The Nation Newspaper

Tag: politicians

  • Monarch’s menu for politicians

    As political campaigns hit feverish pitch, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, the Osile Oke-Ona Egba has enjoined politicians to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship as they contest at the forthcoming general elections. His pamphlet, Handling victory or defeat in elections, which contains some advice is a must-read for politicians, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME. 

    Never judge a book by its cover”, is a common phrase among literati. But, for Handling victory or defeat in elections-(A gift to Nigeria, Africa and the World) the appropriate phraseis ‘never judge a pamphlet by its size’.

    The 16-page pamphlet written by Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, Karunwi (111) Oranmiyan, Osile Oke-Ona Egba, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, is a collection of timely and essential pieces of advice for everyone especially politicians seeking elective positions. It is a rare antidote for this season when bombs of political hatred and violence are looming over the country.

    The opening page titled:  Welcome, a five-paragraph statement, is a clarion call to Nigerians that ‘we all have duties to carry out beyond prayers  to have a stable society during the period of electioneering.’ He assures that however hard and tough the road may be, ‘surely God has earmarked victory for us because we are on a righteous cause.’

    To reach a wider audience, it is published and distributed free to government official and people across the world whose heart cry is for peace.

    Every page is dedicated to selected messages for the readers who may find some of the messages refreshing and others reassuring on how to handle the outcome of an election. Some are very pungent and brief to the extent that the message is less than 20 words on a page. For instance, on Page three, in colourful lettering in caps, the monarch says: “Leave something behind as you move along in live- A good name – it’s the greatest asset for your family.”

    Using the famous story of two bees struggling to get through a passage into a small hole as an illustration, the author enjoins politicians not to be distracted by running down their opponents. “The error of your opponent does not make you a success. It’s what you intend to do for your electorate that counts. So concentrate on what you will do,” he says.

    Messages on other pages centre on why politicians must first run the election race in his mind before running it on the field, why there should be no blood shedding, imbibing the spirit of forgiveness and winning of election should be to lift the peoples’ standard of living.

    In The Desperate politician on Page 8, the author draws readers’ attention to the character of a desperate politician as illustrated by the story of two women who are claiming the ownership of a child in the Holy Bible. According to Oba Tejuoso, politicians who mean well for the people will never allow themselves or their supporters to engage in anydestructive act, particularly the destruction of properties and more seriously killings.

    He also enjoined politicians never to lose their mind when they lose election, instead they should learn from it. Beyond politics, the author differentiates between heroes and celebrities saying, heroes are people with integrity who use proper means to achieve their goals while celebrities are people that suddenly appear on the scene with or without proper explanations for their success.

    Tips to get more votes on page 14, is one of the pages that is very instructive to every reader including politicians and the electorate.

    The monarch sums up his counsel: “So, we should sow the right seeds in our political pursuit if our desire is to build our nation.” Though very brief messages, the pamphlet is truly designed to help politicians think deep in all their pursuits.

    Handling victory or defect in elections is a well produced pamphlet with varied fonts pleasant to the eyes. The glossy paper and graphic layout also added quality to the design.

  • Politicians advised on 2015 polls

    Politicians advised on 2015 polls

    As the 2015 general elections draw near,politicians have been advised to play the game according to the rules, even as they have been urged to bear in mind that power is transient.

    The General Overseer, Breakthrough Believers Church International, Rev Joshua Benardson gave the advice during the third year anniversary and thanksgiving of the church in Surulere Lagos.

    Rev. Benardson noted that “righteousness exalts a nation”.

    His words: “Nation entails the lives of men, women and youths. For us to succeed and have a good election in 2015; we need God to intervene in the affairs of our lives.

    “My advice to politicians is to keep trusting in the Lord. Election is not a do-or-die affair. It’s just who God loves, who God chooses that must win. All the aspirants can’t emerge as winners. Whosoever God has anointed will surely win.”

    The cleric warned officials of Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the election with the fear of God, do justice to all and do what is right in the sight of God and men before, during and after the elections.”

    On Boko Haram insurgency, he explained that God was aware of what the nation and Nigerians were passing through, adding that the insurgents would not escape the consequences of their actions.

