Sam Loco Efe
Sam Loco Efe is one of the most talented actors in the Nigerian Movie Industry. He has for many years distinguished himself as a rare talent for both television and stage drama.
Sam Loco Efe; I am Sam Loco from Benin in Edo State. Many people misplace my surname for a Delta man. Efe is a Benin name although the Urhobo people popularised it. Efe means Wealth in Benin as it also means in Urhobo but it means Cloth in Ibo. My surname is fully pronounced Efeeimwonkiyeke, meaning wealth has no time limit.One can be wealthy at 90 when people must have lost hope. What actually happened was that my grandmother was having only female children and after so many years, she gave birth to my father at an old age and when he arrived, the name given to him is “you see now my wealth has finally arrived.” I later inherited this from my father as I was the last of my parents children and the only male child.
The beginning
I was born here in Enugu, but I spent my childhood in Abakaliki and a modest attempt at becoming an actor was what triggered my passion for the stage. There was a time, Government College, Umuahia came to Abakaliki with a production. We all got so excited and I said to myself that if these men can stay on stage before a large audience and render their lines without looking into any book or script, there must be something magical about it.
A few bold ones among us asked them some questions after the production and they said it was a matter of training and perseverance. So, when they left, I attempted a play that was larger than our collegiate level. I decided to produce William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. I acted Caesar and also directed it without any formal training.
Education
Going to school in the East then was tough. It was not like the Western Region where students got everything free. It was tough for us, so my nephew and I alternated street trading on a yearly basis to enable the other acquire education. But because of the staccato arrangement, I must confess that I had to attend so many primary schools.
I was a very good footballer and so I went to almost ten secondary schools playing football and getting scholarships here and there and I was stubborn as well. As I was being admitted into one, I was being expelled from another.
Challenges in Nollywood
I can say that the movie industry began with genuine theatre and movie people. As soon as things started getting better, charlatans found their ways into it. In their legion now there are a mixture of purpose, some are in Nollywood not because of the urge to be a Thespian nor the willingness to learn but I believe that as time goes on, we shall flush such people out. This is a house I helped to build and it would be madness for me to allow people with no history to rubbish the much that has been achieved.
Story lines of Nigerian movies
I would not say that I am satisfied but I would rather say that I am happy with the progress made so far. Critics in Nigeria like to jump the gun. How old is Nollywood? We cannot deny that the story lines are getting better, even as we cannot deny that the performers are also helping to make things get better. However, there is a need for continued training by the stakeholders in the industry. But we shouldn’t deny that progress is been made.
Best paid job
I think Langbodo was my first truly well paid job. Being a national production we were well paid. I was being treated like an egg because I played the lead role. On screen, I think it’s my best paid job.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Sam Loco Efe, is dead. The 66 year-old actor died on the 6th of August, 2011 location, in his hotel room in Owerri, Imo State.
May his soul rest in peace. Amen
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
REGIONAL INTEGRATION THROUGH THE POSTS.
BY ALEX UDOH
The communication sector has witnessed dramatic developments as the years have gone by. While many modern communication methods have evolved, the time tested approaches of the past have not been forgotten. One of such methods, which is the postal services has also evolved in time with the modern trends. Post administrations in Africa are therefore celebrating the Pan African Post Day, a day set aside for authorities of the Post in the continent to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) in 1980. The day is also intended for Postal authorities of member countries to sensitize the public and Government officials on the role of the Post in general and that of PAPU in particular, in the development and improvement of the postal services in the continent. The noble contributions of Postal services to socio-economic and cultural development of African countries MUST BE UNDERSCORED. The Post is undoubtedly one of the most widely USED means of communication for the majority of the world’s population. It is also a crucial, but often neglected force for economic development serving as an intermediary between business organizations and their customers in the exchange of goods and services. The Post is present almost everywhere even in the remotest corners of many countries and serves as a key point of access to the outside world. Its doors are open to all without discrimination thereby making it a fundamentally universal phenomenon and a force of integration. In the fabric of a global society, postal service remains a thread that touches everyone serving as powerful vehicle of communication and agent of social cohesion. The Post is increasingly playing its role as a key communication network in society touching lives at personal and community levels, enabling small and large business transactions within AND between countries, and thus significantly contributing to socio-economic development. Through its famed postage stamps, the Post disseminates the history, national symbols, politics, cultural heritage, and natural features of nations. The Post network moves tones of merchandise in small packets, parcels and bulk mail within and across borders, it facilities money transfer across regions and continents, and in most countries Post offices have become hubs, providing much needed access to communication facilities to large number of people in both the urban and rural areas. In Africa, the Post provides vital communication services to the vast majority of people under the universal service obligations, ensuring that every individual benefits from accessible and affordable services regardless of their location or status in the society.
Thus, the Post plays a catalytic role in cementing lasting ties for regional integration, cutting across cultural, educational, commercial, social and political spheres. The various sub regions in the African continent have established regional economic communities to push the political, social and economic integration agenda forward. This no doubt will ensure rapid expansion of markets and more opportunities for growth and employment creation. In Nigeria, NIPOST under the leadership of Mallam Ibrahim Muri Baba has taken tremendous strides to popularise postal services inspite of the new technology in telecommunication services such as GSM text SMS messages. The Post is part and parcel of these efforts as the sub region Postal Organizations are closely involved in the development strategies of the regional economic blocs. By guiding postal services in Africa, PAPU has become a driver of economic and social development, laying the groundwork to promote positive change in a digital era, especially among underserved communities in rural and urban areas. NIPOST will continue to play a dominant role in Post and Telecommunication sector of the Nigerian Economy as Africa celebrates the 2011 Pan African Post Day.
SOURCE: RECORDED LIVE FROM FRCN DAILY COMMENTARY
The communication sector has witnessed dramatic developments as the years have gone by. While many modern communication methods have evolved, the time tested approaches of the past have not been forgotten. One of such methods, which is the postal services has also evolved in time with the modern trends. Post administrations in Africa are therefore celebrating the Pan African Post Day, a day set aside for authorities of the Post in the continent to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) in 1980. The day is also intended for Postal authorities of member countries to sensitize the public and Government officials on the role of the Post in general and that of PAPU in particular, in the development and improvement of the postal services in the continent. The noble contributions of Postal services to socio-economic and cultural development of African countries MUST BE UNDERSCORED. The Post is undoubtedly one of the most widely USED means of communication for the majority of the world’s population. It is also a crucial, but often neglected force for economic development serving as an intermediary between business organizations and their customers in the exchange of goods and services. The Post is present almost everywhere even in the remotest corners of many countries and serves as a key point of access to the outside world. Its doors are open to all without discrimination thereby making it a fundamentally universal phenomenon and a force of integration. In the fabric of a global society, postal service remains a thread that touches everyone serving as powerful vehicle of communication and agent of social cohesion. The Post is increasingly playing its role as a key communication network in society touching lives at personal and community levels, enabling small and large business transactions within AND between countries, and thus significantly contributing to socio-economic development. Through its famed postage stamps, the Post disseminates the history, national symbols, politics, cultural heritage, and natural features of nations. The Post network moves tones of merchandise in small packets, parcels and bulk mail within and across borders, it facilities money transfer across regions and continents, and in most countries Post offices have become hubs, providing much needed access to communication facilities to large number of people in both the urban and rural areas. In Africa, the Post provides vital communication services to the vast majority of people under the universal service obligations, ensuring that every individual benefits from accessible and affordable services regardless of their location or status in the society.
Thus, the Post plays a catalytic role in cementing lasting ties for regional integration, cutting across cultural, educational, commercial, social and political spheres. The various sub regions in the African continent have established regional economic communities to push the political, social and economic integration agenda forward. This no doubt will ensure rapid expansion of markets and more opportunities for growth and employment creation. In Nigeria, NIPOST under the leadership of Mallam Ibrahim Muri Baba has taken tremendous strides to popularise postal services inspite of the new technology in telecommunication services such as GSM text SMS messages. The Post is part and parcel of these efforts as the sub region Postal Organizations are closely involved in the development strategies of the regional economic blocs. By guiding postal services in Africa, PAPU has become a driver of economic and social development, laying the groundwork to promote positive change in a digital era, especially among underserved communities in rural and urban areas. NIPOST will continue to play a dominant role in Post and Telecommunication sector of the Nigerian Economy as Africa celebrates the 2011 Pan African Post Day.
SOURCE: RECORDED LIVE FROM FRCN DAILY COMMENTARY
QUALITY AND SAFETY OF STREET VENDED FOOD IN NIGERIA
BY
FIDEL AZUBUIKE AGU
There are few things in life that involves as much trust as eating food prepared by some one else. This brings to mind the activities of street food vendors in Nigeria. By way of simple definition, street vended foods are ready-to-eat food and beverages prepared and or sold by vendors and hawkers especially in streets and other public places. They are likely to be the least expensive and most accessible means of obtaining ones daily nutritional needs when out of home. They could be stationary, mobile or semi-mobile. The availability and accessibility of street vended foods not withstanding, the quality and safety have remained a thing of serious concern.
According to surveys carried out in 2006 and 2007 by the department of Public Health of the Federal Ministry of Health, there were more than two million recorded cases of food borne diseases in the country with the number of death put at over five hundred. Some of these cases could be linked to consumption of contaminated street vended foods. Also in 2008, the Consumer Protection Council’s, CPC, survey on street vended foods within the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, was to say the least tragic, as it also gave a similar scenario that presupposes that the situation could be worse in the hinterland where most facilities such as portable water and electricity are irregular.
Have we spared a thought on not only the hygienic preparation of most of the junk foods we eat, but even the packaging and presentation? The Akara we buy from the road side seller is either wrapped with old newspapers or cement bag. The Kilishi (spiced dried meat) is wrapped with cement bag. Suya and many more, also pass through this ugly and unhealthy process before we eat them.
Do we also know that heaps of old newspapers and other kinds of papers are a good habitual for cockroaches and other insects that can cause serious illness such as malaria, cholera, typhoid, dysentery, diarrhea etc. Do we also realize the harmful effects of cement to our body system? One is aware that in most homes from where these newspapers and cement bags are sold to the Suya or Akara sellers, they apply the popular but deadly otapiapia to ward off the menace of cockroaches and other insects that breed in their homes because of the presence of such heaps of papers. The Kunu seller picks her used bottled water cans from the streets not minding what it has been subjected to. Is it the popular pure water that is produced without the least hygienic and environmental regulations. The list is indeed endless. Nigeria is an agrarian country blessed with a variety of food. Regrettably, a majority of our food vendors, particularly street food vendors are not conversant with the best practices in street food presentation, packaging and preservation.
Indeed, many of them do not know how to prepare and vend these food items in the most hygienic manner. Over the years, Nigerians have come to appreciate local delicacies commonly hawked in our streets to the extend that it has now become a tradition to patronize such foods. However, whereas this can be considered as positively promoting our culture and tourism, there is need for Nigerians to be protected from health hazards associated with street vended foods. Health, they say, is wealth and it is our responsibility as concerned citizens to ensure that food vended to consumers are hygienically prepared, packaged and presented. Major stakeholders should draw public attention to the numerous issues that surround quality and safety of street vended food by carefully educating our street food vendors and environmental health workers on these issues. Ultimately, they should ensure that food delicacies such as suya (barbecued meat on sticks) Kilishi (spiced dried meat) Kulikuli (biscuits from ground nuts or maize) Isiewu (goat-head pepper soup) Moi-moi, Akara (bean cake) and a host of other foods which most Nigerians enjoy and patronize are prepared and served in a way that they enhance good health rather than constitute health problems.
We can not therefore afford to toil with the life of Nigerians, it becomes imperative that vendors in Nigeria should be registered and made to pass basic health and hygienic examinations before they engage in street food vending business. They should also source for good quality raw materials in food preparation and provide standard packaging that will preserve the quality of food items. It is on this note that the synergy between the National Orientation Agency and the Consumer Protection Council to train street Food Vendors on appropriate food preparation methods, presentation and preservation, as well as the maintenance of good personal hygiene by all those engaged in the business of food vending is commendable. We hope this engagement will be sustained and be made to permeate the entire fabric of our society.
SOURCE: RECORDED LIVE FROM FRCN DAILY COMMENTARY
FIDEL AZUBUIKE AGU
There are few things in life that involves as much trust as eating food prepared by some one else. This brings to mind the activities of street food vendors in Nigeria. By way of simple definition, street vended foods are ready-to-eat food and beverages prepared and or sold by vendors and hawkers especially in streets and other public places. They are likely to be the least expensive and most accessible means of obtaining ones daily nutritional needs when out of home. They could be stationary, mobile or semi-mobile. The availability and accessibility of street vended foods not withstanding, the quality and safety have remained a thing of serious concern.
According to surveys carried out in 2006 and 2007 by the department of Public Health of the Federal Ministry of Health, there were more than two million recorded cases of food borne diseases in the country with the number of death put at over five hundred. Some of these cases could be linked to consumption of contaminated street vended foods. Also in 2008, the Consumer Protection Council’s, CPC, survey on street vended foods within the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, was to say the least tragic, as it also gave a similar scenario that presupposes that the situation could be worse in the hinterland where most facilities such as portable water and electricity are irregular.
Have we spared a thought on not only the hygienic preparation of most of the junk foods we eat, but even the packaging and presentation? The Akara we buy from the road side seller is either wrapped with old newspapers or cement bag. The Kilishi (spiced dried meat) is wrapped with cement bag. Suya and many more, also pass through this ugly and unhealthy process before we eat them.
Do we also know that heaps of old newspapers and other kinds of papers are a good habitual for cockroaches and other insects that can cause serious illness such as malaria, cholera, typhoid, dysentery, diarrhea etc. Do we also realize the harmful effects of cement to our body system? One is aware that in most homes from where these newspapers and cement bags are sold to the Suya or Akara sellers, they apply the popular but deadly otapiapia to ward off the menace of cockroaches and other insects that breed in their homes because of the presence of such heaps of papers. The Kunu seller picks her used bottled water cans from the streets not minding what it has been subjected to. Is it the popular pure water that is produced without the least hygienic and environmental regulations. The list is indeed endless. Nigeria is an agrarian country blessed with a variety of food. Regrettably, a majority of our food vendors, particularly street food vendors are not conversant with the best practices in street food presentation, packaging and preservation.
Indeed, many of them do not know how to prepare and vend these food items in the most hygienic manner. Over the years, Nigerians have come to appreciate local delicacies commonly hawked in our streets to the extend that it has now become a tradition to patronize such foods. However, whereas this can be considered as positively promoting our culture and tourism, there is need for Nigerians to be protected from health hazards associated with street vended foods. Health, they say, is wealth and it is our responsibility as concerned citizens to ensure that food vended to consumers are hygienically prepared, packaged and presented. Major stakeholders should draw public attention to the numerous issues that surround quality and safety of street vended food by carefully educating our street food vendors and environmental health workers on these issues. Ultimately, they should ensure that food delicacies such as suya (barbecued meat on sticks) Kilishi (spiced dried meat) Kulikuli (biscuits from ground nuts or maize) Isiewu (goat-head pepper soup) Moi-moi, Akara (bean cake) and a host of other foods which most Nigerians enjoy and patronize are prepared and served in a way that they enhance good health rather than constitute health problems.
We can not therefore afford to toil with the life of Nigerians, it becomes imperative that vendors in Nigeria should be registered and made to pass basic health and hygienic examinations before they engage in street food vending business. They should also source for good quality raw materials in food preparation and provide standard packaging that will preserve the quality of food items. It is on this note that the synergy between the National Orientation Agency and the Consumer Protection Council to train street Food Vendors on appropriate food preparation methods, presentation and preservation, as well as the maintenance of good personal hygiene by all those engaged in the business of food vending is commendable. We hope this engagement will be sustained and be made to permeate the entire fabric of our society.
SOURCE: RECORDED LIVE FROM FRCN DAILY COMMENTARY
PERSPECTIVE ON NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY
BY
SALISU NA’INNA DAMBATTA
Nigeria’s contemporary diplomacy cum foreign policy took-off sometime in 1957 when as a British colony the country sent 12 diplomatic personnel overseas to serve as trainee diplomats, or rather, understudy, the nuances of diplomatic practice in British missions in some parts of the world. A few days after gaining independence, Nigeria established a ministry for foreign and commonwealth relations. The county joined the United Nations organisation within the first week of becoming independent. Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa doubled as minister of foreign Affairs, before handing over the portfolio to Mr. Jaja Wachukwu, who served in that capacity between1961 and 1965.
From that modest beginning, Nigeria’s international relations grew into a systematic and purposeful pursuit, guided by our national social, economic and political interests, just as it is with other countries. Other objectives or ideals that drove the foreign policy focus included a commitment to end colonization on the African continent, the elimination of apartheid, and the promotion of peace and unity on the African continent as well as good neighbourliness. Nigeria’s determined effort to end apartheid in south Africa and colonial domination by other countries in Africa was done in various ways: It trained cadres of the anti-apartheid movements, funded some of their activities, offered sanctuary to some of their leaders and backed united nations and organisation of African unity (OAU) sanctions against south Africa. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. h. Odein Ajumogobia emphasised this point in a speech to the US’ Council on foreign Relations on August 4, 2010 in Washington DC “Even in periods of our own domestic difficulties, Nigeria has never been a bystander in African or world Affairs.
It was in the front lines of the struggle for liberation in Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. Today, from Guinea Bissau to Guinea Conakry, Congo DRC, Liberia to Sierra Leon, Niger Republic to Cote D’voire, Chad to Sudan, no one could justifiably deny Nigeria’s efforts, commitment and impact, ECOWAS, a sub-regional organisation that has successfully pioneered the establishment of a standing peace-keeping force (ECOWAS), now the ECOWAS stand by force) has undoubtedly made historic impact in Liberia, Sierra Leon and Cote d’voire. The feat achieved by ECOWAS would be inconceivable without Nigeria’s contribution and leadership role” From independence in 1960 to date, Nigeria had sustained a positive posture in its relations with other countries in the world, recording only a few conflicts with other countries, notably border disputes which led to limited military skirmishes with Chad and Cameroon in the Lake Chad region both, and over Bakassi with the latter.
