The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerians

  • Nigerians need a new work ethics in 2013

    SIR: Our attitudes towards work must change positively this year if we must develop and if we must actualize our vision20:2020 et al.

    The lack of enthusiasm is very glaring in the attitude of many workers who see their jobs as dull, laborious, repetitious, tedious, irritating, risky or dangerous.

    The lackadaisical attitudes toward work by both high-ranking and low-ranking workers has become a great obstacles to the development of the most of the Third World countries, because poor quality work reduced productivity and declining services cripple economic growth of any nation.

    After World War II, Japan was greatly devastated. Many of her buildings and people had been obliterated by atomic bombs. The United States and other nations offered help to rebuild Japan. Computer experts, agricultural specialists, scientists, teachers, business people etc. from different nations offered to help Japanese reconstruct their country but with a condition: They demanded that the Japanese will work more and earn less than workers in United States were paid and the Japanese agreed with that condition of work because they wanted to rebuild their country as soon as possible. Today Japan is a power to be reckoned with. Her might is based on economic, not military strength.

    In Nigeria, most of us want jobs but we don’t want to work; we want the money but we don’t want to expend the energy and this is one of the reasons Nigeria is not progressing because nothing is as depressing and frustrating as having someone on a job who is not interested in working.

    Too often we allow the pain and perspiration of work to hide its blessings; we assume work is a necessary evil without looking for the good it brings. We always prefer rest, relaxation and holidays to a good work, but unfortunately, all these are false assumption because rest is only sweet after a good work.

    When God created the world, He worked for six days and rested for one day (Genesis: 2:2). He also instructed us to work six days and rest for one day (Exodus23:12). But our desire to work one day and rest six days has caused us backwardness and unhappiness.

    In this New Year and henceforth, Nigerians must change their orientation to work. We must see work as a gift from God and not as a burden. We must know that work is profitable and honourable and all hard work brings profit for the workers by allowing them to meet their financial needs.

    The young unemployed must not just fold their harms or be sleeping at home; they must think, move around and look for something positive they can do with their lives.

    Governments on its part must also encourage the young unemployed by empowering them financially and make the society favourable for the small scale industries. The working condition and remuneration of the workers must be improved to motivate the workers to put in their best and to discourage brain drain.

    Workers must stop stealing from their bosses or government. Coming late to work, taking extra long lunch hours, going home early, collecting double salaries, converting company properties to personal one etc. are all acts that is tantamount to stealing which must be stopped.

    Governments must stop undermining the power of workers because the power of productivity is evident in the influence of Labour Unions. Unions control the workers, who control the productivity, and as a result, they can cripple a country, destroy an economy through industrial strike and other means. The leaders must know that they can not run a country when people are not working because you can’t force people to work.

    Governments can’t legislate obedience, nor can they force people to cooperate when they are moving in a wrong direction and workers will rebel if they feel they are working for nothing.

    Therefore it is high time we put a stop to an era of”monkey they work, baboon they chop”.

    • John Tosin Ajiboye

    Osogbo, Osun State

  • Nigerians in South Africa mobilise support for Eagles

    Nigerians in South Africa mobilise support for Eagles

    Members of the Nigerian community in South Africa have started moblising to support the Super Eagles during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The event has been scheduled to run from Jan. 19 to Feb. 10, 2013.

    Frank Anagu, leader of the Nigerian community in South Africa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Johannesburg on Monday that 200 tickets for each of the matches had been purchased for distribution to Nigerians, to watch the Eagles’ group games.

    Anagu said Nigerians living in South Africa and Mozambique were being moblised to support the national team.

    “We have done a lot of mobilisation through the various Nigerian unions in South Africa and Mozambique for them to come out in their numbers to support the team. The Nigerian union is making arrangements to rent 46-seater buses to take us to Nelspruit, apart from individuals that will be travelling to watch Nigerian matches. Our plan is to travel a day before any of our matches, to have a `one on one’ encounter with our national team, to motivate and support them,’’ Anagu said.

    He said Nigerians in Mozambique were making their own arrangements to give their full support to the national team.

