government areas of a greater Nigeria, Mbanefo said that ‘to our youths whose hope are shattered, we will restore your hope. To our youths who long for peace, stability and job security in an increasingly unpredictable world, we will support you in achieving your goals. And to all those who profess that the dreams of our founding fathers have burnt out, we assure you that the flames can be rekindled. For that is the true measure of the greatness of our youth, their capacity for change. And the change they have already achieved gives us hope for what they can and must achieve tomorrow.’

    She disclosed that the foundation will among other programmes designed to empower the youths, organise training on IT productivity, software applications development, data analytics, data science, artificial intelligence, cyber security and cloud computing.

    “At TSM, we are dedicated to providing an enriching and holistic learning experience for all our students. We have carefully curated the Microsoft IT Training program to align with industry skills requirement, ensuring that young people can seamlessly integrate these skills into their academic and career journey,” she added.

    According to Mbanefo the venue of the campaign was chosen to make the youth feel valued and to know the sky is their limit because they deserve to own places such as the venue as long as they delay gratification and give Nigeria a second chance.

    “Together, we can catalyse a movement that not only prevents the brain drain from our nation but also ignites a resurgence of hope within our borders. The journey ahead will not be easy, but with your support and collective determination, we can turn the tide of despair and hopelessness into waves of prosperity and progress. Let us move forward, hand in hand, as we usher in a new era of empowerment, innovation, and unparalleled impact,” she said, while calling private sector to increase their corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the Nigeria youths.

    She recalled that her journey into mentoring and leadership development programmes started twelve years ago, when she established an Education Trust Fund at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos with the then Parish Priest; Monsignor Paschal Nwaezeapu.  “In Lagos, our support has extended to areas like Mafoluku and Akowonjo where the Dominican priests lead youth development initiatives. St. Mary’s Private School is one of our cherished beneficiaries, fostering growth and learning. Cana Mercy Mission, another beacon of hope, has also received my unwavering support on behalf of the foundation,” she added.

    Present at the campaign that featured music performance, swimming and dancing include Assistant Cathedral Administrator, Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, Rev. Father Raymond Emedo, Chairman, Fly Boku Travels and Tours Limited, Abiola Lawal, Albert Alabi, Ademola Miller Luwoye, Dr. Taiwo Ojo, Ashley Onochie and Evangelina Michael.  

  • Alternative paths to the top in modern Nigeria

    Alternative paths to the top in modern Nigeria

    Some 40 years ago, I went to a friend’s house in my hometown and asked those I found outside his house if X (my friend’s name) was available. They looked at one other until one of them asked me directly: “Do you mean Chief?” Before I could answer the question, my friend came out, shook my hand, and beckoned me into the house. I wasted no time in asking him when he became a chief. He dodged the question but gave me a more interesting response: “Many of you have a title before your name. You are a Doctor or Professor. Others are Lawyer or Engineer. I too need a title. I am Bobajiro. And you don’t need to go to school or take exams to get that.”

    This brief exchange illustrates the title craze in our society today. My friend had been a chief for only three months or so. Yet, the people around him wouldn’t address him by name anymore. Some had even forgotten his name. He was simply known as Chief. Today, the craze for title has taken a new turn. As I will illustrate in the second half of this piece, even those who have reached the top of their professions now seek titles, such as Governor, Senator, or President. To crown it all (no pun intended), others seek the throne in their natal homeland.

    But it was not always like this. In the precolonial period, the only politics beyond the normal domestic politics of the family was the struggle to attain one title or the other within the traditional system or to become the head of a traditional association, usually of age mates. Such struggles were generally confined to your immediate community. In the West and the North, the monarch was atop the traditional hierarchy. The West had the Oba, while the North had the Emir. There were no titular heads of the standing of these monarchs in the East. However, there were titular heads in particular localities, who got to the position by dint of hard work. While the struggle for the monarchical head was confined to the royal family in both the West and the North, there was open competition for title heads in the East.

    The case of the North is rather peculiar, because the emirate system came with Islamic religion, which entered Nigeria through that region as far back as the 11th century, supplanting most traditional hierarchical systems, especially in the far North, while the conquerors imposed their religion and introduced Arabic, the language of Islam. The emirate system, therefore, predated colonialism.

    Similarly in the South, Christian missionaries provided another path to a hierarchical structure based on the church pastoral system. However, unlike Islam, Christian missions were more or less forerunners of the colonial administration. Although Christianity was initially brought to Nigeria by Portuguese Catholic monks in the 15th century, the mission did not have roots in Nigeria until Irish Catholics spread the faith early in the 19th century. By the end of the century, the Irish Catholic mission had taken firm roots in Eastern Nigeria, which accounts for Irish elements in Igbo pronunciation of English till today. However, it was the Anglican mission of the Church of England, established in Badagry in 1842, that spread much faster to the rest of the country.

    Read Also: 100 days: Tinubu will reset Nigeria, APC assures citizens

    By the second half of the nineteenth century, various missions had been established in most parts of the country, although with minimal success in the North. Today, the country is saturated with churches belonging to different missions, notably, Anglican, Methodist, Catholic, and a variety of pentecostal churches. With the Christian missions came a variety of top ranks, such as Archbishop, Bishop, Prelate, General Overseer, and so on. The general public may not be familiar with the politics of ascending to the top of the church hierarchy, but it can be as vicious as the familiar partisan politics of today and the various methods of getting to the top.

    With the colonial administration came schools, colleges, and universities, which increased exponentially after independence. Education opened up the way to the professions as lawyers, doctors, engineers, accountants, professors, and so on, emerged, each with its own politics of rising to the top. Others joined the military, the police, and other security agencies. As in the other professions, the security agencies also have their internal politics of rising to the top.

    There is evidence, however, that rising to the top of one’s profession is no longer considered as sufficient accomplishment. In recent years, Army Generals, former Police Officers, University Professors, Retired Civil Servants, Actors, and Church Pastors have transitioned to the throne.

    The most recent example of Pastor-become-King is that of Pastor Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, who was recently approved by the Oyo State Government as the new Soun of Ogbomoso. Prior to his selection as the next monarch, Pastor Ghandi, famously known as Pastor G, was a Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God for over 30 years in Nigeria and Germany.

    Aware of the perceived dissonance between his pastoral duties and the traditional requirements of the throne, including traditional festivals and esoteric rituals, Pastor Ghandi promised during the selection process that he would embrace the three religions in the community, namely, Traditional, Christianity, and Islam.