The foreign policy focus of the country remained largely the same despite the hard diplomatic lessons of the civil war and military rule, except for a shift in emphasis and the usual pragmatism, flexibility and a dose of self-assertion, leading to a diversification of friends. This was manifested in the forging of closer diplomatic, economic and cultural relations with the defunct Soviet Union and a few other countries that supported the federal side during the war. The Non-Aligned movement which Nigeria joined in its earliest stage reflected its desire to be neutral in the ideological conflict and struggle for supremacy between the communism/socialism and capitalism. Its contribution of military personnel to the United Nations for peace keeping which started in the 1960s in Congo Kinshasa (Zaire) has been appreciated worldwide, earning the country appreciation and respect in the comity of nations. Working with the United Nations, the economic community of West African states and the African union, Nigeria played a decisive role in restoring peace, political stability and the preservation of Sierra Leone and Liberia. It committed human and material resources to end devastating internal conflicts in the two countries. As Nigeria’s economy and self-confidence grew over time, it gradually joined or initiated regional bilateral or multi-lateral institutions. It created structures that serve as vehicles for the achievement of some of its foreign policy ideals and add more substance and coherence to its international relations, without losing sight of its afro-centric foundation. The creation of the ministry of integration and cooperation in African, which is now subsumed by the ministry of foreign affairs; the directorate for technical cooperation in Africa and the technical aids corps are good examples. The Directorate for technical cooperation in Africa for example, has the following broad objective: To promote technology transfer through technical cooperation between nigeria and other countries in Africa; to promote the exchange of highlevel research experts in science and technology, Humanities and Arts; to provide sustainable funding for the scientific and technical exchange programmes (STEP); to provide a database of all Nigeria and African experts in Science and technology, Humanities and Arts and to facilitate capacity building for research and development in Africa. Its other objectives are to generate new ideas for Africa’s development through cooperative research and collaborative development activities; to cultivate and expand strategic relationships with key agencies in order to stimulate growth and development and to facilitate cooperation and integration in Africa through the transfer and diffusion of technology and dissemination of innovations. The Directorate was able to execute some programmes, using the fund at its disposal, the largest chunk of which was contributed by Nigeria. Its most impact is in the areas of raising awareness of the problems of Lake Chad, whch is now just a big muddy pool. A government document for public enlightenment on Nigeria foreign affairs said that ‘the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1987 established the Nigerian Technical and Corps (TAC) scheme as a “foreign policy tool that would serve specific national interests”
The informational document explained the background of the TAC further “the TAC programme is an alternative to direct financial aid for African, Caribean and pacific (ACP) nations. It is designed not only to provide manpower assistance in all fields of human endeavour, but to also represent a practical demonstration of South-South co-operation, but to also represent a practical demonstration of South-South co-operation “(South-South refers to underdeveloped and developing countries in the Southern hemisphere)” The informational document listed the key objectives of the scheme “Sharing Nigeria’s know-how and expertise with other ACP countries; giving assistance on the basis of assessed and perceive the needs of recipient countries; promoting cooperation and understanding between youths of Nigeria and those of recipient countries and complementing other assistance to ACP countries”. The other objectives are: “ ensuring a streamlined programme of assistance to other developing countries; acting as a channel through which South-South collaboration is enhanced and establishing a presence in countries which for economic reasons, Nigeria has no resident diplomatic mission.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. H. Odein Ajumogobia in his speech in Washington DC spoke of the impact of “Nigeria’s Technical and Corps volunteer, engineers, nurses, Doctors, Teachers, Lawyers in far-flung places as Namibia, Mozambique. Gambia, Seychelles and the Carbbean to name a few. And this has been on-going without break for nearly 20 years. over foreign policy in Africa is first and foremost, based on a clear conviction that our destiny is ultimately and inexorably connected to those of our neighbours and Africans in Diaspora” There is no doubt that, the TAC has contributed in projecting the positive image of Nigeria in the world. Finding indicate that “the TAC has generated an over whelming interest from both Nigerian volunteers and recipient countries under the biennium TAC scheme. The strength of the TAC programme and its assistance programme geared towards the development of recipient countries. In addition to the DICA and TAC among other instruments of foreign policy, Nigeria in 1987 conceived the concert of Medium Powers or Lagos Forum, comprising of Nigeria, Sweden, Austria, Zimbabwe, and Egypt.
It is no longer functioning, but then Nigeria is a member of D8 countries, which held its last summit in Nigeria. The Developing eight countries which groups Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey and Iran in an economic alliance is another platform for Nigeria to pursue her national interests and be in friendly relations with countries that share and respect our national values. The deliberate, skilful and sober manner with which Nigeria recently managed the crisis with Iran over the arrival of some weapons in 13 containers from an Iranian port was impressive. The ability of Nigeria to deflect pressure from elsewhere to treat the matter in a disproportionate manner, without causing any diplomatic offence is an evidence of the calmness with which issues are determined in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. That is how it should be after 50 years of practice. Indeed, Nigeria’s roles in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) , the African Unoin, the Organisation for the Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC), the Commonwealth, the United Nations Organisation (UNO) and various other regional groups in the last fifty years have been remarkable and consequently raised our profile from a country without diplomatic missions of its own in 1957, to a power to reckon with in global affairs. This is worthy of celebrating.
SALISU NA’INNA DAMBATTA
Nigeria’s contemporary diplomacy cum foreign policy took-off sometime in 1957 when as a British colony the country sent 12 diplomatic personnel overseas to serve as trainee diplomats, or rather, understudy, the nuances of diplomatic practice in British missions in some parts of the world. A few days after gaining independence, Nigeria established a ministry for foreign and commonwealth relations. The county joined the United Nations organisation within the first week of becoming independent. Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa doubled as minister of foreign Affairs, before handing over the portfolio to Mr. Jaja Wachukwu, who served in that capacity between1961 and 1965.
From that modest beginning, Nigeria’s international relations grew into a systematic and purposeful pursuit, guided by our national social, economic and political interests, just as it is with other countries. Other objectives or ideals that drove the foreign policy focus included a commitment to end colonization on the African continent, the elimination of apartheid, and the promotion of peace and unity on the African continent as well as good neighbourliness. Nigeria’s determined effort to end apartheid in south Africa and colonial domination by other countries in Africa was done in various ways: It trained cadres of the anti-apartheid movements, funded some of their activities, offered sanctuary to some of their leaders and backed united nations and organisation of African unity (OAU) sanctions against south Africa. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. h. Odein Ajumogobia emphasised this point in a speech to the US’ Council on foreign Relations on August 4, 2010 in Washington DC “Even in periods of our own domestic difficulties, Nigeria has never been a bystander in African or world Affairs.
It was in the front lines of the struggle for liberation in Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. Today, from Guinea Bissau to Guinea Conakry, Congo DRC, Liberia to Sierra Leon, Niger Republic to Cote D’voire, Chad to Sudan, no one could justifiably deny Nigeria’s efforts, commitment and impact, ECOWAS, a sub-regional organisation that has successfully pioneered the establishment of a standing peace-keeping force (ECOWAS), now the ECOWAS stand by force) has undoubtedly made historic impact in Liberia, Sierra Leon and Cote d’voire. The feat achieved by ECOWAS would be inconceivable without Nigeria’s contribution and leadership role” From independence in 1960 to date, Nigeria had sustained a positive posture in its relations with other countries in the world, recording only a few conflicts with other countries, notably border disputes which led to limited military skirmishes with Chad and Cameroon in the Lake Chad region both, and over Bakassi with the latter.
The foreign policy focus of the country remained largely the same despite the hard diplomatic lessons of the civil war and military rule, except for a shift in emphasis and the usual pragmatism, flexibility and a dose of self-assertion, leading to a diversification of friends. This was manifested in the forging of closer diplomatic, economic and cultural relations with the defunct Soviet Union and a few other countries that supported the federal side during the war. The Non-Aligned movement which Nigeria joined in its earliest stage reflected its desire to be neutral in the ideological conflict and struggle for supremacy between the communism/socialism and capitalism. Its contribution of military personnel to the United Nations for peace keeping which started in the 1960s in Congo Kinshasa (Zaire) has been appreciated worldwide, earning the country appreciation and respect in the comity of nations. Working with the United Nations, the economic community of West African states and the African union, Nigeria played a decisive role in restoring peace, political stability and the preservation of Sierra Leone and Liberia. It committed human and material resources to end devastating internal conflicts in the two countries. As Nigeria’s economy and self-confidence grew over time, it gradually joined or initiated regional bilateral or multi-lateral institutions. It created structures that serve as vehicles for the achievement of some of its foreign policy ideals and add more substance and coherence to its international relations, without losing sight of its afro-centric foundation. The creation of the ministry of integration and cooperation in African, which is now subsumed by the ministry of foreign affairs; the directorate for technical cooperation in Africa and the technical aids corps are good examples. The Directorate for technical cooperation in Africa for example, has the following broad objective: To promote technology transfer through technical cooperation between nigeria and other countries in Africa; to promote the exchange of highlevel research experts in science and technology, Humanities and Arts; to provide sustainable funding for the scientific and technical exchange programmes (STEP); to provide a database of all Nigeria and African experts in Science and technology, Humanities and Arts and to facilitate capacity building for research and development in Africa. Its other objectives are to generate new ideas for Africa’s development through cooperative research and collaborative development activities; to cultivate and expand strategic relationships with key agencies in order to stimulate growth and development and to facilitate cooperation and integration in Africa through the transfer and diffusion of technology and dissemination of innovations. The Directorate was able to execute some programmes, using the fund at its disposal, the largest chunk of which was contributed by Nigeria. Its most impact is in the areas of raising awareness of the problems of Lake Chad, whch is now just a big muddy pool. A government document for public enlightenment on Nigeria foreign affairs said that ‘the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1987 established the Nigerian Technical and Corps (TAC) scheme as a “foreign policy tool that would serve specific national interests”
The informational document explained the background of the TAC further “the TAC programme is an alternative to direct financial aid for African, Caribean and pacific (ACP) nations. It is designed not only to provide manpower assistance in all fields of human endeavour, but to also represent a practical demonstration of South-South co-operation, but to also represent a practical demonstration of South-South co-operation “(South-South refers to underdeveloped and developing countries in the Southern hemisphere)” The informational document listed the key objectives of the scheme “Sharing Nigeria’s know-how and expertise with other ACP countries; giving assistance on the basis of assessed and perceive the needs of recipient countries; promoting cooperation and understanding between youths of Nigeria and those of recipient countries and complementing other assistance to ACP countries”. The other objectives are: “ ensuring a streamlined programme of assistance to other developing countries; acting as a channel through which South-South collaboration is enhanced and establishing a presence in countries which for economic reasons, Nigeria has no resident diplomatic mission.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. H. Odein Ajumogobia in his speech in Washington DC spoke of the impact of “Nigeria’s Technical and Corps volunteer, engineers, nurses, Doctors, Teachers, Lawyers in far-flung places as Namibia, Mozambique. Gambia, Seychelles and the Carbbean to name a few. And this has been on-going without break for nearly 20 years. over foreign policy in Africa is first and foremost, based on a clear conviction that our destiny is ultimately and inexorably connected to those of our neighbours and Africans in Diaspora” There is no doubt that, the TAC has contributed in projecting the positive image of Nigeria in the world. Finding indicate that “the TAC has generated an over whelming interest from both Nigerian volunteers and recipient countries under the biennium TAC scheme. The strength of the TAC programme and its assistance programme geared towards the development of recipient countries. In addition to the DICA and TAC among other instruments of foreign policy, Nigeria in 1987 conceived the concert of Medium Powers or Lagos Forum, comprising of Nigeria, Sweden, Austria, Zimbabwe, and Egypt.
It is no longer functioning, but then Nigeria is a member of D8 countries, which held its last summit in Nigeria. The Developing eight countries which groups Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey and Iran in an economic alliance is another platform for Nigeria to pursue her national interests and be in friendly relations with countries that share and respect our national values. The deliberate, skilful and sober manner with which Nigeria recently managed the crisis with Iran over the arrival of some weapons in 13 containers from an Iranian port was impressive. The ability of Nigeria to deflect pressure from elsewhere to treat the matter in a disproportionate manner, without causing any diplomatic offence is an evidence of the calmness with which issues are determined in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. That is how it should be after 50 years of practice. Indeed, Nigeria’s roles in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) , the African Unoin, the Organisation for the Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC), the Commonwealth, the United Nations Organisation (UNO) and various other regional groups in the last fifty years have been remarkable and consequently raised our profile from a country without diplomatic missions of its own in 1957, to a power to reckon with in global affairs. This is worthy of celebrating.
THE NEED TO URGENTLY ADDRESS THE PAY DISPARITY AMONG VARIOUS EMPLOYEES IN THE NIGERIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
BY HARUNA IDRIS
Over THE years, disputes over pay have become legion in the nations annals. Various Trade unions have canvassed for pay increases based on their estimation of the worth of their labor. Many of them have also actively craved for separate salary scales and have succeeded in this endeavor. This crusade has resulted in many trade disputes with some leading to protracted strikes with adverse consequences for the nation and its fledgling economy.
The consequence of this clamor is that the nation now has a multiplicity of pay scales resulting in a huge disparity among the workforce. While this disparity may be acceptable between workers in the private and public sectors, it is certainly not acceptable among those in the public service who essentially perform similar and overlapping roles.
In most advanced economies, there is in place comprehensive wage policies under which collective bargaining takes place and under this mechanism they also ensure that whatever wage packages are agreed upon do not dislocate the economy of the nation. As a result, salary scales vary between the public and private sectors, but even here the difference is not that significant within the economic variables in each particular nation. It is unheard of to have very significant differentials among employees in the public sector as is the current case in Nigeria. What we rather see are peculiar allowances to take care of the professional exigencies of the various trades.
However in Nigerian there has been an absence of any discernable wage policy to guide collective bargaining. The result is a multiplicity of wage packages especially within the public sector. Various trade unions have over the years been allowed to brow beat the government to accede to their peculiar wage demands under the pretext that their jobs are different from the normal civil service schedule. While this is a valid argument, that does not account for the excessive wage differentials between public service workers.
An example can be seen where the lowest worker in a governmental establishment earns about 18 thousand naira per month while his counterpart in another governmental establishment earns 60 thousand naira. The same example applies for fresh graduates in some public establishment earning 35 thousand naira while a counterpart in another public establishment earning 150 Thousand naira. This is best seen in the wage differentials between workers in the federal government media houses and their counterparts in other government establishments.
This scenario cannot augur well for a developing economy like Nigeria’s. The concomitant effect is to dislocate the economy and retard productivity. It also has immense potential to trigger corruption.
Wage policies can make a positive contribution towards a more sustainable economic and social model. In this regard, the connection between wages and higher productivity cannot be under emphasized.
Government must take a holistic look at the nations wage policies with a view to immediately addressing the problem of huge differentials in wages especially among employees in the public sector. It is gratifying that government has taken some steps in the recent past to address this anomaly. The last pay increase approved by the federal government attempted to correct some of these problems. The recent submission of the report by a committee set up by the government to remedy this defect must be quickly implemented.
There is a need for policy makers to ensure that wages and income policies are developed within a broader regulatory framework where different policy elements are carefully articulated in a consistent and coherent manner. That way, no segment of the nation’s workforce will feel shortchanged or tagged as inferior. It is a fact that no part of a nation’s workforce can be tagged as less important than another. It is in the seamless operation of the entire gamut of a nation’s labor force that is reflected in the booming economies of the Far East and the west.
SOURCE: RECORDED LIVE FROM FRCN DAILY COMENTARY
Over THE years, disputes over pay have become legion in the nations annals. Various Trade unions have canvassed for pay increases based on their estimation of the worth of their labor. Many of them have also actively craved for separate salary scales and have succeeded in this endeavor. This crusade has resulted in many trade disputes with some leading to protracted strikes with adverse consequences for the nation and its fledgling economy.
The consequence of this clamor is that the nation now has a multiplicity of pay scales resulting in a huge disparity among the workforce. While this disparity may be acceptable between workers in the private and public sectors, it is certainly not acceptable among those in the public service who essentially perform similar and overlapping roles.
In most advanced economies, there is in place comprehensive wage policies under which collective bargaining takes place and under this mechanism they also ensure that whatever wage packages are agreed upon do not dislocate the economy of the nation. As a result, salary scales vary between the public and private sectors, but even here the difference is not that significant within the economic variables in each particular nation. It is unheard of to have very significant differentials among employees in the public sector as is the current case in Nigeria. What we rather see are peculiar allowances to take care of the professional exigencies of the various trades.
However in Nigerian there has been an absence of any discernable wage policy to guide collective bargaining. The result is a multiplicity of wage packages especially within the public sector. Various trade unions have over the years been allowed to brow beat the government to accede to their peculiar wage demands under the pretext that their jobs are different from the normal civil service schedule. While this is a valid argument, that does not account for the excessive wage differentials between public service workers.
An example can be seen where the lowest worker in a governmental establishment earns about 18 thousand naira per month while his counterpart in another governmental establishment earns 60 thousand naira. The same example applies for fresh graduates in some public establishment earning 35 thousand naira while a counterpart in another public establishment earning 150 Thousand naira. This is best seen in the wage differentials between workers in the federal government media houses and their counterparts in other government establishments.
This scenario cannot augur well for a developing economy like Nigeria’s. The concomitant effect is to dislocate the economy and retard productivity. It also has immense potential to trigger corruption.
