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  • Attack on Ekweremadu, parody of our reality

    Sir: I call it the Nuremberg madness. I solemnly consider it as grotesquely outlandish. It defies all manner of ratiocination and rationalizations. I had read a number of opinions that tended to either draw some bizarre corollary upon which a general warning was issued to other Igbo leaders and leaders of other ethnic nationalities to beware, or that tended to justify the wanton assault in the context of the festering socio-political and economic ferment in Nigeria.

    Whatever precipitated the action by those irate folks in Nuremberg, leading to the unconscionable violation of the civility in the atmosphere of Germany that provides a catholic liberty, which John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) in his work: “On Liberty”, recognized as both the freedom to act and the absence of coercion? Whereas those men had the liberty to act in expression of their displeasure, they did not have liberty to coerce or assault Ekweremadu in the fashion they did.

    In fact, in the realm of domestic approbation and appreciation of social-political values, the physical assault of Ekweremadu offended the republican spirit of the Igbo people. In spite of their utmost frustrations, those folks, were they resident in Nigeria, and knowing full well that they have the power to vote out leaders in elective offices who fail to provide them with the kind of leadership they desire, should have waited for another general election to vote out leaders who have failed to perform or align with their aspirations.

    Instead of the global opprobrium that they had attracted to Ndigbo by their act of idiotic indiscretion, they should have embraced a mature way of passing across their displeasure. For instance, they could have embarked on a systematic campaign of naming and shaming leaders who have betrayed their people on the altar of filthy lucre; or who have compromised the ideas of Ndigbo for personal aggrandizement with a view to denying them the people’s votes whenever they seek re-validation of their mandates.

    That would have been much better than the great disservice to their individualities and, generically, to the pristine tradition of Ndigbo as a politically sophisticated and self-respecting people. Those who attacked Ekweremadu have lost the moral high ground. They have become vermin of a brutish culture that tended to misrepresent the Igbo people as bellicose and sanguinary.

    Even if the strategy must be to deploy force in correcting the structural imbalance in the Nigerian federation or addressing the existential problems facing the ethnic nationality, the Igbo would be committing a greater mistake, given their numbers, to push the frontiers of “freedom” as a fractious and separated ethnic nationality of disparate drum majors. That was the point that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), missed by its alleged directive to its members to humiliate Ekweremadu.

    But, to be sure, that act of folly in Nuremberg parodies our reality as a people. It is a travesty of our collective obscurantist predilection to raise all manner of issues that support our biased positions and suppress those that negate the same. Interestingly, the question now, and this clearly speaks to the perceived irritability of Ndigbo, is why was it that those folks chose the platform of unity, which the annual Yam festival typified for the ethnic nationality, to brutalise a rallying and uniting personality, thus damaging the fulcrum of unity?

    Ekweremadu may not have been the best or perfect paradigm of leadership that has been in a position to be able to minister to or address critical existential issues of the Igbo; there is also no justifiable basis to dismiss him as a selfish leader who, outright, did not promote the interest of Ndigbo.  If he had been an all-round failure in the praxis of pragmatic leadership, let Ndigbo speak out.

    Even where and when such allegation of failure cannot be rebutted, nobody, not even the IPoB or any Ibo group for that matter, has the right to abridge Ekweremadu’s rights of movement, association (in this case, he was invited to attend the event) and expression, let alone the rights to assault him in the sordid way and manner those folks dealt with him in Nuremberg.

    The Nuremberg saga may just be a wake-up call to advert the attention of the federal government to do the needful to douse the rising tension in the country that is triggering harsh reactions from and by “Diasporic Nigerians”.

    • Sufuyan Ojeifo,

    Abuja.

  • Another chance

    Its honour, its glory is long gone. The labour of its heroes past has given way to weeds – stubborn grass and all sorts that would have had no space when the machines were still at full blast churning out tyres. A portion of the empire has now transformed into a bank, resplendent in white facade. Dunlop, our Dunlop, why art thou forsaken us?

    I remember Dunlop again two days ago when President Muhammadu Buhari swore-in 43 men and women as members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Some of these men and women are not new in the FEC. Even those who are new to the cabinet are not new to government. Most importantly, it is not lost on them that Nigerians will look up to them for things to change, I mean for things to truly change!

    Dunlop, for me, has become a metaphor of all that is wrong with our country. If a giant can fall, dwarfs stand no chance.

    One area many are looking for change is in the manufacturing sector, where Dunlop used to be a king before closing shops when running cost among others clogged its bloodstream. I am yet to see any country that is great without a strong manufacturing sector. I am also yet to see a country with a strong currency without a thriving manufacturing sector. I am still searching for a great nation which celebrates epileptic power supply and glorifies mediocrity.