    “The Bible says there is time for everything. Now that Boko Haram is terrorising, doing what they know best, my advice to Nigerians is to fix our eyes on Christ, because He is the author and finisher of our faith. Boko Haram must surrender to the authority of God Almighty because no one can make it by shedding blood.

    “When you shed blood, you are putting your generation at risk of what they are to reap. Whatever a man sows, he shall reap. The Boko Haram insurgents live to kill and definitely they can’t escape the consequences.”

    He prayed that God, who has chosen the soldiers fighting the insurgents “will protect them and help them to scale through in anything they are doing to defend the nation.

    “Safety is of the Lord and God that is on the throne cannot fail them. Any of them that put their trust in God must scale through in this time of trial,” he said.

    The cleric advised Nigerians to remember that “tough times do not last, but tough people do.”

    “Any man that fixes his eyes on God can never be disappointed. Forget about what you are going through, for God will intervene in the affairs of Nigeria.”

    He said he was in the military service when he had the call to serve in God’s vineyard.

    “The call made me leave Nigerian Navy to join God’s army as a preacher, and since I joined them, there have been no regrets.  I am a trained Nigerian navigator.

    On his ministry, he said: “This is my 28th year in the ministry and the Lord has been seeing us through. Just three years ago, He instructed us to start up this new work and this new work has given birth to what men cannot comprehend.

    “By the grace of God, we believe God for more divine manifestations that will shoot across Breakthrough Believers Church. I am looking ahead that by 2015, things will be much better for every member of this ministry.

    “He that dwelt in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty, and then we shall say of the Lord, He is our refuge, He is our fortress, in God we trust, we can’t trust in other gods.

    “God alone is worthy to be praised and I believe with Him impossibility with men will become possible.”

    His wife, Pastor Tina Benardson, the  Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Coker-Aguda, Surulere Lagos and chairman of the event, Rev. (Dr.) Ethelbert Nwigwe, said members of the church decided to thank God for His abundant blessings in their lives during the year.

  • Politicians urged to avoid violence

    The Chairman of Gwag-walada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Jibrin Giri has called on politicians in the area to be patient and shun violence.

    Giri said that violence has caused a lot of damages in various areas in the country and called on them to preach peace to their followers, which will help in the development of the council.

    He stated that various actions by politicians have brought about chaos in the council and called on them to always be conscious of what they do and make sure their actions benefit the people.

    Giri also called on the residents to continue to be law abiding citizens, in order to ensure a peaceful conduct of the 2015 general elections in the area.

    He further appealed on residents of the council to support his administration, as he has a lot of projects on hand that would benefit the people.

    “I am calling on all politicians to remember that they should always act peacefully and shun corruption. They should remember that the council is their home and work towards making it a peaceful place to live in,” he said.

     

  • U.S. to Rivers politicians: make 2015 polls violence-free

    U.S. to Rivers politicians: make 2015 polls violence-free

    The United States (U.S.) Consular General in Nigeria, Jeffrey Hawkins, has urged political parties in Rivers State to make the 2015 polls violence-free.

    Hawkins spoke in Port Harcourt, the state capital, when he visited the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Nyesom Wike.

    The consular general said the U.S. was concerned about reports of likely electoral violence in Rivers State.

    He urged key political players to work for peaceful elections next year.

    Wike said he was on a mission to revive government institutions that had allegedly been destroyed by the administration and set democracy on the right path.

    The PDP candidate accused the administration of destroying the Legislature and the Judiciary in order to deny the ordinary people access to the core dividends of democracy.

    He said: “The Judiciary and the Legislature have been crippled by the current administration in the state. One of the very first assignments that I will handle is to restore the integrity of these two arms of government and ensure effective separation of powers.

    “The 2015 elections in Rivers State will be peaceful, free and fair, despite the sponsored negative propaganda by the current administration. The All Progressives Congress (APC) is raising unnecessary alarm about the alleged plan to rig the election so that they can justify their impending loss.

    “We have entered into a contract with the Rivers people in all the 23 local government areas of the state as we have directly met with the people. We are now moving from ward to ward and community to community to sell the New Rivers Vision 2015 to the people. We are sure of victory in 2015 because the people are with us. Rivers State is a traditional PDP.”

    Wike said after the 2015 elections, he would start aggressive development programmes to empower the residents with jobs.