Wage policies can make a positive contribution towards a more sustainable economic and social model. In this regard, the connection between wages and higher productivity cannot be under emphasized.
Government must take a holistic look at the nations wage policies with a view to immediately addressing the problem of huge differentials in wages especially among employees in the public sector. It is gratifying that government has taken some steps in the recent past to address this anomaly. The last pay increase approved by the federal government attempted to correct some of these problems. The recent submission of the report by a committee set up by the government to remedy this defect must be quickly implemented.
There is a need for policy makers to ensure that wages and income policies are developed within a broader regulatory framework where different policy elements are carefully articulated in a consistent and coherent manner. That way, no segment of the nation’s workforce will feel shortchanged or tagged as inferior. It is a fact that no part of a nation’s workforce can be tagged as less important than another. It is in the seamless operation of the entire gamut of a nation’s labor force that is reflected in the booming economies of the Far East and the west.
SOURCE: RECORDED LIVE FROM FRCN DAILY COMENTARY
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
THE EFFECT OF ABANDONED PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES BY SUCCESSIVE GOVERNMENTS ON THE NATION’S ECONOMY.
BY
OKONKON UKPANYANG
Since the attainment of independence, Nigeria has witnessed successive governments both military and civilian. Each of the government always comes up with new programmes and projects for the betterment of the people. Surprisingly, many of the laudable programmes and projects are often abandoned by successive governments both at the Federal and State levels. They ostensibly do so because they don’t want to associate themselves with projects and programmes embarked upon by their predecessors. In other words, they do not want their predecessors to take credit for the success of these programmes.
This abandonment is done without taking into cognizance the huge amount of public funds involved in initiating such projects and programmes. These abandoned projects cut across all sectors including Health, Education and Roads. Cases abound where some administrators on assumption of office change every house hold item in their residential quarters because they do not want to share what their predecessors used. Some even pull down the entire building and build new ones. The point is that, as soon as these programmes and projects are abandoned, new ones are initiated only to be abandoned again by yet another successive government. And so, the abandonment continues while the nation’s resources continue to be wasted. In the developed World, those who take over from previous government are always happy to use items used by the founding fathers of such countries several years back. Projects and Programmes as well as policies there are sustained. They do so because they place the interest of the people and their nation’s above all other considerations.
This sustainable policy has yielded positive results as these countries have moved from developing to developed world. So, for Nigeria to take its rightful position in the committee of nation, a concrete and decisive step must be taken to ensure the sustainability of government programmes, policies and projects. The National Assembly should come up with legislation to compel successive government to continue with programmes and projects initiated by their predecessors. This will not only save our resources but will also enable the government to ensure optimum use of scarce recourses for other new projects. The policy of always starting afresh can not lead the country to the promised land. Time has come for political office holders to emulate the sterling qualities of the founding fathers of the nation. Elected officials should know that they are holding offices in trust for those who elected them and therefore place the interest of the people above their personal interest.
The oganised labour civil society, non governmental organizations, students unions and other concerned Nigerians should rise up and speak when ever decisions affecting the interest of the people and the nation are taken. With sustainability of positive programmes, policies and projects, and cooperation by all Nigerians, the country will be a shining example not only in Africa but also in the whole world
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
OKONKON UKPANYANG
Since the attainment of independence, Nigeria has witnessed successive governments both military and civilian. Each of the government always comes up with new programmes and projects for the betterment of the people. Surprisingly, many of the laudable programmes and projects are often abandoned by successive governments both at the Federal and State levels. They ostensibly do so because they don’t want to associate themselves with projects and programmes embarked upon by their predecessors. In other words, they do not want their predecessors to take credit for the success of these programmes.
This abandonment is done without taking into cognizance the huge amount of public funds involved in initiating such projects and programmes. These abandoned projects cut across all sectors including Health, Education and Roads. Cases abound where some administrators on assumption of office change every house hold item in their residential quarters because they do not want to share what their predecessors used. Some even pull down the entire building and build new ones. The point is that, as soon as these programmes and projects are abandoned, new ones are initiated only to be abandoned again by yet another successive government. And so, the abandonment continues while the nation’s resources continue to be wasted. In the developed World, those who take over from previous government are always happy to use items used by the founding fathers of such countries several years back. Projects and Programmes as well as policies there are sustained. They do so because they place the interest of the people and their nation’s above all other considerations.
This sustainable policy has yielded positive results as these countries have moved from developing to developed world. So, for Nigeria to take its rightful position in the committee of nation, a concrete and decisive step must be taken to ensure the sustainability of government programmes, policies and projects. The National Assembly should come up with legislation to compel successive government to continue with programmes and projects initiated by their predecessors. This will not only save our resources but will also enable the government to ensure optimum use of scarce recourses for other new projects. The policy of always starting afresh can not lead the country to the promised land. Time has come for political office holders to emulate the sterling qualities of the founding fathers of the nation. Elected officials should know that they are holding offices in trust for those who elected them and therefore place the interest of the people above their personal interest.
The oganised labour civil society, non governmental organizations, students unions and other concerned Nigerians should rise up and speak when ever decisions affecting the interest of the people and the nation are taken. With sustainability of positive programmes, policies and projects, and cooperation by all Nigerians, the country will be a shining example not only in Africa but also in the whole world
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
EDUCATION OF THE GIRL CHILD
BY
UMMI BUKAR
Education has been recognized as the most important tool man has to develop his environment, and improve himself. According to the universal declaration of human rights adopted by the United Nations, education is one of the fundamental human rights; every child regardless of gender has a right to. However, United Nation statistics and other reports repeatedly show that girls have lower literacy rates than boys. There are over sixty five million girls around the world that are not in schools, a large percentage of this figure is from West Africa. It is said that educating the girl child is tantamount to educating the nation but in Nigeria, it is apparent that the education of the girl child is not given as much attention as it requires.
The situation is indeed alarming, as a visit to many schools in rural areas indicate complete absence of female students. There is clearly a yawning gap between male and female education in Nigeria that needs to be looked into. There is a seeming absence of policies that specifically attend to gender issues thereby leaving room for the gender gap. Despite the Universal Basic Education (UBE), launched by the Nigerian government; the number of girls in school is abysmally low. Survey carried indicates that many states are still very much below the required standard in terms of girl-child education. Forms of discrimination against the girl child across the Nigeria are numerous and vary depending on the region and culture of the area. Girls in some parts of the country are given away in marriage at a very tender age, in effect putting an end to any hope of acquiring formal education as well as exposing them to health risks and other psychological problems.
In other areas, girls are trafficked as prostitutes, at an early age. The girl-child is also a subject of abuse and exploitation by some parents or guardians. They are removed from schools to be engaged in economic activities like street hawking where they are likely to face abuse and molestation. Because they are preferable as house helps, girls can be found all over the country working as house girls, and are made to work throughout the day and often badly treated by their masters and mistresses. It is distressing that these conditions do not improve as girls grow into womanhood. Women in the country also lack the capacity to compete and benefit maximally from development opportunities due to cultural and traditional discrimination against them. This is evident as the advocated thirty five percent representation of women in government is still yet to be achieved in the country, and statistics indicates that seventy percent of people living below the poverty line are women.
Women, if given the opportunity, are endowed with the potential which could be used to develop the society if given the opportunity as they can contribute to their family income as well as becoming better mothers. Educating the girl child would help to reduce dependency and to a large extent help lift families out of poverty. States that have put in place laws which prohibits the withdrawal of children from school should be commended. What should follow is to ensure that any parent that withdraws his child from school with the intention of marrying her off or battering her for any purpose should be sanctioned. Parents, teachers, philanthropists, NGO’s, traditional as well as religious leaders should assist the government in encouraging the enrolment, retention and completion of the girl child in school, as this will contribute immensely in the attainment of two of the Millennium Development Goals ,MDG which are achieving universal basic education and elimination of gender disparities in education at all levels.
Source: Recorded live fro FRCN daily commentary
UMMI BUKAR
Education has been recognized as the most important tool man has to develop his environment, and improve himself. According to the universal declaration of human rights adopted by the United Nations, education is one of the fundamental human rights; every child regardless of gender has a right to. However, United Nation statistics and other reports repeatedly show that girls have lower literacy rates than boys. There are over sixty five million girls around the world that are not in schools, a large percentage of this figure is from West Africa. It is said that educating the girl child is tantamount to educating the nation but in Nigeria, it is apparent that the education of the girl child is not given as much attention as it requires.
The situation is indeed alarming, as a visit to many schools in rural areas indicate complete absence of female students. There is clearly a yawning gap between male and female education in Nigeria that needs to be looked into. There is a seeming absence of policies that specifically attend to gender issues thereby leaving room for the gender gap. Despite the Universal Basic Education (UBE), launched by the Nigerian government; the number of girls in school is abysmally low. Survey carried indicates that many states are still very much below the required standard in terms of girl-child education. Forms of discrimination against the girl child across the Nigeria are numerous and vary depending on the region and culture of the area. Girls in some parts of the country are given away in marriage at a very tender age, in effect putting an end to any hope of acquiring formal education as well as exposing them to health risks and other psychological problems.
In other areas, girls are trafficked as prostitutes, at an early age. The girl-child is also a subject of abuse and exploitation by some parents or guardians. They are removed from schools to be engaged in economic activities like street hawking where they are likely to face abuse and molestation. Because they are preferable as house helps, girls can be found all over the country working as house girls, and are made to work throughout the day and often badly treated by their masters and mistresses. It is distressing that these conditions do not improve as girls grow into womanhood. Women in the country also lack the capacity to compete and benefit maximally from development opportunities due to cultural and traditional discrimination against them. This is evident as the advocated thirty five percent representation of women in government is still yet to be achieved in the country, and statistics indicates that seventy percent of people living below the poverty line are women.
Women, if given the opportunity, are endowed with the potential which could be used to develop the society if given the opportunity as they can contribute to their family income as well as becoming better mothers. Educating the girl child would help to reduce dependency and to a large extent help lift families out of poverty. States that have put in place laws which prohibits the withdrawal of children from school should be commended. What should follow is to ensure that any parent that withdraws his child from school with the intention of marrying her off or battering her for any purpose should be sanctioned. Parents, teachers, philanthropists, NGO’s, traditional as well as religious leaders should assist the government in encouraging the enrolment, retention and completion of the girl child in school, as this will contribute immensely in the attainment of two of the Millennium Development Goals ,MDG which are achieving universal basic education and elimination of gender disparities in education at all levels.
Source: Recorded live fro FRCN daily commentary
CONFRONTING DEPENDENCE IN INDEPENDENT AFRICA
BY
VICTORSON AGBENSON
In the last couple of years several countries in Africa have marked 50 years of independence. Infact over 73 including Nigeria are marking their golden anniversary this year. One issue that comes to the fore in reflecting on this anniversaries of independence in the continent is the worrisome continued dependence on the West in virtually all areas many years after the walls of colonialism fell. A good example of where many African nations including Nigeria have missed it is in the area of food. It is worrisome that Africa which is supposed to be feeding the world is importing food because of the mentality that anything from the West is better. For instance, white rice is now associated with elitism, while sorghum and millet are seen as food for the poor.
So the continent ends up importing more expensive rice instead of growing our own disease and drought resistant staple food. This affects our income and our health. It also destroys local farming and further drives the continent into dependence. In the words of a Kenyan writer, Mukoma Wa Ngugi we are eating our way into hunger as we grow less and rely increasingly on genetically modified organisms and imported food. This problem seems to be in every facet of the Africa continent. Our culture is fast eroding. It is sad that it is still very much easer for us to pay for other people’s culture. Europe and American products have finished mesmerising us it is Dubai and China that has now caught our fancy and continued the colonialism Chain. It is therefore important to note that political, economic and social change requires collective action because the forces confronting the continent are mighty. It took a big fight to stop colonialism and apartheid. It would also take such to stop neo-colonialism.
Both individual actions and collective responsibilities are required in the struggle to move the black race from perpetual slavery and servitude. Governments in Africa must now genuinely set for themselves, the task of extricating the continent from the cobweb of dependence. The era of making empty promises of providing basic amenities which ordinarily should not be the issue should be over. This should give way for a more fundamental approach that would lift the continent from the bull strap of stagnation. It is commendable that some African nations such as South Africa are now producing their own cars. Why can’t others emulate this? We should outgrow the basic issues of quarrelling over electoral fraud, ethnicity and do something meaningful with our resources. The people of Africa should start thinking beyond their immediate comfort. The economics of today’s world has shown that there is no such thing as innocent purchase. Each kobo, Naira, Rand, Cedi or Kwacha will benefit somebody.
For those who do not think that this circle of dependence can be broken, let them compare what we had on our Radio and Television in the 70s and 80s with what we have now. The influence of foreign music, films and comedy have been drastically reduced in our electronic media as our products are now competing favourably due to the development of our music and arts. Whether one believes it or not, Nigeria’s NollyWood is a revolution of a sort. The outburst of comedy arts like Alibaba, I go die, Basket Mouth, Klint the Drunk and many others have driven the likes of Mr Spenser; from our TV. African writers have also told the world that they have what it takes. The Wole Soyinkas, the Ayi Kwe Ama’s, the Ngugi Wa Thiongos, Buchi Emechetas, .J. P Clarks and many others have stunned the world with their writings. We can certainly expand these frontiers. This would require massive investment in mechanised farming; agro allied businesses, Iron and steel as well as many other manufacturing and other industrial concerns.
The average African business man is content in building houses and giving them out at exorbitant rates or schools which are very expensive. It is now time to look towards the establishment of factories for making soap, cream, plastics and other endeavours that would provide large scale employment. Let us start patronising what we produce. The more we consume our culture, the more we will produce and have a sense of national identity. In today’s world, Africa must produce if she must not perish.
Source: Recorde live from FRCN daily commentary
VICTORSON AGBENSON
In the last couple of years several countries in Africa have marked 50 years of independence. Infact over 73 including Nigeria are marking their golden anniversary this year. One issue that comes to the fore in reflecting on this anniversaries of independence in the continent is the worrisome continued dependence on the West in virtually all areas many years after the walls of colonialism fell. A good example of where many African nations including Nigeria have missed it is in the area of food. It is worrisome that Africa which is supposed to be feeding the world is importing food because of the mentality that anything from the West is better. For instance, white rice is now associated with elitism, while sorghum and millet are seen as food for the poor.
So the continent ends up importing more expensive rice instead of growing our own disease and drought resistant staple food. This affects our income and our health. It also destroys local farming and further drives the continent into dependence. In the words of a Kenyan writer, Mukoma Wa Ngugi we are eating our way into hunger as we grow less and rely increasingly on genetically modified organisms and imported food. This problem seems to be in every facet of the Africa continent. Our culture is fast eroding. It is sad that it is still very much easer for us to pay for other people’s culture. Europe and American products have finished mesmerising us it is Dubai and China that has now caught our fancy and continued the colonialism Chain. It is therefore important to note that political, economic and social change requires collective action because the forces confronting the continent are mighty. It took a big fight to stop colonialism and apartheid. It would also take such to stop neo-colonialism.
Both individual actions and collective responsibilities are required in the struggle to move the black race from perpetual slavery and servitude. Governments in Africa must now genuinely set for themselves, the task of extricating the continent from the cobweb of dependence. The era of making empty promises of providing basic amenities which ordinarily should not be the issue should be over. This should give way for a more fundamental approach that would lift the continent from the bull strap of stagnation. It is commendable that some African nations such as South Africa are now producing their own cars. Why can’t others emulate this? We should outgrow the basic issues of quarrelling over electoral fraud, ethnicity and do something meaningful with our resources. The people of Africa should start thinking beyond their immediate comfort. The economics of today’s world has shown that there is no such thing as innocent purchase. Each kobo, Naira, Rand, Cedi or Kwacha will benefit somebody.
For those who do not think that this circle of dependence can be broken, let them compare what we had on our Radio and Television in the 70s and 80s with what we have now. The influence of foreign music, films and comedy have been drastically reduced in our electronic media as our products are now competing favourably due to the development of our music and arts. Whether one believes it or not, Nigeria’s NollyWood is a revolution of a sort. The outburst of comedy arts like Alibaba, I go die, Basket Mouth, Klint the Drunk and many others have driven the likes of Mr Spenser; from our TV. African writers have also told the world that they have what it takes. The Wole Soyinkas, the Ayi Kwe Ama’s, the Ngugi Wa Thiongos, Buchi Emechetas, .J. P Clarks and many others have stunned the world with their writings. We can certainly expand these frontiers. This would require massive investment in mechanised farming; agro allied businesses, Iron and steel as well as many other manufacturing and other industrial concerns.
The average African business man is content in building houses and giving them out at exorbitant rates or schools which are very expensive. It is now time to look towards the establishment of factories for making soap, cream, plastics and other endeavours that would provide large scale employment. Let us start patronising what we produce. The more we consume our culture, the more we will produce and have a sense of national identity. In today’s world, Africa must produce if she must not perish.
Source: Recorde live from FRCN daily commentary
ON RESOLVING THE POLITICAL IMPASSE IN COTE D’ IVOIRE
BY PROFESSOR DANFULANI AHMED
In Abuja last week, fourteen Head of States and governments took an unprecedented strategic and policy decision, having implications for the peace, security, stability and development in West Africa. Under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan, as the Chairman of ECOWAS, they took the decision that will finally put an end to the political debacle in Cote d’Ivoire. With this vital step, the final communiqué issued a serious warning to the defeated Ivorian President, Mr. Laurent Gbagbo to quit and hand over power to Dr. Alhassan Ouatara, the winner of the recent presidential elections. The communiqué went further to confirm a possible ECOWAS use of military force to dislodge Mr. Gbagbo.