    Before Pastor Ghandi, many others have left or retired from their professions to take on the spiritual duties of the throne. A popular case was that of Oba Funsho Adeolu of Ode Remo, who was an actor and producer, famous for his role as Chief Eleyinmi in Village Headmaster, before ascending the throne in 1990. The present Suntan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar was a Brigadier General in the Army until 2006, when he ascended the throne. Similarly, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos was an Assistant Inspector-General of Police until his retirement in 2002, preparatory to his coronation in 2003. In a similar vein, the present Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, was an Accountant and Real Estate magnate before ascending throne in 2015. His immediate predecessor, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, was a renowned businessman before ascending the throne. Finally, a famous Ondo King, Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo, Jilo III, the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, was a renowned medical doctor before ascending the throne in 2008.

    True, these candidates were princes, who ascended the throne of their forebears. But it was not historically or traditionally the case that they would go far away from the royal household to the point of rising to the top of their professions elsewhere. This development is a reflection of the princes’ education and professional training and of a changing trend in social and cultural practices. The consequence is emergency training in royal duties for newly appointed monarchs.

    However, there have been controversial cases in which non-princes were installed monarchs, often leading to litigation. There are also cases of newly created kingdoms for friends of the throne to become monarchs of their respective communities. Governors and legislators, who were never princes, may soon become beneficiaries.

  • Nigerians should have faith in God

    Nigerians should have faith in God

    Nigerians have been urged to have faith in God to overcome wickedness in various forms.

     General Overseer of The Word of Eternal Life Revival Ministry, in Oke-Afa, Lagos, Pastor Titus Nwakaeze, said Nigerians should hope and believe in God to rescue His people from suffering.

     Nwakaeze noted with the economic, political and security situations everywhere, faith in government and God may be irresolute.

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     He said the only way to ensure stability is to look up to God for deliverance. We need His power, mercy and protection to overcome bad governance, kidnapping, banditry.

     “Without faith in God, evil forces will intimidate humans. This explains why we need His power to which every other surrenders. God provides spiritual and physical stability.”

     Nwakaeze noted faith as supernatural confidence is provided for man when self-confidence is untenable, and is what we need to conquer adversaries. This connects to supernatural wisdom, stressing with prayers, God attends to our difficulties.

  • Nigeria’s foreign relations: rise of sleeping giant

    Nigeria’s foreign relations: rise of sleeping giant

    As many challenges dominate President Bola Tinubu’s attention in the first 100 days of his administration, he is also mindful of the direction of the country’s foreign policy and its relations with the rest of the world. Assistant Editor BOLA OLAJUWON writes on the administration’s international posturing so far.

    Right from independence, Nigeria has an ambitious foreign policy. This is not, however, well defined and consistent with national interests. Hence, national interest becomes different strokes for different leaders at the helms of affairs. 

    But, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria’s  interests have been largely determined and defined by what the administration touted as national interests and refocus of the country’s African-centric foreign policy through actions and deeds to match commitments.

    Nexus between domestic and foreign policies

    Tinubu, after being sworn in as Nigeria’s 16th president, and right from the podium, while delivering his inaugural speech, sent a message to the nation and the world that it would not be business as usual. He emphasised that he was ready for business. 

    Knowing that domestic issues could not be divorced from foreign policy, he tackled frontally the thorny issue of petrol subsidy, declaring:  ”Fuel subsidy is gone”. He also took the decision to unify the foreign exchange rates, steered the economy towards growth. Some of his policies have been welcomed and have excited the local and international financial markets and investors, they have also being greeted with attendant challenges of inflation and increased poverty.

    However, the international community have seen a departure from what they had witnessed in the past, thus according the economy the required credibility and renewed faith of international financial operators, rating agencies and markets. At least, this is a departure from Father Christmas of the past administrations.

    Despite the hardships, he has reined in the two labour bodies – the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) – promising palliatives and salary increases for workers. 

    He suspended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa; sacked the governing boards of federal government parastatals, agencies, institutions and government-owned companies. 

    He assented to the electricity bill, authorising states, companies and individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity. 

    Despite saving N2 trillion from subsidy payment removal, he has approved palliatives to states to ease the pains being suffered by Nigerians. 

    Tinubu’s tough stance on local issues is not in isolation of foreign policy. At least, he sent a message to the international community on his readiness to instill confidence in the fiscal policy and national economy.

    After standing on assertive pedestal, President Tinubu joined other world leaders at a State Banquet hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, in June as part of the activities lined up for the New Global Financing Pact summit.

    After the event, the President on his Facebook page shared how much he relished the moments shared with other world leaders, including the chief host and his wife.

    “I had a great time with other Heads of State and important dignitaries at the State Banquet hosted by President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, France, this evening,” Tinubu said.

    Read Also: I will not fail Nigerians – Tinubu

    Tinubu said Nigeria would sustain its spotlight on African countries as the fulcrum of its economy and foreign affairs policies, ensuring that trade issues, security and border controls will be implemented.

    Receiving the President of Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, after the Summit on New Global Financing Pact, Tinubu noted that bilateral relations with African countries, particularly at the sub-regional level, would be enhanced for shared benefits in the areas of security, health, energy, education and diplomacy.

    “We are ready to improve relations. Africa has been the centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy,” he said.

    “I believe in Africa. We have the necessity to grow the continent. The world’s economy is wobbling, and Africa has been left behind. On risk factors, Africa is always placed high, with higher interest rates on borrowing. We are always classified as high-risk. We must work together for systematic recovery and growth,” he added.

    Tinubu described Nigeria’s relations with Benin as that of Siamese twins, joined at the hips, and supported by other friendly countries. He also had bilateral meetings with Swiss President Alain Berset and the African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Akinwunmi Adesina.

    ECOWAS and the new bite

    Since 2020, coupists have removed elected governments in Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Mali, and Sudan with little actions from the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). However, the coups in Niger Republic and the latest in Gabon have raised serious concerns about regional stability and democratic principles in West Africa and the continent. 

    The scenarios are against Tinubu’s statement in early July while accepting the ECOWAS chairmanship, when he said: “We must stand firm on democracy. Without democracy, there is no governance, there is no freedom, and there is no rule of law. We will not allow coup after coup in West Africa.”

    But, the President did not expect to be plunged into handling a crisis in neighbouring Niger. On July 26, Nigerien soldiers carried out a coup and removed President Mohamed Bazoum. 