    He promised to revive the economy to accommodate a larger percentage of the population.

  • ‘Nigerian politicians are selfish, lack fear of God’

    ‘Nigerian politicians are selfish, lack fear of God’

    Adejare Adegbenro is a Lagos-based businessman and grandson of the late Chief Dauda Adegbenro, former Premier of the defunct Western Region. His mother is the daughter of the late Pa Alfred Rewane, the renowned activist and financier of the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). In this interview with Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI, he talks about his heritage, the state of the nation and Nigerian politics, particularly the forthcoming general elections.  

    You are from two prominent political families; in what ways has this influenced you?

    My heritage has been a rudder that has guided me through life. Using the lives and achievements of grandparents as my benchmark continues to influence my personal and business life. From a very young age, I was always expected to be above-board. My actions are judged and considered always within the context of: “isn’t he Pa Alfred Rewane progeny” or “Pa Adegbenro would never do such a thing!”

    What is your impression about the current state of the nation?

    I believe our current challenges will make us stronger. Things cannot afford to go on like this. It is insane to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. Where do you think we got it wrong?

    I will say we went wrong in our historical choice of leaders. To be fair, some seized leadership in the past, but we would be committing a serious blunder if we refuse to learn from it. It is alarming that I still see elders I knew as a boy growing up still actively running for political offices and appointments. I am 42, so that tells you how old some of them are.

    Are you thinking of running for an elective post one day?

    No. Not at the moment. If it is the wish of my people and God’s calling later in life, then I may consider doing so. The present Nigerian political terrain is devoid of the fear of God and I fear the wrath of God. I will not dabble into anything that will comprise my religion. For instance, God commands us to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. Is this doctrine imbibed in Nigerian politics? Majority of our government functionaries are selfish and self-centred. Elections in Nigeria are not free and credible. I don’t have a place in something that lacks credibility. Nigerian politics does not sit well with me. But, I can assure you that outside politics I have been doing my best to help humanity and I will continue to do so.

    What is it that you don’t like about being the late Pa Rewane’s and Pa Adegbenro’s grandson?

    I think they left shoes almost too big to fill in today’s world. The odds seem stacked up against our generation: there are more hate-filled ideologies on religion and tribal affiliations. The norm now is to tow the path of least resistance. It is hard living the ideals and values embodied in their lives today.

    What should be the guiding philosophy for politics in Nigeria?

    The interest and will of the people should come first. This should lead to an introspective assessment of one’s motivations: is there a genuine value proposition for the people? Do I have the capacity to deliver on this value? How much of my decision is based on self-interest? If we play politics based on the rules of value proposition and not religious and ethics sentiments, we will have a vibrant political climate that is focused on giving maximum value to the people.

    What is the best way to curb insurgency in Nigeria?

    Deal with the root-causes of the problem, empower these youths, educate them, make them feel cared for by their government; show them that there is room for their aspirations in Nigeria.

    What should be done to make the fight against insurgency more impactful?

    In terms of security, they have made Boko Haram a northern problem, but it is a Nigerian problem. If you ask me where I am from, I will say I’m a Nigerian before mentioning my ethnic group. We have to address this issue as a country because it is not only northerners that are dying. We all have to come together to safe guard the unity of Nigeria. The Federal Government needs to curb the insurgency of Boko Haram. We don’t expect the President to deal with the problem alone, we all have to help. If you know who Boko Haram is, expose them; let us know how we will deal with the issue.

    How do you think we can put the country back on track?

    It is simple. Just allow a level-playing ground for all contestants. If I was Mr. President, I would just replicate what happened on June 12, 1993. I would just provide a level-playing field for all the contestants and let the people’s vote count. So, if a farmer becomes governor, everybody would know that truly people voted for him and he was not imposed on the people by godfathers. So, let us go back to the basics.

    What are your expectations for Nigeria?