Prior to this decision, and barely 24hours earlier, the United Nations Security Council, had taken a far reaching political step, culminating in the removal of the Ivorian Ambassador to the UN, based on the refusal of Mr Laurent Gbagbo to step down and recognize the victory of the opposition at the polls. In line with the entire resolution of the international community, the African Union, the European Union, as well as the ECOWAS peace and security council, it is evident that Mr Gbagbo’s illegal occupation of the presidential palace is in its last days. With this global rejection, experts in strategy and policy, and particularly ECOWAS have delivered a powerful political message, first to the sub region and second to the entire continent of Africa. This message has three implications. The first concern is its legality, the second is the political legitimacy, while the third concern is its diplomatic import and ramifications. On the issue of the legality of the decision and threat of possible use of force, the bases of this collective action have been spelt out in the treaties and protocols signed and ratified by all countries. With regards to the UN, the definition of aggression, within and against member states approved in 1974, has clearly defined what constitutes aggression. The UN definition largely captured any illegitimate use of a nation’s armed force against legitimate opposition and globally acknowledged political authority. Subsequent upon such aggression, the member state, under the auspices of the UN general assembly and the security council, can take any diplomatic action, including the use of force at the sub-region level. With regard to Africa Union, according to the treaty signed in July, 2000, article 4 approves the right of member states to intervene in order to restore peace and security; based on the respect for democratic principles, human rights, rule of law and good governance.In the ECOWAS sub-region, its protocol on the mechanism of conflict resolution, management, peace and security insisted on the promotion and consolidation of democratic governance, and confirmed that ECOWAS will deploy a civilian and military force to maintain or restore peace within the sub-region, whenever the need arises. It is clear that, under the Chairmanship of President Goodluck Jonathan, ECOWAS is sticking to the right diplomatic action. ECOWAS has also decided on the use of high powered diplomatic networking based on the use of regional negotiation. On this principles, President Goodluck is called upon to explore the extremely rich contacts and influence of the past presidents of ECOWAS as well as other personalities. It is significant to note that, with the forthcoming elections in Nigeria, the political weight of President Jonathan will be put to the test and so far, the Nigerian leadership of the sub-regional body has been a diplomatic foreign policy success. This in itself calls on Mr President, that with the success recorded on both the economic sector and foreign policy fields, and in the aspect of peace, security and stability in parts of the country,there is greater need to strengthen the rule of law, wage war against corruption, sustain the policy of poverty eradication, and attaining the millennium development goals. The Nigerian electorate is made up of high percentage of illiterate, and rural citizenry who are largely oblivious and unconcerned with African Union, ECOWAS and UN. Consequently, there is the need to concentrate on people- orientated welfare policy, mass fruitful mobilization and transparent statesmanship, as invaluable policy to sustain our leadership role in the sub-region.
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
In Abuja last week, fourteen Head of States and governments took an unprecedented strategic and policy decision, having implications for the peace, security, stability and development in West Africa. Under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan, as the Chairman of ECOWAS, they took the decision that will finally put an end to the political debacle in Cote d’Ivoire. With this vital step, the final communiqué issued a serious warning to the defeated Ivorian President, Mr. Laurent Gbagbo to quit and hand over power to Dr. Alhassan Ouatara, the winner of the recent presidential elections. The communiqué went further to confirm a possible ECOWAS use of military force to dislodge Mr. Gbagbo.
Prior to this decision, and barely 24hours earlier, the United Nations Security Council, had taken a far reaching political step, culminating in the removal of the Ivorian Ambassador to the UN, based on the refusal of Mr Laurent Gbagbo to step down and recognize the victory of the opposition at the polls. In line with the entire resolution of the international community, the African Union, the European Union, as well as the ECOWAS peace and security council, it is evident that Mr Gbagbo’s illegal occupation of the presidential palace is in its last days. With this global rejection, experts in strategy and policy, and particularly ECOWAS have delivered a powerful political message, first to the sub region and second to the entire continent of Africa. This message has three implications. The first concern is its legality, the second is the political legitimacy, while the third concern is its diplomatic import and ramifications. On the issue of the legality of the decision and threat of possible use of force, the bases of this collective action have been spelt out in the treaties and protocols signed and ratified by all countries. With regards to the UN, the definition of aggression, within and against member states approved in 1974, has clearly defined what constitutes aggression. The UN definition largely captured any illegitimate use of a nation’s armed force against legitimate opposition and globally acknowledged political authority. Subsequent upon such aggression, the member state, under the auspices of the UN general assembly and the security council, can take any diplomatic action, including the use of force at the sub-region level. With regard to Africa Union, according to the treaty signed in July, 2000, article 4 approves the right of member states to intervene in order to restore peace and security; based on the respect for democratic principles, human rights, rule of law and good governance.In the ECOWAS sub-region, its protocol on the mechanism of conflict resolution, management, peace and security insisted on the promotion and consolidation of democratic governance, and confirmed that ECOWAS will deploy a civilian and military force to maintain or restore peace within the sub-region, whenever the need arises. It is clear that, under the Chairmanship of President Goodluck Jonathan, ECOWAS is sticking to the right diplomatic action. ECOWAS has also decided on the use of high powered diplomatic networking based on the use of regional negotiation. On this principles, President Goodluck is called upon to explore the extremely rich contacts and influence of the past presidents of ECOWAS as well as other personalities. It is significant to note that, with the forthcoming elections in Nigeria, the political weight of President Jonathan will be put to the test and so far, the Nigerian leadership of the sub-regional body has been a diplomatic foreign policy success. This in itself calls on Mr President, that with the success recorded on both the economic sector and foreign policy fields, and in the aspect of peace, security and stability in parts of the country,there is greater need to strengthen the rule of law, wage war against corruption, sustain the policy of poverty eradication, and attaining the millennium development goals. The Nigerian electorate is made up of high percentage of illiterate, and rural citizenry who are largely oblivious and unconcerned with African Union, ECOWAS and UN. Consequently, there is the need to concentrate on people- orientated welfare policy, mass fruitful mobilization and transparent statesmanship, as invaluable policy to sustain our leadership role in the sub-region.
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
COMBATING CRIME IN THE SOCIETY
BY
FABIAN AWHEN
It was the Irish statesman and conservative political theorist Edmund Burke, who in his approach to the question of good and evil said all that is necessary for the triumph of evil, is that good men do nothing. This political philosopher who lived during the period of the French revolution and the American war of Independence was greatly disturbed at the atrocities committed by the people of his time and the non-chalant attitude of those responsible for sanitizing the society but failed to do so. His call on people with transparent integrity to check the excesses of the period goes a long way to confirm Nehru’s avowed philosophy of good and evil, when he postulated that evil unchecked grows; evil tolerated poisons the whole system.
This may have explained the reason successive governments in the country have championed the crusade against corruption, although the fight is yet to be brought to a logical conclusion. In other words, the problem is still widespread, with tax revenues, monies approved for infrastructural development and even constituency allowances ending up in private pockets. This invariably over the years has slowed down investment in public services, raised the cost of living and doing business in the country. Today, with democracy which has come to stay in the country, the government has instituted some legislations at the federal and State levels to contain the nefarious activities of fraudsters and criminals who have continued to wreck havoc on the country’s economic fortunes. In this regards, checks and balances have been instituted to protect individual rights, combat crime wave and check the excesses of economic saboteurs in the country.
It is therefore regrettable to know that in spite of all these, there still exists a group of people whose daily vocation is to deceive innocent persons, popularly called four-one-nine, commit rape, armed robbery , just to mention a few. Painfully this has become a daily occurrence in our society. It is regrettable also that at this time the country is going through national rebirth, some people are trying to try the its name into the mud. This ugly behaviour was exhibited during the just concluded voter registration as some dubious character decided to cart away the direct data capture machine and materials meant for the exercise nation-wide. Such act should not be permitted to continue . We should always remember that the only true gift a generation can give to itself is a good example. Therefore ,we all have a moral and ethnical duty to perform, by not allowing these group of persons to soil the country’s image.
Habits they say die-hard, this is why the government and indeed all Nigerians should spare no effort in curbing the nefarious atrocities of fraudsters, impersonators, bag snatchers, rapists, ballot box snatchers and armed robbers who are contributing to the economic adversity and social morass of the country.
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
FABIAN AWHEN
It was the Irish statesman and conservative political theorist Edmund Burke, who in his approach to the question of good and evil said all that is necessary for the triumph of evil, is that good men do nothing. This political philosopher who lived during the period of the French revolution and the American war of Independence was greatly disturbed at the atrocities committed by the people of his time and the non-chalant attitude of those responsible for sanitizing the society but failed to do so. His call on people with transparent integrity to check the excesses of the period goes a long way to confirm Nehru’s avowed philosophy of good and evil, when he postulated that evil unchecked grows; evil tolerated poisons the whole system.
This may have explained the reason successive governments in the country have championed the crusade against corruption, although the fight is yet to be brought to a logical conclusion. In other words, the problem is still widespread, with tax revenues, monies approved for infrastructural development and even constituency allowances ending up in private pockets. This invariably over the years has slowed down investment in public services, raised the cost of living and doing business in the country. Today, with democracy which has come to stay in the country, the government has instituted some legislations at the federal and State levels to contain the nefarious activities of fraudsters and criminals who have continued to wreck havoc on the country’s economic fortunes. In this regards, checks and balances have been instituted to protect individual rights, combat crime wave and check the excesses of economic saboteurs in the country.
It is therefore regrettable to know that in spite of all these, there still exists a group of people whose daily vocation is to deceive innocent persons, popularly called four-one-nine, commit rape, armed robbery , just to mention a few. Painfully this has become a daily occurrence in our society. It is regrettable also that at this time the country is going through national rebirth, some people are trying to try the its name into the mud. This ugly behaviour was exhibited during the just concluded voter registration as some dubious character decided to cart away the direct data capture machine and materials meant for the exercise nation-wide. Such act should not be permitted to continue . We should always remember that the only true gift a generation can give to itself is a good example. Therefore ,we all have a moral and ethnical duty to perform, by not allowing these group of persons to soil the country’s image.
Habits they say die-hard, this is why the government and indeed all Nigerians should spare no effort in curbing the nefarious atrocities of fraudsters, impersonators, bag snatchers, rapists, ballot box snatchers and armed robbers who are contributing to the economic adversity and social morass of the country.
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
ON THE NEED FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE COUNTRY
BY
RUFUS NWADDIGO
Government is described by the Oxford Advance Learner’s Dictionary as the activity of governing a country or controlling a company or an organization, the way in which a country is governed or institution is controlled. However for anything to be described as good, it has to be of high quality or an acceptable standard. In Nigeria, the act of governance dates back to the pre-colonial era and since independence the nation had witnessed thirty years of military government and twenty years of democracy. It is a known fact that in all this years Nigeria had tried to come to terms with the act of governance, considering the multi-religious, ethnic and cultural diversities of the nation and the challenges of managing the abundant human and material resources that God had bequeathed to the country. There is no mincing word that various governments in the country over the years had made tremendous stride in infrastructural development, the sustenance of the act of governance and ensuring the peace and unity of the nation. Inspite of all these achievements, the nation is still yearning for good governance that is predicated on security and safety of the citizenry, rule of law, participation and respect for human right, sustainable economic opportunity and human development. Furthermore, it is disheartening to note that Nigeria ranked 35th out of 53 African countries assessed in terms of good governance and the power of citizens to hold government and public institutions accountable – according to a recent report by the M.O. Ibrahim Foundation on governance in Africa. The identifiable problem facing African leaders including Nigeria is how to lift million of people from poverty and create a conducive environment for business to strive. It is imperative that good governance is needed for the nation to achieve strong democratic society, functioning rule of law, the provision of health and educational facilities, an empowered civil society and a framework conducive to strong economic growth. That is why some analysts have called for restructuring of governance because as they put I the present approach breeds in competency, corruption and under-development. Their submission might not be far from the truth if we compare Nigeria’s economic development to those of similar developing countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt and Iran. They have through good governance brought socio-political and economic development to their countries. Some small countries even in the African sub-region that do not have as much human, material and mineral resources like Nigeria have gone ahead of the country in utilizing their little resources for economic growth. After fifty years of nationhood, there is need for all hands to be on deck to ensure good governance and the delivery of the much talked about dividends of democracy to the people. Furthermore, Nigeria is still plagued by high incidences of insecurity arising from inter-religious, tribal and political crisis, kidnapping, armed robbery and ritual killing and murder, epileptic power supply, high rate of poverty among the rural dwellers including corruption at all levels of governance.
More so, the civil service that is saddled with the responsibility of implementing government policies and programme is currently bedeviled with bureaucratic bottlenecks and corruption, there is urgent need for total restructuring and overhaul of the civil service to avoid duplication of functions by some agencies and parastatals for efficient and effective service delivery. In addition, a situation where a large proportion of government revenue is used to pay political office holders and appointees, which accounts for the high rate of people seeking political office and political violence should be looked into. As preparation for 2011 general election gathers momentum Nigerian must this time around ensure that it is only credible-candidates with proven
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
RUFUS NWADDIGO
Government is described by the Oxford Advance Learner’s Dictionary as the activity of governing a country or controlling a company or an organization, the way in which a country is governed or institution is controlled. However for anything to be described as good, it has to be of high quality or an acceptable standard. In Nigeria, the act of governance dates back to the pre-colonial era and since independence the nation had witnessed thirty years of military government and twenty years of democracy. It is a known fact that in all this years Nigeria had tried to come to terms with the act of governance, considering the multi-religious, ethnic and cultural diversities of the nation and the challenges of managing the abundant human and material resources that God had bequeathed to the country. There is no mincing word that various governments in the country over the years had made tremendous stride in infrastructural development, the sustenance of the act of governance and ensuring the peace and unity of the nation. Inspite of all these achievements, the nation is still yearning for good governance that is predicated on security and safety of the citizenry, rule of law, participation and respect for human right, sustainable economic opportunity and human development. Furthermore, it is disheartening to note that Nigeria ranked 35th out of 53 African countries assessed in terms of good governance and the power of citizens to hold government and public institutions accountable – according to a recent report by the M.O. Ibrahim Foundation on governance in Africa. The identifiable problem facing African leaders including Nigeria is how to lift million of people from poverty and create a conducive environment for business to strive. It is imperative that good governance is needed for the nation to achieve strong democratic society, functioning rule of law, the provision of health and educational facilities, an empowered civil society and a framework conducive to strong economic growth. That is why some analysts have called for restructuring of governance because as they put I the present approach breeds in competency, corruption and under-development. Their submission might not be far from the truth if we compare Nigeria’s economic development to those of similar developing countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt and Iran. They have through good governance brought socio-political and economic development to their countries. Some small countries even in the African sub-region that do not have as much human, material and mineral resources like Nigeria have gone ahead of the country in utilizing their little resources for economic growth. After fifty years of nationhood, there is need for all hands to be on deck to ensure good governance and the delivery of the much talked about dividends of democracy to the people. Furthermore, Nigeria is still plagued by high incidences of insecurity arising from inter-religious, tribal and political crisis, kidnapping, armed robbery and ritual killing and murder, epileptic power supply, high rate of poverty among the rural dwellers including corruption at all levels of governance.
More so, the civil service that is saddled with the responsibility of implementing government policies and programme is currently bedeviled with bureaucratic bottlenecks and corruption, there is urgent need for total restructuring and overhaul of the civil service to avoid duplication of functions by some agencies and parastatals for efficient and effective service delivery. In addition, a situation where a large proportion of government revenue is used to pay political office holders and appointees, which accounts for the high rate of people seeking political office and political violence should be looked into. As preparation for 2011 general election gathers momentum Nigerian must this time around ensure that it is only credible-candidates with proven
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
THE NEED TO STANDARDIZE HERBAL MEDICINAL PRACTICE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA.
BY.
Dr. OKPO OJAH
Before such a laudable initiative by the members of the House of Representatives to ensure the passage of the bill on herbal medicine practice in Nigeria, the former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor G.E. Osunde, in 2001 had declared the Agency’s determination to standardize herbal medicine in the Country. This is with a view to redressing the defects and irregularities as well as misgivings which have beset the profession in terms of its practice and products. Therefore, such a step as being carried out by members of the House of Representatives is highly welcome in view of the fact that herbal medicines are assuming greater importance in health care delivery in the country in spite of the apparent dominant role of orthodox medicine practice in Nigeria.
For it was in recognition of such importance of herbal plants that the World Health Organization (WHO) in its Alma-Ata declaration of 1998 recommended inter-alia the inclusion of proven traditional remedies into national drug polices and regulatory measures. This development necessitated the establishment of the WHO Traditional Medicine Programme (TMP) with the aim of facilitating the integration of traditional medicine into national health care system, and the promotion of rational use of traditional medicine through the development of technical guidelines and international standard in the field of herbal medicine. The Tradition Medicine Programme is also to act as a clearing house for the dissemination of information on various forms of traditional medicine. Indeed, it was in relation to such a favorable development that the National Agency Food and Drug Administration and Control in collaboration with Bio-resources Development and Conservation Programme (BDCB) in USA and the West African Pharmaceutical Federation (WAPF) in 1997 organized a two-day international workshop on “standardization and regulation of herbal medicines” which was aimed at establishing regulatory measures to ensure safe and rational use of herbal medicine.