    Tinubu immediately issued a strongly worded statement denouncing the coup before sending Beninese President Patrice Talon as the bloc’s mediator. But, the later was refused audience by the junta.  A former military head of state, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar and Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar were later sent to Niamey as part of the mediation. After the junta installed army Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani as head of state, Tinubu called an emergency summit of ECOWAS leaders to discuss a response.

    Why some Nigerians, especially people in the North, against ECOWAS’s resolve to intervene militarily in Niger, the members of the sub-region – except Burkina Faso and Mali -, the AU, the United Nations, European countries and the United States have backed Tinubu’s and ECOWAS’ actions. 

    Canadian Prime Minister Justin Pierre James Trudeau, Macron, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and others have also called to praise Tinubu on the Niger and Gabon issues. 

    With military intervention not yet in motion and coupled with Gabon coup, analysts are watching what will become of Nigeria’s new posturing over the coup issues.

    Nigeria and BRICS

    Also recently, the BRICS, a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, met in South Africa. By next January, two African countries – Egypt, a leading economy and Ethiopia – an emerging economy and second most populous African country – will be joining the BRICS bloc.

    Many analysts have questioned Why Nigeria did not join the bloc when more than 40 countries had shown interest in it?

    The bloc is home to 42 per cent of the world’s population, almost 30 percent of the world’s territory, around 27 per cent of global GDP and around 20 percent of global trade.

    South Africa has reaped from the bloc and has given other African countries reasons to rethink their relationship with the West.

    South Africa’s overall trade with its BRICS partners increased by an average growth of 10 per cent from 2017-2021, total trade with BRICS reached R830 billion last year from R487 billion in 2017, with BRICS accounting for 21 per cent of South Africa’s global trade in 2022.

    Also, over 14 per cent of South Africa’s exports are to BRICS countries, with about 30 per cent of imports coming from BRICS countries in 2022.

    Experts are reasoning that Nigeria must not discountenance the opportunities in BRICS’ membership.

    Biden and Angolan invites

    President Tinubu recently hosted the United State’ presidential envoy and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Phee handed over President Joe Biden’s invite to Tinubu for a meeting during UN General Assembly.

    He, however, told his visitor to ensure that U.S. policy is intentionally collaborative to deepen democracy in Africa, at a time when they are under assault by anti-democratic forces within and outside of the continent.

    The President noted that American-backed development finance and multilateral institutions, which were designed to support war-torn Europe after World War II, require swift and comprehensive reform to meet the developmental requirements of younger democracies in Africa, which operate in authoritarian-crowded environments.

    He declared that such efforts will help to ensure that legitimate yearnings of Africans would no longer be manipulated to serve the narrow aims of self-seeking agitators through unconstitutional takeovers of power.

    “Yes, the private sector will lead the way within an enabling environment we create for them, but the U.S. Government must be innovative in its thinking and systematically create incentives for U.S. industrial investment in Nigeria,” he said. 

    Angolan President João Lourenço has also invited the President to the regular bilateral and multilateral consultations of African leaders aimed at tackling common challenges across the continent. Lourenço stated this in a message through his envoy, Téte António, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Angola, in Abuja.

    The message was made available to reporters by the Institutional Communication and Press Services of the Embassy of Angola in Nigeria, Benin and Niger.

     ”Lourenço is inviting his counterpart Tinubu, to participate in the third edition of the Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence-Luanda Biennial, taking place from Nov. 22 to 24.

     ”Adopted in 2015 at the 24th Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), the Biennial of Luanda will take place under the theme ‘Education, culture of peace and African citizenship, as tools for the sustainable development of the continent’.

    “It intends to contribute to the implementation of the “Action Plan for a Culture of Peace in Africa, a collaboration between the Government of Angola and UNESCO,” Lourenço said.

    Tuggar’s ‘Four Ds’ policy initiative

    Recently, the Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, stated that his ministry would be guided by a new ‘Four Ds’ Policy initiative, anchored on “Development, Democracy, Demography and Diaspora geared towards bringing modern solutions to address some complex challenges.

    Tuggar, while addressing staff of the ministry when he assumed duty, pledged to unveil a new foreign policy that would reposition Nigeria at the pinnacle of visionary and global decision-making.

    The minister spoke in Abuja, on his first day in office, after joining other ministers to take their oath of office at President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet’s inauguration.

    Tuggar said the “Four Ds” guiding his Foreign Policy for Nigeria would be “Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora geared towards bringing modern solutions to address some complex challenges. He assured that the ministry will be redesigned to effectively play its roles at the forefront of promoting Nigeria’s interests and protecting citizens abroad.

    The minister assured Nigerians in the Diaspora that his administration will strive to address their challenges, adding, “It is the highest honour to be asked to serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “As a historically significant ministry, Foreign Affairs has long represented the highest standard of excellence. It is, therefore, our job to ensure those standards will never fail.

    “These are turbulent times. From the unfolding political crises in Niger Republic to the regional and economic insecurity, we have a lot of work to do. In due time, we will unveil a new vision for Nigeria’s foreign policy, Four D’s diplomacy.

    “Through this doctrine centred on development, democracy, demography and Diaspora, we hope to find modern solutions to address complex contemporary problems.”

    Tinubu’s recall of ambassadors

    Few days after unveiling the “Four Ds” guiding his Foreign Policy for Nigeria, Tuggar on Saturday said the President had directed the recall of all ambassadors.

    The minister, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Al-Kashim Abdul-Kadir, said the directive applied to career and non-career ambassadors, noting that the envoys were expected in the country at the end of next month.

    No fewer than 41 non-career and 42 career ambassadors are expected to return home. But, information on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that Nigeria has a total of 109 Missions, 76 Embassies, 22 High Commissions and 11 Consulates.

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari had in January 2021 approved the posting of 95 ambassadors, comprising 43 career and 52 non-career. Prior to the approval, the Senate ratified their nomination in 2020. 

    The minister, while thanking them for the service they rendered, said he looked forward to welcoming them to Abuja.

    But, the Presidency on Saturday night said the country’s United Nations Permanent Representatives in New York and Geneva were exempted from the recall.

    According to Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the exemption was as a result of the upcoming UN General Assembly holding this month. 

    International affairs experts are wondering whether the recall of ambassadors and Tuggar’s “Four Ds” will have impact on the administration’s foreign policy initiatives. Nigerians in the Diaspora and at home have been clamouring for responsive diplomats abroad to give Nigerians a service delivery at par with other nationalities all over the world. A total of 109 missions, 76 embassies, 22 high commissions and 11 consulates without commensurate services are drain in the national purse. As assured by Tuggar, analysts are watching whether the ministry, high commissions, embassies and missions will be redesigned to effectively play their roles at the forefront of promoting Nigeria’s interests and protecting citizens abroad as the minister assured them that his administration will strive to address their challenges.