    “As we are making our own arrangements here in South Africa, members of the Nigerian community in Mozambique are also making their own arrangements. Mozambique is not too far from Nelspruit. It is even closer to the venue than Johannesburg, so we are expecting many Nigerians to come from Mozambique to support our national team,’’ Anagu said.

    He said members of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club in South Africa will join those coming from home to motivate the players

  • Nigerians need to seek God’s face

    Nigerians need to seek God’s face

    SIR: The federal Government needs to declare a national day of prayers and fasting in order to seek God’s face for favour and mercy. Sincere prayers and fasting will change bad things to good and prayers will also influence God to turn the hearts of those in authority from doing evil. The national prayer and fasting would connect Nigeria and her people to the power of God.

    Our leaders should be warned that unfaithfulness and corruption will continue to make people frustrated and the more frustrated the people are, the more problems should be expected.

    Our leaders in every sphere of governance should read the handwriting on the wall and repent, hence, they should be expecting more problems for the nation. Proverbs 15: 27 says, “He who is greedy for gain, troubles his own house, but, he who hates bribe will live”. Also, Proverbs 14: 34 says “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”

    Therefore, let our leaders repent from their wickedness, selfish ways, so that, God can hear our prayers. When a country is well governed, there will be peace, prosperity and progress throughout the nation.

     

    • Prophet Oladipupo Funmilade-Joel (Baba Sekunderin)

    Lagos.

  • Akume to Nigerians: 2013 has brought good tidings

    The Senate Minority Leader Senator George Akume has wished Nigerians a pleasant New Year celebration.

    Akume, in his New Year message, said: “On behalf of my family and the people of Benue Northwest Senatorial District, I wish all Nigerians a pleasant New Year celebration.

    “This celebration is remarkable because it heralds a respite from the turbulence we have had to endure as a country in the past months.

    “I believe 2013 has brought with it good tidings.

    With all sense of responsibility, I wish to acknowledge that since the last celebration a year ago, Nigeria has made significant strides in all areas of the polity.

    “In my assessment, we are not yet where we ought to be. It is disheartening to note that despite our posture as the giant of Africa and the resources that abound, many Nigerians today still live below the poverty line.

    “As a progressive, I wish to observe that ours is a nation that has been very slow in developing. The government is very far from delivering on most, if not all its pledges to the citizenry, especially those benefits expected to have accrued to all after the subsidy on petroleum products was removed last January.

    “It would have been the joy of everyone if our resources were invested to build good roads, equip health facilities, improve on power supply, make functional education affordable and accessible to all as well as create employment opportunities for our youths.

    “It is necessary to point out that the performance of the present administration has fallen short of the expectations of Nigerians, especially in the areas of administration of justice and implementation of important legislations, which were passed by the National Assembly as well as the tackling of corruption that has been the bane of development in Nigeria.

    “In all these difficulties, Nigerians have conducted themselves in an enviable manner, eschewing violence. They are peace loving, displaying the kind of civility and patience hitherto unseen in this part of the world.

    “I hail the forces/corps for being dutiful during crises.

    In commending the citizenry, I urge them to hold the government accountable in areas where its activities are below their expectations, using every constitutional means open to them. It is only then that the government can be made to provide the tonic essential for development.

    “I sympathise with those affected by the sectarian violence, air disasters and the recent floods. I urge Nigerians to advocate for peace, love and the unity of this country and also to be supportive of government’s programmes and policies as we celebrate the coming of 2013. “I pray the Almighty God to make our dreams as individuals and a nation come true in the New Year.

    Once more, I wish all a happy New Year.”

  • Nigerians want security, jobs this year

    Nigerians want security, jobs this year

    Last year was not a particularly good one for Nigerians. Boko Haram, kidnappers, corruption and a wobbling economy, among others, made the year tough. As 2013 begins today, Nigerians want the Federal Government, state governments and local governments to improve their lot

     

    By the time the curtain was drawn on 2012 yesterday, Boko Haram had killed over 750 Nigerians. This was over 100 more than the number of people the deadly sect killed the previous year.

    Kidnappers also had a good outing and made life hell for many a family. In the midst of the insecurity, the economy too did not fare well.

    Nigerians are looking forward to a better year and want government at all levels to help change things.