    As far as I’m concerned, my grandfathers came before their time. Now should be their time to teach us how to be true Nigerians, who would consider God first, others second and themselves last. The politics of my two grandfathers was not based on religion or ethnicity. Nigeria was secure. You could confidently drive from Lagos to Kaduna and nothing bad will happen. All these things are still achievable. All we need is god fearing leaders. Nigerians know what is right and wrong; we just need to imbibe discipline and this involves you and I. When I was a child, children were taken to schools in vans, but now they are driven to schools in Mercedes Benz and the likes and that’s part of the problem. It is absurd that some people have between 12 and 13 cars with sirens. When they are cruising on the road they cause traffic and compound the country’s problem. We lack discipline, until we imbibe discipline, we won’t be able to move forward. I believe the President should surround himself with people that can help him. The issue isn’t the President because if another president comes in, we will still have the same problem. Everybody that owns a Nigerian passport, Christian or Muslim, should help out.

    What is your assessment of Jonathan administration?

    I don’t know Mr. President personally, but from what I see, he inherited lots of problems that he has been trying to grapple with. Jonathan must be an extra-ordinary person to still remain focused in the face of the security challenges that can run a normal human being crazy. In the midst of all the chaos, he is still focusing on other sectors that have bearing on the lives of Nigerians.

    With oil price going down, naira devaluation and other disturbing issues, how can Nigeria get out of the present state of economic quagmire?

    Some of the issues you noted are global issues affecting even economies that are bigger, older and better structured than Nigeria’s. Oil price slump and the resultant devaluation of the naira is a wakeup call for Nigerians to aggressively, yet sustainably, begin the process of diversifying its export income. Since oil and gas export accounts for more than 90 per cent of Nigeria’s total export revenue, the value of the naira will continue to be vulnerable to the price of crude oil. There is also the global issue of an over-supply of oil to the market. But, the question is: is the extent of devaluation of the naira proportionate with the erosion in planned export income? I leave this to the economist to work out.

    Nonetheless, I believe the fundamental solution will be to ramp-up our domestic production of exportable goods. Our capacity to achieve this is evident in the abundance of non-oil resources, manpower and land. This brings us to the issue of electric power supply, which is the main driver of most manufacturing and processing industries. How can goods be exported when local production costs are uncompetitive relative to other international revenues?

    The CBN recently announced a string of monetary policy measures which devalued the naira, claiming that it is aimed at achieving macroeconomic stability in the nation. Whereas, in reality, the desperate actions of the Federal Government is a consequence of what book makers have since observed and called to its attention. Some of which are the government’s uncontrolled spending; jacking up our debt portfolio from $3.9billion in 2007 to $9.3billion today; rapid depletion of our external reserves with $68 billion available under the Yar’adua administration to as low as $36.75 billion at the end of October 2014; misapplication of the excess crude account which stood at $470 million today and the sluggish effort of diversifying the economy. These are some of the reasons why we have found our nation sleep-walking into austerity.

    Some of these embarrassing outcomes could be addressed by fine-turning our monetary policies such that while targeting currency policies speculators on the one hand, we can boost investors’ confidence on the other hand to forestall dreadful capital flight. It is again imperative for the Federal Government to create a deliberate bailout intervention for small and medium-scale enterprises (SME’s) whose organizations require foreign expenditure in order to ensure that the already bad unemployment rate does not worsen. We should also create an export-oriented agricultural market, which is the best way to improve productivity, strengthen farmers’ income, ease rural unemployment, reduce poverty and forestall rural-urban migration.

    The issue has never been that Nigeria lacks the resources to invest in its people. It problem has always been that of wealth being cornered by a small group of people in positions of authority. A culture of servitude has subsequently emerged as a way to gain crumbs off the table of men in power.

    What is the way out for this quagmire? Change will not be instantaneous. Recognizing this will enable a climate for sustainable foundations from where institutional wrongs can be made right. Our politicians will need to rise above their self-interest, petty blame-games and name-calling to focus on developing and shepherding long-term programmes that will correct systemic problem that threaten our country’s existence. We currently have brilliant and ambitious plans that have identified and proffered solutions to a broad range of social and developmental issues. But, the problem always has been that these solutions have become a means of amassing wealth or extending favours and considerations to political cohorts and friends.

  • No room for politicians at Holy Ghost Congress

    Politicians seeking endorsements and electioneering advantages at the Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christians Church of God (RCCG) will have to look elsewhere.

    The Pastor- in- Charge of RCCG Lagos Province 12, Pastor Ola Adejubee, assured that the weeklong annual camp meeting, which begins tomorrow will not serve as a platform for political mobilisation ahead of the 2015 general elections.