    Our manufacturing sector is dead and waiting to be buried. If you are in doubt, take a trip to the once-thriving textile industries in Kano and other parts of the North. If you reside in the Southwest, Lagos offers you a glimpse of the evil that has befallen the textile and other industries. With our fashion sense and love for parties, this is one industry that should be contributing greatly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). No sight better captures our sad reality than the now-abandoned premises of Dunlop on Oba Akran Road, Ikeja. The textile factories in Aswani, Kano and other parts of the North are now relics. Many factories have become churches.

    I cry each time I have cause to pass through a once-bubbling industry that has now become a church auditorium. Sadly, we have many of them all over Lagos. I am also yet to see any great nation that prides itself as an exporter of cocoa, timber and rubber. The export of these items cannot yield us much because we export them raw — no value-added. What makes chocolate the toast of all is the value that has been added. Raw cocoa smells, and only by adding value to it can it appeal to the mass of the people. Rubber only makes sense when it has been turned to plastic and other products. The furniture we import from abroad is made with the wood from Isehin, Isaga-Orile and other remote places in Nigeria. We simply ship our almighty oil abroad. What is wrong with refining and supplying other nations?

    Our health sector makes me cry. Our primary, secondary and tertiary health institutions were world-class. The University College Hospital (UCH) was first among equals globally. Its facilities were top-notch and its members of staff could raise their heads high anywhere in the world. No thanks to brain drain, UCH and others are now shadows of their old selves. The brain drain that hit the health sector in the ‘80s started the declining standard in our teaching hospitals. We are yet to come out of the brain drain. As you read this, many doctors are on their way to Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia because of the poor state of medical practice in the country. Even those who are not leaving are not committed. Many a doctor in government-owned hospitals runs private clinics and dedicates attention to their private practice than their primary employer. I find it difficult to blame doctors for seeking better lives abroad. The government is responsible for infrastructure decay, poor power supply and lack of equipment, which have made working at home a bad idea.

    The poor state of the economy has made unemployment our close friend. We have paid lip service to diversifying the economy. Our almighty oil contributes about 85 per cent of our oil revenue, but its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, which is less than 10 per cent, is abysmally low. Other sectors must contribute to the GDP if we intend going anywhere. If there is anything that has also contributed to more to our problem, it is corruption.

    The Buhari administration has made the fight against this monster a major issue. But, we need to go beyond that. There is a need to strengthen the anti-graft agencies for effective prosecution. As noted by this paper two days ago: “Most prosecutors carry a workload that, because of its excessive size or complexity, interferes with quality prosecution and attention to detail. It is not unusual to see prosecuting counsel shuttling from one court to another. In some instances, cases have been adjourned or stalled due to the absence of a prosecutor.”

    One grey area, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must address, is the state of our foreign missions. A report in this paper on Wednesday notes: “Many of the 110 Nigerian missions and embassies abroad are still a national embarrassment despite promises of reforms and rationalisation. They are still groaning under financial difficulties. “Some of them have reportedly not paid salaries for months and owe huge debts. As part of its cost-saving measures, the Federal Government ordered the closure of three of Nigeria’s foreign missions and down-sized one. The closed missions were in Sri Lanka, the Czech Republic and the Republic of Serbia. The one in Ukraine was downsized. Nigerian embassies and consulates do not render their duties to Nigerians abroad. To procure a common passport when one is in dire need is a problem.”

    It will be a great disservice if I leave out electricity as part of the major problems that must be addressed in this dispensation. For me, it is the main problem. Addressing it will resolve so many of our challenges. Democracy’s attempt to fix the electricity challenge has been a major flop. Since licences were given to Ikeja Electric, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and nine others, they have shown that they lack what is needed to make a success of the sector. It has been garbage in, garbage out. Consumers regularly express their displeasure through blockades of electricity distribution companies’ offices over poor service delivery occasioned by erratic billing and epileptic power supply. Consumers, consumer advocacy groups, regulators and legislators have shouted themselves hoarse. The courts are having hectic schedules with cases filed by short-changed consumers. For me, the investors rushed into the deal thinking it would be all rosy like the situation when GSM licences were issued.

    Many parts of the country are in darkness. Not a few have called for the withdrawal of licences of DisCos. This is one area we should be running. Instead, we are yet to start crawling, not to talk of walking and far away from running. I sense that selfish interests have been sold as national interests. The good of one is sold as the good of all.