     

    We need conducive environment, says ANPP

    The National Chairman, All Nigeria’s Peoples Party (ANPP), Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, in his New Year message, urged the Federal Government to create conducive environment, where peoples’ vote truly counts and “the voter matters in an election that is not only free and fair but also peaceful and credible”.

    Onu urged Nigerians not to despair, but to continue to pray for the country.

    He said: “As Nigerians join the rest of the global family to thank God for his favours in the past year and ask for a new year that is full of hope, the party shares with Nigerians the expectations of 2013. It is our conviction that our beloved country will be a better place, where we can all be proud of, if we resolve that our democracy will be such that the will of the people remains supreme.

    “As we think of how to improve our lives in the New Year, we should also reflect on how we can rededicate ourselves to a more conscientious pursuit of those cherished attributes that will enable Nigeria’s democracy thrive. The way we want our future to be will depend on the choices we make today. We urge our fellow country men and women to strengthen their faith in themselves, put the interest of the nation first, reaffirm implicit confidence in the power of a collective determination to succeed.”

     

    Jonathan must fulfil his promise, says Archbishop

    The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, The Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to make good his promise of making Nigeria a better place in 2013.

    Martins, in his New Year message signed by the Director of Social Communications, Msgr. Gabriel Osu, said Nigerians were looking on the president to better their lot by addressing the challenges confronting the nation.

    He said: “At this period of our national life, what Nigerians need now is to see practical steps by their leaders to alleviate the growing rate of sufferings in the land. They want to see good governance; we have gone through a lot as a nation and we have been hearing promises upon promises; we want to see action this time around. “I want to believe that the President is very sincere about moving the nation forward but he must prove it with concrete actions and not just mere rhetoric.”

    Martins said the past two years should have equipped the president with enough knowledge on the problems confronting the nation and urged him to now come out with realistic solutions.

    “My prayer is that this New Year will usher in new vista of immense opportunities and fulfillment for us as a nation,” he said.

     

    ‘Give us security’

    The Deputy National Chairman, Alliance for Democracy (AD), Alhaji Musa Umar, said that no nation could progress without security.

    “The President should address the issue of insecurity and also put a state of emergency on corruption,” he said.

    Also speaking, Alhaji Yahaya Ndu, the initiator, Peoples Movement for a New Nigeria (PMNN), urged Jonathan to ensure that he carried Nigerians along in his governance in 2013. He also called on the president to reduce his cabinet to reduce the cost of governance in 2013. He said: “I expect him to carry every one along in his administration and reduce his cabinet to cut cost.”

    A politician, Mr. Damian Ogbonna, advised the president to give the youth a greater sense of belonging in the nation’s politics and governance. According to him, this will promote participatory democracy in the country. He said the step would also help in reducing unrest in the country.

    The Lagos State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Godfrey Lemchi, urged the Senate to ensure that the issue of regional federalism was reflected in its constitutional review.

    “Since we could not have the sovereign national conference in 2012 and the government is not favourably disposed to it, let there be something from the legislature in 2013 to give Nigerians that commitment that something is happening. If the Senate is doing anything, they must ensure that the issue of regional federalism is made to reflect in the proposed constitution amendment because this is the bottom line of our problems,’’ he said.

     

    ‘Take governance more serious’

    The Citizens National Party (CPP) wants the government to convoke a national conference that will midwife a new Nigerian Constitution in 2013. The party made the call in an end of year message to Nigerians signed by its National Chairman, Mr. Maxi Okwu.

    Okwu urged President Goodluck Jonathan to sit up and take governance more seriously in the New Year in line with his transformation agenda. The party chairman said the Federal Government’s Transformation Agenda would uplift the living standards of the citizenry through effective political engineering, economic restructuring and social reorganisation.

    He said: “It is imperative for all the ethnic nationalities in Nigeria to sit down and discuss their peculiar problems and proffer solutions to them with a view to strengthening their commitment to one Nigeria. Today, our economy is in trouble, the political process in disarray, security of lives and property jeopardised and the populace impoverished and disillusioned. We urge President Goodluck Jonathan to sit up and take governance serious, as the world has become a global village and watch our progress with cautious optimism.’’