     He said: “The people of God are coming to the congress for spiritual renewal and they will not be distracted by politicians.

    “Pastor Adeboye is credible and will keep at distance politicians who may want to take advantage of the congress.”

    He spoke with reporters last Thursday ahead of the congress, which holds at the expansive campground of the RCCG popularly known as Redemption camp on KM 46 Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

    Millions of worshippers from across the globe are expected to participate at the weeklong event with the theme The Great Shepherd.

    Adejubee, who spoke with reporters last Thursday, said worshippers will attend the programme to meet with God and not to listen to political speeches.

    He assured that God will set the captives free, heal the sick, offer hope to the hopeless and bring joy to those in sorrow at the congress.

    He stated that the programme is a total package for individuals and families.

    The cleric added that the church had made adequate arrangements with the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Volunteer Road Marshal and Team Nehemiah to ensure smooth traffic control on the highway throughout the congress.

  • Stop dividing Christians, cleric warns politicians

    The Executive Director of the Voice of Christian Martyrs, Rev Isaac Newton-Wusu, has called on politicians to avoid setting Christians against themselves.

    He spoke against the backdrop of criticisms trailing a CD by Pastor Bosun Emmanuel on alleged plans to Islamise the nation.

    Addressing reporters in Lagos last week, Newton-Wusu said:

    “We wish to express our dissatisfaction about the purported statement by politicians on Pastor Bosun CD on the state of the nation which is misleading, unfair and undemocratic.

    “We condemn it as it is aimed at distracting well meaning Nigerians from the truth that would help build our nation.

    “Serious issues that affect Nigerians were revealed in the message and the Pastor has the right to express his apprehension about issues that affect Christianity, more so, considering the lethal persecution of Christians in the northern parts of the country.”

    He noted while the constitution guarantees every citizen the right to personal belief and joins any political party of their choice, nobody should be hunted or persecuted because of what they believe in.

    While stating that Christianity promotes peace, the cleric added: “We also acknowledge that there are moderate Muslims, particularly in the South West, who are willing to practice their religion and allow people freedom of religious beliefs.

    “It is the Islamic extremists that are responsible for the insecurity in the nation and they are the causes of the apprehension. This is condemned around the world.”

    He challenged politicians to put an end to carnage ravaging the nation rather “than raising issues with godly pastors like Emmanuel whom I know can never be purchased to be mischievous.”

  • Politicians advised on 2015 general elections

    The Founder/General Overseer, The Power of Prayer Church Worldwide, Bishop Samson Olagbokun Similoluwa, has called on Nigeria leaders to have fear of God in all they do, especially now the 2015 general elections are fast approaching. This, he said, is to avoid bloody crisis that could disintegrate the country. He also urged Nigerians to forsake their sins and walk with God for Him to end bloodshed in Nigeria.

    He urged politicians to always put God first in all they do and ensure they work together to make Nigeria great.

    Bishop Similoluwa made the call during the 30th anniversary of the church.

    He said Nigeria needed leaders that would be mindful of the welfare of the people.

    “We look forward to a country where justice and peace reign; where health care system is functional; where the judiciary is independent; and schools deliver quality education.”

    He said Nigerians should shun moral decadence, bribery and corruption, electoral rigging and malpractices and pray for their leaders.

    Similoluwa urged politicians to shun do-or-die politics and cultivate good characters that can move the country forward and appealed to youths to avoid being used as thugs in the 2015 general elections.

    A prayer session was organised in respect of the present situation in the country, so that God would restore normalcy in the country.

    The General Overseer, Great Commission Bible Church, Reverend Olu Johnson, who led the prayer asked the congregation to speak with one voice for God to stop bloodshed that is currently rocking the country.

    They also prayed for the quick release of the abducted girls’ from Government Girls’ Secondary School Chibok in Borno State who have been held captive by Boko Haram since April 14.

    He thanked God and everyone behind the success of the ministry, the donors of the church camp ground and the programme anniversary committee. He prayed that the anniversary will mark the beginning of another new thing in their life.

  • Agency warns politicians over billboards

    The Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), has threatened to take senators Andy Uba and Margery Okadigbo to court for refusing to pay for their billboards.