    My final take: I see the constitution of the cabinet as another opportunity for us to get things right. I am more than convinced that Nigeria cannot remain like this. Our pace is too slow. Slow and steady do not always win the race. We must run now because we are lagging in every area of human endeavour. Let us do a marathon and even if this means many slow runners falling by the wayside, so be it. Things must change. The implication of things remaining the way they are is grave. Certainly.

  • In charge

    The administration of oath and assignment of portfolios to the 43 ministers by President Muhammadu Buhari marks the real take-off of the government. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) is a constitutional creation specifically saddled with the task of assisting the President and Vice President in running the affairs of state. The constitution mandates the President to choose his ministers in a way that each state of the federation is represented. Now, Nigerians know those who have the task of implementing the agenda of the Buhari administration and giving effect to the manifesto of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Highlights of the composition shows that there is no radical departure from the framework and philosophy of the government as may be deduced from the helmsmen assigned to the ministries. The President has reserved the petroleum ministry to himself, while appointing the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, to directly oversee activities in the ministry. This suggests that the President attaches much importance to the ministry that administers the nation’s primary source of wealth.

    The stature and capacity of Sylva who had worked with a former petroleum minister and governed an oil-rich state is expected to help in translating government policy for the sector to a positive force for development. We hope he would be able to use his influence to block attempts by any presidential aide to sideline him and drive a wedge between the minister of state and the president who for unexplained reasons has retained the office of substantive minister.

    Also significant is the split of the erstwhile ministry of power, works and housing into two, with Mr. Babatunde Fashola retaining control of the works and housing component. The newpower ministry has been assigned to Sale Mamman from Taraba State. It was predictable from the list of nominees sent to the Senate that Major-General Bashir Magashi, a retired military officer, lawyer and politician would be saddled with the task of handling the defence ministry at a time that internal security challenges continue to mount. Speculations were rife until the President unveiled the portfolios as to the nature of the former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s assignment in the administration. The energy, zeal and passion of the engineer-turned-politician might have recommended him for the Interior ministry where he would share defence responsibilities with the ministers of defence and police affairs.

    It is noteworthy that former Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has been given the responsibility of supervising development in the Niger Delta, assisted, interestingly, by Mr. Festus Keyamo, a notable senior lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria who performed creditably at the Senate screening where he was asked his opinion on restructuring the judicial system. Abubakar Malami is returning as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice even though many are not impressed with his performance in the first tenure. Rotimi Amaechi remains transport minister and will therefore be expected to see through his move to open up the rail sector and probably the sea ports.

    Adamu Adamu as education minister, is believed to have performed below par, it remains to be seen if the Accounting graduate from Ahmadu Bello University can come up with new ideas for the very important sector. The establishment of Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons is welcome. At a time when management of humanitarian affairs has brought the country odium from the international community, the assignment of Mrs. Saddiya Farouk, a former Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migration and Displaced Persons to the office is fit and proper. Mr. Sunday Dare, the 53-year-old minister given the responsibility of overseeing the youth and sports portfolio is expected to restructure the ministry.

    We expect the ministers to take charge immediately as there is little time for them to make their marks. This administration took off in 2015 with the promise to effect fundamental changes in the security architecture, economic structure and employment generation. At best, modest achievements have been recorded. It is therefore important that the ministers work to ensure that remarkable improvements are recorded in the key sectors. They should bear in mind that the government has only two years to work assiduously towards upliftment of the infrastructural, human capital and social services sectors. The 2023 politics may degrade governance afterwards.This time calls for new thinking. We hope these men and women who have been within the system at the federal and state levels for decades will rise up to the occasion.

  • Legal profession and its future

    The Nigerian Bar Association seeks by its theme for its 2019 Conference to “face the future” in the areas of legal practice and education, rule of law and future of human rights, sectoral and structural transformation, diversity and inclusion for development, technological innovation and disruption.

    The magnitude of the scope of issues this conference hopes to cover is indicative of the understanding by some of the leading practitioners in this country of the enormity of the problems that confront the future of the profession in Nigeria. Therefore, let it not turn out that the laudable ideas behind this impressive theme and its array of sub-topics will again be no more than a mere fleeting noise with no substantial impact.

    I am persuaded that the only reason the profession is still marginally relevant to the development of this country today is because of the few developments we have seen in recent years, including the lessons learned from the International Bar Association, the NBA’s association with the American Bar Association Section on International Law, the creation of specialized practice sections and new interest from non-litigation lawyers.

    However, we must admit that a lot needs to be done if this country is to have a future for lawyers. Today the pursuit of excellence that ought to be the hallmark of the profession has lost ground alarmingly to the pursuit of title and advantage.

    The strictures of a corrupt and mediocre national system foisted on the country by its myopic military rulers continue to hamper the progress of the entire country, no less the legal profession.