    The G-20 Summit in India

    The icing on the cake for the President as he marks his 100 days in office is the G-20 summit in India. Tinubu is expected to attend thr summit that will be held in New Delhi, between September 9 and 10. Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, announced the development on Friday while speaking to reporters. Ngelale said Tinubu seeks to attract foreign investments to the country during the summit. He added that the president is working to ensure that Nigeria can raise private capital from around the world for the development of its public infrastructure.

    At the summit, Tinubu will meet with world leaders and heads of state in addition to industry titans, and chief executive officers of some of the most valuable corporations in thhe world.

    He is also expected to host a roundtable meeting during the summit with more than 20 chief executive officers from various economic sectors.

    This, he said, is to ensure that Nigeria takes advantage of their interest in investing in the nation in a way that supports the industrialisation, digitalisation, and renewable energy agenda.

    Therefore, for Tinubu, the G-20 is an auspicious summit to mark his 100 days and bring home laudable investments and goodwill.

  • Golfers celebrate Nigeria Cup initiator Awogbade at 70

    Golfers celebrate Nigeria Cup initiator Awogbade at 70

    The amateur golfer credit with initiating the prestigious Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament Soji Awogbade was over the week celebrated by scores of golfers to mark his 70th birthday with a special kitty at the Ikoyi Club golf section.

    The Nigeria Club is a yearly golf tournament in celebration of Nigeria’s Independence, and one of the most consistent events in Nigeria’s golf calendar.    

    The 18-holes kitty which saw participants drawn from across the country and others from Ghana saw high flying Tunji Tiamiyu emerging the overall winner.

    Playing off handicap 16, Tiamiyu grossed a score of 86 for 70-net score to win the keenly contested Birthday Kitty.

    Read Also: 120 golfers to grace TAF  2nd charity tournament

    Elated at his victory, Tiamiyu hailed his playing partners; Akin Areola, former Captain, Ikeja Golf Club and Abiodun Savage of Ikoyi Club for helping him to win.

    While Tiamiyu won in the net category, perennial winner, Peter Eben-Spiff won in the gross category. He carded 77-gross to lift the trophy staked in the category.

    Linda Obieze stole the show in the ladies category winning with a net score of 77.

    The Celebrants, Awogbade who is credited with setting up one of the nation’s most attractive golf tournament; the Nigeria Cup also used the opportunity of his 70th birthday celebrations to honour those who were part of the Nigeria Cup Organising Committee at inception, among whom is former Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) President, Shina Aigoro. 

    Apart from his other contributions to golf development highlighted at the event, Nigeria Cup, his brainchild stood out.

  • Leadership, the elite and Nigeria’s democracy

    Leadership, the elite and Nigeria’s democracy

    We can never say enough about leadership because the lives of each nation or group of people even if they are ‘stateless’ according to UN terms, depend on the leadership in that environment. If we reference past kings and queens in all empires, even the biblical ones are today and will always be referenced for good or for bad. In essence, each leader deliberately or inadvertently writes his or her history.

    However, more often than not, a people define the leadership that emerges because leaders emerge from the people and the values of a people can most often be gleaned from the leadership that emerges from them and through their actions in a democracy.

    So most times when people complain about bad leadership they often forget that they have a hand either through actions or inactions about the leadership that emerges. Political philosophers like Plato succinctly described this when he posited that, “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors”.

    Very often especially in a developing nation like Nigeria, the elite often shy away from partisan engagement and involuntarily cede political leadership to the incompetent and people without the gravitas to drive productive leadership. The result of poor leadership is that like a relay race, the baton is passed from one group to the other and sometimes dropped in ways that development is delayed and everyone suffers and post failure analysis fill the air.

    The RoundTable Conversation sat with Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Executive Director African Center for Leadership, Strategy and Development (LSD) a civil society veteran who has spent his life fighting under different local and international agencies for justice, gender equity  and good governance, an author, researcher,  lecturer  and gender advocate who was appointed by the immediate past United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon into the Global Network of Men Leaders to End Violence Against Women.

    Asked about each nation getting the leadership it deserves, he said that there is some element of truth therein because leadership is about influence. People can influence others in different ways. In Nigeria for instance, we talk about transactional and transformational leaderships. You notice this in the ways the people often venerate leaders that dispense material and financial favors. The electoral process and the roles money play are all indicators of what one can say are the people getting what they deserve. When a people choose instant gratifications over planned nationhood and good policy drivers, they surreptitiously choose their leaders good or bad.

    When the people with questionable character use money to win elections and their religious houses organize endorsements and thanksgiving services, their communities give them titles and the people call them excellences, honourables and distinguished in very adulating ways, you find that such leaders would remain deified without being held accountable. Yes, to some extent you can say that a people get the leadership they deserve.

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    However, there are leaders who emerge and are able to change the followership through who they are,  what they do, how they lead, their practices and soon, so it is not a one-way traffic of a people getting the leadership they deserve.  However, there are transformative leaders. We have equally learnt that leadership according to Amandla, the cultural wing of ANC once said that leaders are not born but produced during the course of the struggle.

    Leaders can make the difference and that is why people say that everything rises and falls with leadership. In those days there used to be discourse about the fact that the people are the makers of history. But let’s take a trip back into history for instance the fact that Gorbachev sat over the disintegration of the former USSR and a Trump emerged in the last five years. We know the outcomes so scholars know that leadership matters.

    We must be concerned with the type of democracy that can deliver dividends of development. There has been a lot of discourse about the democracy that is functional. May be thirty to fifty years ago, policies were almost analogue but the dynamics have changed in ways that democracy and development are now closer than ever. Policy science has developed in ways economic policies are more exact and somewhat inclusive, each leadership in making policies can now tell what outcomes to expect in terms of the different demographics. We all can calculate which policies can increase or reduce poverty, which ones can enhance gender, minority and youth inclusiveness.

    Today we know what kind of policies can improve health, deliver progressive education enhance infrastructural provisions for  better productivity. So in essence, we all know what to do. We must match theory with practice because there is always a nexus. Many years ago, there were no mobile phones on a global scale, today we have it and the internet and leadership comes easier.