Apart from such a workshop, the former Organization of African Unity (OAU) now African Union organized two international symposia on the value of traditional medicine, one in Dakar, Senegal in 1968, and the other in Cairo, Egypt 1975. There is non doubt that since then, many conferences, workshops and symposia have been held in most parts of the World and Nigeria in particular. Retrospectively, it is difficult to quantify the contributions of traditional medicine to the cultural life of indigenous Nigeria society. Accordingly, during the pre-colonial era, traditional medicine controlled unchallenged the entire domain of the healing industry and the healing art in Nigeria and Africa in general. But with the advent of colonial rule in the country, a rule that disparaged everything indigenous as primitive, inferior and illegal, the traditional medicinal practice became a clandestine affair. To that extent, a lot was lost that may never be recovered in terms of instant multifaceted potency of certain herbs and roots. But it is relieving to observe that with political independence, the hardcore of traditional medicinal healing science and the well-founded healing arts in the country have survived to blossom these days. In other words, one is proud to see that with the gradual revival or renaissance of Nigerian culture in general, traditional medicine has assumed its rightful place of importance in the Nigerian environment.
Given such a dynamic resurgence, the country’s traditional medicine has effortlessly been competing with imported western medicine which was well received and left behind as the colonial heritage within the context of the western civilization which Nigeria and other African countries also inherited from colonial masters. Thus both in the rural and urbanizing communities of the country, the practice of medicine is now a comfortable mixture of both the alternative (traditional medicine) and the orthodox systems. This situation is imposed by the majority of the clientele who realize the benefits of the two systems. This cultural ambivalence of the people is capable of enhancing smooth integration of the two aspects of medical practice. It is against this backdrop that one welcomes the move by the House of Representatives to ensure the passage of the bill on herbal medical practice in Nigeria. Such a measure is bound to eliminate the various criticisms often leveled against the practice of traditional medicine such as general secrecy, dirty environment, absence of gainful motives, motion or association with the spirit of the ancestors in the comsogomic sense, the use of rites and rituals and ceremonies in the treatment processes, the over-dosage as well as illiteracy associated with most of the traditional healers.
Such a measure will also facilitate open and healthy competition between the orthodox and alternative medicine practitioners as well as encourage the exportation of traditional medical products abroad for foreign exchange earnings as against the current overseas medical trips by many Nigerians where fifty billion Naira has been spent over the years. It is therefore up to the traditional medicine men to accept the challenges of the standardization measures being put in place by NAFDAC and the members of the House of Representatives. Other relevant agencies connected with this project should co-operate with the National Assembly in order to enhance the auto-centric growth and development in traditional medicine in Nigeria as witnessed in China, India and other countries in Asia in synergic medicinal practice.
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
Dr. OKPO OJAH
Before such a laudable initiative by the members of the House of Representatives to ensure the passage of the bill on herbal medicine practice in Nigeria, the former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor G.E. Osunde, in 2001 had declared the Agency’s determination to standardize herbal medicine in the Country. This is with a view to redressing the defects and irregularities as well as misgivings which have beset the profession in terms of its practice and products. Therefore, such a step as being carried out by members of the House of Representatives is highly welcome in view of the fact that herbal medicines are assuming greater importance in health care delivery in the country in spite of the apparent dominant role of orthodox medicine practice in Nigeria.
For it was in recognition of such importance of herbal plants that the World Health Organization (WHO) in its Alma-Ata declaration of 1998 recommended inter-alia the inclusion of proven traditional remedies into national drug polices and regulatory measures. This development necessitated the establishment of the WHO Traditional Medicine Programme (TMP) with the aim of facilitating the integration of traditional medicine into national health care system, and the promotion of rational use of traditional medicine through the development of technical guidelines and international standard in the field of herbal medicine. The Tradition Medicine Programme is also to act as a clearing house for the dissemination of information on various forms of traditional medicine. Indeed, it was in relation to such a favorable development that the National Agency Food and Drug Administration and Control in collaboration with Bio-resources Development and Conservation Programme (BDCB) in USA and the West African Pharmaceutical Federation (WAPF) in 1997 organized a two-day international workshop on “standardization and regulation of herbal medicines” which was aimed at establishing regulatory measures to ensure safe and rational use of herbal medicine.
Apart from such a workshop, the former Organization of African Unity (OAU) now African Union organized two international symposia on the value of traditional medicine, one in Dakar, Senegal in 1968, and the other in Cairo, Egypt 1975. There is non doubt that since then, many conferences, workshops and symposia have been held in most parts of the World and Nigeria in particular. Retrospectively, it is difficult to quantify the contributions of traditional medicine to the cultural life of indigenous Nigeria society. Accordingly, during the pre-colonial era, traditional medicine controlled unchallenged the entire domain of the healing industry and the healing art in Nigeria and Africa in general. But with the advent of colonial rule in the country, a rule that disparaged everything indigenous as primitive, inferior and illegal, the traditional medicinal practice became a clandestine affair. To that extent, a lot was lost that may never be recovered in terms of instant multifaceted potency of certain herbs and roots. But it is relieving to observe that with political independence, the hardcore of traditional medicinal healing science and the well-founded healing arts in the country have survived to blossom these days. In other words, one is proud to see that with the gradual revival or renaissance of Nigerian culture in general, traditional medicine has assumed its rightful place of importance in the Nigerian environment.
Given such a dynamic resurgence, the country’s traditional medicine has effortlessly been competing with imported western medicine which was well received and left behind as the colonial heritage within the context of the western civilization which Nigeria and other African countries also inherited from colonial masters. Thus both in the rural and urbanizing communities of the country, the practice of medicine is now a comfortable mixture of both the alternative (traditional medicine) and the orthodox systems. This situation is imposed by the majority of the clientele who realize the benefits of the two systems. This cultural ambivalence of the people is capable of enhancing smooth integration of the two aspects of medical practice. It is against this backdrop that one welcomes the move by the House of Representatives to ensure the passage of the bill on herbal medical practice in Nigeria. Such a measure is bound to eliminate the various criticisms often leveled against the practice of traditional medicine such as general secrecy, dirty environment, absence of gainful motives, motion or association with the spirit of the ancestors in the comsogomic sense, the use of rites and rituals and ceremonies in the treatment processes, the over-dosage as well as illiteracy associated with most of the traditional healers.
Such a measure will also facilitate open and healthy competition between the orthodox and alternative medicine practitioners as well as encourage the exportation of traditional medical products abroad for foreign exchange earnings as against the current overseas medical trips by many Nigerians where fifty billion Naira has been spent over the years. It is therefore up to the traditional medicine men to accept the challenges of the standardization measures being put in place by NAFDAC and the members of the House of Representatives. Other relevant agencies connected with this project should co-operate with the National Assembly in order to enhance the auto-centric growth and development in traditional medicine in Nigeria as witnessed in China, India and other countries in Asia in synergic medicinal practice.
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
NEED FOR CREDIBLE ELECTION IN NIGERIA
BY
AGBO EGBA GODWIN
Credible election is an election conducted free off any form malpractice, acceptable by the voters, other countries and the losers convinced. It is the backdrop of this credible election that has caused Nigeria the serious set back since the inception of democracy in Nigeria and she has been losing billion and trillion of naira to those distorting the act. Absence of credible election has so many set back that cannot really be measured. One, it lead to waste of enormous resources. The desperate politicians waste millions of naira bribing the concern officials and lavishing great deal of money on their sycophants in order to win. It also leads to dreaded rivalry, enmity and destructive criticism among the politicians. All their productive energies that should be used for nation building are used against the incumbent government to sabotage their tenure even if the government had good plans, and that always result to incessant strikes, religion crisis inter ethnic clashes, tribal sentiment, militancy etcetera.
They go on radio and television stations, organizing press conference and seminars criticizing destructively with their oratory endowment starting up angers of Nigerians weakening their zeal and spirit of nationalism, discouraging and making them putting on lackadaisical attitude towards nations building. The beneficiaries of this ill election on the other hand knowing fully well that they come to power not by the people but by money and their sycophant who do not care about whatever they are going to do to the country but what is going to enter their pocket at the end’’ will never have the interest of the masses and the nation at heart at all, they were not voted for by them and that made them to abuse the power by the means of fraud, bending and breaking people’s life to suit their ostentatious life. Those who don’t share in their ill views are ruthlessly suppressed while their loyalist sycophant are lavishing rewards with high position making the trend to continue to the lowest and you hardly find honest and integrity in offices because it is dishonest act that pave one’s way into office, so if you are not dishonest by giving bribe or do what they ask you to do, you hardly get a job, therefore it becomes practically impossible for any honest and integrity person to get job. Honesty and integrity is forced into extinction and the popular saying “This is Nigeria” is believes and applied by almost every one.
Those people will always remain official because they know how to manipulate and remain in it or fix their loyalist that can be able to service them with billions of the nation’s heard earned money. The poverty, kidnapping, thurgery, the assassinations, the illegal possessions and circulations of weapons are all rooted to ill election. The effect of this election is too great to be mentioned. Credible election on the other hand is healthy to democracy. It fosters rapid development and peaceful coexistence. If achieved, then Nigeria has laid a solid foundation for development and economic take off. And this can only be achieved when there is credible election, and credible election brings about healthy competition among the politician. In economics, one of the characteristics of perfect market is healthy competition. If product of a producer is not up to standard or meet up with the current market demand, the producer and his or her product would be force out of market by other standard product. Credible elections create perfect political market. Bad politicians would be forced out of them and their band wagon and those in power would serve well for more power to be entrusted to them.
God has mysteriously brought in an INEC boss who is not ready to stain his profile or lease the country to those politicians anymore, but see the positions as an opportunity to serve the country well and add more good name to his personality and he is therefore determine to conduct free and fair election that would create this perfect political market. My fear is that, however determined he is, he would not achieved it alone. All of us have been affected one way or the other by this ill election and we have cried enough for good governance that will deliver the dividend of democracy and free of corruption. The opportunity has come for us to make that happen because we have gotten the head that is in support of that. This is now a plea for all lovely people of Nigeria to sacrifice anything we are going to gain from this ill election that has caused Nigeria things that can hardly be regained. The election that has given our dear country bad names in the world, the election that has made leader of some countries who are not qualified to make comment about our father father land making ill and silly recommendation for us, the election that has ridicule the name of our dear and only country among her contemporaries. Let us please sacrifices them all for the election. Some people have sacriefied their life for just little thing.
Why cant we sacrifices things that may not even cause us our life for our father land and make the habitable for the next generation. Remember, Nigeria we are mutilating and butchering today is permanent while we are just temporal. Let us support Professor Atahiru Jega and witness good Nigeria in our life time and leave legacy behind for the posterity
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
AGBO EGBA GODWIN
Credible election is an election conducted free off any form malpractice, acceptable by the voters, other countries and the losers convinced. It is the backdrop of this credible election that has caused Nigeria the serious set back since the inception of democracy in Nigeria and she has been losing billion and trillion of naira to those distorting the act. Absence of credible election has so many set back that cannot really be measured. One, it lead to waste of enormous resources. The desperate politicians waste millions of naira bribing the concern officials and lavishing great deal of money on their sycophants in order to win. It also leads to dreaded rivalry, enmity and destructive criticism among the politicians. All their productive energies that should be used for nation building are used against the incumbent government to sabotage their tenure even if the government had good plans, and that always result to incessant strikes, religion crisis inter ethnic clashes, tribal sentiment, militancy etcetera.
They go on radio and television stations, organizing press conference and seminars criticizing destructively with their oratory endowment starting up angers of Nigerians weakening their zeal and spirit of nationalism, discouraging and making them putting on lackadaisical attitude towards nations building. The beneficiaries of this ill election on the other hand knowing fully well that they come to power not by the people but by money and their sycophant who do not care about whatever they are going to do to the country but what is going to enter their pocket at the end’’ will never have the interest of the masses and the nation at heart at all, they were not voted for by them and that made them to abuse the power by the means of fraud, bending and breaking people’s life to suit their ostentatious life. Those who don’t share in their ill views are ruthlessly suppressed while their loyalist sycophant are lavishing rewards with high position making the trend to continue to the lowest and you hardly find honest and integrity in offices because it is dishonest act that pave one’s way into office, so if you are not dishonest by giving bribe or do what they ask you to do, you hardly get a job, therefore it becomes practically impossible for any honest and integrity person to get job. Honesty and integrity is forced into extinction and the popular saying “This is Nigeria” is believes and applied by almost every one.
Those people will always remain official because they know how to manipulate and remain in it or fix their loyalist that can be able to service them with billions of the nation’s heard earned money. The poverty, kidnapping, thurgery, the assassinations, the illegal possessions and circulations of weapons are all rooted to ill election. The effect of this election is too great to be mentioned. Credible election on the other hand is healthy to democracy. It fosters rapid development and peaceful coexistence. If achieved, then Nigeria has laid a solid foundation for development and economic take off. And this can only be achieved when there is credible election, and credible election brings about healthy competition among the politician. In economics, one of the characteristics of perfect market is healthy competition. If product of a producer is not up to standard or meet up with the current market demand, the producer and his or her product would be force out of market by other standard product. Credible elections create perfect political market. Bad politicians would be forced out of them and their band wagon and those in power would serve well for more power to be entrusted to them.
God has mysteriously brought in an INEC boss who is not ready to stain his profile or lease the country to those politicians anymore, but see the positions as an opportunity to serve the country well and add more good name to his personality and he is therefore determine to conduct free and fair election that would create this perfect political market. My fear is that, however determined he is, he would not achieved it alone. All of us have been affected one way or the other by this ill election and we have cried enough for good governance that will deliver the dividend of democracy and free of corruption. The opportunity has come for us to make that happen because we have gotten the head that is in support of that. This is now a plea for all lovely people of Nigeria to sacrifice anything we are going to gain from this ill election that has caused Nigeria things that can hardly be regained. The election that has given our dear country bad names in the world, the election that has made leader of some countries who are not qualified to make comment about our father father land making ill and silly recommendation for us, the election that has ridicule the name of our dear and only country among her contemporaries. Let us please sacrifices them all for the election. Some people have sacriefied their life for just little thing.
Why cant we sacrifices things that may not even cause us our life for our father land and make the habitable for the next generation. Remember, Nigeria we are mutilating and butchering today is permanent while we are just temporal. Let us support Professor Atahiru Jega and witness good Nigeria in our life time and leave legacy behind for the posterity
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
CHECKING SIT TIGHT POLITICAL CULTURE IN AFRICA
BY
ACHONWA UGOCHUKWU
The political history of Africa is replete with accounts of rulers who refused to relinquish power at the expiration of their tenure. The late Samuel Doe of Liberia, Mobutu Seseko of former Zaire, Idi Amin of Uganda are some African rulers who refused to part with power even when their regimes fell out of favour with the masses, Nigerians cannot quickly forget the late Head of State General Sani Abacha who almost completed his seli-succession plan before death came knocking. The Zimbabwe experience is still fresh in our mind as the political drama that brought the incumbent president to power in Zimbabwe could at best be described as the greatest political Armageddon in the history of Africa. Cote Devoir is today turmoil following the refusal of its defeated President Ghagbo to relinquish power to Quattara who is widely adjudged to have won the factors.
First, the sit right attitude of some African rulers demonstrates a measure of moral bankruptcy on the part of such rulers. In a decayed social structure, people act out their intentions without recourse to natural law. Sycophants and praise singers deceive such rulers in most cases to believe that they are the best as such their perpetual stay in office cannot be greeted with resistance or opposition. The existence of weak legislative structures in Africa creates loopholes for these power drunk rulers to perpetuate themselves in office. The implications of this unwholesome political behaviour are loxion. First, the trend heats up the polity as evident in agitation and demonstration from the masses. It also creates apathy amongst the electorate. The sit tight political attitude presents the victim nation in a bad light in the comity of a nation whose name is written in the black book of the world community finds it difficult to maximize the gains of international relations. Brain drain is another consequence of this unhealthy political culture.
Owing to anomie that characterizes such political environment, some of the best brains of the nation are forced to leave the country for a peaceful nation. Under such a fragile political atmosphere, development suffers as the incumbent channels his energies towards consolidation of power. During such period also, individuals considered as opposition to the ruling cabal are either victimized, incarcerated or sent to their untimely graves. Clashes between opposing groups also lead to the death of innocent citizens as it is being currently experienced in Cote Devoir. To checkmate this hydra-headed moster in African Political, African Union (AU) and other regional groupings should closely monitor the political behaviour of African Heads of Government. Actions of Heads of Government, which are considered repugnant to natural justice should be greeted with strong condemnation and appropriate disciplinary measures. The legislative structure of African nation should be strengthened.
This could be achieved by ensuring that only credible candidates are elected for the Legislative House. Seminars and symposia should be regularly organized for the legislators in order to be in tune with the essence and workings of the legislature. Railies should be employed by the masses to demonstrate their disapproval of the ruling institution. Media war can complement such efforts. The principles of checks and balances should be strengthened in Africa’s body politics, Executive wrong doings should promptly called to order by the other arms of government. Similarly, a reward system should be established to motivate rulers who meritoriously served their people and relinquished power at the expiration of their tenure of their Head of Government to close avenues for tenure elongation plans. Hence, as much as possible, the tenure of African Heads of State should not exceed two terms. Considering the insatiable nature of African rulers for power, it should become a rule rather than exception for heads of government not to conduct elections.
They should be made to step aside from power for at least six months to election thus giving room for an Interim Body to conduct election. As a prelude, the Chairman of the country’s electoral umpire should be appointed by the Judicial arm of the government thus reducing the over bearing influence of the executive on the Chairman of the electoral umpire. African heads of government should from time to time be subjected to psychiatric tests as the sit tight attitude in no small measure translates to mental aberration and strong demonstration of psychopath. Sit tight culture has not done any good to the African continent. This is why all efforts should be made by Africans to checkmate it in our political life.
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
ACHONWA UGOCHUKWU
The political history of Africa is replete with accounts of rulers who refused to relinquish power at the expiration of their tenure. The late Samuel Doe of Liberia, Mobutu Seseko of former Zaire, Idi Amin of Uganda are some African rulers who refused to part with power even when their regimes fell out of favour with the masses, Nigerians cannot quickly forget the late Head of State General Sani Abacha who almost completed his seli-succession plan before death came knocking. The Zimbabwe experience is still fresh in our mind as the political drama that brought the incumbent president to power in Zimbabwe could at best be described as the greatest political Armageddon in the history of Africa. Cote Devoir is today turmoil following the refusal of its defeated President Ghagbo to relinquish power to Quattara who is widely adjudged to have won the factors.