    We must accept that the future of Nigeria will determine the future of the legal profession in the country that the real showpiece of a vibrant and progressive legal profession is the legal system it operates and the benefits this brings to the polity.

    In “facing forward” then, it is important for our profession to deliberately remove the blinkers of narcissism and take a clear look around it at the environment in which it is operating in order to be sure that it is looking in the right direction when it says it is looking at the future.

    Having done that, it should then “face forward” by preparing the profession through deliberate developmental steps to meet the challenges that the future will pose to the country, its legal system and consequently the profession of lawyers that (in the order of Roscoe Pound) ought to repair, maintain, invent, innovate and implement measures to ensure the society does not experience a complete break down as current trends in our country seem to portend.

    There is a lot to say and listen to about the need for the profession to “face forward” and no doubt the conference promises an array of capable speakers who will properly interrogate the theme.

    However, I take the liberty of my freedom of speech to make this modest contribution to the discussion regarding the process of “facing forward” from the perspective of (i) ensuring we are actually looking in the right direction (ii) preparing for the challenges of the future.

    Sometimes I have wondered if the Nigerian legal profession will be able to stand the test of time and some of my positions about certain aspects of the organisation and management of the profession has stemmed from my conclusion that unless the profession repositions or reinvents itself, it will not be a relevant institution in the future, at least not in Nigeria as we know it today.

    Fortunately we have been able to elect a new President of the NBA who has the capacity to see the profession holistically and therefore better apprehend what the future holds.

    Disregard of the problems of ACCESS TO JUSTICE has been one of the major hindrances to the relevance of the profession. Over 75% of Nigerians today find no relevance for lawyers in their lives. They see the profession as elitist with its formalities, rankings, and corruption.

    Legal aid has failed to take off in this country in a manner that would be useful to the daily-oppressed peoples of Nigeria. In any event even if it was available it would be ineffective since it could not provide the kind of service that would enable their cases get the traction and solution that they need in view of the scheduling problems faced by the courts.

    Where a judge’s daily cause list is populated by over 30 cases on the average and the only hope any case has of being heard is if it involves a “Senior Advocate of Nigeria” (SAN), legal aid would not be of any benefit since only some of those aspiring for the SAN title find involvement in legal aid matters relevant.

    Once they have the title, they immediately become experts in areas that they consider more lucrative and forget the “expertise” they professed in order to procure the rank.

    The rank of senior advocate in this sense (as in many other ways) poses an obstacle to the future of the profession in so far as these “leaders of the Bar” are satisfied with this state of affairs, which they believe is part of the glory of being a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

    Rather than waste a lot of effort trying to reform the ‘unreformable’ process of appointing SANs we should find a solution to the scheduling problem in the courts. I believe that resolving the scheduling problems of the courts alone will go a long way in reducing the desperation fuelling the almost mindless pursuit of the title of SAN.

    Ideally, no litigant should have to wait in court watching “African Magic” only to find at the end of the day that his case scheduled for hearing that day is so far down the list that the tired judge has to throw in the towel before that litigant’s case can be called.

    I have appeared in various capacities in litigation in many other countries (including in England where our inspiration often comes from) and I find that every case is scheduled in such a way that you only have to show up in court at a particular time on a particular day and your case will be called and heard for the period of time allotted to it.

    Why can’t we do that in Nigeria? Is it because of inadequate facilities, judges or just the pleasure of those who benefit from this gross inefficiency? In some courts even the court clerks have made a business out of positioning cases on the “cause list”.

    My junior colleagues in our firm report to me often that if one is not a senior advocate but one is willing to pay for it, one can have one’s case/s positioned higher up on the list so that, after the senior advocates have been served, one’s case may then stand a chance of being called before the poor judge’s energy fails him for the day. What a mess.

    This scheduling mess makes a mockery of our justice administration system and further cements the mediocrity that the rank of SAN seems designed to institutionalise.

    I am not criticising SANs here; I am criticising the entire concept. I believe that it is anachronistic, unnecessary and unconstitutional. It is a vestige of our colonial mentality and has served no useful purpose in the profession that I can point to other than creating a mythical class of lawyers who are, mainly undeservedly, regarded as the best in the profession.

    Our constitution, a Republican one, finds no place for the stratification that the SAN scheme (an imported and adapted English Queens/Kings Counsel concept) seeks to establish amongst litigants in Nigeria.

    Nigerian lawyers need to be sensitive to the socio-political needs of the country, particularly the urgent need to RESTRUCTURE NIGERIA to abate its ongoing partitioning.

    Many of the ailments bedevilling our country today are outcomes of the long years of military rule including the unitary constitution we currently fraudulently call a federal constitution.