    Also, the agency has warned other senatorial, House of Representatives and state Assembly aspirants to pay for the use of billboards or risk having the structures dismantled.

    Briefing reporters in Awka, the managing Director of (ANSAA), Sir Jude Emecheta said that Uba and Okadigbo had not paid the state government since inception, describing them as worst offenders.

    Before now, the state commissioner for information, culture and Tourism, Chief Tony Onyima had put up an announcement citing the Anambra State physical planning law 2013 that forbids the erection or display of bill boards without approval.

    According the Onyima, “ANSAA will bring down all illegal billboards, banners and posters and prosecute all those pasting posters on electric poles, public buildings, road dividers, roundabouts and all unauthorized surfaces”.

    However, Emecheta said that5 the amount to be paid by6 the contestants rages between three hundred and fifty thousand (N350, 000) to five million naira (N5m) dependi9ng on the size.

    The aspirants are not paying anything to (ANSAA) which is against the law, we will dismantle all the bill boards mounted by such aspirants and drag them the court”.

    He said that only few persons like the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grande Alliance (APGA) Chief Victor Umeh, Kidilinye Okelekwe of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had started paying their bills.

    Aspirants are advised to go through Advertising Agency of Nigeria (AAN) or force the consequences of their billboards being removed”

    Emecheta further said that (ANSAA) had not given any permission to any aspirants to any aspirant or any outdoor company to erect new bill boards in the state.

     

  • Stop corrupt politicians, General advises students

    Students have been advised to play a vital role in next year’s general elections by using their number to stop corrupt politicians from being elected into public offices.

    Brigadier-General Oviemo Ovadje gave this advice at a symposium held at the Sport Complex of the Yaba College of Technology on Saturday.

    The event, which was organised by McNext Africa Intellectual Property, featured presentation of a book titled: Nigerian in the Global Perspective: Where we are?, written by Mark Orgu, final student year student of School of Technical Education and CAMPUSLIFE correspondent.

    The guests at the occasion included the YABATECH Provost, Dr Margret Ladipo, represented by the Dean, School of Liberal Studies, Mrs Marie Akpenyi, President-General of World Peace Unity Organisation International, Ambassador David Solomon, Head, Human Capital Management and Development of First Bank of Nigeria, Mrs Ayodele Jaiyesimi and Online Editor, The Nation, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin, represented my CAMPUSLIFE Editor, Wale Ajetunmobi.

    Others are the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Mr. O.T Raheem, a legal practitioner, Mr Chidi Nweke, and Supervisory Councilor on Women Affairs and Poverty Eradication Programme, Oriade Local Council Development Area, Lagos, Hon. Charity Ogbutepu.

    Speaking on The role of Nigerian students in 2015 election, Ovadje urged the students to resist politicians, who approach them to be used as political thugs, noting that such move would be catastrophic for future of the nation.

    He advised the students to form an alliance against corrupt leaders and stop politics of dishonesty, which he said gave birth to murderous offspring such as unemployment, corruption, ritual killing, arm robbery, kidnapping, rape and cultism. He said only students possessed a greater number to rescue the nation from bad leaders.

    He said: “Students should take the mantle of political leadership and operate above the weaknesses, political deformities and fragmentation perpetuated by the present class of politicians, who are products of mediocrity, ethnic chauvinism, tribal and religious sentiments and other forms of discrimination.

    “Students must converged before 2015 to organise themselves under a new and positive alliance, specifically to fight against electoral rascality and fraud. They must show interest in politics on their own and should not create vacuum that allows corrupt politicians to use them in achieving negative ends.”

    Ambassador Solomon urged students and the youth to vote out bad leaders, saying it was time for the youth to take over the mantle of leadership. He urged them to remain focused, dedicated and strive for excellence.

    Dr Ladipo, who spoke through Mrs Akpenyi, praised Mark for organising the symposium, which she said would make the youth to constructively engage leaders in making Nigeria a better country.

    The highpoint of the event was the presentation of the book. Reviewing the book, Dr Charles Oni, the college’s Director of Public Relations Unit, said the 11-chapter book should be opium for the youths to ask for better service from leaders.

    Some of the guests were honours with awards of excellence for their achievements. The honoree included Ovadje, Ambassador Solomon, Dr Ladipo, Raheem and Otufodunrin, among others.