     

    Pensioners seek peace, love

    The Federal Universities Pensioners’ Association (FUPA) urged Nigerians to promote love, understanding, national cohesion to achieve development. In his New Year message, the National President of the Association, Dr Ayuba Kura, urged the Federal Government to conquer poverty, insecurity, illiteracy, unemployment and other forms of social vices be-devilling the prospects of Nigeria. The President urged the federal government to settle the 53 per cent arrears government owed members of the association to give them hope and sense of belonging.

    He also urged Nigerians to be tolerant.

    His words: “I implore Nigerians to endeavour to exhibit high sense of unity, tolerance, brotherliness to guarantee national unity in the New Year.

    “As patriotic citizens, we must strive hard to make the country not only one of the top 20 democracies of the world but one of the top 20 global economies. “This will not be achieved in a chaotic atmosphere and among people with disunited and corrupt minds.”

     

    ‘Tackle unemployment’

    The Archbishop of Bendel province of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev’d Friday Imaekhai, wants government to be more aggressive in tackling unemployment in the New Year. He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin yesterday that it would help to reduce propensity to criminality in the country and also called on citizens to be obedient and supportive of leaders, stead of antagonising them. Imaekhai, who doubles as the Bishop of Esan Diocese, Anglican Communion also said in his New Year message to the nation that governments at all levels had the responsibility to fulfill their electoral promises to the people to whom they were accountable. He added that citizens on the other hand, owed it as an obligation to be obedient and supportive of leaders and said that both government and the governed had their specific responsibilities to carry out so that the country could move forward. “All forms of political or religious antagonism should end and let us embrace the olive branch and work as an indefatigable team.’’ While wishing Nigerians a prosperous new year, the clergyman called on them to affirm their resolve to ensure peaceful society devoid of rancour and bitterness.

     

    ‘Rehabilitate ports’ infrastructure’

    The Chairman, Shipping Association of Nigeria, Mr Val Usifo, yesterday urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate infrastructure at the seaports.

    Usifo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that infrastructure, particularly those in Lagos and Port Harcourt ports should be upgraded.

    “The job on the road network at the Lagos ports should be fast-tracked because it is taking too long,” he said.

    Usifo said the deep sea ports being constructed would reduce the burden on the Lagos ports. The chairman said that the new sea port projects should not be slowed down at all and should be carried out through Public Private Partnership (PPP).

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Eschew bitterness, Yero urges Nigerians

    Kaduna State Governor Mukthar Ramalan Yero has asked the people of the state to use the period of the New Year celebration to eschew bitterness and embrace peace.

    In his message, the governor said the New Year holds great potentials for the state, and his administration is committed to the building of bridges of understanding across the interest groups in the state, irrespective of political, religious and tribal differences.

    The message, which was signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Reuben Buhari, reads: “As we bade farewell to 2012 and look forward to the New Year, His Excellency, Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, felicitates with the people of the state.

    “While asking for more prayers for our state and the country, His Excellency is urging us that in the New Year, our desire to succeed should be stronger than our fear of failure. By so doing, we will prepare ourselves for the challenges of the New Year and the fact that our resolution to succeed will create the extra needed motivation for us.

    “His Excellency further reiterates the fact that this administration is committed to building bridges of understanding across the interest groups in the state, irrespective of political, religious and tribal differences.

    “He is asking the people to eschew differences and live peacefully with each other so that government can have the needed environment to continue intervening in all socio-economic aspects of the state in the New Year.”

     

     

     

     

  • Seek the face of God, PDP tells leaders

    Seek the face of God, PDP tells leaders

    The Peoples Democratic Party has charged the nation’s leaders to retrace their steps and seek the face of God in their dealings with the people.

    This, according to the party, is the only way the nation can win the battle against the various ills plaguing its growth and development.

    In a New Year message signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party lamented what it described as the dwindling patriotism among Nigerians, stating that the major pre-occupation of the PDP in 2013 will be to engender positive attitudinal change among the people.

    It therefore urged the leaders of the party at all levels to brace up for the challenge.

    The statement reads: “Are we referring to corruption, terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, tribalism, religious intolerance, nepotism and what have you; the solution lies in the change of attitude among Nigerians. We must return to the path of patriotism and those in authority must lead the way.

    “Our vote for attitudinal change in 2013 is informed by the simple fact that the commonest denominator of the systemic challenges facing our national growth is the dwindling fervor of patriotism on which our founding fathers laid the foundation of our dear nation.