    The failure of this country to rise to its potential of greatness is directly related to the concentration, by our constitution, of power in the hands of one man at the centre: “The president of the federal Republic of Nigeria”.

    The future of Nigerian lawyers is dependent upon the future of Nigeria. If we are not more sensitive to the happenings around us in this regard we may eventually find that we no longer have Nigerian lawyers. Perhaps we may have Arewa lawyers, Odua Lawyers, Biafra Lawyers, etc, but certainly not a Nigerian Bar Association that we currently so cherish.

  • Drug abuse: Killing Nigeria softly

    It is not the drugs that make a drug addict, it’s the need to escape reality – Riley Blue (Fictional character portrayed by Tuppence Middleton). Addiction begins with hope that something “out there” can instantly fill up the emptiness inside – Jean Kilbourne, a public Speaker.

    In Nigeria, the cosmetic approach of always treating symptoms rather than the disease has created more problems than solutions in the fight against drug abuse and addiction. The failure to deploy sustainable holistic approach to tackle drug abuse and addiction from the source keeps impacting our society negatively. This drug-troubled situation has remained so for long given the deep-rooted nature of drugs and this has eaten far into the fabrics of our nation today. It is therefore imperative for all concerned and well-meaning Nigerians to address this ravaging challenge of drug abuse in our society today by providing a lasting solution as a matter of national urgency and emergency.

    A drug is a substance used to treat an illness, relieve a symptom, or modify a chemical process in the body for a specific purpose. Drugs are meant to change the state or function of the body. The misuse of, or overindulgence in drugs is called drug abuse. To abuse a drug is to use it for non-medical purpose, or to take an overdose of the prescription. The use of a drug only for the effect it produces is an abuse of that drug. Experts and clinical pharmacists have submitted that self-medication or self-prescription is a common form of drug abuse.

    Drug abuse is also the use of illicit drugs resulting in physical, mental, emotional and social impairment of the user. Legally allowed drugs may be abused through overdose or non-conformity to prescription directives.

    According to the World Health Organisation, drug abuse or substance abuse is the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. This results in a strong desire to take the drug and difficulty in controlling its use despite harmful consequences. Recently, a report of the first ever survey on drug use in Nigeria was released. The survey, which was supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the European Union, revealed that, about 14.3 million Nigerians, representing about 14.4 per cent of the country’s population between ages 15 to 64, were said to have abused drugs in the past one year.

    With respect to addiction treatment and rehabilitation, drugs can be classified, as regulated by the Controlled Substances Act into five categories – narcotics, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens and anabolic steroids. Narcotics work by inducing sleep, dulling and deadening the senses. Depressants decrease neuronal or physiological activity in the body. Stimulants act to increase and promote physiological or nervous activity in the body. Hallucinogens create a sensory perception of something that does not exist leading to substantial subjective changes in thoughts, emotions and consciousness. Anabolics are used to treat weight loss and muscle growth.

    Research reveals that the five most addictive substances in the world are: Heroin, cocaine, nicotine, barbiturates and alcohol. Mostly abused drugs among Nigerian youths, due to the affordability, are some prescription drugs such as tramadol, codeine, antibiotics, cough syrups and laxatives. The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye, said drug abuse could lead to irregular heartbeat – cramp, coma and death. She identified reasons for high prevalence of drug abuse in the country as: love of money by peddlers, unemployment, disobedience to laws of the land and the porous borders. According to her, the only way to prevent a breakdown of law and order by the addicts is for government to develop and enforce National Prescription Policy.

    Drug addiction is simply dependency on drugs, especially those which are illegally procured. Drug addiction is a disease which affects a person’s brain and behavior resulting in an inability to control the use of such drug. Wikipedia defines addiction as a brain disorder characterised by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. It has been observed that the indulgence of addicts in drugs is their way of shying away from the harsh and unfair realities of life.

    It is established that the main reason people get addicted to drugs or alcohol is to escape reality, but the truth is, the absence of feelings is no replacement for reality – the problems still remain. Addicts do not choose to get addicted; they only choose to deny their pains momentarily. Numbing that pain temporarily will make it worse when it is eventually felt. The surging demand for illicit drugs has become alarming, given their accessibility and availability on the streets and in most towns in Nigeria.

    According to HealthyPlace.com website, “You don’t get over addiction by stopping using. You recover by creating a new life where it is easier to not use. If you don’t create a new life, then all the factors that brought you to your addiction will catch up with you again.” Addicts must take deliberate, concerted and uneasy steps to disabuse and condition their minds to break free from the self-prison of addiction.