    All Nigerians, including media people must understand that ideas rule the world today especially now that knowledge economy is so huge and there are projections into the future where artificial intelligence and robotics  have will take over. We must move with the times but we must retain the core values that drive leadership and followership. The merchandizing of politics and erosion of our value system must be checked if development must come.

    We must all have to patriotically own the society at all levels. But we also acknowledge that leadership has changed due to a multitude of things, our colonial history, the military interruptions that changed the ways leadership selection  processes where most politicians owe allegiance to an Abuja power hierarchy is not good enough for our democratic growth.

    We must remember the effects of the truncated transition periods by Ibrahim Babaginda the former military President.  When he was done and Abdulsallam Abubakar came, the people were exhausted and only ‘professional’ politicians took over government when activists, socialists, patriots and intellectuals refused to participate in a post military era  Nigeria in 1999. Before they realized what was happening the professional politicians had their tap roots rooted on ground and the policies over the years like Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) pauperized the people.

    The most important solutions must be ‘organizing and not agonizing’ because there are enough patriotic people who are good and as Burke advised, evil triumph when good men do nothing. In Nigeria the only leadership problems are in the political field. You do not have many problems at the traditional, religious, academic or even corporate levels. It is always the political field. We have global leaders in all other sectors even at UN level.

    The way forward must be for committed and patriotic and educated Nigerians to stop showing apathy for politics but go out there and get involved to run away from what Plato said about the good people and inferior leadership.

    Again the middle class must get involved at party levels. They must stop and we must think seriously about integrating women into leadership seeing that globally, continentally and sub-regionally, Nigeria is far below in gender parity in the political space. Over the past twenty years, there has been progress in the world in terms of gender inclusiveness and all the world can see the progress being made by the Scandinavian and other countries where women seem to have access in the political space.

    There must be a constitutional quota for women and luckily there is an opportunity for a constitutional review in ways that there must be implementable affirmative action for women. Everyone concerned about this must reach out to their legislators to facilitate action because it has been confirmed that when women are in positions of authority, they make better policies and programmes that touch on the lives of citizens and that is why the countries on top of the human development index across the world have many women at the political field providing various levels of leadership. You see countries like Denmark, New Zealand, Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Norway etc. doing really well. To Igbuzor,  women movement must prioritize women participation in politics to help the country develop.

    The RoundTable Conversation has equally identified governors that have been sensitive enough to integrate more women into their cabinets and is carrying out research on their progress in comparative terms. The Nigerian global percentage of women in parliament stands at less than ten percent while countries across Africa are all at thirty percent and above with Rwanda with the global highest of 61.3%.

    There are no surprises about Nigeria being the poverty capital of the world when some of her best and brightest are forced out of the country by even less brilliant and less educated men whose only qualification is their gender. An Amina Mohammed faced hostility when she was nominated for a ministerial post, today she is at the United Nations as Assistant Secretary General. Arunma Oteh is now at the World Bank but was hounded by some legislators when she was the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

    Nigerians must, if they wish to face the task of development productively be more involved in the leadership evolution processes to select leaders with the necessary pedigree and qualifications that can make the democracy we all cherish more functional and development oriented. Transactional leaderships leave both the leaders and the beneficiaries of such formless transactions poorer and more disoriented in the long run.

    Clutching unto some mundane and parochial socio-cultural and religious practices and views just so as to favour patriarchal longings would always hurt everyone at the end. Nigeria is too blessed to continue to fail its population. Good and functional leadership benefits everyone ultimately in ways that the future of the country remains assured. All stake holders in the media, civil society and governments must work together to birth more functional leadership that benefits everyone and chats a better path to the future.

    The dialogue continues…

  • Fed Govt halts Nigeria Air

    Fed Govt halts Nigeria Air

    • Airports concession suspended
    • Foreign airlines to operate from new terminal in Lagos from Oct 1

    Nigeria Air will not fly now, the Federal Government said yesterday.

    Contracts awarded in respect of the controversial project, which immediate past Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika devoted energy in the last days of the Buhari Administration, will be properly audited.

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stated this yesterday during his first visit to the nation’s foremost gateway  – the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

    He also hinted of the plans for comprehensive reform of the sector to put things right.

    Beginning  from October 1, all foreign airlines will originate their flights from the new terminal of the MMIA to pave the way for renovation of the old terminal.

    On the reasons for the decision on Nigeria Air, Keyamo said: “Nigeria Air has been  suspended until I brief the President whom I owe absolute  loyalty and honesty to the  people of  Nigeria about all that transpired concerning that project.

    “We have to ensure that everything is right before we can go ahead with further transactions on it.”

    As of the last count, the Federal Government had sunk N3 billion into the Nigeria Air project before May 29.

    Ethiopian Airline, which got the franchise to run the national carrier was to have 49 per cent stake. Nigeria Sovereign Fund and the Federal Government providing 46 per cent and five per cent respectively.

    Local airliners, under the auspices of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), was at the forefront of opposition to the project.

    Its members instituted a legal action to force the reversal of the government decision to hire Ethiopian Airline to run a national carrier.

    On May 26, a plane with Nigeria Airline inscription touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA).

    The flight, which had on board Sirika and the Chief Commercial Officer of Ethiopian Airline, Lemma Gudeta,  generated controversy from critics, who faulted the arrangement.

    In June, veteran aviator, Girma Wake, resigned as Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines amidst controversy surrounding the establishment of Nigeria Air.

    The Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Capt Dapo Olumide, said the aircraft used to unveil the career was a legitimate chartered flight from Ethiopian Airlines, adding that the aircraft was returned to Ethiopian Airlines after the unveiling.

    The Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation labelled the inauguration of the carrier as a fraud.

    Keyamo said the relocation of international airlines would pave the way for the total rehabilitation of facilities at the old terminal building.

    The minister also took a bus ride to inspect the perimeter fence of the airport, saying that safety in the aviation sector remained his focus.

    He said: “We must use what we have for now. I have given both international airlines and local airlines till 1st October, to move from the old terminal to the new one.

    “We are going to shut down the old terminal temporarily and sort out all the issues surrounding the old terminal such as concession agreements.

    “The old international terminal, right from the toilet facilities to the arrival, departure halls, are an eyesore to Nigerians and foreigners.

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    “The lifts are not working and the passage is unwelcoming, and there is no air conditioner. We have the new terminal but it cannot be used. It was designed without provision for big planes.

    “I don’t know what happened and I have been asking that question that makes them not to have avio-bridges that would lead to the big planes.”