    “The adverse implications of this have manifest in various ills that retard our movement to greatness. As the party entrusted with the mandate of the people, the onus is on us to show the light so that the way will be made perfectly clear to them.

    “All our members elected and appointed into positions of authority at all levels now have a double responsibility of meeting up with the performance target we have already set as well as lead the way, with exemplary conduct in this course of value change.”

    The statement argued that the twin evils of corruption and insecurity which inflicted the deepest cut on the memory of Nigerians in the year just ended could be overcome with the relegation of warped values by the people and their leaders.

    Metuh said achieving attitudinal change is not a duty for the President alone, stressing that it demands the collective efforts of all Nigerians.

     

  • Total, French Embassy offer scholarships to Nigerians

    Total Plc and the Embassy of France in Nigeria have initiated a joint scholarship scheme to sponsor the training of five Nigerians abroad every year.

    A statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by the Manager (External Communication) of Total, Mr. Charles Ebereonwu, said the scheme was part of the company’s efforts to contribute to the development of the country’s education sector.

    It noted that the Joint Scholarship Scheme (‘TQJS’) titled:“Total E &P Nigeria Ltd. (TEPNG) /Quai d’ Orsay’’ would take effect from the 2012/2013 academic session.

    The statement, however, said the pilot stage of the scheme had commenced this year with one candidate sponsored to study international law in France.

    It stressed that the agreement for the training was signed by Mr. Guy Maurice, the Managing Director of TEPNG, and Amb. Jacques Champagne de Labriolle, the French Ambassador to Nigeria.

    The statement quoted de Labriolle as saying that the scheme was based on the need to contribute to the training of Nigerians in different fields, while commending Total for contributing to the development of the Nigerian society.

    It also quoted Maurice as saying that the initiative was a reflection of the company’s confidence in the country and a continuation of what it had been doing in the past.

    The News Agency of Nigeria says Total has been collaborating with top-rated institutions across the world, as part of its human capacity development efforts.

     

  • Kumuyi enjoins Nigerians to trust God

    The General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has enjoined Nigerians to trust God in the face of insecurity.

    He spoke at the retreat organised by the church at the Deeper Life Conference Centre, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    The five-day programme tagged: ‘All Round Security in Christ’, brought together thousands of Christians. It was held simultaneously in 774 local governments in Nigeria, Europe, Africa and America.

    According to Pastor Kumuyi, Nigerians must put their trust in God as this is the recipe for overcoming insecurity and other problems.

    He said believers should have faith in God, adding that faith is the key ingredient for walking successfully with God.

    Kumuyi admonished Christians to live a holy life.

     

  • Be tolerant, Fashola urges Nigerians

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has urged Nigerians to be tolerant and live in peace.

    He said it is the only way the nation can progress.

    In his Christmas message, Fashola urged Nigerians to support their leaders in developing the country.

    Identifying security as one of Nigeria’s challenges, he urged the people to be safety and security-conscious during the Yuiletide by not drinking and driving, as well as reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.

    Fashola said: “This year has been a challenging one, particularly in the area of security. I urge you, as you celebrate this season of sharing, giving and receiving, to be vigilant and stay safe. Be safety and security conscious. Do not drink and drive. Be alert and report all suspicious activities around you to security agencies, using the 767 and 112 toll-free numbers.”

    Thanking God for sparing our lives to celebrate this year’s Christmas despite the challenges experienced during the year, the governor said there was no better way to celebrate Christ’s birth than to show love and be our brother’s keeper.

    He said: “This is the message of Christmas and the lesson from Christ’s birth. We owe God a lot of gratitude and wholesome reverence for bestowing on us the honour and privilege of being alive to celebrate this year’s Christmas.”

    Praising Lagosians for co-existing in peace, regardless of ethnic and religious differences, Fashola said: “I urge you to continue in this vein, for it is only by living in peace, respecting each other’s rights and being our brothers’ keepers that we are truly celebrating the essence of Christmas.

    “I wish all Lagosians a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance. Let us resolve to support, respect and cooperate with those it has pleased God to place in authority over us, so that we can continue to make progress as a people.”