    Dealers and distributors of illicit drugs are to be treated as criminals, while the users, being the addicts are the victims. The government should establish more drug addict treatment facilities which will cater for the reorientation, treatment and rehabilitation of addicts in the society.

    With prevention and treatment techniques, drug addiction is controllable, treatable and reversible. Societal stigmas toward drug addicts must be stopped. Addicts undergoing rehabilitation should be lovingly embraced by the society to avoid discrimination, feelings of guilt, shame, rejection and possible relapse.

    It is also very important to caution some of Nigerian celebrities, musicians in particular, who flaunt their shameless and irresponsible lifestyles through the displays of their drug-using lifestyles in their songs. The videos of such songs and the lyrics encourage living on hard drugs. These songs tend to put the use of hard drugs in good light. The songs provide encouragement to drug addicts. Such musicians remain bad examples for impressionable young ones in the society who may choose to tread the same path.

    There must be collaboration of all segments of the society to address this drug challenge. Parents, guardians, schools, government, health care providers, non-governmental organisations, pharmaceutical industries and media houses have huge roles to play together in order to curb the menace of drug abuse. When all hands are on deck, this huge challenge of drug addiction and abuse in the country becomes surmountable.

    • Ojewale writes in via kayodeojewale@gmail.com

  • Lagos VIS: Dawn of technology in service delivery

    Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) was initiated by many countries to drive process that ensure vehicles on roads meet required standard of safety, maintenance and control of carbon emission which can endanger human life.  In 1977, the ‘Federal Clean Air Act’ was amended by the United States Congress to require states to implement vehicle emissions inspection programs, known as I/M programs in all major metropolitan areas whose air quality failed to meet certain federal standards.

    In some countries, brand new vehicles are subjected to various road checks or worthiness test before certification, after three years of use to secure people’s life from road threats associated with poor vehicular maintenance.

    In the United States of America, for instance, each state is autonomous in its choice of Vehicles Safety Inspection that they deem fit to improve safety on their roads. Vehicular   inspection exercise is conducted in 18 states on annual or biannual basis for safety depending of the category of vehicles involved. In Maryland for instance, vehicle safety inspection is conducted prior to registration or transfer of ownership only.

    Now, some states are now clamouring for the abolition of safety inspection process due its inability to reduce accident on the highway, seeing it as avenue to merely generate revenue by their government. However, in United Kingdom vehicle inspection is a mandatory annual test of safety, road worthiness and exhaust emission for vehicles above three years old. Accredited garages or service centres are approved to run comprehensive check, before certification.

    In Nigeria, the Vehicle Inspection Service (then Vehicle Inspection Office) has come of age from early 70s when the agency was responsible for conducting test as a necessity for the obtaining of drivers’ license, to issuing the license and some other major documents required to operate vehicles on roads.  Traditionally, the officials of the agency conducted regular checks on motorists plying major roads, for expired vehicles’ documents along major accessories of standard vehicles.

    These may include dysfunctional system such as emission, headlamp, broken windscreen, side mirrors and indicators, break lights, worn out tyres among others. It was a regular occurrence on roads to see motorists without relevant documents become apprehensive or jittery at the sight of vehicle inspection officers. The fear of being penalized have made some desperate drivers make suicidal moves to escape being arrested, thus threatening life of other road users. While some often escape, only a few are always lucky. The gravity of their violation determines penalty awarded against the motorist. On many occasions, vehicles have been impounded with demurrage incurred over the numbers of days such vehicles stayed in vehicle inspection until all penalties are paid. In worst scenarios, rickety vehicles were restricted to yard for owner to refurbish such vehicles until it is no longer a threat to the environment or other road users. Driving through a slow moving or near stop traffic before now could signal of Vehicle Inspection check ahead, especially during peak period. Hence, the fear of VIS officials was the beginning of wisdom.

    The need to inject the system with modern day technology, in line with the restructuring plan of the Lagos State government has since swept through the operations of Vehicle Inspection Service with the deployment of modern day technology, put in place to improve its efficiency.

    Consequently, inspection officers were withdrawn from roads and trained on a new mode of operation, using the Automatic Number-plate Recognition (ANPR) system to track traffic offenders without direct contact. This system works with CCTV cameras which are now planted on major roads to capture and process plate numbers to identify authenticity as well as validity of vehicles documents. This time around, officials have no business chasing vehicle owners operating on Lagos roads with expired documents.

    It is now a matter of interfacing with their system in the comfort of their office and generating penalty for offenders. A more civilized approach to vehicles inspection has detached vehicle inspection officers from having direct confrontation or harassment from the public. In recent time, it was reported that vehicles belonging to some notable people in the society were captured to be on roads with expired document. Consequently, owners were alerted with text messages which give ultimatum to pay fine within stipulated period. This has given victims of such penalty some flexibility of time to redeem penalty before their vehicles get impounded.