    The minister said that 60 per cent of revenue being generated by the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) comes from the Lagos airport.

    Besides, Keyamo said Lagos remained the gateway into the country “and the first impression getting into the country.

    The minister directed the ministry to relocate the Dominion Air and EAN hangar to create an apron facility for bigger aircraft to come to the new terminal.

    He, however said that government would have an emergency procurement of buses to transit the international passengers to and from where the wide-body aircraft could park and disembark.

    Operators hail action on Nigeria Air

    Aviation industry operators have hailed the suspension placed by the Federal Government on  transactions on the controversial national carrier – Nigeria Air.

    The players, under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), also hailed the decision to close down the old terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos for comprehensive overhaul.

    In a telephone interview, a member of the AON – Top brass Aviation, described the pronouncement by Keyamo as a step in the right direction.

    Its Managing Director,  Capt. Roland Iyayi, told The Nation that there is nothing wrong in fixing the wrong foundation of a project that generated so much controversies.

    Iyayi said: “I think the pronouncement by Keyamo to suspend further transactions on Nigeria Air is a step in the right direction.

    “Why should anyone go ahead with a project which foundation appears shaky. If the government finds out that the project is okay, nothing stops it from allowing it to continue. As a private sector-driven business, it could operate like other local carriers under the same conditions.

    “It is about the processes and procedure that gave birth to it”, Iyayi said.

    Another operator, who craved anonymity, said the minister has done what Nigerians have been looking forward to.

    The operator said: “How could the government have continued with the project with the pending litigation and controversies surrounding it. Best decision by Keyamo.”

    Ultimatum for dead planed

    The minister also gave owners of unserviceable aircraft littering the local wing of the airport to remove them within the next three months, failing which the government will dispense with them.

    He said airlines, which are not utilising dead aircraft should not occupy space that would be needed to expand the apron.

    Keyamo said: “I have directed the MD of FAAN that owners of these dead planes parked perpetually on the facility of the Federal Government to remove them.

    “We are giving them three months to move them away, after which we shall be at liberty to do away with the aircraft. This is because we want to expand our apron.”

  • Must Nigeria sit on BRICS?

    Must Nigeria sit on BRICS?

    By Ademola Adebisi

    The summit of the bloc of states known as BRICS whose name must definitely change as from January, 2024, when the admission of six new members (Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates), will take effect, was recently held in Johannesburg, South Africa. It will be recalled that, when the fraternity started in 2009 it was known as “BRIC”, an acronym which was minted by  Goldman Sachs economist, Jim O’Neil, from the names of it pioneer members namely, Brazil, Russia India and China. When South Africa joined the fold in 2010, it became “BRICS”. This year’s summit will no doubt, have a sobering emotional effect on its members and possibly spur much more commitment of members to the raison deter for the formation of the group. This is because, the president of one of its founding members, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, could only make soft appearance (via zoom) at the meeting given the warrant of arrest placed on him by International Criminal Court on the allegation of abduction of Ukrainian children to Russia in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This allegation Russia has denied; Russia is not a party to the ICC convention. Yet, Putin’s arrest has been ordered. Believing that this is another manifestation of unipolar policing of the global system by NATO and its American moving spirit, and an injustice, the BRICS cannot but intensify its efforts to fragment the global system into a multipolar configuration which will engender balance of power and socio- economic justice. Thus, for example, the dollarization of the global economy which has given the US economic advantage cannot but provide BRICS further impetus to challenge America’s economic dominance by embarking on progressive de-dollarization of the world economy.

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    While this competition may appear a threat to global unity to solve common global problems, it is certainly inevitable. Yet, the international community must not lose sight of the need for unity and cooperation to confront these common challenges – climate change, poverty, deadly diseases and famine among others. It is with this spirit of unity and cooperation that, the UN Secretary – general, Antonio Guterres, in his message to the BRICS confab appealed for global unity and subtly preached against global fragmentation. He said: “that is what the world needs, unity of action and unity for justice, we are confronting existential challenges.” He then cautioned: “as the global community moves towards multi-polarity, we desperately need – and I have been vigorously advocating for – a strengthened and reformed multilateral architecture based on the UN charter and international law. We cannot afford a world with a divided economy and financial system with diverging strategies on technology including artificial intelligence and with conflicting frameworks. I have come to Johannesburg with a simple message in a fracturing world overwhelmed by crises; there is simply no alternative to cooperation”.

    He concluded: “humanity will not be able to solve common problems in a fragmented way”.

    His position is indeed understandable as a key driver and a rallying point for an organization seeking to promote global peace, global good and global safety. But in this current fierce struggle for power and dominance, will states listen?  Yes, states will just listen but they will not relent in fragmentation. Nothing proves this better than the criticism of the Nigerian state by some Nigerians for not joining in the fray and forays of BRICS. To these Nigerians, by not enrolling now, it is considered a foreign policy deficit. Yet, there exists a school of thought that holds that, for not joining, Nigeria has adhered to its principle of non-alignment as a part fulcrum of its foreign policy. For this, they hold that Nigeria should be commended. With these views, the contention between centrifugal and centripetal forces on the world stage is cascading to Nigeria to shape our policy choice on BRICS.

    When asked by journalists why Nigeria was not invited to join the group, the vice -president, Kashim Shetima, revealed that, Nigeria had not applied to join the group and that the president would take a decision after exhaustive consultations must have been made with all relevant stakeholders. Let me at this point therefore problematise the emerging contentions on this issue thus: must Nigeria sit on BRICS? For some good reasons, Nigeria need not be left out of this circle. One, joining the group will be in consonance with one of our foreign policy objectives that, Nigeria should be part of the struggle for a just world economic order. No doubt, one of the major objectives of BRICS is to pursue this cause. A world economy, denominated in dollar and which has given America and its allies undue advantages over the rest members of the international community, calls for restructuring and alternatives. Two, although Nigeria must have been enjoying bilateral relations with BRICS members and also meet them on several other multilateral platforms, joining will of course, further deepen Nigeria’s relations with those countries. Third, Nigeria will also profit from the benefits that often attend international comradeship. Fourth, it can enhance Nigeria’s global visibility.

    However, in spite of these seeming reasonable attractions, it is truly imperative for Nigeria to first discuss and watch exhaustively before it joins. We need not to be in a hurry. Most times, when South Africa is mentioned ahead of Nigeria at any forum, we often assume that South Africa has seized the initiative from us. We don’t pause to ask: has South Africa not acted in a hurry? Has it actually and correctly acted in its own national interest? Can South Africa not commit error in its foreign policy judgement and conduct? Are Nigeria’s national interests and priorities not different from South Africa’s? Are the subterranean determinants of the two countries’ foreign policies not different?