First, the sit right attitude of some African rulers demonstrates a measure of moral bankruptcy on the part of such rulers. In a decayed social structure, people act out their intentions without recourse to natural law. Sycophants and praise singers deceive such rulers in most cases to believe that they are the best as such their perpetual stay in office cannot be greeted with resistance or opposition. The existence of weak legislative structures in Africa creates loopholes for these power drunk rulers to perpetuate themselves in office. The implications of this unwholesome political behaviour are loxion. First, the trend heats up the polity as evident in agitation and demonstration from the masses. It also creates apathy amongst the electorate. The sit tight political attitude presents the victim nation in a bad light in the comity of a nation whose name is written in the black book of the world community finds it difficult to maximize the gains of international relations. Brain drain is another consequence of this unhealthy political culture.
Owing to anomie that characterizes such political environment, some of the best brains of the nation are forced to leave the country for a peaceful nation. Under such a fragile political atmosphere, development suffers as the incumbent channels his energies towards consolidation of power. During such period also, individuals considered as opposition to the ruling cabal are either victimized, incarcerated or sent to their untimely graves. Clashes between opposing groups also lead to the death of innocent citizens as it is being currently experienced in Cote Devoir. To checkmate this hydra-headed moster in African Political, African Union (AU) and other regional groupings should closely monitor the political behaviour of African Heads of Government. Actions of Heads of Government, which are considered repugnant to natural justice should be greeted with strong condemnation and appropriate disciplinary measures. The legislative structure of African nation should be strengthened.
This could be achieved by ensuring that only credible candidates are elected for the Legislative House. Seminars and symposia should be regularly organized for the legislators in order to be in tune with the essence and workings of the legislature. Railies should be employed by the masses to demonstrate their disapproval of the ruling institution. Media war can complement such efforts. The principles of checks and balances should be strengthened in Africa’s body politics, Executive wrong doings should promptly called to order by the other arms of government. Similarly, a reward system should be established to motivate rulers who meritoriously served their people and relinquished power at the expiration of their tenure of their Head of Government to close avenues for tenure elongation plans. Hence, as much as possible, the tenure of African Heads of State should not exceed two terms. Considering the insatiable nature of African rulers for power, it should become a rule rather than exception for heads of government not to conduct elections.
They should be made to step aside from power for at least six months to election thus giving room for an Interim Body to conduct election. As a prelude, the Chairman of the country’s electoral umpire should be appointed by the Judicial arm of the government thus reducing the over bearing influence of the executive on the Chairman of the electoral umpire. African heads of government should from time to time be subjected to psychiatric tests as the sit tight attitude in no small measure translates to mental aberration and strong demonstration of psychopath. Sit tight culture has not done any good to the African continent. This is why all efforts should be made by Africans to checkmate it in our political life.
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
CHECKING INSECURITY AHEAD OF THE APRIL GENERAL ELECTION
BY
LINUS EGEDE
Unarguably, security is the benchmark for sustainable peace, progress and development. No wonder, various nations across the globe have one form of security outfit or the other, including the police and the army. Even at community level, there are now vigilante groups and other local security arrangement put in place to present a break down of law and order. This further shows the importance of security to the survival of the people and protection of their limited resources. In Nigeria, the government had at various times taken different measures to ensure the security of the country and the people. This was done not just by providing necessary logistics to security personnel but also recruiting and training of such personnel to cope with the global challenges of security. It is however most unfortunate that despite such laudable measures the nation is still grappling with the problem resulting from boundary, communal, religious, ethnic and political disturbances. Despite effort made from the independence period to institutionalize democracy, coups and counter-coups were the order of the day, an unhealthy situation that paved way for many years of military rule in the country till May 29, 1999. It is most disheartening that in spite of the belief of many Nigerians that political killings and assassination would end with the military era, the problem is still rearing its ugly head even in the present political dispensation. While the federal government was still being commended for the human and diplomatic approach adopted towards finding a permanent solution to the Niger Delta conflict through the granting of amnesty to repentant militants, organized crimes such as robbery and kidnapping became the order of the day.
Consequently, as concerns were still being shown to victims of the unfortunate development, the entire nation was thrown into mourning on the first of October last year as the world converged on Abuja to rejoice with Nigeria on her golden jubilee anniversary. This was the day twin bomb blasts rocked the city leading to the death of many innocent souls and destruction of property. Still at the end of last year, the same dastardly act was carried out on the eve of Christmas in Jos, plateau state and again in Abuja at the Mogadishu military cantonment. And just yesterday, another explosion was recorded in Suleja, Niger state at a political rally. Although there are many other cases of political related deaths already recorded in the country, the recent murder of the All Nigeria People Party governorship candidate in borno state, Alhaji Fannami Modu-Gubio and the Paramount Ruler of Nasit in Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa-Ibom state, Edidem Robert Obot by unknown people still remain fresh in the memories of well-meaning Nigerians.
As the election draw near, various security apparatus should see the present security situation as a big challenge and take a more result-oriented approach to check the trend. This has become very imperative, especially now that the government says the people’s vote must count. Indeed, any political exercise conducted under an atmosphere of tension would encourage general apathy, intimidation and disenfranchisement of many eligible votes. The frequent uprising in some part of the country should be addressed immediately as the crises constitute serious threat to national security and peaceful political transition. To this end, government should equip security agencies with all needed facilities, necessary incentive to influence the current challenges. On their part, security agencies should uphold national interest above other considerations and discharge their a with duties high sense of patriotism, diligence, dedication and commitment.
Religious leaders should also be prayerful ahead of the elections just as Nigerians should learn to be more tolerant and desist from seeing politics as a do or die affair desperate politicians should in fact understand that he who kills by the sword. goes by the same sword. Clearly, political Assassination or any other form of killing is a heinous crime against God and humanity and perpetrators should be made to face the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
Source: recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
LINUS EGEDE
Unarguably, security is the benchmark for sustainable peace, progress and development. No wonder, various nations across the globe have one form of security outfit or the other, including the police and the army. Even at community level, there are now vigilante groups and other local security arrangement put in place to present a break down of law and order. This further shows the importance of security to the survival of the people and protection of their limited resources. In Nigeria, the government had at various times taken different measures to ensure the security of the country and the people. This was done not just by providing necessary logistics to security personnel but also recruiting and training of such personnel to cope with the global challenges of security. It is however most unfortunate that despite such laudable measures the nation is still grappling with the problem resulting from boundary, communal, religious, ethnic and political disturbances. Despite effort made from the independence period to institutionalize democracy, coups and counter-coups were the order of the day, an unhealthy situation that paved way for many years of military rule in the country till May 29, 1999. It is most disheartening that in spite of the belief of many Nigerians that political killings and assassination would end with the military era, the problem is still rearing its ugly head even in the present political dispensation. While the federal government was still being commended for the human and diplomatic approach adopted towards finding a permanent solution to the Niger Delta conflict through the granting of amnesty to repentant militants, organized crimes such as robbery and kidnapping became the order of the day.
Consequently, as concerns were still being shown to victims of the unfortunate development, the entire nation was thrown into mourning on the first of October last year as the world converged on Abuja to rejoice with Nigeria on her golden jubilee anniversary. This was the day twin bomb blasts rocked the city leading to the death of many innocent souls and destruction of property. Still at the end of last year, the same dastardly act was carried out on the eve of Christmas in Jos, plateau state and again in Abuja at the Mogadishu military cantonment. And just yesterday, another explosion was recorded in Suleja, Niger state at a political rally. Although there are many other cases of political related deaths already recorded in the country, the recent murder of the All Nigeria People Party governorship candidate in borno state, Alhaji Fannami Modu-Gubio and the Paramount Ruler of Nasit in Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa-Ibom state, Edidem Robert Obot by unknown people still remain fresh in the memories of well-meaning Nigerians.
As the election draw near, various security apparatus should see the present security situation as a big challenge and take a more result-oriented approach to check the trend. This has become very imperative, especially now that the government says the people’s vote must count. Indeed, any political exercise conducted under an atmosphere of tension would encourage general apathy, intimidation and disenfranchisement of many eligible votes. The frequent uprising in some part of the country should be addressed immediately as the crises constitute serious threat to national security and peaceful political transition. To this end, government should equip security agencies with all needed facilities, necessary incentive to influence the current challenges. On their part, security agencies should uphold national interest above other considerations and discharge their a with duties high sense of patriotism, diligence, dedication and commitment.
Religious leaders should also be prayerful ahead of the elections just as Nigerians should learn to be more tolerant and desist from seeing politics as a do or die affair desperate politicians should in fact understand that he who kills by the sword. goes by the same sword. Clearly, political Assassination or any other form of killing is a heinous crime against God and humanity and perpetrators should be made to face the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
Source: recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
CHECKING ABUSE OF TITLES.
BY
LINUS EGEDE
Any Individual irrespective of sex, occupation, rank, position or profession, naturally has a title. A title is therefore used to denote a person’s gender, rank, profession or occupation. However, the craze for title is so prominent in Africa compared to the western countries where people are simply addressed as Mr. or Mrs respective of the person’s status. A case in point is former American president, George W. Bush, former Secretary of the State, Condelese Rice, who despite academic qualification Henry Kenisse title was and is still simply addressed as Mr. W. Bush. Who despite their qualifications as addressed as Mr, Miss or Mrs as the case may be. This is not so in Africa. Its is common to see an individual bearing chains of tittles, even when he or she never laboured for them.
A political office holder may be addressed as Chief Honourable Elder Dr. and so on. It is most embarrassed as “ Doctor”. In most institutions of learning, academic titles are given to people without due recognition to merit. The ugly development is increasingly becoming more rampant because most of such institutions uses it as an avenue to ensure better funding. Worried by the development, President Goodluck a the first convocation of Gombe State University condemned in entirely a situation where people are awarded doctorate degree and other certificates because they are of financial benefits without taking into consideration that education requires methodological processes to acquire for one to gain sufficient knowledge that would enable the person to impart adequately on others or competently defend the certificates when the need arises. This anomaly is not limited to the education sector alone but also in the religious arena circle where only the wealthy class are not only given front seats during days of general worship, but also awarded titles indiscriminately because the belief among preachers who put economic consideration above other considerations. Even in different communities, people are also awarded titles because they have the money to buy them thereby defying tradition systems where such honours are based on one’s hard work, achievements and contributions to the society. During gatherings, some masters of ceremonies, have at one time of the order been abused, directly or indirectly punished, threatened, or even openly confronted by some influential people simply because some of their numerous tiles were not mentioned. Daily experience has further shown that most people awarded titles no longer live up to expectations in their places of official assignments. While some become more corrupt, looting public treasuries to the detriment of the poor masses, others see titles as a social elevation that has made them untouchable. As a way of addressing the problem, there should be a stringent constitutional provision spelling out the procedures and criteria for acquiring titles as well as sanctions that go with it in the event of a breach of such legal framework by those so honoured. Such a law should also be implemented alongside existing traditions norms and customs of the people as regards title acquisition. For instance, what is obtainable in the professional bodies where certificates of practitioners are withdrawn if found guilty of unethical conduct and other sharp practices should be emulated by other title awarding institutions. Favour-seekers and sycophants should also be educated on the evils as well as dangers associated with indiscriminate award of titles. Indeed, the current situation where some individuals are given honours simply for cheap economic gains and other selfish desires should be condemned by all. This is to pave way for merit, hard work and selfless services to humanity.
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
LINUS EGEDE
Any Individual irrespective of sex, occupation, rank, position or profession, naturally has a title. A title is therefore used to denote a person’s gender, rank, profession or occupation. However, the craze for title is so prominent in Africa compared to the western countries where people are simply addressed as Mr. or Mrs respective of the person’s status. A case in point is former American president, George W. Bush, former Secretary of the State, Condelese Rice, who despite academic qualification Henry Kenisse title was and is still simply addressed as Mr. W. Bush. Who despite their qualifications as addressed as Mr, Miss or Mrs as the case may be. This is not so in Africa. Its is common to see an individual bearing chains of tittles, even when he or she never laboured for them.
A political office holder may be addressed as Chief Honourable Elder Dr. and so on. It is most embarrassed as “ Doctor”. In most institutions of learning, academic titles are given to people without due recognition to merit. The ugly development is increasingly becoming more rampant because most of such institutions uses it as an avenue to ensure better funding. Worried by the development, President Goodluck a the first convocation of Gombe State University condemned in entirely a situation where people are awarded doctorate degree and other certificates because they are of financial benefits without taking into consideration that education requires methodological processes to acquire for one to gain sufficient knowledge that would enable the person to impart adequately on others or competently defend the certificates when the need arises. This anomaly is not limited to the education sector alone but also in the religious arena circle where only the wealthy class are not only given front seats during days of general worship, but also awarded titles indiscriminately because the belief among preachers who put economic consideration above other considerations. Even in different communities, people are also awarded titles because they have the money to buy them thereby defying tradition systems where such honours are based on one’s hard work, achievements and contributions to the society. During gatherings, some masters of ceremonies, have at one time of the order been abused, directly or indirectly punished, threatened, or even openly confronted by some influential people simply because some of their numerous tiles were not mentioned. Daily experience has further shown that most people awarded titles no longer live up to expectations in their places of official assignments. While some become more corrupt, looting public treasuries to the detriment of the poor masses, others see titles as a social elevation that has made them untouchable. As a way of addressing the problem, there should be a stringent constitutional provision spelling out the procedures and criteria for acquiring titles as well as sanctions that go with it in the event of a breach of such legal framework by those so honoured. Such a law should also be implemented alongside existing traditions norms and customs of the people as regards title acquisition. For instance, what is obtainable in the professional bodies where certificates of practitioners are withdrawn if found guilty of unethical conduct and other sharp practices should be emulated by other title awarding institutions. Favour-seekers and sycophants should also be educated on the evils as well as dangers associated with indiscriminate award of titles. Indeed, the current situation where some individuals are given honours simply for cheap economic gains and other selfish desires should be condemned by all. This is to pave way for merit, hard work and selfless services to humanity.
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
CHALLENGES OF POVERTY IN NIGERIA: ISSUES AT STAKE
By
SHEKWONYA KAURA
A Kenya Novelist Ngugiwa Thiongo once stated that to understand the present, we must understand the past, to know where we are, and know where we came from.
Nigeria is the most populous Black Country in the world with a population estimate of over one hundred and fifty million people, and one of the most populous countries in the world.
It is also noted that Nigeria is the only poor oil rich country in the world.
By all reckonings, Nigeria should have been among the first ten developed countries of the world because she is blessed with abundant natural resources, such as oil, gas, rubber, cocoa, groundnut and palm oil etc.
Nigeria has more in way of natural resources than Malaysia, Korea, or South American countries. On the other hand, Japan had no natural resources, it imports all its minerals needed for the ten thousand or more components of each car it manufactured and it is the world’s leading car manufacturer. Nigeria has more well trained manpower than most African countries.
In other words, the country is not using her manpower adequately. Nigeria even supplies other African countries manpower in the fields of education, law, medicine, engineering, accountancy etc. Nigeria also exports electricity to countries, while the citizens cannot boast of regular power supply to our homes and industries.
Nigeria assisted in restoring democracy in Liberia and Sierra Leone, and other African countries while denied same at home until the advent of the present administration that instilled the rule of law which is the pivot of democracy.
The country’s borders are so porous that half of the food, petrol and other essential commodities are produced and find their ways illegally across the border and unfortunately we are not worried. Nigeria has been feeding its neighbours in this fashion for several decades. We ourselves are practically starving.
United States of America and other advanced countries we are emulating have already taken care of their people before sending their supplies, food stuff, petrol, electricity etc to help others.
Charity begins at home while ours begin abroad.
It is not a mere coincidence, United States and United Kingdom are considered to be developed while others, like Nigeria are under developed.
In all our human and material resources and daily oil revenue, at least 33.3 million barrels daily and 15 billion barrels a year, how well are Nigerians faring? These basic human needs which must be available to each Nigerian citizen to make him or her tolerably happy and comfortable as human being living in an oil rich country are in most cases unavailable.
In fact, how many of 150 million Nigerians have basic amenities in spite of our oil wealth.
In the area of Water: Less than 40% of Nigerians have access to pipe borne water. This means that more than 60% draw their water from rivers, streams, ponds and taps located few yards or kilometers from their residents.
In Food Availability: How many Nigerians in our present day society can afford three square meals a day? Certainly less than half of Nigerian population.
When we talk about Health: How many of the citizenry have access to a good hospital or clinic, we have Government functionaries and well to do Nigerians fly abroad for treatment on simple ailment that can be obtained locally in the country. What chance can average citizen who needs the same serve, but is it too poor to contemplate foreign treatment?
Nigerians are still baffled at why this great country of ours cannot equip at least six specialists cum teaching hospitals to provide medical services to residents and others sick abroad. Where does the oil money go?
SHELTER: Is another negative story. How many Nigerians are living in a congenial environment? Most of our villages have not been improved since independence in 1960. More than 50% of our people live under trying circumstances in spite of our oil wealth, poor structures, poor lighting, unclean water from stream or pond etc seem to be their lot.
It is needless talking about our roads are death traps. Because they are poorly maintained.
Some of the major roads in the country today are in the state of disrepair, for example the Niger Bridges at Onitsha and Ajaokuta.
In 1960, South Korea was at the same level in economic development with Nigeria. The government of that country decided to industrialize the country within the shortest possible time.
They started in harnessing the potentials of its citizenry. They streamlined the educational system by nationalizing and harmonizing the school curricula from primary to tertiary level.