    In view of growing incidents of carnage caused by poorly maintained vehicles on Lagos roads, with attendant loss of lives, Lagos State government reiterated the need for compulsory road worthiness test to periodically certify fitness of vehicles that operate on Lagos roads. Meanwhile, the state government has commenced operations of two computerized vehicles centres in Ojodu and Ikorodu.

    This transition from manual way of inspection, to technology driven method has improved efficiency of the system, while increasing the numbers of vehicles comprehensively tested on daily basis as other locations commence operation. Furthermore, the awkward and rigorous ways of testing motor vehicles that are error ridden have given way for a more error-free technological checker.

    As conducive environment is key to efficiency of Vehicle Inspection Services, the construction of headquarter for the Agency at Ojodu, will eventually foster harmonious relationship with Federal Road Safety Commission for better service delivery to motorists. The peculiarity of Lagos State in hosting high level of vehicular activities daily has definitely increased demand for Vehicle Inspection Services in all its operational locations in the state. This justifies the recruitment of about 200 staff with some conversions from within the system and requisite training in the line of efficient service delivery.

    Despite the fact that the Lagos State government does not delight in imposing undue sanction on motorists, they are, nevertheless, expected to obtain genuine documents to avoid penalties for defiance. Such include valid driver’s license, valid road worthiness with computerized inspection at the inspection agency,  Lacvis,  valid insurance certificate, valid hackney/state carriage permit for commercial vehicles, Lagos State Driver’s Institute Permit for (commercial drivers), fire extinguisher, good tyres/spare as well as C-Caution and Retro Reflective Tape (at the back of  vehicles).

    While the state government has not relented in its efforts to secure lives and property, especially in putting in place preventive measures against disaster of vehicles from our highway, it is important that all stakeholders key into the process. If we must put vehicles on the road, we must ensure that due documents are obtained, for the safety of all.

    • Odumade is of the Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

  • Life Lager wraps up 2019 edition of Hi-Life Fest

    Life Lager, the beer brand renowned for celebrating the culture of the South East people has added another landmark achievement to its growing list of successful consumer engagements.

    The 2019 edition of Hi-Life Fest, which is proudly sponsored by Life Lager, was concluded last week.

    The competition, which is in its third year, has been a huge success with various regional knockouts across the south-eastern parts of the country. The search for the next Hi-Life king saw Life Lager head  to cities such as Awka, Asaba, Onitsha, Enugu, and Port-Harcourt. After two months of exciting musical events across these cites, four finalists emerged and competed at the grand finale in Onitsha.

    The judges included actor/singer – David Jones David, renowned dance instructor – Dr. Jude Akaz, highlife legend – Bright Chimezie, and Nigerian music icon – Onyeka Onwenu.

    After a keenly contested showpiece, Chijioke Charles emerged as the winner of the singing category and Ofu Obi Dance Troupe won in the dance category. They were given cheques.

    Expressing his excitement Chijioke Charles  said  “I dedicate this win to God, my family and everyone who supported me, I am lost for words. This is definitely the happiest day of my life and I am so grateful to Life Lager”

    The  Portfolio Manager – Mainstream Brands Nigerian Breweries Plc., Omotunde Adenusi, pontificated on the success of the competition. – “Life Lager is all about progress. Giving these talented acts a platform to showcase their talents has been a thing of joy for us. We believe everyone who has been on this show is a winner and we look forward to seeing how they progress in their careers. We also thank our loyal consumers for constantly coming out to support our contestants, we have thoroughly enjoyed sharing these nights with our consumers and they can expect more of these in the coming years.”

    This finale capped off 12 weeks of sensational music shows across south-east Nigeria. Some of the finest entertainers in Nigeria, such as KCEE, Onyeka Onwenu and Phyno graced the stage with electrifying  performances.

  • Family of woman killed by kidnappers seeks justice

    The family of Mrs. Anna Ejiofor shot and killed by suspected kidnappers in Ikwerre area of Port

    Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has urged the security agencies to fish out her killers and make them face the consequences of their action.

    Family sources said Mrs. Ejiofor’s son Tobechukwu Andrew Ejiofor, Managing Director of Homes of Success Agro Farms Nigeria Limited, was kidnapped in 2017 then rescued by police.

    On July 4, this year, some gunmen presumed to be the ones who earlier kidnapped Tobechukwu, returned to the home of the Ejiofors at No 27, Pius Street Omademe in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state demanding to see Tobechukwu and his wife Latai.