    Further, we need to critically examine the objectives of the group vis-à-vis our national interest, which is another constitutional objective of our foreign policy. If our membership will promote our interest, we need not be encumbered by the principle of non-alignment. For non-alignment does not mean neutrality. It in the main, suggests that, we could align with wherever our interest lies- East or West or both at the same time. Even if at the end of the consultations the indicator is that we should not join now, it should not be seen as diminishing on our foreign policy, global visibility and African leadership pride.

    For example, Russia and some other countries are not members of OPEC, yet they have been able to maximize their interest in the world oil market and they are recognized as OPEC+ (plus), a force which cannot be ignored in global oil politics. In another example, when Britain perceived that its interest would not be better served in the European Union, it exited  America has also been in and out of the UNESCO based on the dynamics of its national interest. From 1815, Switzerland maintained the policy of military neutrality. It did not join the United Nations Organization until 2002. It is not also a member of the EU because of its policy of neutrality and the love of its sovereignty. Yet, the tiny European country has been pursuing what experts have described as “active foreign policy” dominated by bilateral relations even with international institutions. It. has also, without being an outstanding multilateral player, become a safe haven for financial capital across the world and the headquarters of a number of world organizations and committees.

    As at present, Nigeria is a member of so many multilateral agencies, most of which are liabilities to the country.  By 2017 when the government of Muhammadu Buhari embarked on the policy of rationalization of Nigeria’s membership of international institutions, Nigeria was a member of over 200 institutions. In some we are the major financier reaping less benefits; in some we owed huge debt in dues. Indeed, the rationalization exercise was still ongoing by the time President Buhari concluded his tenure. In any event, if Nigeria must sit on BRICS which is still crystalizing, it must be in the national interest and not also at the speed or pace of South Africa and Ethiopia or any other state around the world.

    • Dr. Adebisi teaches politics and international relations at, Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.

  • Much ado about Nigeria’s 4.1% unemployment rate

    Much ado about Nigeria’s 4.1% unemployment rate

    By Samuel Jekeli

    Sir: As Nigeria grapples with the soaring fuel prices and the ripple effects it has on the economy and citizens, an intriguing narrative emerges—one that centres around the announced 4.1% unemployment rate. The timing of this announcement amidst growing concerns about the high cost of fuel raises questions about its role as a smart diversion from a pressing issue that has gripped the nation. Is the unemployment rate becoming a calculated distraction, diverting attention from the hardships inflicted by the rising fuel prices?

    Nigeria’s unemployment rate announcement arrives at a time when the public discourse is heavily focused on the skyrocketing fuel prices and the severe challenges it imposes on the daily lives of Nigerians. These challenges span across sectors—transportation costs surge, commodity prices escalate, and the cost of living mounts. Amidst these economic hardships, the 4.1% unemployment rate almost seems like an orchestrated response to shifting attention away from the glaring concern of the fuel price crisis.

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    Critics argue that the timing of the unemployment rate announcement is strategic. With headlines dominated by stories of citizens facing financial difficulties due to fuel price hikes, the sudden focus on a relatively positive unemployment rate could potentially serve as a diversionary tactic. The announcement, though important in its own right, effectively redirects public attention, diluting the urgency of addressing the fuel-related hardships.

    While the announced 4.1% unemployment rate might align with data analysis, it doesn’t necessarily reflect the lived experiences of Nigerians. The gap between official figures and the tangible economic difficulties on the ground is a stark reminder that data can be manipulated to create a narrative that suits the agenda at hand. As citizens grapple with the realities of high fuel prices, the unemployment rate provides little solace, acting more as a mirage than a substantive remedy.

    The diversionary nature of focusing on a seemingly positive statistic amidst pressing hardships raises ethical questions about the government’s responsibility to address immediate concerns. The high cost of fuel affects every facet of life, from transportation to basic goods, leaving many Nigerians financially strained and uncertain about the future. While unemployment is undoubtedly an issue that requires attention, it should not be weaponized as a distraction from the urgent matter of fuel-related hardships.

    In the face of these diversionary tactics, citizens and media play a pivotal role in holding authorities accountable. Transparent and unbiased reporting can shed light on the complexities of the situation, ensuring that the focus remains on addressing the fuel price crisis rather than shifting attention to more favourable statistics. By fostering an informed and engaged citizenry, the impact of diversionary tactics can be mitigated.

    Balanced governance demands that leaders address multiple challenges simultaneously, without using one as a means to overshadow the other. While the 4.1% unemployment rate might hold promise for the future, its announcement should not overshadow the pressing need to alleviate the immediate hardships brought about by rising fuel prices. Citizens deserve a government that tackles all pertinent issues without exploiting diversionary tactics.

    The challenges facing the nation, be it unemployment or fuel-related hardships, are interconnected, and addressing one should not come at the expense of acknowledging and alleviating the other. A balanced, transparent, and accountable approach is the hallmark of effective governance—a path that can lead to tangible solutions for the welfare of the Nigerian people.

    Samuel Jekeli, Centre for Social Justice, Abuja.

  • National images of selected countries and Nigeria

    National images of selected countries and Nigeria

    All countries are competing peacefully with one another  to be loved and for investment as well as for election into Committees of the Specialized Agencies of the United Nations and other international organizations unless they are members by right.  It is therefore important for countries to have good image in the comity of nations whether for elections or not. Just like human beings, it is good for countries to have good images which invariably impact on people’s perception of citizens of such countries.

    Every important country in the world has an image that may be universally or regionally imagined. Anybody following this kind of thought also knows that the image of a country reflects on the image of its citizens. An American is perceived as loud, domineering, carefree and physically imposing. There is also the “ugly American” image which is a negative way of seeing the violent nature of America. This kind of categorization is not in any way scientific and is usually based on perception and may not be totally true because not all Americans will fit this description. We all know that “national character” may or may not be true and we are always advised to avoid it because it may not pass the canons of objectivity. The “big American” is a useful mirror of the American country which is vast from east to west and from south to north which in flying time could take five to six hours in any direction. The largeness of its size somehow is reflected in the way Americans perceive the world. The fact that the United States has appropriated the name “America” is a manifestation of the natural arrogance of the United States which was historically perceived as its manifest destiny to lead and to dominate others.