South Korea was not so rigid in paper qualification that has been the bane for Nigeria. Certificates obtained by some individiduals they could not defend which interms has become economic reliability and social malaise.
In the past two decades, South Korea has been selling all kinds of goods to Nigeria, while Nigeria is still more or less where Korea left her in 1960.
There is no gainsaying that Nigeria is buying all kinds of equipment from every where. Many brands of cars, machines, instruments, aeroplanes etc. With little or no consideration for standardization of equipment which would have promoted local repair and production. Thus Nigeria today remains a dumping ground of all sorts of obsolete and second hand goods and machines.
We are aware that there are more than fifty countries in the world in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America that have fewer human and material resources than Nigeria but they are providing adequate essential amenities for their people.
Indeed under development is not only a physical state, but also a state of mind.
There are six essential principal factors that can contribute effectively to National development.
1. High level of economy
2. High percentage of literacy (Education)
3. Low mortality rate (health)
4. Stable political system
5. Citizenship rights
6. Masses significantly oriented.
With these factors in place there is bound to be food security, full employment, good transport and adequate shelter for her citizenry.
It is also imperative for us to study closely how developed countries transformed their economics and their people. We are very familiar with the success strategies of Japan, Korea, India and China.
These countries did not wait for any person or country to transfer technology to them, they know that no country in this competitive world would commit that economic foolishness, instead they adopted, copied, fabricated, bought and simulated technology to suit their culture, environment and needs. For us in Nigeria to continue hope for the day Angel Gabriel or someone else will bring technology to us is to live in a fools paradise. As the present administration is poised on revamping the economy, to make life better for her citizenry, it should work assiduously to make a difference from the past administration of witch hunting, intimidation, and harassment of political opponents.
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
SHEKWONYA KAURA
A Kenya Novelist Ngugiwa Thiongo once stated that to understand the present, we must understand the past, to know where we are, and know where we came from.
Nigeria is the most populous Black Country in the world with a population estimate of over one hundred and fifty million people, and one of the most populous countries in the world.
It is also noted that Nigeria is the only poor oil rich country in the world.
By all reckonings, Nigeria should have been among the first ten developed countries of the world because she is blessed with abundant natural resources, such as oil, gas, rubber, cocoa, groundnut and palm oil etc.
Nigeria has more in way of natural resources than Malaysia, Korea, or South American countries. On the other hand, Japan had no natural resources, it imports all its minerals needed for the ten thousand or more components of each car it manufactured and it is the world’s leading car manufacturer. Nigeria has more well trained manpower than most African countries.
In other words, the country is not using her manpower adequately. Nigeria even supplies other African countries manpower in the fields of education, law, medicine, engineering, accountancy etc. Nigeria also exports electricity to countries, while the citizens cannot boast of regular power supply to our homes and industries.
Nigeria assisted in restoring democracy in Liberia and Sierra Leone, and other African countries while denied same at home until the advent of the present administration that instilled the rule of law which is the pivot of democracy.
The country’s borders are so porous that half of the food, petrol and other essential commodities are produced and find their ways illegally across the border and unfortunately we are not worried. Nigeria has been feeding its neighbours in this fashion for several decades. We ourselves are practically starving.
United States of America and other advanced countries we are emulating have already taken care of their people before sending their supplies, food stuff, petrol, electricity etc to help others.
Charity begins at home while ours begin abroad.
It is not a mere coincidence, United States and United Kingdom are considered to be developed while others, like Nigeria are under developed.
In all our human and material resources and daily oil revenue, at least 33.3 million barrels daily and 15 billion barrels a year, how well are Nigerians faring? These basic human needs which must be available to each Nigerian citizen to make him or her tolerably happy and comfortable as human being living in an oil rich country are in most cases unavailable.
In fact, how many of 150 million Nigerians have basic amenities in spite of our oil wealth.
In the area of Water: Less than 40% of Nigerians have access to pipe borne water. This means that more than 60% draw their water from rivers, streams, ponds and taps located few yards or kilometers from their residents.
In Food Availability: How many Nigerians in our present day society can afford three square meals a day? Certainly less than half of Nigerian population.
When we talk about Health: How many of the citizenry have access to a good hospital or clinic, we have Government functionaries and well to do Nigerians fly abroad for treatment on simple ailment that can be obtained locally in the country. What chance can average citizen who needs the same serve, but is it too poor to contemplate foreign treatment?
Nigerians are still baffled at why this great country of ours cannot equip at least six specialists cum teaching hospitals to provide medical services to residents and others sick abroad. Where does the oil money go?
SHELTER: Is another negative story. How many Nigerians are living in a congenial environment? Most of our villages have not been improved since independence in 1960. More than 50% of our people live under trying circumstances in spite of our oil wealth, poor structures, poor lighting, unclean water from stream or pond etc seem to be their lot.
It is needless talking about our roads are death traps. Because they are poorly maintained.
Some of the major roads in the country today are in the state of disrepair, for example the Niger Bridges at Onitsha and Ajaokuta.
In 1960, South Korea was at the same level in economic development with Nigeria. The government of that country decided to industrialize the country within the shortest possible time.
They started in harnessing the potentials of its citizenry. They streamlined the educational system by nationalizing and harmonizing the school curricula from primary to tertiary level.
South Korea was not so rigid in paper qualification that has been the bane for Nigeria. Certificates obtained by some individiduals they could not defend which interms has become economic reliability and social malaise.
In the past two decades, South Korea has been selling all kinds of goods to Nigeria, while Nigeria is still more or less where Korea left her in 1960.
There is no gainsaying that Nigeria is buying all kinds of equipment from every where. Many brands of cars, machines, instruments, aeroplanes etc. With little or no consideration for standardization of equipment which would have promoted local repair and production. Thus Nigeria today remains a dumping ground of all sorts of obsolete and second hand goods and machines.
We are aware that there are more than fifty countries in the world in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America that have fewer human and material resources than Nigeria but they are providing adequate essential amenities for their people.
Indeed under development is not only a physical state, but also a state of mind.
There are six essential principal factors that can contribute effectively to National development.
1. High level of economy
2. High percentage of literacy (Education)
3. Low mortality rate (health)
4. Stable political system
5. Citizenship rights
6. Masses significantly oriented.
With these factors in place there is bound to be food security, full employment, good transport and adequate shelter for her citizenry.
It is also imperative for us to study closely how developed countries transformed their economics and their people. We are very familiar with the success strategies of Japan, Korea, India and China.
These countries did not wait for any person or country to transfer technology to them, they know that no country in this competitive world would commit that economic foolishness, instead they adopted, copied, fabricated, bought and simulated technology to suit their culture, environment and needs. For us in Nigeria to continue hope for the day Angel Gabriel or someone else will bring technology to us is to live in a fools paradise. As the present administration is poised on revamping the economy, to make life better for her citizenry, it should work assiduously to make a difference from the past administration of witch hunting, intimidation, and harassment of political opponents.
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
CHALLENGES OF DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
BY
SHEKWONYA KAURA
Over the years, the issue of poverty alleviation has been a recurring challenge in the nation. As one of the most populous Black Country in the world with a population estimate of over one hundred and fifty million people, the issue has been on the front burner. By all reckoning, Nigeria should have been among the first ten developed countries of the world because she is blessed with abundant natural resources. Nigeria has more in terms of natural resources when compared with other developing countries such as Malaysia, Korea, or the South American countries. Apart from natural resources, the nation also has abundant manpower .Nigeria even supplies other African countries manpower in the fields of education, law, medicine, engineering and accountancy. Inspite of all these, the scourge of poverty has been widespread in all communities across the country.
With all its human and material resources, how well are Nigerians faring? The basic human needs which must be available to each Nigerian citizen to make them comfortable are in most cases unavailable. The poverty is especially exemplified in the area of water supply with statistics indicating that less than 40% of Nigerians have access to pipe borne water. This means that more than 60% draw their water from rivers, streams, ponds and taps located sometimes many kilometers from their residence. In the area of Food Availability, less than half of the population cannot afford three square meals a day.
The present scenario where we have Government officials and well to do Nigerians going abroad for treatment for simple ailment that should ordinarily be attended to locally is a sad testimony of our health system. Many Nigerians are baffled at why we still cannot equip at most of our specialist hospitals to provide medical services to Nigerians. In the area of shelter, many Nigerians are still living in sub standard accommodation. Most of our villages have not been improved since independence in 1960. More than 50% of the people live under trying circumstances in spite of the nation’s oil wealth. In the aspect of infrastructure, many of the nation’s roads have become death traps, because they were poorly constructed in the first place and also poorly maintained. There is therefore the need to take more seriously the quest to industrialize the nation. To do this, the educational system needs to be restructured at all levels. Once this is done, the nation can move to the level of industrialization. There is no gainsaying that the nation at the moment procures all kinds of equipment from other countries. Assorted brands of cars, machines, instruments, aeroplanes etc. With little or no consideration for standardization of equipment which would have promoted local repair and production. Thus Nigeria today remains a dumping ground of all sorts of obsolete and second hand goods and machines. Indeed under development is not only a physical state, but also a state of mind. With a determination from all stakeholders and a commitment to change , there is bound to be food security, full employment, good transport and adequate shelter for the citizenry. It is also imperative for us to study closely how developed countries transformed their economics and their people. We are very familiar with the success strategies of Japan, Korea, India and China. These countries did not wait for any person or country to transfer technology to them, they know that no country in this competitive world would commit that economic foolishness, instead they adopted, copied, fabricated, bought and simulated technology to suit their culture, environment and needs. For us in Nigeria to continue hope for the day Angel Gabriel or someone else will bring technology to us is to live in a fools paradise. As the present administration is poised on revamping the economy, to make life better for her citizenry, it should work assiduously to make a difference from the past administration of witch hunting, intimidation, and harassment of political opponents. Once these factors are properly harnessed, our developmental efforts will begin to yield favorable results.
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
SHEKWONYA KAURA
Over the years, the issue of poverty alleviation has been a recurring challenge in the nation. As one of the most populous Black Country in the world with a population estimate of over one hundred and fifty million people, the issue has been on the front burner. By all reckoning, Nigeria should have been among the first ten developed countries of the world because she is blessed with abundant natural resources. Nigeria has more in terms of natural resources when compared with other developing countries such as Malaysia, Korea, or the South American countries. Apart from natural resources, the nation also has abundant manpower .Nigeria even supplies other African countries manpower in the fields of education, law, medicine, engineering and accountancy. Inspite of all these, the scourge of poverty has been widespread in all communities across the country.
With all its human and material resources, how well are Nigerians faring? The basic human needs which must be available to each Nigerian citizen to make them comfortable are in most cases unavailable. The poverty is especially exemplified in the area of water supply with statistics indicating that less than 40% of Nigerians have access to pipe borne water. This means that more than 60% draw their water from rivers, streams, ponds and taps located sometimes many kilometers from their residence. In the area of Food Availability, less than half of the population cannot afford three square meals a day.
The present scenario where we have Government officials and well to do Nigerians going abroad for treatment for simple ailment that should ordinarily be attended to locally is a sad testimony of our health system. Many Nigerians are baffled at why we still cannot equip at most of our specialist hospitals to provide medical services to Nigerians. In the area of shelter, many Nigerians are still living in sub standard accommodation. Most of our villages have not been improved since independence in 1960. More than 50% of the people live under trying circumstances in spite of the nation’s oil wealth. In the aspect of infrastructure, many of the nation’s roads have become death traps, because they were poorly constructed in the first place and also poorly maintained. There is therefore the need to take more seriously the quest to industrialize the nation. To do this, the educational system needs to be restructured at all levels. Once this is done, the nation can move to the level of industrialization. There is no gainsaying that the nation at the moment procures all kinds of equipment from other countries. Assorted brands of cars, machines, instruments, aeroplanes etc. With little or no consideration for standardization of equipment which would have promoted local repair and production. Thus Nigeria today remains a dumping ground of all sorts of obsolete and second hand goods and machines. Indeed under development is not only a physical state, but also a state of mind. With a determination from all stakeholders and a commitment to change , there is bound to be food security, full employment, good transport and adequate shelter for the citizenry. It is also imperative for us to study closely how developed countries transformed their economics and their people. We are very familiar with the success strategies of Japan, Korea, India and China. These countries did not wait for any person or country to transfer technology to them, they know that no country in this competitive world would commit that economic foolishness, instead they adopted, copied, fabricated, bought and simulated technology to suit their culture, environment and needs. For us in Nigeria to continue hope for the day Angel Gabriel or someone else will bring technology to us is to live in a fools paradise. As the present administration is poised on revamping the economy, to make life better for her citizenry, it should work assiduously to make a difference from the past administration of witch hunting, intimidation, and harassment of political opponents. Once these factors are properly harnessed, our developmental efforts will begin to yield favorable results.
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
CHALLENGES FACING PEOPLE WITH SICKLE CELL ANEMIA
BY
SALAMATU JEKADA
Human existence is subject to the forces of nature. However humanity has laboured so much to master these forces of nature and find a way of bringing them to submission. Success has been recorded to some extent, through the aid of some remarkable progress made in science and technology. However, in some countries where science is moving at a very slow pace, the situation may not be the same, one of these forces of nature that has faced man from creation is sickle cell anemia. The “sickle cell disease” has taken on very high human mortality toil. Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder cause by a genetic mutation characterized primarily by chronic anemia and periodic episodes of pain. It is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a defect in the hemoglobin, HB, gene. The disease affects millions of people through out the world. It is particularly common among people whose ancestors come from sub-Saharan African. The disease occurs in about one in twelve Africans carrying the trait. The presence of two defective genes, SS, is needed for sickle cell anemia. If each parent carries one sickle haemoglobin, S and one normal gene, A, each child has a twenty five percent, 25%, chance of inheriting two defective genes and having sickle cell anemia. They also have twenty five percent, chance of inheriting two normal genes not having the disease and a fifty percent chance of being unaffected carrier like the parents. Sickle cell disease is an international health problem and truly a global challenge. The endemic nature of the disease has attracted the attention of the whole world leading to the United Nations of which Nigeria also hosted a ceremony to commemorate the day by declaring the 19th June each year as Sickle Cell Day. Nigeria said to have the highest rate of sickle cell suffered in the entire world. In Africa, statistics show that out of the two hundred thousand babies born with the disease, one hundred and fifty thousand of them are Nigerians. Furthermore, one hundred thousand Nigerians children are lost to the disease annually and eight percent of the nations child mortality stem from sickle cell disease. Available statistics have also shown that, between two and three percent of an estimated of forty-five thousand babies born annually in Nigeria have the disease while between twenty-five and thirty percent are born with sickle cell trait. On the whole, it is estimated that a total of thirty seven million Nigeria’s, both children and adults suffer from sickle cell anemia. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as paleness, shortness of breath, yellowing of the skin and eyes, fatigue and delayed growth among others. Persons with the disease need regular health check-ups, proper nutrition, bed rest, good hygiene and need to avoid stress of any kind. Unfortunately, it has become hard and almost impossible for some person with the disease to avoid stress and have a regular check-up. The current economic down turn and lack of adequate medical facilities and personnel in the nation hospitals has made the situation of sufferer worst. “Sicklers” as they are often called also suffer from stigmatization and in most times they are neglected and rejected by friends, parents and the society, this evidently affects them directly or indirectly, thereby adding more complications to their health. Persons with the disease are often regarded as under-achievers and never do well. They pass through bouts of psychological depression coupled with the excruciating physical pain occasioned by sickle cell crises. Some non-governmental organization, NGO’s, are attempting to provide free medical health care services and access to the drugs that will help manage the disease. It is therefore imperative for governments to contribute their quota and support to persons with sickle cell anemia, since sickle cell is a genetic disease, there is therefore, the need for more awareness and enlightenment campaigns on the importance of knowing their genotype before couples get married to reduce the rate of the diseases that has become a scourge in Nigeria, the black race and humanity. These campaigns should also be extended to the rural areas to educate them on the importance of blood test before marriage and the need for them to provide care for persons with disease and not leave them to their fate. Thus, government in its efforts towards ensuring quality health care service delivery should put in place measures that would enhance the quality and efficiency of the medical service in its various hospitals. Also, free medical check up and routine drugs should be giving to persons with the disease to promote the well being of persons with sickle cell disease. Government should ensure that adequate attention is given to sickle cell anemia patients in hospitals at all times especially during emergencies to reduce the mortality rate. Although drugs for sickle cell disease has proved difficult to be found, medical researchers are still trying to find solution to cases of genetic cell, the disease can still be managed. The bottom line is massive education of the people so as to prevent the disease.