    Rummaging through virtually everything in the house and failing to find the couple, the gunmen reportedly shot 78-year-old Mrs. Anna Ejiofor in the head. She died immediately. The Ejiofor’s home was also set on fire.

    It was gathered that other occupants of the house and neighbours took to their heels on hearing the assailants’ gunfire.

    The anti-kidnapping unit of the police who are still investigating the incident are yet to apprehend the kidnappers, said the family members.

    The Ejiofors have sustained their prayers for God to bring the perpetrators of this evil to book within a short time.

    They have also asked the relevant authorities to apprehend the killers of their matriarch

  • 20 benefit from N12m ‘agripreneur’ grant

    Twenty graduates of an Itsekiri Regional Development Committee (IRDC) sponsored ‘agripreneur’ scheme have become beneficiaries of N12 million business support grant from the committee.

    The beneficiaries, who underwent one year intensive training in cassava, plantain and aquaculture production, were unveiled and presented with the grant of N600, 000 each, at a ceremony in Warri, Delta State.

    Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Chairman of IRDC, Austin Oniyesan, explained that the N12 million grant was given to the beneficiaries to enable them to use agriculture and agribusiness as means to generate income and provide employment for youths.

    Oniyesan commended Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the PIND Foundation and members of his executive committee for making the pilot programme a huge success.

    He advised the beneficiaries to reflect on the experiences they garnered during the training, even as he urged them to make good use of the start-up grant.

    In his address, the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA) of CNL, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, explained that the Agripreneur Project was specifically designed to empower youths, “in target RDCs to embrace agriculture and agribusiness as an income-generating activity, provide opportunities for stimulating socio-economic development in the selected communities, offering secondary benefits to the larger society as a whole”, as well as “boost the availability of agriculture produce for local community suppliers”.

    Mr. Brikinn, who was represented by the Area Manager, PGPA, Field Operation, Warri, Mr. Sam Daibo, noted that CNL partnered IITA in the Agripreneur Project, “to stimulate socio-economic development in the Regional Development Committees under the Global Memorandum of Understanding”.

    While noting that opportunities for large-scale employment of labour in the oil and gas industry are “extremely limited”, he revealed that another set of 40 people are set to commence Agripreneurs’ training.

    The Youth Consultant, IITA, Arome Alfa, stated that some of the graduates have already commenced agro-based production as a result of the training programme, adding that the Agripreneur initiative has the “production and design into value addition and service provision”, stages.

    Four of the graduates; Jemide Joseph, Austin Ikpi, Oris Ugbameta and Blessing Afini, shared their knowledge in plantain, cassava and fish production as well as plantain micro-propagation.

  • Two inmates regain freedom in Akwa Ibom

    De Norsemen Kclub Incorporated (DNKI), Akwa Ibom chapter has secured the release of two inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ikot Abasi, by paying the stipulated fines attached to their sentences. The gesture was part of the organisation’s events to mark this year’s World Humanitarian Day on Monday.

    While receiving the freed inmates, the Governor, DNKI; Akwa Ibom State chapter, Dr. David Umoh advised them not to go back to crime or risk facing another period of incarceration or worse.

    He also advised other inmates of the facility to put their faith in God and remain hopeful for a better future, adding that their time behind bars should serve as a lesson for their past mistakes.

    In his remarks, the International President DNKI, Mr. Adeshola Giwa, who was represented by the Director Project K9, Saint Kingsley said the gesture by the Akwa Ibom chapter of the organisation was in line with its project K9 which he said was aimed at de-congesting prisons and enhance reintegration of former convicts to their relations and the society.

    Furthermore, the Deputy Legal Adviser of DNKI and Coordinator of Project K9 in Akwa Ibom State Alfred Effiong, a lawyer, stated that apart from their effort at de-congesting prisons, they would also work towards offering pro bono services to inmates who do not have or cannot afford legal representatives and ensure justice is not denied them.

    One of the inmates who spoke on behalf of others expressed gratitude to DNKI for volunteering to pay the fine option for two of them, as well as the food items and toiletries they brought. He revealed that the gesture was a confirmation that there is hope for those in correctional facilities.

    Assistant Controller of Prison (ACP) Effanga Effanga, the officer in charge of Ikot Abasi Correctional Centre praised the group for the gesture, even as he called for similar support and collaboration from other groups and well-meaning Nigerians.

    High point of the event was the formal walk out to freedom by Inyeneobong Joshua and Lucky Amos (m) whose fine options of N120, 000 and N130, 000 were respectively paid and a release warrant secured by the Norsemen Kclub as well as a financial start-up package that would fast-track their reintegration into the society.

    Both of them expressed profound gratitude to the organisation for their kindness and pledged to stay away from crime.