    During the JF Kennedy era of American obsessive determination to conquer space, members of the administration were jokingly referred to as the “New frontiersmen” harking back to American history when the conquest of its vast western territories was regarded as its manifest destiny. This idea of a manifest destiny led to unnecessary military adventures in its history from its 19th century conquest of Spanish Cuba and the Philippines to its wars in Korea in 1953 and Vietnam in 1965 onwards and its victory over communism which an American historian  Francis Fukuyama described  in 1992 as the “end of history and the last man”.

    The point I want to make is that America and Americans have an exaggerated opinion of their country and for a long time the world has bought into this exaggeration.  The number of Nobel laureates in American universities and the scientific innovation and copyright of products in the United States bear this greatness out. Whether one likes America or not, one cannot deny the greatness of the country despite its shortcomings as seen in the pandemic violence and rampant racism which people have to cope with. The Chinese and Russians in coded diplomatic language constantly refer to America as a country afflicted with the virus of “international hegemonism”.

    Of course the image of a country is most of the time, determined by its historical evolution. Britain and I suppose the British are known for their bulldog tenacity, their spirit of making the best of any difficult situation. Their imperial achievement of having an empire on which the sun never sets gives every Briton the attributes of administrative cleverness, cunning and sophisticated culture. The fact that such a small country wielded power beyond its limited  natural and human resources confers pride on its citizens and the British are known for their arrogance and carriage and keeping “a stiff upper lip” indicating being resolute and unemotional when faced with adversity. Some episodes of their history such as their several victories over the Spanish, French and several campaigns in Africa and Asia and recently in their so-called “ war of Britain “ when in spite of Hitler’s bombing armada in 1941 the country survived to fight another day.

    Germans are well known for their philosophy, music, spirituality, discipline, scientific approach to life, sophisticated engineering, cleanliness, obedience to order and their toughness. All these derive from their history. This has led them in spite of the tragedy of defeat in the Second World War to build, like Japan, one of the most industrialized countries in the world with little natural resources but depending on the brains and brawn of the people.  Any visit to Germany and seeing the Autobahn crisscrossing the country will show one how the mind of Germans works. This approach is reflected in how Germans think and behave wherever they go and people’s perception of them. Historically in Nigeria, any medicine from Germany was deemed efficacious and effective. Any equipment from Germany was regarded strong whether it was automobiles, telecommunications, electricity and medical equipment. This reputation has paid very well for the export market of the country and made Germans preferred citizens to deal with because of their acclaimed efficiency.

    As for the Chinese, their inscrutable visage points them out in a crowd. Their engineering feat is beginning to be recognized everywhere. Their ability to live anywhere and to share knowledge with people in the underdeveloped parts of the world is beginning to attract clientele to their country. The fact that they have developed their country through their own bootstrap without looking to other people for assistance has brought a sense of pride to the country.  On account of this, people have a good image of the Chinese even if they are known to drive a hard bargain.  Chinese are known not to ask many questions when doing business in the underdeveloped world and do not frown on corrupt politicians in the underdeveloped world. What the Chinese think of other countries is hidden in their minds. But they are racist as anyone and they regard non-Chinese as barbarians at least in past and hopefully not in the present. Their “long March” to development is well known and their toughness is well recognized. Their cultural civilizations as evidenced by their cuisine and artistic traditions have given a first class image to the country. Nevertheless everyone knows that they could be very wicked if one crosses their path or if they refuse to obey the authorities of their country and life could be a trifle to them and perhaps this is understandable to a country of 1.4 billion people.

    The small state of Israel punches well above its size internationally. This should not surprise anybody because Israelis see their country just like the Americans see their country as “God’s own country”.

    In the case of Israel, men of the Judeo- Christian traditions numbering billions of people do not make a distinction between Biblical Israel and the new Israel. People go on pilgrimage to the holy land as many times as they can afford it. Nigerian Christian’s are avid goers to Israel as pilgrims. Because of this, the country and its peoples’ image are at high level well beyond the stratosphere. Even if one dismisses this as emotional, Israel has turned what is essentially a desert to a flourishing country of vineyards and engineering feat and making highly priced medications and chips and machinery used in aerospace, the military and hospitals. The country and its people have great reputation in agriculture, engineering, intelligence, defence and manufacturing. Israeli scientific innovation is highly rated everywhere and because of this, Israelis are well regarded everywhere including even among their enemies in the Middle East and the Muslim world. Their leaders have the pride of first class country despite the  mutual racism  between them and  Arabs as well as against Africans who are derisively referred to as “Kushites”. Nigeria has benefited from their performance as road, agricultural and water engineers from the period after independence till the present.

    The eye does not see itself but as a Nigerian I have some ideas about our public perception at home and abroad. We have the image of hardworking people who easily learn how to get on in a technological age. Because of the presence of highly educated Nigerians abroad particularly doctors, we are regarded as highly educated and knowledgeable people. There is hardly any country in the world where one would not find a Nigerian no matter how inhospitable the climate may be such as in Alaska or Yemen. Nigerians at one time were said to be the happiest people on earth. They are fun loving and at the same time very religious. Some may argue that their commitment to their beliefs is superficial but who is to say except God.

    The negative image of Nigeria and Nigerians is that we are a corrupt country of corrupt people.  Some people see us as lazy and indolent people who like money but are not prepared to work hard for it. This negative image is captured in what a director of Coca Cola international once said while addressing African recruits for his company in New York and called an African who wanted to ask a question a “Nigerian”. When he was asked how he knew he was a Nigerian, he retorted that when he is in a midst of African young people, “the one who is trying to put his hand in my pocket is a Nigerian”. People laughed but this is not funny! Nigerians are involved in fraudulent practices such as identity and bank fraud. Many have also been caught in social welfare fraud and credit card fraud. These involved in these sordid acts are an infinitesimal proportion of the Nigerian population.

     Nigerians are feared by other Africans because of our sharp practices. Some admire us for ability to look our adversaries in their faces even when we are wrong unlike other Africans who will accept whatever lowly treatment they get in the hands of foreigners. Because of our peoples’ boldness, some nationals of African countries wish they were Nigerians on account of our peoples’ boldness. When taken together, the positive and negative image of Nigerians is not very flattering and this is why we suffer in the hands of Immigration officers all over the world for the offence a few. It is about time that our people know that every Nigerian is an ambassador of this country whether he or she is at home or abroad because others watch us as representative of the whole country. We need to change this overall image of our country because it is affecting our economic development and the future of our country.