Source: recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
SALAMATU JEKADA
Human existence is subject to the forces of nature. However humanity has laboured so much to master these forces of nature and find a way of bringing them to submission. Success has been recorded to some extent, through the aid of some remarkable progress made in science and technology. However, in some countries where science is moving at a very slow pace, the situation may not be the same, one of these forces of nature that has faced man from creation is sickle cell anemia. The “sickle cell disease” has taken on very high human mortality toil. Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder cause by a genetic mutation characterized primarily by chronic anemia and periodic episodes of pain. It is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a defect in the hemoglobin, HB, gene. The disease affects millions of people through out the world. It is particularly common among people whose ancestors come from sub-Saharan African. The disease occurs in about one in twelve Africans carrying the trait. The presence of two defective genes, SS, is needed for sickle cell anemia. If each parent carries one sickle haemoglobin, S and one normal gene, A, each child has a twenty five percent, 25%, chance of inheriting two defective genes and having sickle cell anemia. They also have twenty five percent, chance of inheriting two normal genes not having the disease and a fifty percent chance of being unaffected carrier like the parents. Sickle cell disease is an international health problem and truly a global challenge. The endemic nature of the disease has attracted the attention of the whole world leading to the United Nations of which Nigeria also hosted a ceremony to commemorate the day by declaring the 19th June each year as Sickle Cell Day. Nigeria said to have the highest rate of sickle cell suffered in the entire world. In Africa, statistics show that out of the two hundred thousand babies born with the disease, one hundred and fifty thousand of them are Nigerians. Furthermore, one hundred thousand Nigerians children are lost to the disease annually and eight percent of the nations child mortality stem from sickle cell disease. Available statistics have also shown that, between two and three percent of an estimated of forty-five thousand babies born annually in Nigeria have the disease while between twenty-five and thirty percent are born with sickle cell trait. On the whole, it is estimated that a total of thirty seven million Nigeria’s, both children and adults suffer from sickle cell anemia. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as paleness, shortness of breath, yellowing of the skin and eyes, fatigue and delayed growth among others. Persons with the disease need regular health check-ups, proper nutrition, bed rest, good hygiene and need to avoid stress of any kind. Unfortunately, it has become hard and almost impossible for some person with the disease to avoid stress and have a regular check-up. The current economic down turn and lack of adequate medical facilities and personnel in the nation hospitals has made the situation of sufferer worst. “Sicklers” as they are often called also suffer from stigmatization and in most times they are neglected and rejected by friends, parents and the society, this evidently affects them directly or indirectly, thereby adding more complications to their health. Persons with the disease are often regarded as under-achievers and never do well. They pass through bouts of psychological depression coupled with the excruciating physical pain occasioned by sickle cell crises. Some non-governmental organization, NGO’s, are attempting to provide free medical health care services and access to the drugs that will help manage the disease. It is therefore imperative for governments to contribute their quota and support to persons with sickle cell anemia, since sickle cell is a genetic disease, there is therefore, the need for more awareness and enlightenment campaigns on the importance of knowing their genotype before couples get married to reduce the rate of the diseases that has become a scourge in Nigeria, the black race and humanity. These campaigns should also be extended to the rural areas to educate them on the importance of blood test before marriage and the need for them to provide care for persons with disease and not leave them to their fate. Thus, government in its efforts towards ensuring quality health care service delivery should put in place measures that would enhance the quality and efficiency of the medical service in its various hospitals. Also, free medical check up and routine drugs should be giving to persons with the disease to promote the well being of persons with sickle cell disease. Government should ensure that adequate attention is given to sickle cell anemia patients in hospitals at all times especially during emergencies to reduce the mortality rate. Although drugs for sickle cell disease has proved difficult to be found, medical researchers are still trying to find solution to cases of genetic cell, the disease can still be managed. The bottom line is massive education of the people so as to prevent the disease.
Source: recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
ADDRESSING THE SCOURGE OF BOMBINGS IN NIGERIA
C. Nna-Emeka Okereke Ph.D
One recurrent security challenge that confronts many states in contemporary world is the scourge of bombing perpetrated by various groups and organisations that harbour grievances against the state. Such bombings are often associated with terrorist aggressions and have been experienced in countries like Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel and Kenya. Others include Somalia, Spain, Tanzania and United Kingdom, United States of America among others. It is important to observe that the experiences of these countries with acts of terrorism only heightened insecurities and tensions but never resolved the grievances that stimulated them.
In Nigeria, the scourge of bombings that bear the imprints of terrorist incursions indicates the dawn of a new regime of security concern in the country. Such bombings have in the recent past been experienced in cities like Jos, Yenagoa and Abuja. The consequences include the loss of lives and property of innocent Nigerians and increased apprehension on the question of security in Nigeria. They also pose threats to government’s commitments to peace-building, sustainable democracy and political stability in the country. It should be realised that whatever their motivations, these dastardly acts constitutes set back to the pursuit of unity, national security and development in the country and should be condemned in entirety.
Nigeria is presently at the dawn of a new beginning which require investments in infrastructural development, environmental governance and rebranding of her image. She is in an era where the government should be encouraged to foster national integration, stimulate economic development and enhance the standard of living of her population. These goals cannot be attained in a security vacuum characterised by periodic bombing and other acts reminiscent of terrorism as now evident in our country.
A fact that we should realize is that terrorism is alien to Nigeria and as such should not attract Nigerian patronage. This suggests that relevant preventive measures should be adopted to halt incursion of terrorism into our country. Consequently, aggrieved Nigerians should explore legitimate avenues to seek redress to grievances. It is in line with this that the following recommendations are proffered as recipe to halt the scourge of bombings in the country.
i. The Federal Government should solicit technical assistance from countries with requisite expertise to counter it and also countries that have contained such aggressions.
ii. The Federal Government should invest in the provision of necessary security infrastructures and training that will enhance the operation of the various security agencies in the country.
iii. The various tiers of government should invest more in enhancing the standard of leaving and the pursuit of justice, fairness and equity in the country.
iv. The National Assembly should enact relevant legislations that address the scourge of terrorism and related security challenges in the country.
v. The security agencies should intensify inter-agency cooperation to combat the menace.
vi. Media jingles should be effectively utilised to stimulate public resentment on acts of terrorism.
vii. In addition, general public should make vigilance their watchword since the task of security is a collective responsibility which should attract commitment from every peace loving Nigeria.
Finally, we have no other home but Nigeria. Let us join hands and put an end to this menace because it is better to remove the monkey’s hand from the pot of soup before it turns to human hand.
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
One recurrent security challenge that confronts many states in contemporary world is the scourge of bombing perpetrated by various groups and organisations that harbour grievances against the state. Such bombings are often associated with terrorist aggressions and have been experienced in countries like Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel and Kenya. Others include Somalia, Spain, Tanzania and United Kingdom, United States of America among others. It is important to observe that the experiences of these countries with acts of terrorism only heightened insecurities and tensions but never resolved the grievances that stimulated them.
In Nigeria, the scourge of bombings that bear the imprints of terrorist incursions indicates the dawn of a new regime of security concern in the country. Such bombings have in the recent past been experienced in cities like Jos, Yenagoa and Abuja. The consequences include the loss of lives and property of innocent Nigerians and increased apprehension on the question of security in Nigeria. They also pose threats to government’s commitments to peace-building, sustainable democracy and political stability in the country. It should be realised that whatever their motivations, these dastardly acts constitutes set back to the pursuit of unity, national security and development in the country and should be condemned in entirety.
Nigeria is presently at the dawn of a new beginning which require investments in infrastructural development, environmental governance and rebranding of her image. She is in an era where the government should be encouraged to foster national integration, stimulate economic development and enhance the standard of living of her population. These goals cannot be attained in a security vacuum characterised by periodic bombing and other acts reminiscent of terrorism as now evident in our country.
A fact that we should realize is that terrorism is alien to Nigeria and as such should not attract Nigerian patronage. This suggests that relevant preventive measures should be adopted to halt incursion of terrorism into our country. Consequently, aggrieved Nigerians should explore legitimate avenues to seek redress to grievances. It is in line with this that the following recommendations are proffered as recipe to halt the scourge of bombings in the country.
i. The Federal Government should solicit technical assistance from countries with requisite expertise to counter it and also countries that have contained such aggressions.
ii. The Federal Government should invest in the provision of necessary security infrastructures and training that will enhance the operation of the various security agencies in the country.
iii. The various tiers of government should invest more in enhancing the standard of leaving and the pursuit of justice, fairness and equity in the country.
iv. The National Assembly should enact relevant legislations that address the scourge of terrorism and related security challenges in the country.
v. The security agencies should intensify inter-agency cooperation to combat the menace.
vi. Media jingles should be effectively utilised to stimulate public resentment on acts of terrorism.
vii. In addition, general public should make vigilance their watchword since the task of security is a collective responsibility which should attract commitment from every peace loving Nigeria.
Finally, we have no other home but Nigeria. Let us join hands and put an end to this menace because it is better to remove the monkey’s hand from the pot of soup before it turns to human hand.
Source: Recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
Sunday, March 6, 2011
GENESIS OF RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC CRISIS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
Since 1987 when the first religious outburst crisis at the College of Education Kafanchan, Kaduna state, most right thinking members of the society described the incident as ugly.
This soon spread to other parts of the state leading to the burning of places of worship, with many lives and properties worth millions of naira lost.
As the situation got out of hand, the Army had to come in by declaring a dusk to dawn curfew with a shoot at sight order of any person or group of persons found perpertrating violence.
Normalcy returned in the state after about a week and most people believed that such a thing would not happen again being the first religious crisis ever in Northern Nigeria.
A similar crisis was recorded in 1992, in Zango Kataf which was believed to of be an ethnic dimension. Another religious crisis was recorded in 1999 which spread to other parts of the country. And in 2001, little did any Nigerian believe that Jos, a city of peace and tourism would be the next target of any form of crisis, let alone. It was a shock that people who had lived together peacefully and productively could wake up one morning to start fighting each other.
Unfortunately, the crisis in Jos has continued to , with a spread to villages in some local government areas of Plateau state like wild fire.
Some of such villages attacked of recent includes Dogo-Nahauwa village in Jos south, Maza in Jos North, Vom in Jos South and Riyom in Riyom local government areas to mention but a few.
One wonders whether these bandits carrying sophisticated weapons are Nigerians or hired machineries and from where?, That our security Agencies cannot track them down.
It is high time for the Nation’s security Agencies to go extra mile in ensuring proper surveillance of the nation’s borders for the safety of lives and property of Nigerians.
Various communities must also be seen to be assisting the security agencies by keeping vigil of their areas through the formation of vigilante groups to secure their communities.
Government at all levels must also be seen to be having dialogue with traditional and community leaders where contending issues between warring communities can be resolved amicably without carrying up arms.
Settlement of those who lost their properties in the numerous crises should be given priority by Government to enable the victims start a new life.
This must not be left to Government alone, Charity organizations and wealthy individuals should assist the victims by way of donating food , clothing and building materials towards their rehabilitation.
Distribution committees on donations made to the victims must have the fear of God by being honest in sharing materials donated by individuals or groups reach all those affected.
Often times, some of such relief materials get to those not affected and even to homes of members of the committee charged with the responsibility.
As a matter of fact, authorities in the affected states should closely monitor the mode of distribution of relief materials to avoid any diversion in the interest of the victims of any crisis or other natural disasters.
As one of the solutions to the recurring crisis, recommendations by the many commissions of enquiry must be implemented by Government whereby those found to be behind the crisis are punished.
Of most recent, the Justice Bola Ajibola commissions’ report, Peace loving people of plateau believe if implemented by the Government is likely to bring an end to the crisis in Jos.
People of Plateau and indeed Nigerians must learn to live in peace with one another irrespective of tribe or religion, to you is your religion and to me is my religion. Let us allow peace to reign.
No state or nation develops under an atmosphere of chaos. Enough is enough.
Source: recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
This soon spread to other parts of the state leading to the burning of places of worship, with many lives and properties worth millions of naira lost.
As the situation got out of hand, the Army had to come in by declaring a dusk to dawn curfew with a shoot at sight order of any person or group of persons found perpertrating violence.
Normalcy returned in the state after about a week and most people believed that such a thing would not happen again being the first religious crisis ever in Northern Nigeria.
A similar crisis was recorded in 1992, in Zango Kataf which was believed to of be an ethnic dimension. Another religious crisis was recorded in 1999 which spread to other parts of the country. And in 2001, little did any Nigerian believe that Jos, a city of peace and tourism would be the next target of any form of crisis, let alone. It was a shock that people who had lived together peacefully and productively could wake up one morning to start fighting each other.
Unfortunately, the crisis in Jos has continued to , with a spread to villages in some local government areas of Plateau state like wild fire.
Some of such villages attacked of recent includes Dogo-Nahauwa village in Jos south, Maza in Jos North, Vom in Jos South and Riyom in Riyom local government areas to mention but a few.
One wonders whether these bandits carrying sophisticated weapons are Nigerians or hired machineries and from where?, That our security Agencies cannot track them down.
It is high time for the Nation’s security Agencies to go extra mile in ensuring proper surveillance of the nation’s borders for the safety of lives and property of Nigerians.
Various communities must also be seen to be assisting the security agencies by keeping vigil of their areas through the formation of vigilante groups to secure their communities.
Government at all levels must also be seen to be having dialogue with traditional and community leaders where contending issues between warring communities can be resolved amicably without carrying up arms.
Settlement of those who lost their properties in the numerous crises should be given priority by Government to enable the victims start a new life.
This must not be left to Government alone, Charity organizations and wealthy individuals should assist the victims by way of donating food , clothing and building materials towards their rehabilitation.
Distribution committees on donations made to the victims must have the fear of God by being honest in sharing materials donated by individuals or groups reach all those affected.
Often times, some of such relief materials get to those not affected and even to homes of members of the committee charged with the responsibility.
As a matter of fact, authorities in the affected states should closely monitor the mode of distribution of relief materials to avoid any diversion in the interest of the victims of any crisis or other natural disasters.
As one of the solutions to the recurring crisis, recommendations by the many commissions of enquiry must be implemented by Government whereby those found to be behind the crisis are punished.
Of most recent, the Justice Bola Ajibola commissions’ report, Peace loving people of plateau believe if implemented by the Government is likely to bring an end to the crisis in Jos.
People of Plateau and indeed Nigerians must learn to live in peace with one another irrespective of tribe or religion, to you is your religion and to me is my religion. Let us allow peace to reign.
No state or nation develops under an atmosphere of chaos. Enough is enough.
Source: recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
CONTAINING THE SPREAD OF HIV AND AIDS
BY
UMMI BUKAR
Throughout the course of time, man has been battle different diseases; however none have been quite as destructive and ravaging as HIV/AIDS. All over the world, the virus has continued to be responsible for millions of death, and has destroyed countless lives; Africa in particular has recorded the highest casualty. Though HIV prevalence is relatively low in Nigeria, when compared with other African countries, however the nation has not rested on its oars to curtail its spread since the case was first reported in Nigeria in the eighties. It is safe to say that there has never been a disease that has received wide publicity as HIV/AIDS, with adverts over newspaper and televisions, as well as jingles on radio, all geared towards informing people about ways of preventing its spread.
However, despite all the efforts, by the Nigerian government, the media and other non governmental organizations, to curb the spread of HIV in the country, it seems the virus is still very much an issue. Only last year, almost two hundred and fifty deaths were attributed to HIV and AIDS in Nigeria, and records indicate that Nigeria accounts for almost ten percent of the global HIV burden. In 2009, just about thirty percent of HIV patients received treatment for lack of sufficient resources. Although, the government had made available antiretroviral drugs at centres all over the country, many people living with HIV do not go for treatment either because of lack of access to those centres, ignorance or utter negligence. There is therefore the need for greater involvement of Nigerians in efforts to make anti-retroviral drugs available. At the moment most of the drugs are being subsidized by government and international bodies. Nigerians need to collaborate with them to ensure easy availability.
Perhaps it is time to spread a new message as it appears that people living with the virus, particularly in the rural areas, have given up hope. The issue of stigma is another challenge as those tested positive still live in denial. Consequently, they deny themselves the opportunity of getting help. The stigma associated with HIV needs to be seriously addressed. People living with HIV particularly in the rural areas need to be educated so that they can still live a productive life if they take their drugs regularly. This is because inconsistent dosage can increase the risk of HIV becoming resistant to the drugs thereby supporting the process of becoming a full blown AID. The organs of government responsible for HIV and AIDS must also be more alive to its responsibility. They must ensure transparent use of resources available. Government Policies aimed at making the workshop place convenient for those with HIV and AIDS also need to be strengthened. As a nation, we cannot afford to relax our effort in the fight against HIV, we need to encourage and support those living with the virus.
Source: recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
UMMI BUKAR
Throughout the course of time, man has been battle different diseases; however none have been quite as destructive and ravaging as HIV/AIDS. All over the world, the virus has continued to be responsible for millions of death, and has destroyed countless lives; Africa in particular has recorded the highest casualty. Though HIV prevalence is relatively low in Nigeria, when compared with other African countries, however the nation has not rested on its oars to curtail its spread since the case was first reported in Nigeria in the eighties. It is safe to say that there has never been a disease that has received wide publicity as HIV/AIDS, with adverts over newspaper and televisions, as well as jingles on radio, all geared towards informing people about ways of preventing its spread.
However, despite all the efforts, by the Nigerian government, the media and other non governmental organizations, to curb the spread of HIV in the country, it seems the virus is still very much an issue. Only last year, almost two hundred and fifty deaths were attributed to HIV and AIDS in Nigeria, and records indicate that Nigeria accounts for almost ten percent of the global HIV burden. In 2009, just about thirty percent of HIV patients received treatment for lack of sufficient resources. Although, the government had made available antiretroviral drugs at centres all over the country, many people living with HIV do not go for treatment either because of lack of access to those centres, ignorance or utter negligence. There is therefore the need for greater involvement of Nigerians in efforts to make anti-retroviral drugs available. At the moment most of the drugs are being subsidized by government and international bodies. Nigerians need to collaborate with them to ensure easy availability.
Perhaps it is time to spread a new message as it appears that people living with the virus, particularly in the rural areas, have given up hope. The issue of stigma is another challenge as those tested positive still live in denial. Consequently, they deny themselves the opportunity of getting help. The stigma associated with HIV needs to be seriously addressed. People living with HIV particularly in the rural areas need to be educated so that they can still live a productive life if they take their drugs regularly. This is because inconsistent dosage can increase the risk of HIV becoming resistant to the drugs thereby supporting the process of becoming a full blown AID. The organs of government responsible for HIV and AIDS must also be more alive to its responsibility. They must ensure transparent use of resources available. Government Policies aimed at making the workshop place convenient for those with HIV and AIDS also need to be strengthened. As a nation, we cannot afford to relax our effort in the fight against HIV, we need to encourage and support those living with the virus.
Source: recorded live from FRCN daily commentary
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